Six-year labour for Shire chiefs as ‘new rulebook’ goes to WA Planning Commission consideration

A six-year process lauded as the most detailed and complex work town planners will ever undertake was now through to the keeper, with the WA Planning Commission and its minister set to decide on the future look of the Augusta-Margaret River region. Six councillors last week unanimously endorsed the draft Local Planning Scheme 2 with minor amendments. In praising Shire of Augusta-Margaret River officers for their dedication, president Julia Meldrum noted “extensive community consultation” had marked the process. “LPS2 will shape the future of our shire, so it was critical to involve our residents and incorporate as many perspectives as possible into our decision-making,” she said. “Over 90 modifications were made to the draft document which reflects our commitment to listening to our community. “While no scheme will address everyone’s concerns, we’ve carefully balanced competing priorities and believe LPS2 strikes the right balance between growth and conservation to protect our regions biodiversity and help our community to thrive.” Independent planner Nathan Gaunt also fronted last week’s special meeting to praise officers and said any new scheme was a mammoth task. “It’s impossible to produce a scheme that is perfect for everyone,” he said. As an outside observer, Mr Gaunt said LPS2 was a significant improvement “on the status quo” and handled complex issues. Ms Meldrum said it was hoped the State Government would endorse the Shire’s approach which resisted some of the “blanket” measures now favoured by planners in Perth. Other concerns raised during consultation would be investigated through a review of special control areas due to community concerns about bushfire. It was also noted on Wednesday the WAPC’s approach to bushfire planning for short-stay accommodation also differed from the Shire’s preference, which would be reviewed in due course.