Proposed holiday home policy changes

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River is consulting the community on proposed changes to the policy that directs where holidays houses are permitted.

The proposed changes to Local Planning Policy 7 – Short Stay Accommodation aim to better balance residents and workers’ needs for long-term dwellings with the tourism sector’s need for short-stay accommodation.

Shire Director Sustainable Planning and Infrastructure Nick Logan said, if approved, these changes would allow the Shire to continue supporting residents, workers and visitors in locally-appropriate ways.

“The proposed changes will prevent grouped dwellings from being approved as holiday homes within Margaret River and will apply to new applications only,” he said.

“Existing holiday home approvals will be honoured and will be eligible for renewal, provided renewals are lodged three months prior to the existing approval lapsing.”

These changes follow a report from a Parliamentary inquiry in 2019, which signalled support for local governments to continue regulating holiday homes in locally-appropriate ways.

Mr Logan said the Shire remained committed to supporting the tourism industry and there were still many places holiday homes could be approved within Margaret River.

“The Shire has a robust framework surrounding holiday home approval that will complement the WA Government’s framework, which is yet to be fully developed,” he said.

“By continuing to take action at a local level, the Shire is avoiding land-use conflicts and helping manage local accommodation for residents and visitors alike.”

Submissions on the draft Policy LLP No.7 can be made via the Your Say website (bit.ly/3as47QC) before 4pm Wednesday 28 April 2021.

Alternatively, hard copies can be obtained by emailing [email protected], by calling 9780 5220 or by visiting the Shire offices during normal office hours.   Please direct media enquiries to [email protected]