The controversial Smiths Beach development has been given the go ahead by the state environment minister, however plans will have to be scaled back to accommodate for an extension of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.
Environment Minister Donna Faragher today determined appeals on the South West development, near Yallingup, which was first proposed 10 years ago.
She said two appeals were received, one from proponent Canal Rocks Pty Ltd and another from the Conservation Council of WA.
The Environmental Protection Authority had previously considered the scale of the original proposal to be unacceptable and proposed a smaller area to be developed.
In the appeals process, Canal Rocks submitted that the area be developed in accordance with a mediated development guide plan, adopted by the State Administrative Tribunal in June last year.
Ms Faragher today said that the recommended environmental conditions should be amended to allow for development in line with the SAT mediated plan.
"These recommended conditions would see the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park extended into the western side of the site," she said.
The park would be extended by 21 hectares.
"The eastern part of the site would be developed for residential and tourist purposes, with associated public open space and foreshore reserves.
"I believe this is a balanced outcome that addresses the concerns of the EPA, has the consent of the Shire of Busselton and protects vegetation of high conservation value on the site."
Canal Rocks chairman David McKenzie today welcomed Ms Faragher's decision.
"It is another positive step for the project following the State Administrative Tribunal approval, which was fully endorsed by the Shire of Busselton," he said.
"We look forward to progressing our detailed planning program for the site, which remains the most exciting development opportunity in the south west."
