Published on Monday, 30 May 2022 at 11:32:20 AM
The Shire of Carnarvon Council has voted to support the proposed amendment to the Local Planning Scheme No. 13 to improve long-standing workforce accommodation issues in Coral Bay and provide further options for the development of accommodation for visitors.
The change to the Shire of Carnarvon’s Local Planning Scheme No. 13 will provide options to help relieve housing shortage, including introducing Workforce Accommodation as an incidental use on tourism zoned land.
The amendment request came from BAC Village Pty Ltd, seeking to substitute the term ‘holiday houses’ with the term ‘holiday accommodation’ as it applies to Lot 308 Coral Bay. This will allow for two or more dwellings to be built on one lot instead of a single dwelling, increasing the capability and capacity for delivering workforce accommodation.
Following Council’s resolution to initiate the initial scheme amendment, the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) recommended modifications to the amendment and extending the amendment area to cover approximately 62 hectares within the tourism settlement of Coral Bay.
The updated scheme amendment was advertised and referred to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for comment. The proposal received overall strong support with some additional modifications recommended to the amendment.
If approved by the Minister of Planning, the amendment will allow more flexibility in terms of the provision of workforce accommodation for local tourism operators.
Shire President Eddie Smith said the initiative aligns with the Strategic Community Plan to make effective and strategic long term planning to meet the community’s future needs.
“This amendment will allow businesses to accommodate their staff while also encouraging the further development of additional holiday accommodation,” said Cr Smith.
“Coral Bay is a major tourism hotspot and will continue to grow as a tourism destination. The amendment will help support sustainable growth by providing more accommodation options for workers and visitors,” he added.
The amendment proposal has been forwarded to the WAPC to request approval from the Planning Minister and the Shire looks forward to receiving a positive response.
For media enquiries, please contact
Andrea Selvey
Chief Executive Officer
P: 9941 0050
E: selvey.a@carnarvon.wa.gov.au
Alice Warwick
Communications and Engagement Coordinator
P: 9941 0042
E: comms@carnarvon.wa.gov.au
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