Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework Part A: Regional Strategic Planning
February 2015 Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework
Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework - Update Schedule
Update no. Date Details
1 16/06/2015 Section 3.3 updated to reflect revised ABS current population estimates and WA Tomorrow forecasts. 2 June 2021 Updates to reflect: • The rescinding of the of the Shark Bay Regional Strategy (1997); • The contemporary local planning framework; • New population statistics; and • Updates to implement State Planning Policy 6.3 Ningaloo Coast; and • Inclusion of the ‘Guiding Principles for the Future of the Ningaloo Coast’.
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iv Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework
Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework Part A: Regional Strategic Planning
February 2015
v Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework
Minister’s Foreword
The Gascoyne is one of Western Australia’s most diverse and physically attractive regions. Its enchanting landscapes, which include two world heritage areas – Shark Bay and Ningaloo; and its desirable climate also make it an attractive place to both live and work. Together with the region’s location in central Western Australia, between the booming North West and the Perth metropolitan region, these elements give the Gascoyne a comparative advantage in developing its economic potential.
To capitalise on the Gascoyne’s natural advantages and build upon its increasingly diverse economy, it is necessary that a coordinated approach is developed for this region. To achieve this, regional planning and infrastructure decisions need to be integrated. This will promote an agreed way forward on behalf of the region’s key stakeholders, including local communities, which will maximise the opportunities to attract private and public investment.
Within this context, the Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework, sets out a regional planning approach for the entire Gascoyne. Its aim is for the Gascoyne to be considered as a whole, while also recognising its unique attributes. These attributes include a world class coastline encapsulating two World Heritage areas; a significant fishing industry; an important food bowl source as a result of a thriving horticulture industry; an increasingly diversified pastoralism area; and outstanding inland natural landmarks such as Mt Augustus and Kennedy Range National Parks.
I congratulate the Western Australian Planning Commission and the Department of Planning on their collaborative work on this important policy framework that builds on the characteristics and opportunities of one of the State’s most diverse and beautiful regions.
John Day MLA Minister for Planning
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Chairperson’s Foreword
As one of the State’s most beautiful and diverse areas, the Gascoyne region has the potential to further capitalise on its key economic drivers such as tourism and agriculture. Sustained prosperity in the region however, will depend primarily on the development of key infrastructure and diversification of local industries.
The Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework will be a critical driver in identifying the region’s economic potential through a whole-of-government approach. To achieve this, the Framework sets a regional overview for the Gascoyne that encourages growth opportunities that respect its diversity of natural environments, cultural backgrounds and economic industries.
Prepared by the Department of Planning under the guidance of the Western Australian Planning Commission, the Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework affords leadership through providing a shared vision and a common way forward to deal with the regional issues that are being faced by the Gascoyne.
The Commission will use the Framework to guide regional strategic planning in the Gascoyne to assist the delivery of coordinated policy and planning solutions. Fundamentally, it will be instrumental in guiding growth in the region according to its specific strengths and constraints and, importantly, the needs of the people that live there.
The Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework introduces a new vision for a significant area of the State that is set to become an increasingly attractive place in which to visit, live and work.
Eric Lumsden PSM Chairman Western Australian Planning Commission
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Table of contents 1 Introduction 1 1.1 Vision 1 1.2 Purpose 1 1.3 Strategic goals 2 1.4 Gascoyne regional planning approach 4 1.5 State strategic alignment 5
2 Key drivers 8 2.1 Economy and employment 8 2.2 Transport and infrastructure 12 2.3 Natural resources and cultural heritage 19
3 Strategic directions 25 3.1 Governance 25 3.2 Activity centres 32 3.3 Population planning 37 3.4 Economic and regional infrastructure development 39 3.5 Environmental and heritage planning 41 3.6 Carnarvon 42 3.7 Exmouth 43 3.8 Denham 44 3.9 Other key settlements 45
List of acronyms 51
References 53
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Figures Figure 1: The Gascoyne Region 3 Figure 2: State Planning Framework 4 Figure 3: Gascoyne Planning Approach 5 Figure 4: State planning and regional development context 6 Figure 5: Governance framework 7 Figure 6: Value of industry activities 8 Figure 7: State Planning Strategy structure 26 Figure 8: Gascoyne Activity Centres Framework 36 Figure 9: Considerations for identifying infrastructure requirements throughout the State 40 Figure 10: Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure map 57
Tables Table 1: Strategic goals 2 Table 2: Gascoyne electricity services provided by Horizon Power 15 Table 3: Gascoyne historic heritage places 23 Table 4: Current status of Gascoyne conservation estate management plans 29 Table 5: Local planning framework for the Gascoyne region 32 Table 6: Population of Gascoyne settlements 33 Table 7: Gascoyne population projections 38 Table 8: Implementation actions 46
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1 Introduction The Gascoyne region is characterised by its diverse and 1.2 Purpose remote landscapes – from spectacular coastal reefs to rugged outback ranges. With an area of 135,277 square kilometres and a population of about 10,000 people, 1.2.1 Objectives the region is sparsely populated. Despite this, the In order to contribute to a whole-of-government Gascoyne region is an important contributor to Western approach to strong and healthy regional communities, Australia’s economy. It is arguably most renowned for its the Framework objectives are to: unique tourism experiences, which attract more than 200,000 visitors annually; and quality horticultural and • provide the regional context for land-use planning seafood produce. in the Gascoyne;
The Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure • provide an overview of the major regional issues Framework (the Framework) has been prepared for the facing the Gascoyne including economic, social, region, which encompasses four local governments — cultural and environmental matters; the shires of Carnarvon, Exmouth, Shark Bay and Upper • identify the priority actions required to enable Gascoyne (Figure 1). comprehensive regional planning and to guide local planning processes; and 1.1 Vision • indicate regional infrastructure projects that are considered significant from the region’s The Gascoyne is one of the most attractive and diverse perspective to facilitate further economic and regions in Western Australia where residents and visitors population growth in the Gascoyne. alike will enjoy the region’s significant environmental assets and desirable climate whilst ensuring access to a range of services. New economic opportunities 1.2.2 Principles will continue to evolve that further diversify the local economies and maximise the potential of the region’s The State Planning Strategy 2050 identifies the following World Heritage attributes. principles as being interrelated and applicable across all regions, local governments and communities. In this In working towards realising the above vision for the context they are considered strategic in supporting the Gascoyne, key themes supported by the Framework objectives of this Framework, as well as the broader include: vision for the Gascoyne. • a diverse Gascoyne region offering the diversity of ecosystems, landscapes, enterprises, people and cultures; Enable diverse, affordable, accessible and Community safe communities • a liveable Gascoyne region that is the place of Facilitate trade, investment, innovation, choice for the brightest and best; Economy employment and community betterment • a connected Gascoyne region that is as connected Conserve the Gascoyne’s natural assets Environment to the rest of the world as any other place; and through sustainable development • a collaborative Gascoyne region enabling Infrastructure Ensure infrastructure supports development alignments that progress the region’s sustained prosperity. Regional Build the competitive and collaborative development advantages of the Gascoyne These key themes align with the State Planning Strategy Build community confidence in Governance 2050 (Western Australian Planning Commission, 2014) development processes and practices vision for Western Australia1.
1 Refer to section 3.1.2 for an overview of the components that form the structure of the State Planning Strategy 2050.
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1.3 Strategic goals Table 1 presents the Framework’s strategic goals for the Gascoyne region, following a consistent approach With a vision of sustained prosperity for Western to the State Planning Strategy 2050. Specifically, these Australia, the State Planning Strategy 2050 identifies five relate to the vision for the Gascoyne established in strategic goals and a number of associated priorities for the Framework; and are reinforced by the Framework each. objectives and their supporting principles. These strategic goals underpin the opportunities, strategies and initiatives identified in the Framework.
Table 1: Strategic goals
Gascoyne vision themes Strategic goal Diversity Liveability Connectedness Collaboration
Attraction and retention A globally A diversified economic Global trade and high Generating innovative human and monetary competitive region base speed movements ideas and enterprises capital Enabling collaborative A strong and Embracing diverse Creating places where Building strong advantages across the resilient Gascoyne economic and social people want to live and relationships and Gascoyne and with opportunities work accessibility region other regions Community specific Providing natural and development, Communities with Sustainable built connections Collaborative and responsive to diverse attractive, liveable communities within and between inclusive planning needs, places and environments communities contexts Linking regional economic opportunities Providing Sharing new ideas Infrastructure Supporting economic to the movement of contemporary, effective, and creating new planning and diversity, innovation and people, goods and resource-efficient business and lifestyle resilience services; including coordination services opportunities connectivity with other regions Realising opportunities Maintaining and through collaboration Enhances and secures conserving biodiversity, Connecting ecosystems, for environmental Conservation natural environments landscapes and people and resources conservation and resources environments and sustainable communities
2 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework
Gascoyne
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MID WEST Shire of C O Shark Bay A S T A L
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Y Planning Region Boundary kilometres Local Government Boundary Infrastructure Produced by GeoSpatial Planning Support, Primary Road Department of Planning WA, on behalf of the Western Australian Planning Commission Townsite Copyright © January 2015 Shire of Other Northampton Base information supplied by Western Australian Land Information Authority Lake LI 646-2014-3
\\ nts-per\promap\Projects\pol\stat_plan\country\ Coastline GascoyneRegion\Arc.mxd\Gascoyne Region Cover Report Plan A4.mxd
Figure 1: The Gascoyne Region
3 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework
1.4 Gascoyne The Framework does not replace other policies that guide the WAPC’s decision-making across the State. It regional planning will be taken into account by the Commission when approach preparing and reviewing strategies and policies that apply to the Gascoyne region and will inform local The Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure governments with respect to local planning processes Framework was prepared under the guidance of including local planning strategies and schemes. the Gascoyne Regional Planning Committee, which was established by the Western Australian Planning The Gascoyne Planning Approach (Figure 2) provides Commission (WAPC) to focus on identifying key strategic direction for regional planning in the regional issues and priorities and undertake strategic Gascoyne, within the context of the State Planning planning in consultation with regional stakeholders. Framework. The key elements of this approach are: It is recognised that fostering effective partnerships • regional planning in the Gascoyne will be between stakeholders with clearly defined roles and guided by the Gascoyne Regional Planning and responsibilities is key to the future implementation of Infrastructure Framework; the Framework. • to pursue comprehensive regional planning in the The Framework is a second tier document (Figure 2) Gascoyne, a number of actions are required. With preceded by the WAPC’s State Planning Strategy 2050, respect to this, the Framework identifies several and has a similar level of importance as a regional regional planning initiatives, a number of which strategy under the State Planning Framework (State are already underway; Planning Policy 1).
Strategic Structure StatutoryPolicy Level Plans
State State State Planning Planning Strategy Policy Strategic & Operational Policies Regional Regional Regional Framework/ Mechanisms Strategy including: Sub-regional - Region Scheme & District - Planning Control Structure Plans Area Sub- - Improvement Plan Sub-regional regional Strategy
Local Local Local Local Planning Planning Planning Strategy Local Scheme Policies Structure Plan(s)
Figure 2: State Planning Framework
4 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning
STRATEGIC & OPERATIONAL POLICIES Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework
• it is intended that these will inform local planning 1.5 State strategic alignment processes, such as the preparation of and amendments to local planning strategies and Figure 4 illustrates an integrated State-level strategic schemes; and approach to planning and regional development, in the context of the State Planning Strategy. Significantly, this • recognition that the Gascoyne Regional Planning approach recognises the complementary nature of a and Infrastructure Framework is a living document number of strategic activities and initiatives occurring that will need to be reviewed to maintain across various State Government portfolios, particularly relevance. planning, regional development and local government. The Shark Bay Regional Strategy (Western Australian As such, it encourages interaction between relevant Planning Commission, 1997) and Ningaloo Coast State Government agencies and local government; and Regional Strategy Carnarvon to Exmouth (Western reinforces the importance of a whole-of-government Australian Planning Commission, 2004) provide a approach to regional planning and development. land-use strategy for most of the coastal Gascoyne. Within this context, implementation of this Framework Both of these previous strategies were considered in and consideration of regional planning issues will the preparation of the Gascoyne Regional Planning and require decision making at a State and regional level. Infrastructure Framework. The Shark Bay Regional Strategy The regional planning governance framework for was rescinded in 2019. this is outlined in Figure 5. This will be used to guide important decision making on the direction for regional planning issues and may also be used to seek funding to allow regional planning initiatives, such as those identified in this Framework, to be implemented.
Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework
Actions in progress Local planning processes Proposed actions
Shire of Carnarvon Examples1: Examples1: Shire of Exmouth Gascoyne Regional Tourism Shire of Shark Bay Gascoyne Land Supply and Planning Study Infrastructure Analysis Shire of Upper Gascoyne Gascoyne Local Government Gascoyne Regional Economic Coastal Planning Study and Employment Lands Study Planning Reform Phase 2
Framework review
1 for complete lists of actions, refer to Table 8 for Gascoyne regional planning initiatives.
Figure 3: Gascoyne Planning Approach
5 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework 20 31 ) k olicies k ture Plans est amewor eel (Directions W h r example: rt h/P e Fr fo rt - Pe Wheatbelt es amewor - - South - Pe y Fr e olic eel , Landuse Struc tivation and bene ts studies P t ac Planning , Regional Strategies & P ture requirements studies y- ocal Planning Strategies ture projec L - Great Southern - Gold elds-Esperanc - Gascoyne - Bunbur State Planning P Regional Planning Initiativ est a W Regional Planning & Infrastructur Region Schemes ocal Planning Schemes id L ilbar - Kimberley - P - M - regional economic and employment strategies - regional social infrastruc - regional population growth scenarios studies - regional infrastruc und ated Planning inancial or Regions F rm F rce Planning; Te fo rming Strategies: rk ng fo Planning Wo ernment Integr yalties f - Asset Management; - - Lo In State Planning Strategy Ro est cal Gov W k Lo eel Wheatbelt - - South - P t s amewor including:
ntre e Fr Ce y Plan elopmen - Gascoyne Revitalisation - Regional vestment Blueprints - Great Southern - Gold elds-Esperanc - Gascoyne Annual Budget 2 vestment Initiatives rporate Business Plan vestment Blueprint Co Strategic Communit ilbara Cities Regional Dev Regional In - Ord Stage - P est a W Regional In id Regional In ilbar - Kimberley - P - M (source: Western Australian Planning Commission, 2014) Commission, Planning Australian Western (source: context planning and development 4: State Figure
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PLANNING INFRASTRUCTURE EC N MIC DEVEL PMENT
Cabinet
Minister for Planning Minister for Regional Development
Western Australian Planning Commission Gascoyne Development Commission oard
WAPC - Gascoyne Development Commission WAPC Regional Planning Infrastructure Committees where relevant Co-ordinating Committee1
Department of Planning Department of Regional Development
1 The WAPC Infrastructure Coordinating Committee membership is comprised of the Chair of the WAPC and representatives from the local government sector; State Government; and professional sector.
Figure 5: Governance framework
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2 Key drivers
Unless otherwise noted, the majority of the statistical of Gascoyne workers are employed in social services data in this chapter is by the Department of Primary including health, education and public administration. Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, Construction and For further information with respect to this and/or Transport Accommodation & Food Services, Mining and the latest available figures, please refer to the DRD’s Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing are the Gascoyne’s most Regional Snapshot series at www.dpird.wa.gov.au. labour intensive industry sectors, with each employing approximately 9-28 per cent of the region’s workforce. 2.1 Economy and Future growth in the Gascoyne and the rate at which employment it occurs will invariably be influenced by the strength of the regional economy. It is therefore critical to plan Tourism, mining, agriculture and fisheries are prominent for land assembly and infrastructure to meet the needs and valuable sectors in the diverse economy of the of the economic drivers; and it is important that this Gascoyne (Figure 6). In the financial year 2017/18 the is done in such a way so that land is available and value of the gross regional product was estimated to affordable. be $1.057 billion (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (2020)). Typically, about 95 Growth in the region’s economy will invariably per cent of this is generated in the coastal areas of the require additional workers and particular skills for region. certain industry sectors. Skilling WA (Department of Training and Workforce Development, 2010) provides For the 2019 December quarter, the labour force of a workforce development plan for Western Australia the Gascoyne region was 4,482 persons, of which to build, attract and retain a skilled workforce; and to 4,462 (91.4 per cent) were employed and 420 (8.6 per ensure that the State has the capacity and capability cent) were unemployed (Department of Education, for continued economic success. It has a particular Skills and Employment 2019). Australian Bureau of focus on growing the workforce through increased Statistics ABS 2020 indicates that about 23 per cent participation, targeted skilled migration and attracting
Industry sector Dollars
Mining $480.468 M Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing $231.543 M Construction $202.481 M Tourism $188.517 M Transport, Postal & Warehousing $131.229 M Public Administration & Safety $102.452 M Manufacturing $99.054 M
(source: Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development 2020)
Figure 6: Value of industry activities
8 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning
Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework
and retaining a skilled labour force in the State’s regions. The Commonwealth Government’s Australia’s National In addition, further regional workforce development Landscape Program identifies the coastal Gascoyne planning for the Gascoyne forms an initiative of this as the Ningaloo–Shark Bay National Landscape. The Framework and accordingly is identified in Table 8. program is a long-term strategic approach to regional tourism development and conservation that aims to highlight the value of Australia’s most remarkable 2.1.1 Tourism natural and cultural environments as tourism assets, Contributing an average of $234.5 million annually and in turn, increase support for their conservation. from the years 2010-12 (Department of Regional As Ningaloo–Shark Bay is one of only 16 National Development, 2014), tourism represents the region’s Landscapes, its identification is significant and will most valuable industry sector. promote further tourism opportunities in the Gascoyne. As part of the program’s implementation, a strategic The Gascoyne offers a unique tourism product with framework for regional tourism development, planning people being attracted by its distinctive and unspoilt, and marketing is being developed for the Ningaloo– tranquillity and warm winters. The region is renowned Shark Bay National Landscape; and this is identified as for its marine and terrestrial attractions including an initiative in this Framework. A copy of the Ningaloo- Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area, Shark Bay World Shark Bay National Landscape Experience Development Heritage Area, Ningaloo and Shark Bay marine parks; Strategy can be found on the Gascoyne Development and Cape Range, Francois Peron, Mt Augustus and Commissions website at www.gdc.wa.gov.au. Kennedy Range national parks. Regional tourism initiatives and priorities for the According to Tourism WA, an average of 292,000 people Gascoyne are recognised in this Framework. These are visited the region annually in the years 2016-18, with considered to be valuable in facilitating further tourism 31 per cent being international visitors (Department opportunities in the region. of Primary Industries and Regional Development, 2019). The coastal areas are the most accessible and unsurprisingly have the greatest visitation. Visitors are 2.1.2 Agriculture predominantly self-drive tourists. Agriculture is a valuable industry for the Gascoyne and With tourism being such a valuable sector for the historically it has been significant in the development region and local communities alike, and growth over of the region. The agricultural sector contributed the longer term likely to be sustained, it is imperative $234 million to the region’s gross domestic product in that existing and potential tourism opportunities 2016/17 (Department of Regional Development, 2020) are maintained and developed in a strategic and and with the inclusion of the commercial fisheries sustainable manner. Notably, the predicted increase in sector; agriculture employs approximately 11 per cent cruise shipping activity in Western Australia over the of the region’s workforce (Australian Bureau of Statistics, coming decade may present opportunities to further 2016). diversify the tourism sector, particularly in Exmouth Horticulture (Tourism WA, 2012). The Gascoyne region has a well-established, diverse Priorities for tourism product and infrastructure and thriving horticulture industry. Produce is development in the Gascoyne region are identified predominately grown in the Carnarvon Horticultural in Australia’s Coral Coast Tourism Development Priorities District located on the fertile soils of the Gascoyne 2010-2015 (Tourism WA, 2010) for the shires of River delta. Horticultural production at Carnarvon Carnarvon, Exmouth and Shark Bay; and in Australia’s was estimated to be worth $98 million in 2016; Golden Outback Development Priorities 2010-2015 with bananas, tomatoes and vegetables being the (Tourism WA, 2010) for the Shire of Upper Gascoyne. most valuable crops. Other valuable crops include Analysis has been conducted at a sub-regional level, table grapes, mangoes and melons (Department of which includes an examination of the strengths and Agriculture and Food, 2017). The industry has proven selling points of each area. It also includes an analysis to be resilient, despite being vulnerable to adverse of the current status of, and potential gaps in access, climatic events, and is increasingly being recognised accommodation, attractions, activities and amenities. from a State perspective as an important area for food
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production. Most of the production is consumed by Increased productivity in the Gascoyne’s pastoral sector the domestic market at present; however, given the will be dependent on improved land management Gascoyne’s proximity to populous neighbouring Asian practices. This may include restoring native vegetation countries the region is well positioned to develop in degraded areas, particularly to improve the condition existing and emerging export markets. of land surfaces in river catchments. (Department of Agriculture, 2012) The horticulture industry in Carnarvon utilises approximately 1,000 hectares of the 2,000 hectares of the zoned area. There are currently about 170 2.1.3 Fishing and aquaculture plantations, with plantation sizes ranging between two and 40 hectares. Fishing
The State Government’s Gascoyne Food Bowl Initiative In 2014/15 commercial fisheries in the Gascoyne was is investigating the development of new water worth $43 million, representing nearly 9 per cent of the resources and expanding the Carnarvon horticulture State’s total catch by weight (Gascoyne Development area by up to 400 hectares. Commission, 2020). The Gascoyne is home to the State’s largest prawn industry and other significant products Horticulture is also being developed as an alternative include scallops, crabs and fish (mostly snapper and industry for pastoral properties in the region, with a whiting). The sector is an important employer in the number of pastoral lessees having produced melon, region, with an estimated 300 people employed as table grapes, corn and cattle feed crops on their land. skippers and crew during 2008 in addition to those (Gascoyne Development Commission, 2010) employed at seafood processing facilities in Shark Bay, Carnarvon and Exmouth. (Gascoyne Development Pastoralism Commission, 2010)
In terms of area, pastoralism is the predominant land As the fishing industry depends on healthy functional use in the Gascoyne. There are some 80 pastoral ecosystems, sustainable development is imperative. stations in the region with an average size of 125,617 Management of the Gascoyne’s fisheries assets hectares (Gascoyne Development Commission, 2010). falls under the Department of Fisheries, which has The land tenure of all pastoral properties is leasehold. introduced Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management across all fish and aquatic resources. This is a holistic Livestock production for export or slaughter is the approach taking into account all ecological resources, main focus for Gascoyne pastoralists and was worth from fish to dolphins and coral reefs, as well as $24.7 million in 2011/12. The value of Gascoyne wool economic and social factors in deciding how to production has been in decline over recent years, being manage fisheries (Department of Fisheries, 2002). worth $5 million in 2011/12. (Department of Regional Development, 2014) Aquaculture
Livestock is generally raised on natural pasture The aquaculture industry in the Gascoyne region and watered through a variety of local sources. makes up 8.5% of Western Australia’s Aquaculture value Consequently, the carrying capacity of the region’s (Department of Fisheries, 2015). Existing aquaculture pastoral areas varies from season to season as this predominantly focuses on the production of pearl practice is dependent on sporadic rain over vast areas. oysters; however, pilot projects involving giant clams, Hence, the value of the Gascoyne’s pastoral production freshwater aquarium fish, edible oysters and beta can vary considerably from year to year. Some carotene production have been trialled. (Department of enterprising stations are diversifying to take advantage Regional Development, 2020) of opportunities including tourism, horticulture and inland aquaculture.
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2.1.4 Mining In physical terms, the Carnarvon Basin is largely underexplored for onshore petroleum. The existing Mining is a valuable industry sector for the Gascoyne, gas pipeline infrastructure in the area may enable accounting for $480 million in sales in 2016/17 petroleum resource development activities within the (Department of Primary Industries and Regional region. The Gascoyne also has prospective geothermal Development, 2020). Commodities currently mined in energy resources which could potentially provide the Gascoyne region include salt, gypsum, limestone, energy requirements to nearby industrial, commercial gem and precious stone; and sand. In addition, deposits and residential areas. of many other different minerals exist throughout the region including gold, diamond, copper, lead, zinc, The Gascoyne region is strategically placed to provide beryl, tantalum, uranium, tungsten, marble, mica, value to the State’s major resource projects, including amethyst, tourmaline and gravel. Notably, the State’s offshore oil and gas developments in the Carnarvon largest gypsum deposits are located in the Lake Basin and major mining projects in the Pilbara. Exmouth MacLeod area. and Carnarvon already play a role in the resource sector supply chain and there may be opportunities Currently, the main mining activity is salt production for the region to play an expanded role in this regard. at Useless Loop in the Shire of Shark Bay and at Lake Economic development opportunities associated with MacLeod near Cape Cuvier, north of Carnarvon. Both resource sector investment and expansion are explored major salt operations maintain private port facilities for in the Gascoyne Development Commission’s Gascoyne direct transport of product. Steady demand for salt on Pilbara Project, particularly in regard to leveraging global markets has seen exports from the Gascoyne opportunities from the region’s proximity to the Pilbara grow over recent years. When operating at their present region (SGS Economics and Planning Pty Ltd, 2012). combined capacity of 4.2 million tonnes per annum, these two operations account for about one third of the State’s annual salt production. 2.1.5 Retail and manufacturing
The mining of a number of semi-precious stones, For the financial year 2012/13 the Gascoyne’s retail including mookaite and variscite, currently occurs turnover was $109 million, having grown over the in the Shire of Carnarvon. The future development previous decade at an average annual rate of 3.6 per of other mineral deposits in the region, particularly cent. (Department of Primary Industries and Regional those previously mentioned, may provide further Development, 2020) opportunities to expand and diversify mining in the Manufacturing in the region reported a turnover of Gascoyne. $102 million in 2016/17, with the majority of business Potential sources of basic raw materials include surface establishments being located in the Shire of Carnarvon. sand, gravel and limesand deposits on the coastal plain; Prominent manufacturing establishments in the region and sand and gravel along the major rivers. A ready include food processing (including fruit, vegetables supply of basic raw materials is important for future and seafood) and metal product manufacturing. urban and industrial development. In areas of rapid (Department of Primary Industries and Regional growth, land use conflicts can arise around basic raw Development, 2020) material extraction sites; and in these circumstances planning protection may be required to ensure a cost- effective supply of these strategic materials.
Offshore from North West Cape there is substantial oil and gas production in the Exmouth sub-basin; however, as this is carried out in Commonwealth waters, the production value is not considered to be a part of the Gascoyne economy. Despite this, it still provides industry opportunities to investors interested in servicing the offshore petroleum industry.
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2.1.6 Opportunities EE12 Developing Mt Augustus and Kennedy Range National Parks as significant tourist attractions, Economy and employment opportunities: offering tourism accommodation and facilities in close proximity, Indigenous guided tours and EE1 Diversifying the regional economy through support facilities. applying value adding processes to local products, including horticultural and fisheries EE13 Fostering links between Gascoyne eco-tourism produce. products and others within the State.
EE2 Developing existing and emerging export EE14 Further exploration for petroleum, oil, gas and markets, particularly populous neighbouring geothermal energy in the Carnarvon Basin. Asian countries. EE15 Production resulting from the future EE3 Facilitating local industry and services through development of strategic resource deposits. the provision of adequate industrial and commercial land within Gascoyne townsites. EE16 Investigation of the Gascoyne’s basic raw materials. EE4 Improving training, employment and business opportunities throughout the region, including EE17 Expanding the role of Gascoyne centres, designing programs for specific demographics particularly Exmouth and Carnarvon, in the including Indigenous, special needs, youth and resources sector supply chain. immigrants. EE18 Promoting Gascoyne communities as sources EE5 Establishing research and development of labour and bases for fly-in fly-out mining facilities in the Gascoyne specific to the region’s operations. economy. EE19 Investigation of regional affordable housing EE6 Expanding and diversifying the horticulture requirements. sector through the release of undeveloped land and additional water. EE20 Investigation of future Defence Force requirements in the Gascoyne, particularly with EE7 Expanding and diversifying aquaculture respect to the existing RAAF base at Learmonth. pursuits in the region – including prawn and barramundi farming, expansion of farming tropical species, fin and aquarium fish farming. 2.2 Transport and
EE8 Diversifying economic activity on pastoral infrastructure properties (e.g. tourist accommodation, Infrastructure is essential in supporting all economic horticulture). sectors of the Gascoyne, in addition to its general population. From an economic perspective, inter- EE9 Expanding and diversifying the tourism sector regional links are vital to ensure strong connectivity – including resort, eco-style and affordable between the Gascoyne and other markets; and to allow accommodation development, pastoral and for the efficient movement of goods and people into plantation station stay accommodation, and out of the region. The Gascoyne’s strategic regional nature-based caravanning and camping, tours and inter-regional connections have been considered and marine charters, cruise shipping and in the Western Australian Regional Freight Transport development of small tourist node businesses. Network Plan (Department of Transport, 2013). EE10 Developing strategic and sustainable tourism Coordinated infrastructure corridors, which can and recreation infrastructure and services to potentially accommodate multiple types of transport cater for an anticipated increase in demand. and utility services infrastructure, are considered to be EE11 Developing the shoulder/low tourism season, an efficient means of delivering the land requirements possibly through event development.
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for future regional and inter-regional infrastructure, 2.2.2 Aviation particularly in areas where land is highly constrained. As such, infrastructure corridors should ideally be Aviation performs a key role in the Gascoyne’s transport identified, planned for and secured well in advance of network and is vital in supporting economic activity in the additional regional infrastructure being required. the region, particularly tourism. This is pertinent in the context of the Gascoyne, as it is for much of Western Australia, where settlements are remote from large 2.2.1 Road population centres and tourism markets, and where considerable distances exist between settlements The Gascoyne contains a network of primary roads within the region itself. The future development of the that service the needs of the regional economy and region’s economy may require further development population. The main sealed arteries carry a significant and diversification of aviation infrastructure and amount of inter-regional freight traffic and seasonally services, particularly to support tourism, fly-in fly-out carry large volumes of tourist traffic. These are workers and general aviation. The Framework identifies supported by a network of local government roads. a number of initiatives and regional infrastructure In addition, the Department of Biodiversity, priorities that support this, including the State Aviation Conservation and Attractions manage in excess of Strategy being developed by the Department of 1,500 kilometres of roads in the region’s conservation Transport. reserves, which play a vital role in supporting regional tourism. The Gascoyne’s main regional airports are located at Learmonth and Carnarvon, which service most The North West Coastal Highway provides the primary regular direct passenger flights to and from Perth. road linking the Gascoyne to adjoining Mid West and From Learmonth regular passenger flights to Broome Pilbara regions and beyond. As such, it is a key freight and Paraburdoo are also available, with some flights and tourist route and is critical to the regional economy. servicing Carnarvon land at Shark Bay or Geraldton Equally as vital to the region are the road linkages from en route to/from Perth. Currently there are no regular the Highway to communities in the coastal areas of passenger flights between Learmonth and Carnarvon. the Gascoyne, including Robinson Street (Carnarvon) and Minilya−Exmouth, Burkett, Coral Bay and Shark Bay Learmonth Airport, operated by the Shire of roads. Exmouth, is the region’s busiest airport and currently accommodates about 90,000 passengers per year. The sparsely populated inland Gascoyne is serviced It is situated on a civil lease on the Learmonth RAAF by a network of secondary and gravel roads generally base approximately 40 kilometres south of Exmouth. A maintained by local government. While the network Deed of Operation is in place with the Department of typically experiences low traffic volumes it does Defence and all aircraft movements must be approved provide vital linkages to inland settlements, pastoral with operations on the runway occurring under stations and for freight and tourists. Some roads licenced arrangements. Generally, multiple regular such as Carnarvon–Mullewa Road provide additional passenger flights depart daily and the facility has the interregional routes, including important linkages to capacity to accommodate large jet aircraft used for the Great Northern Highway. Improvements to the international flights. Learmonth is also increasingly route linking Gascoyne Junction to Paraburdoo in the being used as a base and operational airport for Pilbara were recommended in the Mt Augustus and helicopters servicing offshore oil and gas rigs and other Gascoyne Outback Development Taskforce Final Report hinterland air transport services. In addition, the Shire of (Gascoyne Development Commission, 2010). The Exmouth owns and operates the Exmouth Aerodrome, implementation of improvements along this route which provides a base for general aviation operations would provide a more legible link between key tourism and maintenance. It plays an important role in regional attractions across the two regions. aviation as it complements Learmonth Airport, which is subject to restricted operating arrangements. Further investigation is intended to be undertaken by the Shire of Exmouth regarding future requirements for this facility.
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Carnarvon Airport caters for about 20,000-25,000 The Gascoyne’s major boat harbour facilities are located passengers annually and runs at least one regular at Exmouth and Carnarvon. This infrastructure is critical passenger flight per day. The existing airport sits for servicing the commercial fishing and tourism immediately adjacent to the urban area and currently industries in addition to catering for recreational users. has capacity constraints. The Shire of Carnarvon intends The Carnarvon boat harbour also serves as the home to investigate future requirements for regional airport port for tugs required for the private port operations at facilities at Carnarvon. Cape Cuvier; whereas the Exmouth facility supports the offshore oil and gas exploration and production service Shark Bay Airport accommodates regular passenger industry. flights that link Denham/Monkey Mia to Perth and Carnarvon. Total passenger transit numbers are around Despite recent substantial upgrades, demand may 5,000 annually. still warrant expanded maritime facilities at Exmouth, especially to support continued growth in oil and Other light aircraft strips are situated near the gas exploration and production and tourism. The Gascoyne’s smaller settlements (including Coral Bay), expected growth in cruise shipping, combined with the communities and mines. Some of these have the identification of Exmouth as a key cruise destination capacity to take Royal Flying Doctor Service aircraft. in the Western Australian Cruise Shipping Strategic Plan There are no emergency road landing strips in the 2012-2020 (Tourism WA, 2012), is expected to contribute Gascoyne. to future demand in particular.
Additionally, there are many private air strips on A smaller boat harbour facility at Denham caters pastoral leases that predominantly accommodate mainly for recreational and tourist users as well as aircraft for aerial livestock mustering purposes. harbouring the local fishing fleet. Opportunities for expanded maritime facilities at Denham, including 2.2.3 Maritime facilities possible marina-type infrastructure, are proposed to be investigated by the Shire of Shark Bay. Coral Bay Port installations in the Gascoyne currently exist at Cape has a maritime facility that is primarily for recreational Cuvier and Useless Loop. These facilities are privately boating purposes. operated by Dampier Salt Ltd (Rio Tinto Ltd) and Shark Bay Salt Pty Ltd (Mitsui Salt Pty Ltd) respectively to complement their nearby salt mining operations. The 2.2.4 Energy Cape Cuvier and Useless Loop installations currently Due to vast distances between what are essentially comprise the port of Carnarvon, which does not have a limited markets, there is no regional electricity port authority. At present there are no port authorities transmission network in the Gascoyne. Each settlement in the Gascoyne region. (Department of Transport, in the region generates its own electricity typically 2012) through diesel, gas, wind or a combination of multiple sources, which exclusively service that settlement and The State Government has announced a proposed its immediate hinterland. reform to the governance structure of ports in Western Australia. This is expected to result in a consolidation Horizon Power is the supply authority for the Gascoyne, of existing regional port authorities and smaller ports providing electricity services to Carnarvon, Exmouth/ controlled by the Department of Transport. The future Learmonth, Denham, Coral Bay and Gascoyne Junction. Mid West Ports Authority, which currently comprises Other centres, including Burringurrah, do not have a the port of Geraldton, is proposed to ultimately include regularised electricity service. The source and capacity the Cape Cuvier and Useless Loop port operations in of each electricity service provided by Horizon Power is the Gascoyne in addition to the proposed Oakajee port listed in Table 2. in the Mid West region.
Bejaling, about 30 kilometres north of Carnarvon, is understood to have bathometric characteristics that may make it a viable site for a deep water port. It could be a site of interest should a need for such a facility proximate to Carnarvon arise in the future.
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Table 2: Gascoyne electricity services provided A regional energy strategy investigating the Gascoyne’s by Horizon Power future regional energy generation and transmission requirements is currently being developed by the Gascoyne Development Commission. Generation Centre capacity Fuel (MW) 2.2.5 Water infrastructure Carnarvon 18 diesel/gas Water Exmouth & Learmonth 8.6 gas/wind The water supply in the Gascoyne is drawn from Denham 2.8 diesel/wind groundwater sources with the Water Corporation Coral Bay 3.1 diesel/wind operating and maintaining schemes at Carnarvon, Exmouth, Denham, Coral Bay and Gascoyne Junction. Gascoyne Junction 0.4 diesel Other centres, including Burringurrah, do not have a (source: data sourced from Gascoyne Development Commission, 2010 regularised water service. Some sources, most notably and Government of Western Australia, 2014) Denham and Coral Bay, have salinity issues and require desalination. The Water Corporation also operates a separate scheme to customers at Denham providing a supply of non-potable artesian water for uses such as To accommodate Carnarvon’s long-term electricity toilets and outdoor use. needs Horizon Power is developing a new power generation site in Carnarvon, which includes the new The region’s horticulture industry is reliant on the 18MW Mungullah Power Station. Exmouth is also availability of groundwater. The Gascoyne Water expected to experience ongoing growth in demand for Cooperative maintains an irrigation distribution system electricity. (Gascoyne Development Commission, 2010) that delivers water to growers at Carnarvon. A number of growers located on the banks of the Gascoyne Wind turbines currently supplement base-load River also source water from private bores in the river. generation at Exmouth, Denham and Coral Bay, and a (Gascoyne Development Commission, 2010) private commercial solar power system feeds about 0.1 megawatts into the Carnarvon grid. Energy generation Given that the recharge of Gascoyne aquifers from sources such as solar and wind power are likely to is generally limited and in some cases not fully have an increasingly important role in the Gascoyne’s understood, careful management is required to ensure future energy provision, particularly in conjunction that the quality of or accessibility to groundwater is not with base-load generation. There are other alternative compromised for either industry or domestic purposes. future energy sources in the region that could be Furthermore, pastoral and other remote operations in considered, including geothermal energy and gas the Gascoyne are generally reliant on artesian water. from conventional and unconventional reservoirs. The growth of the energy sector in the Gascoyne will be The Department of Water released the Carnarvon limited by the size of the available market. Artesian Basin Water Management Plan in 2007, which provides information to organisations, industry and Horizon Power has constructed a 22,000 volt individuals about the way that groundwater in the underground power reticulation network at Coral basin will be managed. It focuses on managing the Bay. It has been proposed to replace the overhead impacts of groundwater abstraction to maintain powerlines at Carnarvon, Exmouth and Denham with any associated environmental and economic values. an underground reticulated network. Additionally, the Department of Water released a water The Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline traverses allocation plan for the Lower Gascoyne in 2011 to the region and has a lateral pipeline to Carnarvon. guide the management of ground and surface water The pipeline has some spare capacity, which further resources that support the Carnarvon horticultural area. upgrades could boost considerably. Carnarvon, however, currently has no reticulated gas network — the piped gas is exclusively used for the purpose of power generation.
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Wastewater Gascoyne are delivered by the Carnarvon School of the Air. (Department of Regional Development and Lands, Carnarvon, Exmouth, Denham and Coral Bay each 2011) have a wastewater scheme operated by the Water Corporation. Anticipated growth in demand for these Tertiary education is offered through the Durack facilities should be monitored and incorporated into Institute of Technology campuses at Carnarvon planning for facility upgrades. and Exmouth, including a variety of academic and vocational courses. Stormwater Health The quantity and quality of stormwater entering the water resources of the Gascoyne is also a management Carnarvon Hospital is the only true regional hospital issue and requires careful consideration. In this regard, facility in the Gascoyne region. It currently has a it is important that urban water management issues are 43-bed capacity and maintains a range of higher taken into account when considering planning for new order capabilities and services including community residential, rural-residential, commercial and industrial health, mental health and community-based aged areas. Better Urban Water Management (Western care services. A district hospital services Exmouth. The Australian Planning Commission, 2008) provides Silver Chain Nursing Association operates a nursing guidance on such matters. post at Denham and the WA Country Health Service maintains remote area nursing posts at Coral Bay and Burringurrah. 2.2.6 Social infrastructure and services The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) is of great importance to the Gascoyne due to the vast distances It is important that all communities have access to between facilities. However, the RFDS does not adequate social infrastructure and services, including permanently base aircraft, medical infrastructure or essential services such as educational and medical flight crew in the region; with the nearest base being facilities. The provision of such infrastructure and located at Meekatharra. The predicted increase in services makes a significant contribution to the numbers of tourists travelling in isolated parts of the liveability and attractiveness of a local community, region is expected to further escalate the importance of which can play an important role in attracting and this service. retaining staff in the region. The types of social infrastructure and services vary from regional to In addition to the availability of mainstream health local; and it is important that future requirements services, the Carnarvon Medical Service Aboriginal are identified through appropriate mechanisms. The Corporation offers primary, secondary and tertiary Gascoyne Development Commission, through the health and medical services to the Aboriginal people of Gascoyne Revitalisation Plan, is working with Gascoyne Carnarvon and surrounding areas. local governments and other key stakeholders to identify local and regional infrastructure priorities with a Emergency and corrective services focus on social infrastructure and services. There are police stations currently located at Carnarvon, Education Denham and Exmouth. A multi-functional police facility servicing the Upper Gascoyne area has recently Government school facilities are generally located in been established at Burringurrah. The region is the larger towns and communities in the Gascoyne. predominantly within the Mid West-Gascoyne police Additionally, private schooling is available in Carnarvon district with the exception of the Shire of Exmouth, from kindergarten to Year 10. Schools in all Gascoyne which is in the Pilbara police district. It is noted that communities generally provide schooling up to Year 12, the district offices are based outside the Gascoyne, at although in some schools, years 8 to 12 are delivered Geraldton and Karratha respectively. Carnarvon has the through the School of Isolated and Distance Education. only courthouse in the region. Education services to more remote areas of the
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The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) There is a range of resourcing and training initiatives oversees a range of emergency service providers in the provided by the Department of Sport and Recreation, Gascoyne, including: State sporting associations and other organisations to support the upgrading or maintenance of regional • Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services based at sporting facilities. The Royalties for Regions Grants Carnarvon, Exmouth and Denham; Scheme can also provide funding for upgrading or new • Volunteer Bush Fire Service brigades at Gascoyne facilities. River (Carnarvon) and Shark Bay (Denham); • State Emergency Service units based at Carnarvon, 2.2.7 Telecommunications Exmouth, Shark Bay (Denham) and Useless Loop; Being a vast and isolated region, telecommunications • a Volunteer Emergency Service unit at Coral Bay; infrastructure performs a vital role in keeping the and Gascoyne region well-connected. A broad range of • Volunteer Marine Rescue Services at Carnarvon, telecommunications services exists in the Gascoyne; Exmouth, Shark Bay (Denham) and Coral Bay. with the region’s settlements generally having the greatest level of accessibility to networks and These are under the jurisdiction of the Midwest- services. As large parts of the region are remote, Gascoyne DFES region. telecommunications services in these areas can be limited or otherwise reliant on delivery through satellite Ambulance services are delivered by St John networks. Ambulance WA, with sub- centres within the Gascoyne located at Carnarvon, Coral Bay, Exmouth and Shark Bay New and emerging telecommunications technologies (Denham). may create opportunities for regional economic investment as well as innovation in service delivery, Culture and arts resulting in various economic and social benefits. The Department of Culture and the Arts has For example, new and emerging technologies may undertaken a regional cultural and arts action plan for create opportunities to increase or improve service the Gascoyne region, which is identified in Table 8 as an delivery to remote locations for some services initiative. Planning for cultural infrastructure is further such as health and education. Projects that have supported by their existing policy (Department of delivered significant improvements to the standard Culture and the Arts, 2012). of telecommunications infrastructure in the region include the: Regional sport and recreation • Regional Mobile Communications Project to increase coverage of the mobile network; and Sport and recreation is often considered to be the lifeblood for many communities, promoting social and • National Broadband Network, which delivered community cohesion, healthier lifestyles and providing significant improvements in bandwidth speeds economic advantages. There are a number of quality and connection reliability throughout the region sporting and recreational facilities available within the through a combination of optic fibre, fixed wireless Gascoyne region. and satellite technology.
Maintenance and upgrading of sporting facilities are often considered to be essential for many regional 2.2.8 Waste management communities, helping to ensure that adequate infrastructure opportunities are provided for both individuals and sporting organisations. A strategic waste management plan for the Gascoyne has been prepared for the Gascoyne Development Commission on behalf of the region’s four local governments (A Prince Consulting, 2009). The management plan primarily facilitates waste infrastructure planning; and seeks to ensure provision for solid waste management infrastructure at strategic
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regional locations. Such infrastructure could include 2.2.10 Opportunities transfer stations, resource recovery facilities, recycling process facilities, landfills and requirements for waste Transport and infrastructure opportunities: related to industrial expansion. For further information, TI1 Developing and maintaining appropriate refer to the Gascoyne Development Commission’s regional infrastructure to stimulate economic website at www.gdc.wa.gov.au. investment and service the needs of Gascoyne From a statewide perspective, the Western Australian communities. Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030 TI2 Improving interregional connectivity through (Western Australian Waste Authority, 2019) provides reinforcing infrastructure network linkages strategic guidance on waste management issues. beyond the region boundary. It is recognised that a significant amount of the waste TI3 Attracting residents and workforce through generated in the Gascoyne is due to visitors to the the provision of quality social infrastructure, region. This is a pertinent consideration when planning services, affordable housing and well-designed for future waste management requirements, given the communities, taking into account the region’s importance of tourism to the Gascoyne’s economy and remoteness and distance between settlements. in particular the high number of visitors to the region relative to its permanent population base. TI4 Providing a level of community service commensurate with seasonal tourist and 2.2.9 Designing communities itinerant worker population levels. Well-designed communities, transport and TI5 Improving air services both within and to the infrastructure underpin the attractiveness and liveability region. of a place; which contributes substantially to the TI6 Improving the Gascoyne’s airport facilities. general well-being of its population. The provision of attractive and liveable communities with good social TI7 Developing new energy generation to harness infrastructure may positively influence the attraction the benefits from the Gascoyne’s naturally and retention of new residents to the Gascoyne. abundant energy resources.
It is important that a community’s diverse needs TI8 Installing underground reticulated power are accounted for through its design. In particular, networks in urban centres. consideration should be given to ensure that communities are designed to be adaptable to future TI9 Enhancing the provision of wastewater change, encourage a high quality built environment infrastructure to meet the current and future and promote physical activity. requirements of Gascoyne settlements.
Numerous strategic State Government documents; TI10 Ensuring the long-term viability of Gascoyne including Liveable Neighbourhoods (Western population and industry through the Australian Planning Commission, 2007), Better Urban sustainable development and management of Water Management (Western Australian Planning regional water resources. Commission, 2008) and Active Living for All: A Framework TI11 Improving the Gascoyne’s marine facilities to for Physical Activity in Western Australia 2017-2019 attract and meet the needs of recreational and (Department of Sport and Recreation, 2017); have been industry users. prepared to guide the development of well-designed, active communities. Other resources also reinforce TI12 Enhancing the provision of waste management design principles to this effect, such as the Heart infrastructure to meet the current and future Foundation’s Healthy Active By Design on-line design requirements of Gascoyne settlements. resource available at www.healthyactivebydesign. com.au. This tool in particular has been developed in TI13 Identifying opportunities for the co-location of partnership with other stakeholders including State joint infrastructure services sites and corridors. Government agencies.
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2.3 Natural resources and • containing superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic cultural heritage importance; and The Gascoyne region has a diverse and highly valued • containing the most important and significant range of natural resource assets. These contribute to the natural habitats for in-situ conservation of regional economy through tourism, research, fisheries biological diversity. and agriculture. A unique wilderness experience is provided on both land and sea; and as a point of The Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area covers significance, the region contains numerous and sizable approximately 700,000 hectares and overlaps Cape National and World Heritage listed areas. Surface and Range National Park and Ningaloo Marine Park. The groundwater resources are highly valued throughout Ningaloo Coast was inscribed on the World Heritage the region and careful management is required to List in 2011, satisfying criteria that relate to: ensure quality and quantity is provided sustainably. • containing superlative natural phenomena or Sound management is imperative as, if realised, forecast areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic long-term weather trends may have adverse effects on importance; and the region. The Gascoyne also has significant cultural heritage with many sites of both Aboriginal and • containing the most important and significant European significance having been identified. natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity. 2.3.1 World Heritage areas It should be noted that the Ningaloo Coast National Heritage listing includes additional areas of significant The Commonwealth of Australia is a signatory to the environmental value that are beyond the extent of the international treaty Convention concerning the Protection World Heritage Area. of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, which was adopted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific For specific information on the criteria for the World and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1972. UNESCO Heritage listing of Shark Bay and the Ningaloo Coast, seeks to encourage the identification, protection and including the World Heritage values of each area, refer preservation of cultural and natural heritage places. For to the Australian Government’s Department of the properties to be inscribed on the World Heritage List Environment website at www.environment.gov.au/ they must be of outstanding universal value and meet heritage/places. at least one of 10 selection criteria set by UNESCO. The A considerable amount of research has occurred over protection of World Heritage values in declared World recent years through the Ningaloo Research Program, Heritage properties is regulated through the Australian which has involved several institutions including the Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Conservation Act 1999. Organisation, the Western Australian Marine Science The Shark Bay World Heritage Area extends over Institution, the Australian Institute of Marine Science, 2,320,000 hectares and overlaps Dirk Hartog Island several universities and State Government agencies and Francois Peron National Parks, Shark Bay Marine (Ningaloo Research Program website). A number of Park and other conservation areas. The Shark Bay projects developed through the program will assist in World Heritage Property Strategic Plan 2008-2020 has the future management and protection of the Ningaloo been prepared. Shark Bay was inscribed on the World Coast’s significant environmental assets. Heritage List in 1991 and is currently one of only 20 The Australian Government’s Department of the places on the list that satisfy all four natural criteria for Environment has primary responsibility for the listing. These criteria relate to: development and implementation of national policy • being an outstanding example representing major on World Heritage matters. In 1997 the Australian stages of the earth’s evolutionary history; Government and Western Australian Government, • being an outstanding example representing in accordance with Australia’s obligations, signed an significant ongoing ecological and biological administration agreement to ensure that the day-to- processes;
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day management of the Shark Bay World Heritage The Gascoyne contains significant threatened fauna, Area would be undertaken by the Western Australian as well as several species of flora that are declared Government. The Department of Biodiversity, rare or priority. Specifically, there are two Threatened Conservation and Attractions is the lead State Ecological Communities and 18 Priority Communities Government agency for World Heritage. identified within the region.
Shark Bay and the Ningaloo Coast are also identified A number of programs aim to restore biodiversity on the National Heritage List, along with the Cape in parts of the region through environmental and Inscription Area on Dirk Hartog Island. ecological rehabilitation. One notable example is a ecological restoration project on Dirk Hartog Island, which aims to eliminate introduced species and pests; 2.3.2 Biodiversity and reintroduce locally extinct mammal species to the island. Terrestrial
Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia Marine (IBRA) classifies major divisions of land defined by The Gascoyne region contains marine areas of distinct assemblages of climate, geology, landform, international significance and great scientific interest, fauna and vegetation. According to IBRA, the Gascoyne in particular as it occurs in the transition zone between region contains parts of five bioregions: Carnarvon, tropical and temperate biogeographical areas. Gascoyne, Murchison, Yalgoo and Geraldton Sandplains. IBRA bioregions and sub-bioregions are the reporting A variety of coastal landforms occur, including high unit for assessing the status of natural ecosystems and cliffs, islands and shallow bays, as well as an area their protection in the National Reserve System. The where the edge of the continental shelf is closer to Murchison bioregion is currently under-represented in the shoreline than any other place in the State. The the National Reserve System and as such priority should associated habitats support diverse marine ecosystems, be given to protecting ecosystems in this particular containing temperate south-western Australian species area, for example through the establishment of formal mixed with tropical and temperate Indo-Pacific species. conservation reserves. Many of the marine habitats have yet to be described in detail, but more is known about the coastal habitats At the broad level the Australian Native Vegetation because they are relatively accessible to human Assessment 2001 has mapped and described observers. (Department of Fisheries, 2000) vegetation using major vegetation groups and identified that the Gascoyne planning region is covered There are numerous unique marine environments that by the Gascoyne, Carnarvon, Yalgoo and Murchison fringe the Gascoyne coast. For example, Shark Bay has bioregions. Vegetation assemblages and bioregions, several isolated basins that support unique populations although not ideal, are often used as proxies to of marine life. Between Carnarvon and Exmouth is the terrestrial biodiversity. Generally there is a greater Ningaloo Reef, which at over 300 kilometres in length, is diversity of vegetation communities along the coast the largest fringing coral reef in Australia. when compared to the inland areas. Substantial areas of the Shark Bay and Ningaloo Coast The Gascoyne region contains two national biodiversity areas are protected and managed through marine hotspots listed under Australia’s 15 national biodiversity reserves and marine parks. The significance of the hotspots — the Carnarvon Basin and the Geraldton to Gascoyne’s marine environment is further reinforced Shark Bay sand plains. through identification on National and World Heritage Lists. Much of the Gascoyne’s coastal areas As minimal wholesale clearing has occurred in the are protected and managed under multiple pieces region, the Gascoyne region is relatively well covered of legislation, including the Conservation and Land in native vegetation. Pastoral activities, however, Management Act 1984, Fish Resources Management Act have impacted on native vegetation and ecosystem 1994 and the Commonwealth’s Environment Protection processes in some areas. and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Significant marine
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biodiversity may exist beyond areas that are currently The Gascoyne River basin has an area of 77,600 square protected; for example, the area of coast between Red kilometres, originating more than 780 kilometres Bluff to Point Quobba and in Exmouth Gulf. inland. The river passes through pastoral land for most of its length before discharging into the ocean at Carnarvon. The Wooramel River is ephemeral and the 2.3.3 Water main tributary of the Wooramel catchment, originating in the Mid West region some 250 kilometres inland Groundwater from the Shark Bay coast. The river has a small delta and The three groundwater management areas within the discharges into Shark Bay. Gascoyne are the Pilbara, East Murchison and Gascoyne. The Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia identifies These areas are proclaimed under the Rights in Water nationally important wetlands including several in the and Irrigation Act 1914. All towns in the Gascoyne are Gascoyne, such as Cape Range waterways, wetlands in reliant on groundwater for domestic, commercial and the Exmouth Gulf, Hamelin Pool, Lake MacLeod, McNeill horticultural purposes as no source of surface water is Claypan System and wetlands in the Shark Bay East available. It is noted, however, that groundwater does vicinity. Inland water ways, such as Kookhabinna Gorge, vary in quality and quantity across the region. While Lake Carnegie system, Windich Springs and Yadjiyugga groundwater resources of the region are significant, claypan are also identified in the directory. recharge is limited. This means careful management is required to ensure that the quality of, and accessibility Other regionally significant wetlands in the Gascoyne to, groundwater is not compromised. include: Edithana Pool (Lyons River) Rocky Pool and Fishy Pool (Gascoyne River) and cave wetlands in The Carnarvon Artesian Basin is a major subsurface Exmouth. storage comprising Exmouth Gulf, Lyndon–Minilya Catchments, Gascoyne and Wooramel systems and Estuaries are located at the mouth of the Gascoyne Shark Bay. The basin contains the Birdrong Aquifer, River and Yardie Creek. The estuaries are greatly which is Western Australia’s most geographically impacted upon by tidal influences and nutrient levels extensive artesian aquifer, covering approximately are likely to increase with increasing development 50,000 square kilometres. Artesian groundwater along the coast. The estuaries and the large coastal lake, from the Birdrong has historically been used by the Lake MacLeod, are home to mangroves, salt marshes pastoral industry, but is under increasing demand and numerous species of bird life. These systems are from new development proposals. The shallow alluvial largely unmodified; particularly the near-pristine Lake aquifer along the Gascoyne River at Carnarvon and MacLeod and Yardie Creek estuary. the upstream part of the alluvial aquifer within the Gascoyne Groundwater Area are not considered to be Periodic high volume discharge of river water and part of the Carnarvon Artesian Basin. Neither are other associated sediment to the sea is an important shallow aquifers, such as the Wooramel River alluvium influence on coastal and marine ecosystems. and the limestone aquifer at Cape Range.
Surface Water 2.3.4 Landscape and geology The western part of the Gascoyne region is The main hydrographic catchments in the Gascoyne characterised by low relief, open drainage and large region are the Gascoyne–Murchison, Wooramel gently undulating sand plains. Varied landforms occur and Lyndon–Minilya catchments. These support the within the basin, including Tamala limestone formations Gascoyne, Wooramel, and Lyndon−Miniliya Rivers such as the Zuytdorp Cliffs; and the Peron, Nanga and which are largely ephemeral waterways that dry up Edel Land Peninsulas in the Gascoyne Platform around for part of the year. The Lyndon and Minilya Rivers Shark Bay. (Department of Mines, 1987) are two relatively small rivers which originate from rangelands approximately 200 kilometres inland and both discharge in Lake MacLeod. The Gascoyne River and tributaries are surface water proclamation areas.
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Cape Range on the North West Cape is another Currently there are 11 sites recorded in the Gascoyne significant landform from a regional perspective. It on the State’s register of Geoheritage sites. Geoheritage comprises a heavily dissected plateau, gorges and sites should be protected from incompatible activities extensive cave systems; and has marine deposit by relevant government agencies including local characteristics inherently linking it to the marine government planning and approval processes. For environment (Western Australian Planning Commission, further information, refer to www.dmp.wa.gov.au/791. 2004). Further inland to the east of the Carnarvon Basin, aspx. the landscape is typified by north-westerly tending ridges and valleys including Mt Augustus. Mineral resources in the Gascoyne region are covered in section 2.1.4 Mining; and their distribution is indicated The soils in the Gascoyne region comprise semi-arid on the Framework map (Figure 10). soils that are distinctively red in colour due to oxidation of the iron content in the soil. The coastal soils are sandy, calcareous, made up of littoral shell fragments 2.3.5 Cultural heritage that are prone to oxide leaching and contain areas of The continuing cultural legacy of the region’s mangroves, coastal cliffs and floodplains. Tourism and Aboriginal people, early European exploration and recreation are the major use on these soils. more recent pastoral and fishing activities largely define Alluvial soils of the river systems comprise loamy fine the Gascoyne’s cultural heritage. It is important that sands that support horticulture at Carnarvon and both the region’s Aboriginal and historic heritage is pastoral pursuits including grazing. Further inland, identified, protected and managed as their significance browner duplex soils have higher concentrations of will increase over time. carbonates and less iron. The presence of organic The Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 lists numerous sites of matter is relatively low due to the sparse vegetation Aboriginal significance in the region and protects all and the soils are generally infertile, except around major sites, including those that remain undisclosed by the river systems. These soils support pastoral pursuits such traditional owners. Numerous places in the Gascoyne as grazing. are listed on the State Heritage Database under the Most of the Gascoyne region lies within the Southern Heritage Act 2018. Carnarvon Basin, a Phanerozoic sedimentary basin Aboriginal groups with a strong traditional connection which has a long history spanning from 542 million to their own country have inhabited the Gascoyne years to present. Sedimentary rocks within the Southern region for thousands of years. The landscape provides Carnarvon Basin include shale, mudstone, sandstone, the basis for their spirituality, customs, beliefs and social limestone, marl and radiolarite. systems. Aboriginal cultural heritage in the region Underlying this basin and exposed in the eastern part encompasses archaeological, historical, ceremonial and of the region are metamorphosed sedimentary rocks, mythological sites as well as living cultural practices. granite and gabbro of the much older (2,500–1,600 There are a range of Aboriginal groups whose million years) Gascoyne Province. These include traditional country is the Gascoyne. These include the younger (1,070–775 million years) mafic intrusive rocks, Baiyungu, Budina, Inggarda, Malgana, Nanda, Thalanyji, which were emplaced during the Capricorn Orogen. Thudgari, and Wajarri peoples. The native title rights Sedimentary rocks of the Edmund Basin (1,620–1,460 and interests of the Thalanyji and Thudgari people million years) occur to the east of the Gascoyne have been recognised by the Federal Court of Australia, Province. Many dolerite and gabbro sills (1,465–1,070 and the living culture of Aboriginal people in the million years) have intruded Edmund Basin sediments. region is on display at the Gwoonwardu Mia Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre in Carnarvon. In the southern part of the Gascoyne region, a portion Visit www.dplh.wa.gov.au for more information on of the Perth Basin overlies the Southern Carnarvon Aboriginal heritage. Basin. This portion comprises the Coolcalalaya Terrace which contains up to 8,500 metres of sedimentary rocks Prior to European settlement, the Gascoyne region aged between 488 and 251 million years. was visited many times by Dutch, French and English explorers, the first of which was Dirk Hartog, who in 1616 was landed on the island that now bears his
22 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework
name. Australia’s first pearling industry began at Shark North West Cape has a significant military and Bay in the 1850s, however the townsite of Denham was aviation history, with an airbase and naval refuelling not officially settled until 1898. In the 1860s pastoralists point for allied forces in World War II, and the town of were induced to take up leases for grazing sheep in the Exmouth which was opened in the 1960s to service region, which marked the beginning of active European the Naval Communication Centre. The Overseas settlement in the Gascoyne. Although cattle and sheep Telecommunications Centre station near Carnarvon was stations no longer dominate the economic, social and Australia’s first earth station for satellite communication. political landscape of the Gascoyne, pastoral activities It operated from 1966-1975 and adds another maintain significant cultural value. The effects are dimension of diversity to the region’s cultural history. marked by historical homesteads, as well as stopping (Gascoyne Development Commission, 2009) places and hotels adjacent to stock routes along which drovers took cattle from the Ashburton to railheads at The State Register of Heritage Places lists 15 places Mullewa and Meekatharra. in the Gascoyne (Table 3). Listings include a range of places located across townsites, rural and remote The settlement of the Gascoyne River delta began locations; and include buildings, jetties, lighthouses and in the late 1870s, with the town of Carnarvon being ruins. Each place is unique and has its own combination developed as a port for shipping livestock and wool. In of values, which together shows its cultural heritage the early 1920s banana plantations along the Gascoyne significance. River were established. The importance of coastal shipping in the early development of the region for Local planning schemes are one planning mechanism passengers, supplies and exports is evident by the that allows local governments to provide statutory Mile Long Jetty and Lighthouse Keepers Cottage on protection to heritage places. Scheme provisions can Babbage Island, the lighthouse and keepers quarters stipulate special planning approval requirements for at Cape Inscription on Dirk Hartog Island and the identified heritage places. Vlamingh Head lighthouse at Exmouth.
Table 3: Gascoyne historic heritage places
No. registered Local government Suburb/locality Total places Babbage Island 2 Brown Range 1 Shire of Carnarvon Carnarvon 4 10 South Carnarvon 1 North & South Plantations 2 Ningaloo 2 Shire of Exmouth 3 North West Cape 1 Shire of Shark Bay Dirk Hartog Island 1 1 Shire of Upper Gascoyne Gascoyne Junction 1 1 Total 15
(source: State Heritage Office, 2014)
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2.3.7 Opportunities Natural resources and cultural heritage opportunities:
NC1 Maximising the economic return from the region’s significant environmental assets without damaging the assets.
NC2 Capitalising on interests, skills and knowledge of residents to enhance the management of land and the protection of cultural heritage.
NC3 Incorporating natural resources and all significant environmental considerations into the preparation and assessment of strategic and statutory planning proposals to achieve environmental protection and management outcomes.
NC4 Utilising appropriate natural resource management information to assist strategic regional planning.
NC5 Utilising places of heritage value to support further growth and development of the region.
NC6 Protecting and managing the region’s cultural heritage and arts, including maintenance of indigenous cultural practices and languages; and indigenous places of significance, historic places and landscapes of significance.
NC7 Mitigating and adapting to the potential impacts of forecast climate change in the Gascoyne.
NC8 Incorporating principles in new development that embrace the Gascoyne’s climatic conditions.
NC9 Protecting and managing the coastal strip south of Carnarvon.
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3 Strategic directions
3.1 Governance This document will therefore serve as a means to give advance notice to relevant agencies/authorities of In recognition of a number of broad regional issues and future actions that may be required. challenges associated with the governance structure currently operating, the Framework identifies the following governance strategies: 3.1.1 National framework
G1 Provide regional planning support for There are a range of Commonwealth statutes and implementing the broader strategic context of policies that have influence or control over land use the Framework and guiding the development and infrastructure development. One such example of local planning strategies. that has implications for land use in the Gascoyne region is the Australian Government’s Environment G2 Communicate the relationship and roles of Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, which government, legislation and policy. provides a legal framework to protect and manage nationally and internationally significant flora, fauna, G3 Promote a whole-of-government approach to ecological communities and heritage places. In the regional planning and coordination. context of the Gascoyne, this is of particular importance Regional government offices and local government as places listed on the World Heritage List, as outlined authorities in the Gascoyne represent Commonwealth, in section 2.3.1, and on the National Heritage List are State and local governments. These are supplemented subject to this legislation. by cross-government and cross-agency committees The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and commissions, which promote whole-of- may also provide guidance with regard to the government responses to the planning challenges implementation of State-level policies and legislation; presented by the region. In some instances, these and this can include where such instruments relate committees may also include private and non- to economic development and associated land-use government stakeholders to promote cooperative and planning matters. For example, a Multiple Land Use deliberative governance outcomes. Framework has recently been developed by the COAG’s The Framework establishes a high level strategy to Standing Council on Energy and Resources as an guide planning within the Gascoyne region. To facilitate approach to address challenges arising from competing high-quality planning outcomes for the region, land use, land access and land-use change; and this is planning support is required to develop and finalise designed to operate within established regulatory and local planning strategies in particular, and to assist in policy frameworks relating to land ownership, usage the implementation of the broader strategic context of and access. the Framework. Consideration should be given to the Beyond the spheres of legislation and policy, the future structure of local governments in the region and Commonwealth Government supports a number of its implications for regional planning. nationwide initiatives to facilitate regional development With the complex policy framework that exists, which are relevant in the context of the Gascoyne where several different agencies within three tiers of region. government administer a multitude of legislation, it is For example, Regional Development Australia is one inevitable that some of the actions recommended in such initiative that, through collaboration with State this Framework will fall outside of the direct jurisdiction and local governments, provides a framework for of planning. This also demonstrates the complexity reporting to the Commonwealth Government on a and difficulty of implementing a whole-of-government range of issues facing the regions, including regional approach. planning and regional development. A regional plan has been developed by Regional Development
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Australia Midwest Gascoyne that recognises pertinent 3.1.2 State and regional framework regional issues and identifies goals and priorities for the betterment of the Mid West and Gascoyne regions. Planning
Desert Knowledge Australia is another such initiative The State Planning Framework is set out in State supported by the Commonwealth, in addition to the Planning Policy 1 (Variation No 2) (2006). It informs Northern Territory Government. A number of programs the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC), run by this organisation are focused on innovation local government and others involved in the planning and capacity building in regional and remote Australia process to ensure integrated decision-making across all in order to facilitate beneficial business and social spheres of planning. outcomes for these areas.
VISI N: Sustained Growth and Prosperity Diverse Liveable ConnectedCollaborative
PRINCIPLES Community Infrastructure Economy Regional Development Environment Governance
STRATEGIC G ALS Global competitiveness Strong and Resilient Regions Sustainable Communities Infrastructure Planning Conservation
STRATEGIC DIRECTI NS 1. Economic development 3. Social infrastructure 1.1 Resource economy 3.1 Spaces and places 1.2 Education, training and knowledge transfer 3.2 A ordable living 1.3 Tourism 3.3 Health and wellbeing 1.4 Agriculture and food 1.5 Remote settlements 4. Environment 1.6 Land availability 2. Physical infrastructure 5. Security 2.1 Movement of people, resources and information 2.2 Water 2.3 Energy 2.4 Waste 2.5 Telecommunications
ACTI N PLANNING Implementation Evaluation
(source: Western Australian Planning Commission, 2014)
Figure 7: State Planning Strategy 2050 structure
26 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework
The State Planning Framework unites the State Planning reform Planning Strategy, State Planning Policies, regional strategies (including regional planning and Since 2009 the State Government has undertaken a infrastructure frameworks), regional and sub-regional series of comprehensive reform strategies to improve structure plans, strategic policies and operational the land-use planning and development approvals policies within a central framework to provide a context system in Western Australia. for land-use planning decision making in Western Information on the status of planning reform initiatives Australia. Broad relationships between these various is available online at www.dplh.wa.gov.au/planning- planning instruments are indicated in Figure 2. For reform. further information on the State Planning Framework, refer to the Department of Planning, Lands & Heritage State development website, www.dplh.wa.gov.au.. The Department of Job, Tourism, Science and The State Planning Strategy 2050 provides the basis for Innovation as the lead agency for major resource and long-term State and regional land-use planning. The industry infrastructure projects, has developed an Strategy’s structure, presented in Figure 7 outlines its Infrastructure and Services Assessment Framework to core elements including its vision, principles, strategic provide a consolidated approach to the identification goals and strategic directions. of potential impacts on communities, and local The Strategy aims to facilitate a whole-of-government regional infrastructure and services directly associated approach in order to deliver sustained prosperity with major resource and infrastructure projects at for land-use planning and development. Within a local, regional and State level. The Infrastructure this context, regional planning and infrastructure and Services Assessment Framework outlines the frameworks (such as this document) are strategic State’s requirements for proponents to manage their land-use plans focused at a regional level that outline infrastructure and service impacts. a structure for sustainable land use; provide guidance This standardised approach to impact assessment is for future planning; and address broad planning intended to simplify the planning process for new considerations across local government areas. or significantly expanded projects and to help the Significantly, regional planning provides a relevant Government improve the coordination of infrastructure context for other local level planning processes. planning and service delivery. An important consideration for planning at a State level is that of collaboration across regions. As such, Regional development interregional issues are an important focus for the State Regionally-based regional development commissions, Planning Strategy 2050; and where these relate to the each of which have their own board, and the Gascoyne region, they are acknowledged as being Department of Primary Industries and Regional relevant in the context of this Framework. Development are currently the key State agencies for In the case of the Gascoyne, State Planning Policy 6.3 regional development. Ningaloo Coast is of direct relevance. This policy seeks The Gascoyne Development Commission is a statutory to guide decision making along this part of the coast State Government authority that encourages the and its implementation is supported by the Ningaloo sustainable development of the Gascoyne region. The Coast Regional Strategy Carnarvon to Exmouth (Western Commission has regionally based staff and reports to a Australian Planning Commission, 2004). In response board of regional community representatives. to the development of this Framework and the proclamation of the Ningaloo Coast as a World Heritage A review into the functions and responsibilities of Area, it is proposed to review State Planning Policy 6.3 regional development commissions was conducted. Ningaloo Coast. One of the resulting recommendations from this review was that regional investment blueprints be developed Notwithstanding the above, the Gascoyne region now for each region to set future directions from a regional has two World Heritage areas, which is an important Figure 7: State Planning Strategy 2050 structure development perspective. The blueprints have been regional planning consideration for future policy developed with input from all levels of government and direction. the community in the region (Department of Regional
27 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework
Development and Lands, 2015). Importantly, they are - Carnarvon Boat Ramp expected to inform State Government investment in - Exmouth Multipurpose Service Redevelopment each region, including the allocation of future Royalties for Regions funding. The Gascoyne Development - Tantabiddi Boat Ramp upgrade (Exmouth) Commission published its Gascoyne Regional Investment - Exmouth CBD and Foreshore Revitalisation Blueprint in 2015. The projects being funded through the Gascoyne Royalties for Regions Revitalisation Plan draw from the Gascoyne Regional Development Plan 2010-2020, which was developed by The Royalties for Regions initiative has several streams the Gascoyne Development Commission in partnership of funding designed to deliver infrastructure, services with the four Gascoyne local governments to outline and projects of State significance to regional Western major regional project priorities. In addition, the process Australia: to identify potential projects for funding is further • the Regional Community Services Fund; guided through local governance and decision-making bodies, including the Gascoyne Advisory Group (and • the Regional Infrastructure and Headworks Fund; previously from the former Gascoyne Revitalisation and Steering Committee). This group prioritises and • the Country Local Government Fund. develops (as necessary) new project initiatives and presents new proposals to be funded through the The funds support strong and vibrant regional Plan for reference to the Royalties for Regions Directors communities by improving infrastructure and head General Reference Group; and subsequently to the works, establishing across-government strategic and Minister for Regional Development for consideration community service projects, providing a range of and presentation to Cabinet for approval. contestable grant opportunities and building capacity in local communities. Beyond the Gascoyne Revitalisation Plan, additional Royalties for Regions funding has been provided to The current allocation of Royalties for Regions funding other major infrastructure, headworks and community is determined through various initiatives and processes, priority projects in the Gascoyne include: including those administered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and - Coral Bay Seasonal Staff Accommodation Regional Development Commissions. - Gascoyne Irrigation Pipeline Commencing in 2010/11, the Gascoyne Revitalisation - Gascoyne Foodbowl initiative Plan is an ongoing $150 million Royalties for Regions - Carnarvon Stage 2 Flood Mitigation Works. funded initiative contributing to the delivery of major infrastructure and headworks projects to build a more Transport sustainable social and economic base for the Gascoyne; and to assist the region achieve its potential for The Department of Transport is developing transport growth. Projects being funded through the Gascoyne network plans under the ‘Moving Freight’ and ‘Moving Revitalisation Plan include: People’ themes. These documents define the transport - Gascoyne Junction Town Centre and Tourism response to the growth and development profiles Facilities outlined in the State Planning Strategy. - Shark Bay Community Sport and Recreation Centre Under these plans, the Department of Transport and relevant stakeholders have developed the Western - Monkey Mia Jetty replacement (Shark Bay) Australian Regional Freight Transport Network Plan to - Carnarvon Fascine and Town Centre Revitalisation guide the future development of the regional freight transport network to successfully respond to the - Carnarvon Library and Art Centre needs of the growing Western Australian economy - Carnarvon Police and Justice Complex and population, while protecting the environment and quality of life aspirations valued by the community. - Carnarvon Health Campus redevelopment (Department of Transport, 2013)
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This plan defines the Principal Freight Network as part Conservation of the larger Western Australian transport network over which the movement of heavy freight will be The management of the conservation estate is supported and gradually concentrated. It seeks to administered under the Conservation and Land optimise the productivity of intensively utilised mixed- Management Act 1994, through management plans traffic networks, allowing the efficient operation prepared by the Department of Parks and Wildlife for of more, and increasingly productive, regional the Conservation Commission of Western Australia and freight movements. The plan identifies the network the Marine Parks and Reserves Authority. It is important development and investment priorities over the next that management plans are contemporary; and this is two decades, and planning and policy review priorities. recognised in the Framework through the identification of several initiatives in Table 8 proposing to prepare and The Department of Transport has developed a State update a number of management plans for marine and Aviation Strategy (2015) in consultation with relevant terrestrial reserves. Current management plans as they stakeholders to support the State’s economic and relate to the conservation estate in the Gascoyne are social development through aviation infrastructure and presented in Table 4 below. services. The Strategy provides a framework for policy setting, and future planning and investment in Western The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Australian international and domestic air services and Attractions is also the lead agency for the day-to-day airport infrastructure. management of the region’s World Heritage areas and reports to the Australian Government on the protection, conservation, presentation, rehabilitation and transmission to future generations of the World Heritage values.
Table 4: Current status of Gascoyne conservation estate management plans
Park or reserve Management plan
Cape Range National Park Cape Range National Park Management Plan No. 65 (2010) Shark Bay Terrestrial Reserves and Proposed Reserve Additions Management Edel Land National Park (proposed) Plan No. 75 (2012) Shark Bay Terrestrial Reserves and Proposed Reserve Additions Management Francois Peron National Park Plan No. 75 (2012) Shark Bay Terrestrial Reserves and Proposed Reserve Additions Management Dirk Hartog Island National Park Plan No. 75 (2012) Kennedy Range National Park and Proposed Reserve Additions Management Kennedy Range National Park Plan No.59 (2008) Mt Augustus National Park - Management Plan for the Ningaloo Marine Park and Muiron Islands Maine Ningaloo Marine Park Management Area 2005-2015 No. 52 Shark Bay Marine Park Shark Bay Marine Reserves Management Plan 1996-2006 No. 34
Ningaloo Coastal Reserves Nyinggulu coastal reserves draft joint management plan (2019) other State managed conservation parks miscellaneous and reserves
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State lands In this regard, Tourism WA undertakes strategic planning – which can have implications for regional The Department of Planning, Lands & Heritage plays an areas, including the Gascoyne – such as the: important role in managing Crown land and native title across the State. These are very important issues in the • Government Strategy for Tourism in Western Australia Gascoyne where extensive Crown land exists. Crown 2020, which highlights partnerships and a whole- land, including pastoral leases, is generally managed of-government approach to increasing the value of through the Land Administration Act 1997. tourism to the State to $12 billion by 2020; • Western Australian Cruise Shipping Plan 2012-2020; and For example, managing Crown land deals with pastoral leases including Ningaloo; and the ongoing • Western Australian Caravan and Camping Action management of vacant Crown land to deal with issues Plan 2013-2018, which has subsequently been such as coastal shacks. In recognition of the importance successful in securing Royalties for Regions of such issues to the Gascoyne, the Framework funding for a number of regional projects. identifies applicable initiatives in Table 8. In particular, opportunities to diversify activities on pastoral leases Further information is available from www.tourism. are being investigated through the Pastoral Lands wa.gov.au. Reform Program. Mining
Native title The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and The Commonwealth Native Title Act 1993 provides for Safety (DMIRS) is the lead agency for the management the recognition and protection of Aboriginal and Torres of an equitable and secure titles system for the Strait Islander peoples’ native title rights and interests. mining, petroleum and geothermal industries. DMIRS, Certain government actions, such as grants of freehold in partnership with the Department of the Premier or other exclusive tenures to other parties, have been and Cabinet, has also been leading the State’s found to extinguish native title. Claims for native title implementation of the Multiple Land Use Framework generally do not affect areas where native title has approach which was endorsed by the Standing Council been extinguished, for example, land held in freehold on Energy and Resources in December 2013. or exclusive tenure in developed areas. Exploration and extraction of mineral and petroleum The resolution of native title claims can provide resources are regulated under the Mining Act 1978 Aboriginal communities with greatly improved and the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Resources opportunities for cultural, social and economic Act 1967. All proposed resource projects are assessed development; and greater certainty over land under these acts and where appropriate they can also management. Prior to settlement being reached, be assessed under the Environmental Protection Act negotiation generally occurs between the State 1986 and the Commonwealth Environment Protection Government and relevant claim groups. and Biodiversity Act 1999. For these activities, there is generally no requirement for planning approval under Tourism the Planning and Development Act 2005.
Tourism Western Australia is the State Government Basic raw material extraction on Crown land is agency responsible for promoting tourism in regulated by the Mining Act 1978, while local Western Australia. Its focus is on marketing the State; government regulates quarrying basic raw materials on developing, attracting and promoting major sporting, private land. cultural and business events; and developing significant For more information on the legislation and policy tourism infrastructure and projects. framework applicable to the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, in addition to the latest statistics on mining in Western Australia, refer to their website at www.dmirs.wa.gov.au.
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Housing as an objective assessment of the State’s preparedness for emergencies and examines how much has been Affordable Housing Strategy 2010–2020: Opening Doors to done as well as the need for continuing work. (State Affordable Housing (Department of Housing, 2010) is the Emergency Management Committee, 2012) State Government’s affordable housing strategy. From a State-wide perspective, the strategy contains a number Utilities of broad strategic actions and initiatives in response to general challenges pertaining to the provision of Various utilities services are delivered via a range affordable housing. of providers, which can include Government Trading Enterprises such as Western Power and To understand housing issues in the Gascoyne, Water Corporation; local governments; and private companies. other region-specific investigations are proposed or underway, to provide an evidence base to ultimately Service providers generally undertake strategic assist decision-makers to plan and provide optimal planning, for example Water Corporation’s Water housing allocation for the region. The Department Forever Whatever the Weather: A 10-year plan for Western of Community’s Social Housing Demand Model Australia (Water Corporation, 2012). This planning may and Gascoyne Housing Affordability Study, which occur as part of their general business planning; and are identified in Table 8 as Framework initiatives, are may also have implications for land-use planning in examples of such investigations. regional areas. From a planning perspective, housing availability can Local government and communities be influenced by residential land supply. To better understand the current situation with regard to the Encouraging better collaboration between government availability of relevant zoned land in the Gascoyne agencies, not-for-profit organisations and local region, the Department of Planning, Lands & governments in the delivery of all services is one of the Heritage is proposing to undertake a land supply and general roles of the Department of Local Government, infrastructure analysis. This is identified in Table 8 as a Sport and Cultural Activities. The Department is focused Framework initiative. on the delivery of a more collaborative and coordinated range of community services at a local level. Emergency services The emergency management environment is diverse 3.1.3 Local framework and involves a coordinated effort from volunteers, the community, local and State authorities and, on The Gascoyne has four local governments, including occasions, also mutual support from other states and at the shires of Carnarvon, Exmouth, Shark Bay and Upper the national level. Gascoyne.
An annual report on Western Australia’s preparedness As Table 5 indicates, the Shire of Shark Bay is the only for emergencies is prepared by the State Emergency local government in the Gascoyne that currently has a Management Committee for the Minister for local planning strategy; however, the three other local Emergency Services. In particular, it provides a broad governments are currently preparing local planning view on the State’s capacity to deal with large-scale strategies. emergencies; reports progress in the emergency management sector; and highlights work underway to enhance capacity. Significantly, this process serves
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Table 5 also lists the local planning schemes that • a structure plan for Exmouth South for the Shire of Gascoyne local governments currently operate from. Exmouth; and All Gascoyne local governments are currently preparing • structure plans for Babbage and Whitlock Islands, new local planning schemes, which will ensure East Carnarvon and Kingsford for the Shire of alignment with contemporary local planning practices. Carnarvon. Layout plans provide another important local planning An important consideration in reviewing local planning instrument. These are generally used to guide land use instruments and practices is the opportunity to better planning in Aboriginal settlements (see section 3.2.6), align and integrate local planning strategies and many of which fall outside of, or are not recognised or schemes with broader local government operational zoned within local planning schemes. The Department plans, such as corporate business plans that are of Planning, Lands & Heritage’s Planning for Aboriginal required under the Local Government Act 1995. Any Communities Program, which is identified as a regional future local government reform should seek to planning initiative in Table 8, has been instrumental in capitalise on this opportunity as well as increase the developing many layout plans throughout the State in capacity of local governments in the Gascoyne to consultation with the affected communities and other undertake regular local planning reviews. This will stakeholders. ensure that when development opportunities arise, Through the Northern Planning Program, the local governments can respond quickly to proactively Department of Planning, Lands & Heritage is currently influence investment decisions and direct development undertaking a program to build planning capacity to the most appropriate areas. in Gascoyne local governments. The program aims to facilitate local planning processes; and is also acknowledged as a regional planning initiative in 3.2 Activity centres Table 8. Since its inception, assistance has been given The Framework identifies the role and function of to Gascoyne local governments to progress projects activity centres based on current community focal including: points for people, services, employment and leisure. • new local planning strategies and schemes/ scheme reviews including for the shires of The Activities Centres Framework and Settlement Carnarvon, Exmouth, Shark Bay and Upper Hierarchy described in this section of the Framework Gascoyne; and illustrated in Figure 8 are expected to provide the core focus of growth for the region over the next 20 • a settlement structure plan for Coral Bay for the years. It is intended that the Gascoyne’s permanent Shire of Carnarvon; resident population will be consolidated within existing • a townsite structure plan for Denham for the Shire townsites. It is important to note that the role a centre of Shark Bay; plays in the future may vary dramatically from the
Table 5: Local planning framework for the Gascoyne region
Local planning Local planning Local government Layout plans strategy scheme
Shire of Carnarvon 2017 LPS No. 13 (2020)
Shire of Exmouth 2019 LPS No. 4 (2019)
Shire of Shark Bay 2013 LPS No. 4 (2018)
Shire of Upper Gascoyne 2018 LPS No. 1 (2018) Burringurrah LP No. 2 (2003)
LPS - Local Planning Scheme; LP – Layout Plan; OP – Outline Plan
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Table 6: Population of Gascoyne settlements Activity centres strategies: AC1 Accommodate future Gascoyne population 2011 growth in general accordance with the Centre 1 population proposed Activity Centres Framework and Carnarvon 5,160 Settlement Hierarchy. Regional Centre Exmouth 2,486 AC2 Plan for infrastructure and services Sub-regional Centre Denham 699 commensurate with seasonal tourist and Coral Bay 256 itinerant worker population levels. Tourism Centre Monkey Mia n/a AC3 Develop the region’s settlements to be Gascoyne n/a sustainable and liveable communities. Local Centre Junction Burringurrah* 118 AC4 Encourage fly-in fly-out workers to reside in the region. Minilya n/a Overlander n/a Service Centre Wooramel n/a 3.2.1 Regional City Billabong n/a From a regional perspective, regional cities are typically dominant centres for population, economic activity * denotes Aboriginal settlements and employment; and are considered to offer the most 1 Each settlement’s population has been derived from 2011 ABS extensive and diverse range of high-order services Census where applicable. Due to very low population densities and functions. These often service a catchment that in parts of the Gascoyne, the smallest geographic areas in which includes the majority of the regional population; as Census data is released (Statistical Areas Level 1) often extend over a well as industrial, retail, commerce, administration, very large geographical area much broader than a single settlement. In these instances, where accurate 2011 Census data relating government and social services. Importantly, regional specifically to individual Gascoyne activity centres is unavailable, the cities contain substantial regional health, education and table is denoted with n/a. recreation infrastructure.
Based on existing population levels and services offered, currently no activity centre in the Gascoyne is considered to function as a Regional City. Examples of function it serves now, however it is anticipated that comparable centres in neighbouring regions include this will not significantly change without planning Geraldton in the Mid West and Karratha in the Pilbara. intervention and/or considerable investment. Current population levels of Gascoyne settlements and Tourism 3.2.2 Regional Centre Centres are presented in Table 6. Carnarvon and Exmouth are considered to be the The growth of centres should be managed in Gascoyne’s regional centres. Regional centres typically accordance with the identified hierarchy. A centre is offer a diverse range of high-order services and considered to have or should have the potential to functions, but to a lesser degree than a Regional develop into the level that they is identified within City. They are also distinguished from regional cities the hierarchy. The following strategies have been as they generally service a smaller population. At a developed in response to the Gascoyne’s key drivers regional level, regional centres are significant centres and opportunities. of economic activity, employment and population; and form important hubs for regional industry, commerce and civic administration functions, including government offices and services. In addition, regional centres typically provide comparative retail as well as higher-order education, recreation and health services.
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Carnarvon and Exmouth both contain a diverse set of civic and social infrastructure as they predominantly high-order functions, including civic administration, service an itinerant population base. With respect to government offices and services, comparative retail, Coral Bay, due to its isolation and the number of visitors education, recreation, health and light industry. They it attracts, there is a requirement for the ongoing also provide cultural and entertainment facilities. provision of service workers accommodation. Currently, the Ningaloo Coast Regional Strategy does not support The centres are the predominant hubs for employment permanent residential accommodation or the creation within the region and are essential for regional of freehold lots for workers accommodation at Coral economic prosperity. Both centres are serviced Bay. by regional airport facilities; and are important for accommodating growth in the region’s tourism industry. In particular, Exmouth is the region’s primary 3.2.4 Local Centre and Tourism Node tourism base with its hinterland accommodating substantial numbers of visitors, peaking at seasonal Local centres offer a level of service that generally periods. deals with the daily needs of their service population, but with a lower level of choice than regional or sub- Most of the existing hard and social infrastructure regional centres. Gascoyne Junction and Burringurrah within the Gascoyne is located in either Carnarvon Aboriginal settlement (see section 3.2.6) are considered or Exmouth. Both centres have a stable permanent to be the Gascoyne’s local centres. Gascoyne Junction population base and have opportunities for growth. also serves as the seat of its local government. Tourism nodes contain a negligible population base 3.2.3 Sub-regional Centre and and as such the functions they provide cater exclusively Tourism Centre for the needs of tourists; and like tourism centres they experience significant seasonal population Denham is the only Sub-regional Centre in the fluctuations. Tourism nodes primarily accommodate Gascoyne region. Through the provision of goods and overnight visitors and generally contain the necessary services, sub-regional centres support the population infrastructure to facilitate this function. They can also and economic activities within their surrounding offer some basic retail facilities that are secondary to hinterland. Retail services offered in sub-regional the core function of accommodation. Tourism nodes in centres largely focus on the day-to-day needs of their the Gascoyne currently include caravan parks remote service population, however some comparative retail from other activity centres. may also occur. Other commercial and light industrial activities, which generally exist to service the local economies, are important functions of sub-regional 3.2.5 Service Centre and centres. Sub-regional centres often provide local Minor Tourism Node government administrative functions; in addition to a range of social infrastructure and services, including Service centres are generally located on a major State local recreation, health services and secondary arterial roads and offer basic ‘roadhouse’ facilities, education. including minor vehicle repair and servicing.
Coral Bay and Monkey Mia are considered to be Minor tourism nodes accommodate overnight visitors, the major tourism centres in the region. These but have a lesser capacity in comparison to tourism centres have a small population base and their local nodes. They generally have limited infrastructure economies are focused on tourism. These centres related to this function, meaning that they are generally experience significant fluctuations in population due more constrained than tourism nodes. This category to the seasonal influxes of tourists. Tourism centres typically includes popular camping sites. predominantly cater for tourists; and as such are Lower capacity camping sites and other potential generally service and experience oriented with some nodes for tourism are individually identified in previous associated retail functions. Despite sitting on the same regional strategies; however, they currently contain level of the activity centres hierarchy as sub-regional minimal or no facilities. It is recommended that future centres, tourism centres generally contain minimal accommodation requirements are provided for in larger
34 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework
tourism nodes and existing sites; and at this point in • a naval communications base at North West Cape; time, if other potential nodes for tourism were to be • a Royal Australian Air Force base and a regional developed, it is preferred that they become day use airport providing passenger aviation services at sites. If additional nodes to cater for tourism, particularly Learmonth; accommodation, are considered necessary, further investigation will be required to determine suitable • the private port facilities associated with salt locations. mining at Useless Loop (Shark Bay Salt) and Cape Cuvier (which services the Rio Tinto operations at Notwithstanding the above, it is acknowledged that Lake MacLeod); and informal camping does occur in the Gascoyne. With respect to this, visitors should be encouraged to camp • operating mine sites in the region. in areas designated for that purpose. This issue is Future specialised centres are also identified at: proposed to be considered in future regional tourism planning initiatives. • Bejaling Port – the possible site for a deepwater port;
3.2.6 Aboriginal settlements • Overseas Telecommunications Centre site, Brown Range; and Aboriginal settlements are often remote from service • mine sites in the region that are either proposed or and economic centres; however, they can provide under development. a number of urban functions and amenities such as housing, health, education, retail and recreation. The Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory in State Planning Policy 3.2 Aboriginal Settlements defines the adjoining Mid West region, which includes the an Aboriginal settlement as a discrete place that is primary Australian host site for the Square Kilometre not contiguous with a gazetted town; is inhabited Array, is identified as a Specialised Centre within that or intended to be inhabited wholly or principally by region. In particular, there are a number of radio quiet persons of Aboriginal descent, as defined under the zones associated with the Square Kilometre Array site, Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority Act 1972; and which some of which impact parts of the Gascoyne region. has no less than five domestic dwellings and/or is Accordingly, the boundary for the outer most zone supported by essential services that are provided by that is within the Gascoyne region is indicated on the one or more State agency(s). Framework map (Figure 10). For the full range of radio quiet zones within this area please refer to www.acma. In this context, Aboriginal settlements are considered gov.au. As radio quiet zones may have implications to fit within the Settlement Hierarchy of the Gascoyne’s for certain types of land uses and activities occurring Activity Centres Framework. Burringurrah, the within prescribed areas, they may be a relevant Gascoyne’s only Aboriginal settlement, is currently consideration for affected local governments when considered to function as a Local Centre. reviewing their local planning frameworks including local planning strategies. 3.2.7 Specialised Centre Specialised centres are essentially centres of 3.2.8 Conservation areas employment that concentrate on a specific type World Heritage areas and State managed conservation of activity. They generally do not provide functions parks and reserves (which include national parks, similar to those provided in other Gascoyne activity marine parks and other State managed conservation centres and are therefore considered to sit outside reserves) are distinguished from other activity the Settlement Hierarchy. They can be, but are not centres as they purposely provide a conservation necessarily, located within relatively close proximity function and as such are considered to sit outside the to other activity centres that contain a permanent proposed settlement hierarchy. They are considered population and typical urban functions. to be influential to activity within the Gascoyne and are therefore recognised as being important to the The individual roles of the Gascoyne’s specialised Gascoyne’s Activity Centres Framework. centres are diverse and include:
35 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework
Settlement Hierarchy
Specialised Regional City Conservation Centre areas
Shark Bay WHA Learmonth Regional Centre Ningaloo Coast WHA North West Cape Carnarvon, Cape Range NP Exmouth Cape Cuvier Francois Peron NP
Useless Loop Dirk Hartog Island NP Sub-regional Tourism Centre Centre Kennedy Range NP operating mine sites Mt Augustus NP Denham Coral Bay, Monkey Mia Edel Land NP (proposed)
Ningaloo MP Bejaling Port (future) Local Centre Tourism Node Blowholes, Shark Bay MP Gnaraloo Station Overseas (incl Three Mile and Telecommunications Gnaraloo homestead), other State managed Centre site, Gascoyne Junction, Mt Augustus Caravan Park, conservation parks Brown Range (future) Burringurrah Nanga Bay Resort, and reserves Quobba, Vlamingh Head, mine sites proposed Yardie Caravan Park or under development (future) Minor Tourism Local day-use Service Centre Node sites Cobra, Giralia, Minilya, Overlander, various Hamelin Pool, Red Blu , Wooramel, Billabong Warroora
Figure 8: Gascoyne Activity Centres Framework
36 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework
The Gascoyne region’s five national parks, two The management of day-use sites varies throughout marine parks and other conservation reserves are the region and can often depend on the tenure of the acknowledged as places where important activity subject land. Where relevant, the responsibility for the occurs. They are important from an economic management of sites can include the: perspective as, through the promotion and • Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and conservation of some of the region’s standout Attrctions, particularly for those sites within World natural and landscape assets, they attract visitors Heritage Areas and State-managed conservation from outside the region to the Gascoyne. State parks and reserves, including national parks. The managed conservation parks and reserves are management of these sites is usually administered administered through management plans prepared by management plans, which are outside the by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and scope of this Framework; Attractions. • local government; or State managed conservation parks and reserves in the Gascoyne generally contain numerous attractions and • pastoral leaseholder. provide basic visitor facilities, which can include visitor information centres, campsites, picnic areas, walk trails, interpretation of natural and cultural values and boat 3.3 Population planning launching facilities. A single park or reserve can often The current Gascoyne population (2019 Preliminary contain several individual sites that are considered to Estimated Residential Population) is approximately provide amenity akin to other activity centre categories 9,277 people (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2020), in this hierarchy, particularly tourism nodes and day-use with the majority (5,182 or 56%) living within the Shire sites. The process for planning recreation and tourism of Carnarvon. The distribution of the remainder of the use in these sites is considered through management population is 2,871 (31%) in the Shire of Exmouth, 939 plans (Table 4) and this is outside the scope of this (10%) in the Shire of Shark Bay and 285 (3%) in the Shire Framework. Refer to individual management plans for of Upper Gascoyne. specific locations and details on the concentration of particular activities, including camping and day-use Historically, population growth in the Gascoyne has sites, within State managed conservation parks and generally been associated with the prosperity and reserves. development in the agriculture and tourism sectors. As a result, population growth rate is likely to vary The region’s World Heritage areas are described in depending on the level of economic investment and section 2.3.1. It should be noted that the Shark Bay when this investment occurs. and Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Areas encompass a range of other regionally significant activity centres, At certain times of the year the Gascoyne experiences including national parks, marine parks and other an influx of tourists and/or seasonal workers. Given tourism nodes. the relatively low permanent population base, at peak times this can cause a significant increase in 3.2.9 Local day-use sites the regional population. In turn, this puts additional pressure on local and regional infrastructure. There are numerous day-use sites within and outside Population forecasts and growth scenarios are other Gascoyne activity centres. These sites offer various important to guide future regional planning. They, visitor amenities and facilities, but generally contain along with economic projections, can be applied to extremely limited or no formal provision for overnight inform analysis of possible future demand in planning accommodation. It is considered that the planning and for infrastructure, land supply, townsite capacity and management of individual sites constitute a local level other considerations that require a medium to long issue and as such individual sites are not recognised term timeframe for planning and/or construction. as part of this Framework. Notwithstanding this, collectively day-use sites are acknowledged broadly as being important nodes for tourism activity at a regional level.
37 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework
3.3.1 Western Australia Tomorrow 3.3.2 Future scenarios Western Australia Tomorrow (Western Australian To provide an alternative to the population forecasts, Planning Commission, 2019) contains population population scenarios would have to be developed. forecasts produced by the State Demographer. These Scenarios are not an official population forecast, but are considered to be the State’s official population allow the investigation of opportunities over and above forecasts. Forecasts have been produced for each local the historical trends, which may lead to alternative government area and planning region in Western population futures. In addition, scenario population Australia to the year 2031; and provide comprehensive planning allows for greater timeframes to be demographic information about the age and sex considered as they are not expected to be as accurate structure of future population. as a forecast model. The development of scenarios may consider the possible population impacts of seasonal Table 7 summarises the forecasts that are applicable to population influxes and additional economic activity this Framework, being those that are indicative of the and investment that may occur in the region. median (Band C) and high growth (Band E) forecasts. For further information on these forecasts, including the The development of population growth scenarios full range of forecast bands and an explanation as to is anticipated to commence through the regional how they were derived, please refer to the Department investment blueprints that are under development by of Planning, Lands & Heritage website at www.dplh. the regional development commissions. wa.gov.au.
The WA Tomorrow forecasts are regularly reviewed so please refer to the above website for the latest status of the forecasts.
Table 7: Gascoyne population projections
Current Population forecast Local government 1 2 Band population (median value) area/region 2016 2021 2026 2031 C 5,713 5,615 5,620 5,545 Carnarvon E 5,713 6,430 6,590 6,560 C 2,788 2,960 3,195 3,500 Exmouth E 2,788 3,535 3,965 4,320 C 963 970 1,025 1,050 Shark Bay E 963 1,320 1,450 1,510 C 282 305 350 390 Upper Gascoyne E 282 480 585 645
Gascoyne Planning C 9,746 9,850 10,190 10,485 Region E 9,746 11,765 12,590 13,035
1 2019 Preliminary Estimated Residential Population (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2019) 2 WA Tomorrow (Western Australian Planning Commission, 2019)
38 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework
3.4 Economic and more diversified regional economy extend to the communities and residents within the region; and more regional infrastructure generally to the State. development Planning regional infrastructure is important to The following economic and regional infrastructure support future regional development and growth. The development strategies have been developed undertaking of investigations and planning projects in response to the Gascoyne’s key drivers and that specifically examine regional infrastructure opportunities: requirements is often an essential first step in infrastructure delivery. Infrastructure planning at El1 To encourage a whole-of-government this targeted level allows potential solutions to be approach to providing advice on regional considered well in advance of when actual built infrastructure requirements to support the infrastructure is required. It allows the consideration of activation and development of the Gascoyne numerous options, potentially including an evaluation regional economy. of benefits, future demand, limitations and obstacles El2 Encourage the diversification of the Gascoyne that may impact on the efficient delivery of further regional economy. infrastructure. This process helps justify any measures required to secure or protect necessary land and For the purpose of the Framework, regional level resources to facilitate the delivery of future regional infrastructure is broadly considered to enable or infrastructure efficiently and effectively. support the development of the regional economy; and/or perform a function that caters for a regional The provision of additional regional infrastructure and catchment. Hence, regional infrastructure provision the replacement or upgrading of existing infrastructure generally results in economic and/or social benefits for that has either aged or has inadequate capacity is likely the region. This distinguishes it from local infrastructure, to contribute to the development of the Gascoyne’s where the benefits predominantly extend to a more economy. The State Government has already invested localised area. in a number of regional infrastructure projects that may contribute to the region’s development. For example, a The expansion of economic activity in the Gascoyne range of Gascoyne regional infrastructure projects have will underpin prosperity and population growth in the been recently undertaken or committed to, including: region. Opportunities for economic expansion have • Exmouth Boat Harbour Stage 1 – new boat pens; been recognised across various sectors of the regional economy including tourism, mining, horticulture and • new Mungullah Power Station, Carnarvon; aquaculture. However, the expansion of these sectors • new Coral Bay workers’ accommodation village; and further economic diversification is reliant on key infrastructure including water, power, sewerage, roads, • Carnarvon Flood Mitigation Strategy Stage 2 works; marine and airport facilities. The provision of supporting • Regional Mobile Communications Project; infrastructure and essential services, particularly at a regional level, must be coordinated in order to support • new regional police and justice complex – economic development and capitalise on opportunities Carnarvon; for growth. • Carnarvon Community College (Stage 1) – construction of a new K-12 campus; The provision of regional infrastructure can lead to the activation or stimulation of multiple sectors of the • Ningaloo Centre – regional scientific research, regional economy. It can also provide opportunities for community and visitor centre; economic diversification within the region and greater • Carnarvon Hospital redevelopment; and amenity to the region’s population. The expansion and diversification of industries in the Gascoyne would • new community and primary health centre at make the regional economy more robust, which is Exmouth Health Campus. essential to attracting investment and growth to the region. The benefits of a strong, prosperous and
39 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework and other sources relevant for example: for organisations non-government local governments Infrastructure mechanisms for example: for - approvals - project management and capital investment State agency State strategic plans strategic Peel Peel Pilbara Mid West Gascoyne Wheatbelt Kimberley Regional South West Blueprints Investment Great Southern Great Gold elds–Esp. Council - Commonwealth Govt. - Commonwealth Treasury - State Development - Regional for example: for Funding mechanisms Funding Infrastructure requirements and Pilbara Pilbara Mid West Gascoyne Wheatbelt Kimberley Regional Planning South West Frameworks Great Southern Great Gold elds–Esp. Infrastructure and Peel Perth sub-regional structure plans irections 20 Dept. of Planning regional planning regional of Planning Dept. - Infrastru cture Australia priorities Government - State g Strategy Plannin - State for example: for Policy mechanisms Policy requirements requirements infrastructure infrastructure for considering for consideration of consideration potential sources potential Considerations for identifying infrastructure requirements throughout the State throughout requirements infrastructure identifying for 9: Considerations Figure
40 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework
In addition, potential regional infrastructure projects Land-use planning has an important role in helping may encompass a breadth of different infrastructure protect and manage natural resources and cultural types including hard infrastructure (e.g. transport and assets, as it provides a means through which the energy projects), social infrastructure (e.g. health and impacts of land uses in areas containing significant education projects) and infrastructure planning. It resources and assets can be controlled. In particular, needs to be recognised that any potential Gascoyne strategic planning at a regional scale allows upfront regional infrastructure projects will need to compete consideration of these assets in the land-use planning with infrastructure projects in other regions for funding process. It also allows greater effectiveness in dealing and resources; and funding for individual infrastructure with possible cumulative impacts of individual planning projects will be subject to normal budgetary and proposals. Regional strategic planning also provides a Treasury processes. In this regard, Figure 9 illustrates context for planning by local governments, which are the considerations for identifying infrastructure encouraged to integrate natural resource management requirements throughout the State. considerations into local planning strategies and schemes. 3.5 Environmental and Numerous government and non-government agencies undertake natural resource management planning heritage planning and projects in the Gascoyne, which is reflective of the The Gascoyne’s unique environmental setting and variety of stakeholders with an interest in the effective heritage define the region’s character. The region’s management of the region’s natural resources. For natural resources are invariably linked to economic example, non-government organisations such as activity and prosperity, essentially underpinning Rangelands NRM Western Australia have a number regional tourism, horticulture, pastoralism, fisheries and of strategic priorities to support and encourage the mining. The Gascoyne is within the Rangelands natural sustainable use of natural resources. They are also resource management (NRM) region. responsible for many natural resource management activities and projects within the Gascoyne. The following environmental and heritage planning strategies have been developed in response to the Responding to an evolving environment, including Gascoyne’s key drivers and opportunities: through adapting management practices, is an important economic and environmental consideration EH1 Protect and manage the region’s significant for the Gascoyne. For example, recent trends in the natural resource assets. temperature, wind and rainfall experienced in the region have progressively been departing from EH2 Investigate means to enable all sectors of historical weather patterns; and forecasts indicate that the regional economy to meet the possible these tendencies are set to continue. Climate change challenges presented by forecast long-term potentially has implications for land-use activities in the weather trends. Gascoyne such as: EH3 Manage the changes to fishing regulations to • fishery production; mitigate the impact on recreation and small • water availability; coastal communities containing commercial fisheries. • suitability of areas for land uses such as land uses such as pastoralism, horticulture and tourism; EH4 Assess the requirement for a water allocation framework to assist in delivering sustainable • settlement patterns affected by changes in land water use outcomes. use and environmental constraints; and • coastal development setbacks and acceptable EH5 Protect and manage the region’s cultural shoreline stabilisation techniques in response to heritage and arts, including significant sea level rise, storm events and changes in wave indigenous places, historic places and and wind patterns. landscapes of significance.
EH6 Investigate the future requirements for tourism and recreation sites in the Gascoyne.
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A number of initiatives to investigate such matters • implementation of regional water planning to are occurring at a Federal, State and local level. It is guide sustainable water allocation for future important that these are given due consideration as potable and non-potable water uses; they may have implications for future land-use planning • protection of public drinking water source areas in the Gascoyne. For example, various agencies have through appropriate strategies, reservations and undertaken considerable research into the possible special control areas in local planning strategies effects of forecast climatic changes on World Heritage and schemes; and properties in particular. The Gascoyne’s World Heritage Areas contain extensive coastlines, leaving them • preparation and/or implementation of especially vulnerable to potential impacts such as sea management plans for national parks and marine level rise. parks.
The desire to expand the region’s economy in order to attract growth poses a challenge, as to a large 3.6 Carnarvon degree the Gascoyne economy is dependent on the region’s significant environmental and heritage assets. Carnarvon is the largest centre in the Gascoyne and a Maximising the economic return from the region’s regional residential, commercial and industrial centre. significant environmental and heritage assets without It is situated between the Shark Bay and Ningaloo damaging the assets themselves will be fundamental in World Heritage Areas, which provides an opportunity ensuring ongoing sustainability and prosperity for the for Carnarvon to be promoted as an access point to region on both economic and environmental fronts. these iconic areas. With a 2016 population of 5,367 Based on this premise, the following initiatives are (ABS 2016 Census, Carnarvon Statistical Area Level supported by the Framework: 2), the townsite contains just over half of the region’s population. Carnarvon is generally recognised as being • the preparation of a natural resource management the administrative centre for the region and under this plan report for the Gascoyne to assist strategic Framework it is considered that Carnarvon will remain regional land use planning for the region; as a key Regional Centre. • investigation of basic raw materials needs and resources for the Gascoyne region; The following strategies for Carnarvon have been developed in response to the Gascoyne’s key drivers • identification of priority agricultural land; and opportunities: • development of a fisheries management plan for C1 Prepare local planning strategy and review local the Gascoyne Coast Bioregion; planning scheme. • adaptation planning for economic activities and land uses that may be affected in the event that C2 Provide the requisite hard and social forecast climatic changes are realised; and infrastructure to facilitate and support future growth of Carnarvon’s population and local • review of sites identified in Gascoyne local economy. government municipal inventories. C3 Undertake flood management and mitigation The Framework also supports the ongoing works. implementation of current practices, programs and recently completed initiatives that aim to manage C4 Identify sufficient and appropriately located natural resource assets, including the: land to accommodate growth. • coastal management vulnerability and The region’s horticulture industry is predominantly risk assessment study, including coastal located at Carnarvon. The Carnarvon Irrigation geomorphology mapping; District extends along the Gascoyne River to the • incorporation of Better Urban Water Management east of the town and is considered as part of the framework principles in new development such as Carnarvon Regional Centre. The town’s growth has residential, rural residential and industrial areas; historically been largely associated with prosperity
42 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework
and development in the agriculture sector. Fisheries local economy caused by flooding and may improve and tourism are other industries important to the local prospects for development of land in affected areas. economy. The completion of the Carnarvon Flood Mitigation Strategy Stage 2 works should make a significant The main drivers for growth are expected to be impact in this regard. Carnarvon’s status as a regional centre, which will continue to attract State infrastructure, and the possible An analysis of residential and industrial land supply expansion of the horticulture area. Expansion of the in Carnarvon is proposed under an initiative of the horticulture area will likely require an expansion of Framework (Table 8, No. 5). This analysis would consider industrial and commercial land for the associated the required infrastructure to service anticipated service providers. Further research on this issue will be demand. required in conjunction with that proposal. The Gascoyne Development Commission’s Gascoyne 3.7 Exmouth Pilbara Project (SGS Economics and Planning Pty Ltd, 2012) identifies that there is potential for Carnarvon Exmouth services a vibrant and growing economy to expand its role as a strategic road transport hub. broadly based on fishing, aquaculture, tourism Given its strategic location approximately halfway and the offshore oil and gas industry. The Naval between Perth and Port Headland, in particular, there Communications Base at nearby North West Cape may be further opportunities to provide laydown and further diversifies the local economy. Its population storage options to the resource sector supply chain at of 4,325 in 2016 (ABS 2016 Census, Exmouth State Carnarvon. Suburb) is expected to grow primarily due to continued expansion in the tourism sector. Exmouth also has The ongoing redevelopment of the Carnarvon potential to serve as a personnel base for resource waterfront will improve the urban amenities of the projects in the north of the State. place, having notable benefits for local residents. This is also considered to be important to the Due to an increase in its share of the regional development of tourism in Carnarvon. With structure population and its important contribution to the planning underway, future development on Whitlock regional economy over recent decades, Exmouth’s and Babbage Islands may also increase Carnarvon’s significance as a centre in the Gascoyne is growing. potential for tourism. It is in this context that Exmouth is identified in the Framework as a Regional Centre. Town planning currently operates under the Shire of Carnarvon’s Town Planning Scheme No. 10 (1988). The following strategies for Exmouth have been The Shire is updating their local planning framework, developed in response to the Gascoyne’s key drivers including completing: and opportunities:
• a new local planning scheme; EX1 Prepare local planning strategy and review local • a local planning strategy; and planning scheme. • structure plans, including for the Carnarvon EX2 Provide the requisite hard and social horticulture area and the existing Carnarvon infrastructure to facilitate and support future Airport. growth of Exmouth’s population and local economy. The lack of provision of services, including reticulated sewerage, constrains some land for development in EX3 Undertake flood management and mitigation Carnarvon. works.
Inundation of areas during flood events poses a notable EX4 Identify sufficient and appropriately located constraint to land development, especially in eastern land to accommodate growth. areas of Carnarvon. It is also detrimental to the local economy as flooding damages horticultural produce and associated infrastructure. Implementation of flood mitigation plans will minimise the disruption to the
43 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework
The area’s diverse economy provides numerous The following strategies for Denham have been opportunities for further growth in Exmouth. The developed in response to the Gascoyne’s key drivers drivers for growth are economic activities associated and opportunities: with the marina boat harbour – primarily tourism, fishing and the oil and gas sector. The provision of D1 Prepare local planning strategy and review local upgrades to infrastructure may accommodate an planning scheme. expansion of these economic activities and may D2 Provide the requisite hard and social generate demand for additional industrial land. infrastructure to facilitate and support future Town planning currently operates under the Shire growth of Denham’s population and local of Exmouth’s Local Planning Scheme No. 4 (2019). economy. The Shire is updating their local planning framework, D3 Identify sufficient and appropriately located including the preparation of a local planning strategy land to accommodate growth. and a new local planning scheme. Additionally, a townsite structure plan has been developed to guide Over the past decade the Shire of Shark Bay’s future land-use planning within the town. population has shown a slight increase. Growth of the local and regional tourism sectors is likely to be the An analysis of residential and industrial land supply main driver for future growth in Denham. In particular, in Exmouth is proposed under an initiative of the it is thought that the provision of upgraded maritime Framework (Table 8, No. 5). This analysis would consider facilities would assist in facilitating expansion of these the required infrastructure to service anticipated local economic sectors. demand. Monkey Mia predominantly caters for tourists, offering Flood management and mitigation is an important accommodation and other associated functions. As consideration in planning for Exmouth. such, its population varies significantly seasonally As Exmouth is a significant centre for regional tourism, due to influxes of visitors. The settlement is located it experiences considerable seasonal population approximately 24 kilometres from Denham and their influxes. This needs to be a consideration when local economies invariably complement one another. planning for future infrastructure provision. Monkey Mia is recognised in this Framework as a separate activity centre, although a consequence of its limited albeit specialised economic base and 3.8 Denham close proximity to Denham is that it is dependent on Denham for higher-order services. Denham is the administrative centre and primary settlement in the Shire of Shark Bay. Its local economy is Town planning for Denham and Monkey Mia currently principally focused on tourism and fishing. Surrounded operates under the Shire of Shark Bay’s Local Planning by the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, it is located Scheme No. 4 (2018). The Shire of Shark Bay Local in close proximity to various conservation reserves Planning Strategy (2013) provides strategic direction that support tourism activity, including the regionally to guide future land-use planning within the two significant Tourist Centre of Monkey Mia. The region’s settlements. A new local planning scheme is currently natural and cultural attractions generate significant under preparation by the Shire, which will complement tourist activity and this has considerable economic their recently finalised local planning strategy. benefits for Denham. An analysis of residential and industrial land supply The provision of services to its local population and to in Denham is proposed under an initiative of the the tourism and fisheries sectors highlights Denham’s Framework (Table 8, No. 5). This analysis would consider importance. It is in this context that Denham is the required infrastructure to service anticipated identified as a Sub-regional Centre in the Framework. demand.
44 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework
3.9 Other key settlements In response to this emergency and as part of the Gascoyne Revitalisation Plan, $3 million from Royalties for Regions funding was allocated to the rebuild and 3.9.1 Coral Bay enhance the town centre and tourism facilities at Gascoyne Junction. The Shire has contributed the Coral Bay is a major Tourism Centre located within remaining $500,000 for the project. This project has the Shire of Carnarvon. It is an established settlement restored essential retail amenities and tourist facilities that caters predominantly for tourists and as such, its for residents and visitors to Gascoyne Junction, population varies significantly on a seasonal basis due Kennedy Range, Mt Augustus and the inland Gascoyne. to influxes of visitors. In addition to some general retail, Coral Bay offers limited civic and social functions at a Specifically, this project has delivered a new fuel station, scale commensurate with the temporary and itinerant general store, tavern and restaurant, caravan park and nature of the population that it primarily services. a new main street. Importantly, the new facilities have been built above the one-in-one hundred year flood A Framework Agreement exists between the Baiyungu level. Aboriginal Corporation (BAC) and the State allowing the BAC to plan and develop a number of significant Town planning for Gascoyne Junction currently landholdings in and around Coral Bay for a range operates under the Shire of Upper Gascoyne’s Local of land uses and activities such as a new workers Planning Scheme No. 1 (2018), with the Shire’s Local accommodation village recently completed by Planning Strategy (2018) guiding future land use LandCorp. The BAC represent the Baiyungu people, planning. who are members of Gnulli Native Title-registered claim group. 3.9.3 Burringurrah The Coral Bay airstrip has been upgraded in recent years to provide an acceptable level of service for local The Burringurrah Aboriginal community is located and regional aviation needs; however, the location of on a Crown Reserve in the Shire of Upper Gascoyne. the existing airstrip is considered to be constrained. The settlement is located approximately 35 kilometres As such, the Department of Transport has undertaken south of Mount Augustus. some planning to relocate the facility in the long term. According to the Gascoyne Development Commission, Town planning for Coral Bay currently operates under Burringurrah is well placed to capitalise on the growing the Shire of Carnarvon’s Local Planning Scheme No. 13 interest in tourism; however, considerable expertise (2020). The Coral Bay Settlement Structure Plan (2014) and support from outside the community would be and the Shire of Carnarvon Local Planning Strategy required to truly realise this. (2017) guide future land-use planning within the Planning for the community is guided by the tourism centre. Burringurrah Community Layout Plan No. 2, which was endorsed by the Western Australian Planning 3.9.2 Gascoyne Junction Commission and the Burringurrah Community Aboriginal Corporation in 2003. An addendum to Gascoyne Junction is the administrative centre of the Burringurrah Community Layout Plan No. 2 was the Shire of Upper Gascoyne and the gateway to finalised in 2010. the Kennedy Range and Mount Augustus National Parks, and the inland Gascoyne. The December 2010 Gascoyne River floods, the highest in recorded history, destroyed or severely damaged a substantial number of buildings and facilities in the remote town, impacting significantly on service provision to residents and visitors and the local economy more broadly.
45 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework 1 SPS Ec, PI, SI, Ec, Env Ec, PI, SI, Ec, Env Ec, PI, SI Ec, Ec, PI, SI Ec, Ec, PI, SI Ec, Ec, Env Ec, Ec, PI, SI, Ec, Env PI Ec, PI Ec, SI SI, La govt Local Local All SoE, SoC All All SoC, SoE, SoSB All All All SoC, SoSB All All Status Underway Proposed Underway Proposed Proposed Underway Underway Underway Underway Proposed Proposed Underway Lead Lead agency DPLH DPLH DPLH GDC DPLH DPLH DPLH WA Health WA DoT DoH DoH Details Ongoing implementation of strategic priorities and actions for the reform priorities the reform and actionsOngoing implementation of strategic for It Happen – a Makes 1: Planning of Phase as a result of the planning system 2. of Phase ; and the development blueprint for planning reform , which 6.3 Ningaloo Coast Policy Planning State review the need to Investigate Regional of the Ningaloo Coast direction include consideringmay the future Carnarvon Exmouth . to Strategy Implementation of the DPLH Planning for Aboriginal Communities Program Program Communities Aboriginal Implementation for of the DPLH Planning within the Gascoyne region. To advise on population growth scenarios and/or aspirations for the scenarios and/or aspirations for advise on population growth To Gascoyne. Undertake Carnarvon, and industrial land supply analysis for a residential of the required Exmouth and Denham including an investigation service to infrastructure demand. Undertake a Gascoyne Coastal Planning Study to inform regional and local Undertake regional inform Study to Planning a Gascoyne Coastal planning. government Implementation of program, which is currently funded to 2014, to provide provide 2014, to funded to which is currently Implementation of program, local facilitate within the Gascoyne to local governments assistance to local planning and amendments to including reviews planning processes assessment. structure plans and environmental and schemes, strategies Review the draft Country 2002. Sewerage Policy Refine the governance structure of WA ports, including the consolidation of of structure Refine the governance ports review. WA port the recent to existing regional in response authorities, To assist with policy, planning implementation and demand for the public, the public, planning implementation and demand for assist with policy, To housing sectors in the Gascoyne. social and affordable Undertakeregion. in the Gascoyne an analysis of housing affordability Initiative Planning Reform Planning Review of SPP 6.3 Planning for Aboriginal Aboriginal for Planning Program Communities Regional Population Scenarios for Scenarios for Population Regional the Gascoyne Gascoyne Land Supply and Infrastructure Analysis Gascoyne Local Government Gascoyne Local Study Planning Coastal Local Government Assistance Assistance Government Local Program Draft Country Sewerage Policy WA Port Reform WA Social Housing Demand Model Gascoyne Housing Affordability Gascoyne Housing Affordability Study 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 No Planning and Governance Planning and Governance Table 8: Implementation Actions 8: Implementation Table
46 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework 1 SPS Ec Ec Ec Env Ec, PI, Env Ec Ec, PI, Sec Ec, Ec Ec Ec govt Local Local All All SoC All All All SoE All All All Status Underway Proposed Underway Underway Proposed Underway Underway Proposed Underway Underway Lead Lead agency DPLH (Lands) DPLH SoC GDC DWER, GDC, LGAs RDA-MWG DoD DoC DPLH (Lands) DTWD Details Review crown leases in the Gascoyne, including: the Ninglaoo Coast Pastoral including: the Ninglaoo leases in the Gascoyne, Pastoral Review Coast crown as part being considered exclusions of the 2015 pastoral Zone; Exclusion leases of site including a review and coastal shack sites, process; lease renewal at the Blowholes. the Undertake lands study for economic and employment a regional and local planning. regional inform Gascoyne to Preparation of a structure plan for Coral Bay, including reviewing the existing including reviewing Bay, Coral plan for of a structure Preparation settlement plan. the tourism demand and investigate and potential understand current To in the Gascoyne. and requirements additional tourism initiatives need for To investigate the need for comprehensive strategic regional waste waste regional strategic comprehensive the need for investigate To Western Authority’s Waste WA with the management planning in alignment management plans and waste , including strategic Strategy Waste Australian management plans. landfill environmental associated that identifies future strategy development resources a high-level Produce supportwork to economic transition in the a situational analysis and facilitate and Gascoyne. West Mid Finalise and implement findings of the strategic Australian Defence Force Force Australian Defence and implement findings of the strategic Finalise assets in the the Department to with regard of Defence’s Review, Posture Gascoyne. of the Gascoyne’s guide the development to Establish a strategy service adequately to infrastructure telecommunications the region’s including consideration of the impacts of economic and social requirements, communications technologies. new and emerging Review land tenure arrangementsReview in the Rangelands land tenure including diversification lands. of uses in pastoral Further develop workforce strategies for the Gascoyne with respect to the the Gascoyne to with respect for strategies workforce develop Further – a framework Skilling WA Government’s direction contained in the State . Australia plan for Western development workforce Initiative Gascoyne Crown Lease Reviews Lease Gascoyne Crown and Economic Gascoyne Regional Lands Study Employment Coral Bay Structure Plan Structure Bay Coral Gascoyne Tourism Regional Study Planning Regional Waste Waste ManagementRegional planning Mid West-Gascoyne Resources Development Strategy Australian Defence Force Posture Posture Force Defence Australian Review Digital Gascoyne Regional Strategy Economy Rangelands Program Reform Gascoyne Regional Workforce Gascoyne Workforce Regional Development planning 12 16 13 17 14 18 15 19 20 21 No Economy and employment Economy
47 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework 1 SPS Ec, PI Ec, Ec, Env Ec, Ec Ec Ec Ec, PI Ec, Ec Ec Ec govt Local Local SoC All All All SoC, SoE SoE SoE, SoC, SoSB All All Status Underway Underway Proposed Proposed Proposed Proposed Underway Underway Underway Lead Lead agency DAFWA, DAFWA, DWER DAFWA GDC, DoF GDC GDC DRD Tourism Tourism WA DAFWA DAFWA Details Maximise opportunities the horticulture industry for and investigate opportunities expansion of the industry for infill development, through Any agriculture. of new land for amalgamation of blocks and the release and the expansion of expansion depends on the availability of water Carnarvon borefield. Strengthen and diversify the pastoral industry the pastoral and diversify Strengthen in the Gascoyne through individual propertydeveloping into investment action target plans to document the historic and presently to works and a monitoring tool remedial occurring the Gascoyne change in the rangeland condition throughout region. part forms project The Sustainable Rangeland of the Ecologically WA. Rangelands funded by NRM Management program Economic and environmental feasibility into expansion of aquaculture expansion of aquaculture into feasibility and environmental Economic industry. To understand the potential for mining in the Gascoyne. for understand the potential To Investigate opportunities service hubs to Investigate potential in the Gascoyne for the and economic that its geographic on the premise mining industry, State’s attract may servicepotential industry land and companies if appropriate available. were infrastructure Further investigation into the implications for the Gascoyne region with the Gascoyne region the implications for into investigation Further marine based common use facilities. possible future to regard Develop a strategic framework that identifies specific initiatives for regional regional for framework that identifies specific initiatives Develop a strategic planning and marketing. of the implementation tourism development, Part regional and develop promote to National Landscapes Program of Australia’s tourism and support conservation assets. of environmental Scenarios based initiative to examine future opportunities a globally examine future Scenarios to based initiative for WA. industry and food agriculture in competitive More Sheep is a partnershipMore of the Department initiative and of Agriculture and the Sheep Industry Council Leadership (DAFWA) Australia Western Food Australian Western the critical issue of the decline in address to (SILC) to assist them Australian producers, flock.Western Its primaryfocus is in their for the investment sheep more by producing profitable become more flocks. current Initiative Gascoyne Foodbowl Initiative Gascoyne Foodbowl Gascoyne Catchment Project Gascoyne Catchment Aquaculture Expansion Feasibility Expansion Feasibility Aquaculture Study Gascoyne Mining Potential Study Gascoyne Mining Potential Gascoyne Service Hubs Gascoyne Marine-based Common Investigation Use Facilities Ningaloo-Shark National Bay Landscape Experience Development Strategy AgriFood 2025+ AgriFood More Sheep More 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 No Economy and employment (cont.) and employment Economy
48 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework 1 SPS Ec, PI, SI Ec, Env Ec, Ec, PI Ec, Env SI Env Ec, PI Env Env Ec, Env Ec, govt Local Local All All All All All SoUG All SoC SoSB, SoE, SoC All Status Underway Proposed Underway Underway Underway Proposed Underway Proposed Proposed Underway Lead Lead agency GDC DMP DoT DWER DPLH DBCA GDC DBCA DotE DoF Details Development of a Regional Investment Blueprint to inform State Government Government State Blueprint inform Development Investment of a Regional to perspective development outlines the future a regional that from investment, including the identification of prioritydirection of the Gascoyne region, infrastructure. the Gascoyne for material needs and resources basic raw investigate To region. Development of a State Aviation Strategy to support to Strategy the economic and Aviation Development of a State services aviation through Australia and Western of social development policy a sound framework for setting; and provide and to infrastructure; international and Australian Western in planning and investment future domestic air services and airport infrastructure. planning issues including groundwater water of regional Coordination drinking planning and rural protection allocation planning, source water planning. water Undertake the Gascoyne Social Infrastructure Study to Requirements inform within the Gascoyne to requirements social infrastructure investigate planning. and local government regional including National Park, the Mt Augustus Establish a management plan for become a Conservation to proposed Park. of the area the vesting Undertake a study of the Gascoyne’s regional energy infrastructure energy regional Undertake a study of the Gascoyne’s meet demand and including transmission and generation, to requirements, support development. regional Review Shark Bay Marine Reserves and update 1996-2006 Management Plan (Shark Marine Bay Park). Review and update management plan for Ningaloo Review Marine management plan for and update Park Waters). (Commonwealth Develop an ecosystem based fisheries management plan for the Gascoyne based fisheriesDevelop an ecosystem management plan Bioregion. Coast Initiative Gascoyne Regional Investment Investment Gascoyne Regional Blueprint Basic Raw Materials Study State Aviation Strategy Aviation State planning water Gascoyne regional Gascoyne Social Infrastructure Study Requirements Management Plan Mt Augustus Gascoyne Regional Energy Energy Gascoyne Regional Study Planning Shark Marine Bay Reserves Management Plan Ningaloo Marine Park Waters) (Commonwealth Management Plan Fisheries Management Plan for the for Management Plan Fisheries Bioregion Gascoyne Coast 31 35 32 36 33 37 34 38 39 40 No Transport and infrastructure Transport heritage and cultural resources Natural
49 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework 1 SPS All Ec Ec SI SI Ec, SI Ec, govt Local Local All SoC All All All All Status Underway Underway Underway Proposed Underway Proposed Lead Lead agency DPLH DAFWA DAFWA LGAs DCA GDC Details Prepare a natural resource management land use plan report to investigate management land use plan report investigate to a natural resource Prepare land regional strategic management into of natural resource the integration the region. use planning for Determine state and regional areas of High Quality Agriculture Land following of High Land following areas Quality Agriculture Determine and regional state for dryland land qualityidentification and mapping of agricultural and irrigated agriculture. Minimise vulnerability industries agricultural seasonal variability to through mitigation and adaptation strategies. Conduct a review of municipal heritage inventories in the Gascoyne to in the Gascoyne to Conduct of municipal heritage a review inventories identify conservation inventories. to priorities subsequent updates and inform Development of an action plan to focus on cultural and artsDevelopment of an action focus plan to activity the Gascoyne region. for outcomes A study to consider the long-term cultural needs of the Gascoyne region’s consider the long-term cultural needs of the Gascoyne region’s A study to population. Aboriginal Initiative Natural Resource ManagementNatural Resource ReportLand Use Plan Identification of High Quality Land Agriculture Risk Management Strategy Review of Gascoyne Local Review of Gascoyne Local Government Municipal Heritage Inventories Gascoyne Regional Cultural and Cultural Gascoyne Regional Arts Action Plan Gascoyne Aboriginal Cultural Gascoyne Cultural Aboriginal Needs Study 41 42 43 44 45 46 (Western Australian Planning Commission, 2014). The The 2050 (Western 2014). Commission, Strategy Planning Planning in the State Australian directions as presented with the strategic alignment an initiative’s column indicates This this table. explained in the list following directions are strategic relevant for abbreviations No Natural resources and cultural heritage (cont.) and cultural resources Natural 1
50 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework
List of acronyms
Lead agencies and local governments
DoC Department of Commerce DoD Department of Defence DLGSCI Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries DPIRD Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development DWER Department of Water and Environmental Regulation DoF Department of Fisheries WA Health Department of Health DoC Department of Communities DMIRS Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety DBCA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions DPLH Department of Planning, Lands & Heritage DTWD Department of Training and Workforce Development DoT Department of Transport DotE Department of the Environment LGAs Local Government Authorities RDA-MWG Regional Development Australia Midwest Gascoyne SoC Shire of Carnarvon SoE Shire of Exmouth SoSB Shire of Shark Bay SoUG Shire of Upper Gascoyne Tourism WA Tourism Western Australia
Strategic directions from the State Planning Strategy 2050
Ec Economic development PI Physical infrastructure SI Social infrastructure Env Environment Sec Security
51 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework
52 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework
References
A Prince Consulting (2009) Strategic Waste Management Plan. Accessed online at: http://www.gdc.wa.gov.au/ uploads/files/09_06_04%20Gascoyne%20Regional%20SWMP%20FINAL.pdf [accessed 21 January 2013] Australian Bureau of Statistics (2016) Census of Population and Housing. Canberra, ACT. Accessed online at: http://www.abs.wa.gov.au/ [accessed 18 May 2020] Australian Bureau of Statistics (2019) 3218.0 - Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2018-19. Canberra, ACT. Accessed online at: http://www.abs.wa.gov.au/ [accessed 18 May 2020] Australian Bureau of Statistics (2020) Region Summary. Canberra ACT. Accessed online at http://www.abs.gov. au on 20 May 2020 CSIRO (2007), Climate change in Australia – Technical Report 2007. Melbourne, VIC. Accessed online at: http://www.climatechangeinaustralia.gov.au/ [accessed 11 January 2012] Department of Agriculture and Food (2012) Carnarvon Plantation Industry Statistics 2011. South Perth, WA. Accessed online at: http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/objtwr/imported_assets/content/hort/pubnis_carnarvon_ plantation_industry2011.pdf [accessed 30 November 2012] Department of Agriculture and Food (2012) Resource Management Technical Report 382: A report on the Gascoyne River catchment following the 2010/11 flood events. South Perth, WA. Department of Conservation and Land Management (1994) A representative marine reserve system for Western Australia. Perth, WA. Department of Culture and the Arts (2012) Cultural Infrastructure Directions 2012-2014. Perth, WA. Department of Employment (2014) Small Area Labour Markets: December Quarter 2013. Canberra, ACT. Accessed online at: http://employment.gov.au/small-area-labour-markets-publication [accessed 9 July 2014] Department of Fisheries (2000) Fisheries Environmental Management Review – Gascoyne Region. Perth, WA. Department of Fisheries (2002) Fisheries Environmental Management Plan for the Gascoyne Region - Draft Report. Fisheries Management Paper No. 142. Perth, WA. Department of Mines (1987) Geological Survey of Western Australia Bulletin 133: Geology of the Carnarvon Basin, Western Australia. Perth, WA. Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (2020). Remplan Economy Profile (Accessed 20 may 2020) Department of Regional Development (2014) Regional Snapshot Part 5 – Regional Economies. Perth, WA. Ac- cessed online at: http://www.drd.wa.gov.au/publications/Pages/Statistics.aspx [accessed 9 July 2014] Department of Regional Development and Lands (2010) Structuring Regional Development for the Future: A Review of the Functions and Responsibilities of Regional Development Commissions. Perth, WA. Department of Regional Development and Lands (2011) Gascoyne: a Region in Profile. Perth, WA. Department of the Environment (2013) National Heritage List. Accessed online at: http://www.environment. gov.au/heritage/places/national/index.html [accessed 9 December 2013] Department of the Environment (2013) Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia. Canberra, ACT. Accessed online at: http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/water/water-our-environment/wetlands/australi- an-wetlands-database/directory-important [accessed 9 December 2013] Department of the Environment website, Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation of Australia. Accessed online at: http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/nrs/science/bioregion-framework/ibra/index. html#protect [accessed 9 December 2013]
53 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework
Department of Training and Workforce Development (2010) Skilling WA – A workforce development plan for Western Australia. East Perth, WA. Department of Transport (2012) Ports Handbook Western Australia. Perth, WA. Department of Transport (2013) Western Australian Regional Freight Transport Network Plan. Perth, WA. Department of Water (2007) Carnarvon Artesian Basin: Water Management Plan. Perth, WA. Department of Water (2011) Water resource allocation planning series Report no 46: Lower Gascoyne water allocation plan. Perth, WA. Gascoyne Development Commission (2009) Gascoyne Fishing & Aquaculture Investment Profile. Carnarvon, WA. GDC (2009) Gascoyne Geographic Perspective. Carnarvon, WA. Accessed online at: http://www.gdc.wa.gov.au/ GDC (2009) Gascoyne Tourism Investment Profile. Carnarvon, WA. GDC (2010) Gascoyne Horticulture Investment Profile. Carnarvon, WA. GDC (2010) Gascoyne Mining Investment Profile. Carnarvon, WA. GDC (2010) Gascoyne Pastoralism Investment Profile. Carnarvon, WA. GDC (2010) Gascoyne Regional Development Plan 2010–2020. Carnarvon, WA. GDC (2010) Gascoyne Regional Infrastructure Review. Carnarvon, WA. GDC (2010) Mount Augustus and Gascoyne Outback Development Taskforce Final Report. Carnarvon, WA. Government of Western Australia (2011) Royalties for Regions provides emergency funding for Gascoyne Junction rebuild. Minister for Regional Development and Lands media statement 3 April 2011. Perth, WA. Government of Western Australia (2011) State Budget 2011-12: Supporting our Community; Building the State (Royalties for Regions). Minister for Regional Development and Lands; and WA Treasurer joint media statement 19 May 2011. Perth, WA. Government of Western Australia (2012) Government announces improvements to ports. Minister for Transport; and Premier, Minister for State Development joint media statement 2 February 2012. Perth, WA. Government of Western Australia (2014) New gas power station for Carnarvon. Minister for Energy media state- ment 23 May 2014. Perth, WA. Indian Ocean Climate Initiative website. Accessed online at: http://www.ioci.org.au [accessed 11 January 2012] Ningaloo Research Program website. Accessed online at: http://www.ningaloo.org.au/ [accessed 11 January 2012] Physical Activity Taskforce (Be Active WA) (2011) Active Living for All: A Framework for Physical Activity in Western Australia 2012-2016. Perth, WA. SGS Economics and Planning Pty Ltd (2012) Gascoyne Pilbara Project: Economic Development Opportunities for the Gascoyne Region associated with Resource Sector Investment and Expansion. Accessed online at: http://www. gdc.wa.gov.au/uploads/files/SGS_Gascoyne%20Economic%20Opps_25_Jan_2012_Final.pdf [accessed 18 December 2012] State Emergency Management Committee Western Australia (2012) Emergency Preparedness Report 2012. Perth, WA. State Heritage Office (2014) inHerit online heritage places database. Accessed online at:
54 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework
http://inherit.stateheritage.wa.gov.au/ [accessed 9 July 2014] Tourism Western Australia (2010) Australia’s Coral Coast Tourism Development Priorities 2010-2015. Perth, WA. Tourism Western Australia (2010) Australia’s Golden Outback Tourism Development Priorities 2010-2015. Perth, WA. Tourism Western Australia (2012) Western Australian Cruise Shipping Strategic Plan 2012-2020. Perth, WA. Tourism Western Australia (2013) Western Australian Caravan and Camping Action Plan 2013-2018. Perth, WA. Tourism Western Australia (undated) State Government Strategy for Tourism in Western Australia 2020. Perth, WA. Water Corporation (2012) Water Forever Whatever the Weather: A 10-year plan for Western Australia. Perth, WA. Western Australian Planning Commission (1997) Shark Bay Regional Strategy. Perth, WA. WAPC (2004) Ningaloo Coast Regional Strategy Carnarvon to Exmouth. Perth, WA. WAPC (2004) State Planning Policy No.6.3. Perth, WA. WAPC (2006) State Planning Policy No.1. Perth, WA. WAPC (2007) Liveable Neighbourhoods. Perth, WA. WAPC (2008) Better Urban Water Management. Perth, WA. WAPC (2009) Planning Makes It Happen − a blueprint for planning reform. Perth, WA. WAPC (2010) Directions 2031 and Beyond. Perth, WA. WAPC (2012) Gascoyne Regional Infrastructure Priorities 2011 Workshop Paper. Perth, WA. WAPC (2014) Planning makes it happen: phase two – Blueprint for planning reform. Perth, WA. WAPC (2014) State Planning Strategy 2050. Perth, WA. WAPC (2019) Western Australia Tomorrow: Population Report No.11, Medium-term Forecasts for Western Australia 2014-2031 and Dub-regions 2016-2031. Perth, WA. Western Australian Waste Authority (2012) Western Australian Waste Strategy. Perth, WA.
55 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework
56 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning r r
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57 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning Gascoyne Regional Planning and Infrastructure Framework
58 Western Australian Planning Commission Part A: Regional Strategic Planning