Proposed zoning change sparks landowner anger

Landowners along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste scarp have raised concerns about impending changes to the Shire’s local planning strategy, which could put new limits on subdivisions and development in some areas. The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River is locked in disagreement with the WA Planning Commission about the changes, insisted on by the WA Government amid a push to reduce perceived risky rural residential zones. Bushfire and emergency access were key drivers behind the WAPC move, which follows a position statement last year outlining the change in planning philosophy. Local town planner Glenn Ahola fronted last fortnight’s council meeting to outline the concerns of his clients, noting up to 2000 residents lived within rural residential zoning — though the proposed changes would only affect those taking up existing development rights. The WAPC has flagged sections of the ridge would be moved back into rural zoning, which supports agriculture and solitary homes. Mr Ahola said rural residential blocks provided for “highly desired lifestyle options”. His clients had issued “strong objections” to the proposed changes. Caves Road resident Jim Matan also spoke out against the changes, which would limit his ability to build extra homes for his adult children as part of his legacy. “(WAPC) have their agenda — zero growth equals zero additional risks,” he said. Mr Matan noted many landowners had capitalised on rural residential zoning already. “I’m going to have a rural block surrounded by residences,” he said. Shire strategic planning manager Matt Cuthbert told the August 26 meeting the Shire did not receive permission to advertise the revised LPS without the WAPC changes. The Shire would have an additional chance to argue for the rural residential zones once public feedback is completed. The LPS outlines the road map for future development within the local government area and updates the existing 2016 document. “Owners of the lots affected by this change have been notified in writing,” the report said. “It is likely that owners will raise strong objections to this change given that the lots in question have been identified for many years as having potential for more intensive subdivision and development. “The most constructive way of dealing with these concerns is to bring them to the attention of the WAPC who will need to make a final decision on the matter post-advertising.” Advertising will occur for 90 days rather than the mandated 21 days to “allow for place-based consultation exercises to be organised and held throughout the shire,” the report said.