Published on Tuesday, 25 June 2024 at 8:40:02 AM
Council continued its work to meet objectives of the Esperance Tourism Strategy, while addressing accommodation issues in the Esperance region at the May Council Meeting, with the approval of the latest developments for the proposed Farm Stay Accommodation Local Planning Policy.
Public consultation for the Policy is now open; once this period has concluded a report on feedback received, and recommendations for any changes, will go back in front of Council for the next stage towards completion.
This proposed Policy promises significant benefits not only for the rural community in Esperance, but also for travellers to our region. The Esperance Tourism Strategy laid out the need to increase the variety of accommodation options on the market; this Policy aims to improve the diversity and availability of short term accommodation during the tourism season, and also facilitate another income stream for farming businesses. The Policy also meets expectations of the community, expressed through the Council Plan, for improved visitor accommodation.
Some of the advantages of the Farm Stay Accommodation Local Planning Policy are expected to be:
- Guidance for sustainable development to inform the community on requirements for farm stay accommodation applications, and information for Shire officers when assessing these applications.
- Safe and secure accommodation, offering unique farm stay accommodation 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.
- Environmental conservation, with the requirement that development must not harm the environment and emphasis on responsible practices to protect natural resources and landscapes.
Copies of the Farm Stay Accommodation Local Planning Policy are available to view below, and at the Shire administration building. Written submissions must be received before the close of business on Friday 5 July 2024, and may be delivered via email, post or in person (details below).
The Shire looks forward to making this resource available to our community, supporting both rural traditions and modern accommodation needs - have a look at this new Policy, think about how it might affect you, and provide feedback!
Provide submissions via:
Email: shire@esperance.wa.gov.au
Post: PO Box 507
Esperance WA 6450
In person: 77 Windich St, Esperance WA 6450
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