Shire plans expanded for foreshore management (5 January 2006)
The City of Busselton is developing a Foreshore Management Plan (FMP) for the East Busselton area, between Ford Road and Freycinet Drive and is seeking community input on the scoping document.
Community participation is vital so that we can gain a wider understanding of the community's expectations and desires for the long term management of this area, said Shire President Kevin Douglas. In fact, it kick started the project with the Busselton Primary school undertaking a small community survey which identified a number of management issues and ways to address them. This information has been used in the preparation of the scoping brief, he said.
This FMP is just part of a much larger plan to manage the Shire's foreshores. In 2001 a FMP was developed for the entire Geographe Bay area and the Shire has been steadily working towards smaller precinct plans, such as this one, which contain much greater detail.
Last year precinct Foreshore Management Plans were developed for the Elmore Lagoon area in Dunsborough and Harvest Road to Allan Street in Broadwater, and West Street the year prior. Outcomes include approximately 2,000 plantings per year and the formalisation of fencing and paths reducing beach erosion.
The Shire is often contacted by residents about the current mangement of Reserves. These concerns reflect the issues identified in the survey and highlight the level of community interest in the area. There have also been a number of complaints about the illegal pruning or removal of native vegetation, and the dumping of lawn clippings and garden waste. Foreshore Management Plans enable us to address these issues, explained Mr Douglas.
The scoping brief has been distributed to Ratepayers in the area bounded by Ford Road, Marine Terrace and Freycinet Drive for comment. Other residents and foreshore users are also encouraged to provide comment on the scoping brief by visiting the Shire's Web site www.busselton.wa.gov.au or the Council for the Community page.
The submission period closes on 17th February, 2006.
If you would like further involvement in the planning process, please indicate this in your submission with a view to being included in a reference group.
Enquiries can be directed to the Shire's Environment Officer, John McKinney on 9781 0457.
Community participation is vital so that we can gain a wider understanding of the community's expectations and desires for the long term management of this area, said Shire President Kevin Douglas. In fact, it kick started the project with the Busselton Primary school undertaking a small community survey which identified a number of management issues and ways to address them. This information has been used in the preparation of the scoping brief, he said.
This FMP is just part of a much larger plan to manage the Shire's foreshores. In 2001 a FMP was developed for the entire Geographe Bay area and the Shire has been steadily working towards smaller precinct plans, such as this one, which contain much greater detail.
Last year precinct Foreshore Management Plans were developed for the Elmore Lagoon area in Dunsborough and Harvest Road to Allan Street in Broadwater, and West Street the year prior. Outcomes include approximately 2,000 plantings per year and the formalisation of fencing and paths reducing beach erosion.
The Shire is often contacted by residents about the current mangement of Reserves. These concerns reflect the issues identified in the survey and highlight the level of community interest in the area. There have also been a number of complaints about the illegal pruning or removal of native vegetation, and the dumping of lawn clippings and garden waste. Foreshore Management Plans enable us to address these issues, explained Mr Douglas.
The scoping brief has been distributed to Ratepayers in the area bounded by Ford Road, Marine Terrace and Freycinet Drive for comment. Other residents and foreshore users are also encouraged to provide comment on the scoping brief by visiting the Shire's Web site www.busselton.wa.gov.au or the Council for the Community page.
The submission period closes on 17th February, 2006.
If you would like further involvement in the planning process, please indicate this in your submission with a view to being included in a reference group.
Enquiries can be directed to the Shire's Environment Officer, John McKinney on 9781 0457.