The proposed subdivision near Duke of Orleans Bay. Photo: Shire of Esperance.
A large-scale development near one of WA’s remote and untouched beaches came a step closer to reality last month.
Plans for a 300-block subdivision on 607 hectares of land South of Condingup and just five minutes from Wharton beach were presented to the Shire by landowner and developer John Bestall.
The Esperance Shire’s Local Planning Strategy currently restricts the development of rural land use for holiday and tourism purposes as well as restrictions on conservation and residential uses.
But on April 22 the Shire submitted a change to its Local Planning Strategy to the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC).
If successful, the amendment would allow for construction of the proposed 1–8-hectare properties for both residential and tourist purposes.
The plan has sparked some controversy among locals but according to the Shire website, if the document is modified, the Council will allow for public comment before proceeding further.
The Shire last amended its Local Planning Strategy in 2015.
The WAPC could take up to six months to respond to the Shire’s request.
