EPA rejects Smiths Beach proposal

The state environment watchdog has rejected Canal Rocks' overall development proposal for Smiths Beach, saying it was too big.

The Environmental Protection Authority said the development of the full area would not meet its objective landscape and visual amenity.

"However, some development could be acceptable," EPA chairman Paul Vogel said.

"An acceptable area would exclude development out onto the headland and the slopes of the ridge outlining the headland, and would also exclude development on the higher portions of the site towards Canal Rocks Road.

"The EPA has also identified areas of high conservation value that should be added to the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park."

Canal Rocks is seeking to develop around 21 hectares at Smiths Beach, near Yallingup, with plans including 272 tourist accommodation units, 104 residential homes, camping group and 1,700 square metres of commercial space.

The EPA said should the company submit a smaller scale development proposal, it would need to be within the 'developable area' and height and colour restrictions would be imposed.

There would also be limits on clearing and measures to limit indirect impacts on the national park.

The announcement is below:

The Environmental Protection Authority has released advice and recommendations to the Minister for Environment on a strategic proposal by Canal Rocks Pty Ltd, setting out the future development of Sussex Location 413, Yallingup commonly known as Smiths Beach.

EPA Chairman Paul Vogel said that development of the full area identified by the proponent would not meet the EPA's objective for landscape and visual amenity.

"However, some development could be acceptable," Dr Vogel said.

"An acceptable area would exclude development out onto the headland and the slopes of the ridge outlining the headland, and would also exclude development on the higher portions of the site towards Canal Rocks Road.

"The EPA has also identified areas of high conservation value that should be added to the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park."

Strategic proposals enable the EPA to assess proposals that entail staged development so that each stage of a development does not require individual assessment, provided they conform with the EPA's overall recommendations.

Proposals derived from this Smiths Beach strategic proposal would need to be within the 'Developable Area' identified by the EPA and have height restrictions imposed with an acceptable colour palette for any buildings. There would also be limits on clearing and measures to limit indirect impacts on the national park.