18 June 2007

The interim policy responds to recommendations made by the Tourism Planning Taskforce established by the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure in 2002.

South West MLC Adele Farina Chair of the Tourism Planning Taskforce said the taskforce was established to investigate the impact of combining tourist and permanent residential accommodation on tourist zoned land and the impact of strata titling of tourist accommodation.

"The taskforce explored the range of issues shaping WA's tourism industry and determined the principles required to ensure the State could continue to offer affordable and equitable access to the community’s most valued holiday sites," Ms Farina said.

"The key principle identified that a sustainable tourism industry requires tourism development to be undertaken for tourism purposes.

"To achieve this, the taskforce recommended an increased focus on land use planning for tourism, formulated at a regional and local level.

"Tourism is a significant contributor to local economies in Western Australia, last year more than 7.3 million people visited the State, generating approximately $4.6 billion in income

"A strategic land use planning approach to ensure the sustainable growth of the industry is important," Ms Farina said.

WAPC Chairman Jeremy Dawkins said Planning Bulletin 83 Planning for Tourism sets out the interim policy to protect tourism sites for tourism purposes and from inappropriate residential development.

"Local governments will be encouraged to include a tourism component in their local planning strategy to address current and future tourism demand, identify tourism sites and provide guidance on tourism development zones and infrastructure needs. 

"All planning proposals that impact on land identified for tourism purposes will be referred to Tourism WA prior to a recommendation or determination being made.

"The WAPC will continue implementation of the taskforce's recommendations by preparing guidelines for the preparation of the tourism component of a local planning strategy and a state planning policy for tourism planning," Mr Dawkins said. 

Taskforce Chair Ms Farina said WA's tourist sites have the potential to give us a competitive edge and ensure our tourism industry is sustainable.

"It is important to plan our tourist locations now so they can grow in a way that benefits local communities, which rely on this important industry," Ms Farina said.

Planning bulletin 83 is available on our website.

The taskforce report is available on the Department for Planning and Infrastructure’s website at http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/planning or by contacting the department on 9264 7777.

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Contact: Natasha Farrell 9264 7518/0408 955 604