Published on Thursday, 17 October 2024 at 4:02:00 PM
After going out to community consultation in June, the Shire’s new Farm Stay Accommodation Local Planning Policy was adopted at the September Council Meeting, and is now in effect.
Feedback from the consultation was that the proposed minimum property size of 50ha was too large, suggesting a reduction in property size to 20ha instead. Planning staff and Councillors listened to our community, and this change has been made, meaning this business option will be available to a larger range of land owners.
The Farm Stay Accommodation Policy promises significant benefits for our rural community and visitors to our region. The need to increase the variety of accommodation options on the market was laid out in the Esperance Tourism Strategy, and this Policy aims to meet that need by improving the diversity and availability of short term accommodation during the tourism season.
The new Policy facilitates another income stream for farming businesses, providing guidance on the requirements for Farm Stay Accommodation applications, and clarifying the assessment of these applications on the Shire side.
Other advantages of the new Farm Stay Accommodation Local Planning Policy are expected to be:
- Safe and secure accommodation offering unique farm stay experiences, while maintaining safety and health standards and contributing to well-being.
- Preservation of current rural land use, preventing farm stay enterprises from dominating rural land, ensuring that the rural character of our region is not impacted, and striking a balance between growth and protection.
- Promotion of environmental conservation, with the requirement that development must not harm the environment, and emphasis on responsible practices to protect natural resources and landscapes.
The new Farm Stay Accommodation Local Planning Policy is available on our website here, and Planning staff are available to discuss possible applications by calling 9071 0666.
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