The Shire of Busselton is seeking community comment on its current policy relating to the use of highly reflective roofing materials.

Over the last two decades the Shire has maintained a policy of not supporting highly reflective building materials such as zinc-metal coated and "off white" colour bonded roofing, mainly in areas of high visibility and scenic value.

The restriction on the use of highly reflective building materials has avoided problems relating to glare and excessive reflections in urban areas and high visibility buildings in some rural areas, as can be the case when zinc metal coated or off-white colour-bonded roofing materials are used.

Shire President, Cr Wes Hartley, said that "the Shire is consistently aiming to be pro-active on key environmental and energy saving issues and this review on the use of reflective roofing materials is most timely".

The review of this particular policy is taking place in order to determine:

• The relevance of continued restriction on the use of highly reflective building materials;
• Possible thermal efficiency gains that might be gained by the use of certain lighter coloured roofing products;
• Determining appropriate colours and materials, should the present policy be amended.

A Discussion Paper is available setting out explanations of some of the key issues relating to reducing reflectance and glare from building materials and also outlining some general policy conclusions and can be viewed on the Shire's web-site at: www.busselton.wa.gov.au and follow the link to ‘public consultation'.

The Shire is also seeking expressions-of-interest from community members who may wish to be involved in an information session on this issue in the near future.

For all enquiries relating to this issue, please contact David Brash, Senior Land Use Planner, Strategic Planning and Sustainability on 9781 0481 or email: david.brash@busselton.wa.gov.au

If you wish to provide comment, please do so, in writing or via email no later than close of business on Wednesday 19th August 2009.

Any submissions received will be given consideration as part of the policy review process and may be made available for viewing by the public via the Council agenda.

ENDS

Media enquiries can be directed to the Shire's Public Relations Officer, Helena Webb on 97810446 or helena.webb@busselton.wa.gov.au