Year-end Data Underscores Local Building Boom

Figures published by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River’s Planning and Building Team confirmed record numbers of building projects were approved last financial year, injecting millions of dollars into the local economy.   The value of projects granted approval during this period totalled $150 million, well above the three-year average of $92 million.   Shire Manager Planning and Development Services Matt Cuthbert said whilst the influx in applications presented a challenge, Shire officers were able to maintain consistently high levels of service in the delivery of approvals.   “Over the past twelve months we’ve witnessed a boom in the number of people seeking approvals to either build new housing, renovate their existing homes, or construct or improve commercial buildings,” he said.   “This has translated into a major economic stimulus for our local economy.”   “On the building side, we issued 711 permits compared to an average over the last three years of 565. Of these, 376 were for new dwellings, well above the three-year average of 262."   “On the Planning side we determined 521 applications, above the three-year average of 500."   “I’d like to acknowledge our team of staff who have worked really hard to process the huge spike in applications over this time,” he said.   Shire Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Addison-Brown said retaining our unique sense of place and pristine environment was a key focus of the Shire’s recently endorsed Local Planning Strategy 2036.   “Responsible and proactive planning helps us manage the effects of population change in a way that maintains everything that’s great about living here," she said.

"The Local Planning Strategy recently endorsed by Council was the result of a comprehensive consultation process to partner with residents in making decisions about the future of our Shire.”

For more information about planning in the Shire of Augusta Margaret River visit www.amrshire.wa.gov.au/services/planning.

Record numbers of building projects were approved last financial year in the Shire of Augusta Margaret River. High resolution image available here.