Published on Thursday, 20 August 2026 at 4:01:19 PM
At its meeting on Wednesday 19 August 2026, the City of Busselton Council decided not to support a proposed amendment to the local planning scheme for the future subdivision and development of Vasse North.
This proposed amendment sought to rezone Vasse North, a 52.5-hectare parcel of land located on the north-western side of the Busselton Bypass and Bussell Highway intersection in the locality of Abbey. The area is currently zoned ‘Rural’, ‘Conservation’ and ‘No Zone’ (the gazetted road reserves), and is partially within Special Control Areas: ‘Landscape Value Area’; ‘Floodway Area’; and ‘Wetland Area’.
Mayor Phill Cronin said: “This proposed amendment was advertised concurrently with the draft Vasse North Structure Plan for a period of 60 days, ending on 2 June 2026. A total of 27 public submissions were received, with only one in support of the proposal.”
The reasons provided by the Council in relation to this decision are as follows:
The proposed Amendment would be:
- Inconsistent with the Local Planning Strategy in that the site is highly visible from the regional road network, particularly from the Busselton Bypass where it is raised over the Buayanyup River Main Drain and presents significant challenges for managing visual and landscape impact outcomes;
- Inconsistent with the Local Planning Strategy in that Vasse North, if developed predominately for residential purposes will be the only location in the City of Busselton where a ‘sea of roofs’ may be visible on both sides of the regional road network;
- Contrary to LUS 3.30 and LUS 3.33 of SPP6.1 in that the remaining buffer between Abbey and Vasse would be insufficient to maintain a distinct separation to avoid urban sprawl and to create distinct communities;
- The Council has never supported the changed status of the subject land for urban development. It has clearly communicated its reluctance to change the zoning due to the adverse affect on an appropriate rural wedge, the prevention of wetland infill and compromised residential drainage, a compromised tourist vista and the creation of a dangerous pedestrian risk for those trying to cross the by-pass. The consistent message from the district to the WAPC has included the following actions/feedback:
- C2303/040 Council decision to indicate to the WAPC that it has significant concerns in relation to elements of both the substantive planning decisions and the processes by which the decisions were made for modifications to the Leeuwin - Naturaliste Sub-Regional Strategy
- C2412/358 Council refusal to initiate Amendment 60 for Vasse North
For further information and background relating to these proposals, please see the relevant Council agenda item on the City’s website: Minutes and Agendas » City of Busselton
The proposed scheme amendment, along with the Council’s latest decision not to support it, will now be referred to the Minister for Planning for final determination.
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