Towering win to rezone

A motion to restrict development on Dunsborough’s foreshore to a limit of three storeys was unanimously passed by the Busselton City Council this week.

Following a lot of local support as well as a petition of more than 740 signatures, Cr Sue Riccelli’s motion to rezone the land on Geographe Bay Road from R80 to R60 was passed nine-nil.

A driving issue behind the rezoning was an application for a towering four-storey apartment complex set to be built on the foreshore at the end of Dunn Bay Road.

It is hoped the rezoning will persuade the Development Assessment Panel to rethink the complex which will sit next to the much-loved Seymour Park.

At the time of the petition, Dunsborough Progress Association spokesman Tony Sharp said four storeys were not essential to accommodate growth in the town and a limit of three storeys was necessary.

After the decision to rezone the land Mr Sharp said it was great to see the council backing the community on such an important issue.

“I think it’s great that the council voted unanimously because it sends a great message to the DAP that the council thinks three storeys is enough for the foreshore,” he said.

“Along with the community’s petition, which was strongly supported, hopefully this will show the DAP that they need to rethink the height level of developments along the foreshore,” he said.

Following the vote, the huge turnout of locals showed their gratitude with a “thunderous applause” and Dunsborough 2030 committee member Lizzie Nunn said it was a small step in the right direction.

“We can’t thank the community enough for their signatures, letter writing, fronting up at stalls, T-shirt purchases, sharing of posts and words of support,” she said.

A DAP meeting in Dunsborough on February 23 will determine the future of the Dunn Bay Road complex.