CHANGES to the requirements for residential housing in tourism areas will encourage investment in tourist accommodation development, according to the state government.
The new regulations, Planning Bulletin 83, will replace the percentages previously determining the residential components within tourism sites with a list of factors to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
“These changes offer more flexibility, provide a greater mix of residential sites and encourage investment in tourist accommodation development,” Planning Minister John Day said.
He said through the preparation of local planning strategies and structure plans, local governments would have greater flexibility in considering tourism proposals.
“With major projects under way across WA, these new amendments will offer greater diversity and vibrancy within these projects and tourism developments,” Mr Day said.
Tourism Minister Kim Hames said the amendments would help spark much-needed tourist accommodation investment in Perth and other regions of the state.
“Short-stay market demand in Perth is high with occupancy rates some of the highest in Australia. This is good news on one hand but on the other we are starting to see a shortage of hotel rooms,” he said.
“These amendments will mean greater flexibility in tourism development and are in keeping with the government’s overall vision, making WA an even more attractive investment proposition.”
The implementation phase will be monitored and the bulletin reviewed in 12 months to see if further amendment or the preparation of a state planning policy is required.
