Media Statements - Minister releases draft Lower Great Southern Strategy

9/9/05

The State Government today released a draft planning strategy aimed at addressing significant population growth, economic development pressures and limited land resources in the lower Great Southern sub-region.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the draft Lower Great Southern Strategy would help ensure that the region reached its full potential in the decades to come.

“The incredible landscape values, natural resources and development potential of the lower Great Southern are attracting a growing population,” Ms MacTiernan said.

“While the opportunities this brings are welcome, it is creating competition and potential conflict in land use.

“For the region to grow and prosper, it is critical to balance the need for job creation with the land use needs of tourism, agriculture, forestry and fishery sectors.

“At the same time, we need to maintain the unique lifestyle and environment of the lower Great Southern, which are regarded as integral to the area’s character and identity.”

The draft Lower Great Southern Strategy will guide regional land use, transport and infrastructure planning and development for the next 20 to 30 years, providing specific direction to local governments when preparing more detailed local planning strategies and town planning schemes.

“The strategy has a regional focus and is not intended to resolve issues that would be more appropriately dealt with by local government planning mechanisms,” the Minister said.

“Land required for important regional infrastructure, priority agriculture land, water sources and basic raw materials is identified and set aside for those purposes.

“The sub-region has important infrastructure elements and requirements that need to be considered in a co-ordinated manner - these include protection of the port and access to it, strategic industrial areas, regional roads, and the airport and its buffers.”

The strategy has been prepared following extensive consultation with the community and stakeholders, and is now being released in draft form.

Ms MacTiernan encouraged residents to take the time to consider the strategy and have their say on determining the future of the lower Great Southern.

The strategy is available on the Western Australian Planning Commission website at http://www.wapc.wa.gov.au

The public comment period closes November 28.

Minister's Office - 9213 6400