Busselton foreshore plan revisited

A revised Busselton Foreshore Master Plan will go out for community consultation, after the redevelopment was judged to need further approvals for environmental impact.

The plan includes a wildlife corridor to protect western ringtail possum habitat and the subsequent forced relocation of the Short Stay Accommodation Precinct.

The changes were prompted by a Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water Population and Communities decision which judged the redevelopment as a “controlled action”.

In contrast to an “uncontrolled action” where no further conditions would be imposed, the redevelopment now requires assessment under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

City of Busselton chief executive Mike Archer said the decision would not be a setback for the plan.

He said it should not cause delays to the next stage of the redevelopment, including future calls for expressions of interest in the SSAP.

“The first stages of the EOI process was an expression of interest phase and interested parties have always known that the proposed lots could be subject to change,” he said.

The proposed wildlife corridor will front Marine Terrace between Queen Street and Georgette Street, varying in width from 5m to 60m.

It will be revegetated with peppermint trees and appropriate understorey species.

The SSAP, which under the previous plan fronted Marine Terrace, will be moved north to have direct frontage to the proposed east west spine road.

In a report to the council, City officers said the wildlife corridor would screen the rear of the proposed commercial lots, adding to aesthetics of the site.

Two carparks have also been added to the rear of the SSAP, with possible provision of car parking specifically for accommodation guests.

The City has also taken the opportunity to increase the maximum roof height at the SSAP from 15.8m to 20m.

Mr Archer said the new proposed height restriction still applied the “four storeys and a loft” principle.

However, it allowed for some artistic license in the shape and form of roof lines which were most visible when looking back from the beach.

Mr Archer said the changes would make the foreshore area more attractive.

“(These) changes reflect other highly successful foreshore models including Townsville and Cairns where commercial enterprises are situated directly across the road from public open spaces,” he said.

The revised plan will go before the Council on Wednesday.