Western Australia's tourism industry has heralded new guidelines for the planning of tourism projects as the incentive needed to kick-start much-needed new developments in the sector.
The state government today announced changes to legislation it says will allow more flexibility for tourism development proposals.
Tourism development plans will now be assessed against a list of factors on a case by case basis, rather than have their residential components determined by pre-set percentages.
Planning Minister John Day said the changes would offer more flexibility, provide a greater mix of residential sites and encourage tourism investment.
"The Department of Planning, Western Australian Planning Commission and Tourism WA have been working with the tourism industry that will eventually provide guidance to local governments to incorporate tourism initiatives into local planning strategies," Mr Day said in a statement.
Tourism Council chief executive Evan Hall welcomed the release of the new guidelines, saying the new approach meant viable developments would not be blocked by state-wide regulation.
"This reform removes the first road block to the tourism investment we desperately need," Mr Hall said.
"Perth desperately needs new visitor accommodation, as do regional towns with business travel driven by the resources sector.
"The planning bulletin doesn't just support new accommodation, but the redevelopment of tourism properties to help make them more competitive and stable."
Tourism Minister Kim Hames said the amendments would help spark much-needed tourist accommodation investment in Perth and other regions of the State.
"These amendments will mean greater flexibility in tourism development and are in keeping with the State Government's overall vision, making WA an even more attractive investment proposition."
