Investors sought for Smiths

Agents for the Smiths Beach ocean front site are calling for expressions of interest in the development, confident of a favourable outcome from the WA Planning Commission.

The development was dogged by controversy for more than a decade, including an investigation by the WA Crime and Corruption Commission into alleged misconduct and substantial community opposition, before a Development Guide Plan was approved by the Busselton Shire Council in March last year.

The plan indicates a range of dwelling types on the site including up to 61 single residential lots, four R25 grouped sites totalling 21 units, seven short-stay tourism lots and a resort site.

Jones Lang LaSalle WA sales and investments director Phil Fogliani said the formal subdivision approval was at an advanced stage of negotiation with the WA Planning Commission.

He expected the property to command the attention of a broad cross section of developers as well as private investors and high net worth individuals.

Mr Fogliani said current plans included a 3.34ha beach club-style resort covering the lower portion of the property with the tourist lots and residential component occupying the most elevated portion.

He noted interest in tourism-oriented developments had been heightened by recent promotion of the State Government’s Elizabeth Quay project in Perth.

“Both the Elizabeth Quay and Smiths Beach projects comprise a range of outstanding world class attributes and features, thus there is an expectation of strong interest; these quality opportunities are rarely available.”

City of Busselton chief executive Mike Archer said it would be difficult to gauge the amount of interest in the development, but believed there was merit.

Mr Archer said the City wanted to continue to be WA’s top tourist destination and needed to cater to all types of visitors and provide a range of different holiday experiences.

“A resort of this calibre could certainly help elevate the region on a national and international platform,” he said.

A WA Planning Commission spokeswoman told the Times a hearing has been set for mid-December, primarily related to sewerage servicing issues.

“Extensive mediation at (the) State Administrative Tribunal concerning the proposed subdivision has settled all issues except for sewerage serving of the Smiths Beach site,” she said.

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