Shire of Augusta-Margaret River unveils character studies to guide Witchcliffe, Augusta future

Councillors have accepted the first of two village studies designed to guide future development and civic projects outside of Margaret River.

At the September 14 Shire of Augusta-Margaret River council meeting, the “character studies” for Witchcliffe and Augusta were unanimously accepted, paving the way for similar studies for the Cowaramup and Margaret River townsites.

The year-long planning review and community consultation focused on Augusta and Witchcliffe was undertaken to “define the spatial, interactive and experiential elements that contribute to the character of the respective townsites”.

The report accepted by councillors was part of the Shire’s commitment to “place-based” design and planning integrated with its Strategic Community Plan 2040.

“The settlements of Witchcliffe and Augusta are due for capital works and upgrades in the upcoming financial years,” the report said.

“In the case of Witchcliffe, a recent increase in subdivision approvals is leading to a period of increased growth, which will place some pressure on the function and use of the existing townsite.

“To ensure that future works are undertaken in a manner sensitive to the unique character of these places, the character studies have been prepared to help identify defining features that contribute to character and ensure their protection and celebration into the future.”

Consultation found Witchcliffe residents were focused on the heritage of the main street buildings, while feedback from Augusta cited connection to the seaside environment.

For Witchcliffe, consultants’ recommendation included protecting the historic character of existing buildings, maintaining the connection to wide open space, foster community gathering points, and retain big lot sizes for future housing.

More streetscaping that enhanced mature trees and a parking plan for visitors coming by car were advised, as well as anything to encourage development of the Witchcliffe “brand”.

In Augusta, the consultants pointed to future development focused on coastal conditions, while identifying the challenge of development compared to protecting environmental values.

The biggest proposals were to focus more on tourism development, create a “junction” for Augusta’s main street, and to realise the potential of the Ellis Street Jetty precinct as a unique attraction.

Harnessing Augusta’s history, seasonal plantings for streetscaping, and to “encourage the development of a civic amenity group to facilitate future place making initiatives and galvanise sense of community spirit” were all cited.

The study also recommended support for in-fill development to bolster Augusta’s town centre, while otherwise adhering to the 2008 Shire policy for Augusta supporting new subdivisions developed in hamlet style, which included environmentally sensitive design working with the existing terrain.