Flat Rock Boating Facility, Augusta - Shire of Augusta-Margaret River

Flat Rock Boating Facility, Augusta
Visual Impact Assessment
February 2011
Prepared for: Department of Transport
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Consultant Name:
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Contents
PART A:
Introduction & Executive Summary
Visual Landscape Evaluation
1.1 Planning Context
1.2 Physical Context
1.3 Project Description
2.0 Visual Landscape Character
2.1 Experience of Visual Landscape Character
2.1.1 Granny Pool / Barrack Point
2.1. 2 Leeuwin Road
2.1. 3 Skippy Rock Road
2.1. 4 Roadside Lookout 1
2.1. 5 Roadside Lookout 2
2.1. 6 Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
2.1. 7 View from Ocean
3.0 Visual Landscape Strategies
PART B: Visual Impact Assessment
4.0 Visual Impacts of Boating Facility
4.1 Conclusions
Phone: 08 9211 1111
Fax: 08 9211 1122
Contact: Craig Lovering
craig.lovering@rpsgroup.com.au
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Figure 1 - Location Plan

Introduction & Executive Summary
The site of Flinders Bay is located between the township of Augusta and Cape Leeuwin at the south western most tip of Australia. It marks the junction of the Southern
and Indian Ocean. It is a site of great natural beauty with a unique coast heath / woodland and is a great example of the rugged Western Australian coastline. This
document has been prepared by RPS for the Department of Transport to conduct a Visual Impact Assessment of a proposed boating facility at Flat Rock, Flinders Bay.
5 This visual impact assessment has been prepared
with reference to the following planning documents:
1. West Australian Planning Commission (WAPC)
guidelines for Visual Landscape Planning in Western
Australia (Referred to as VLPWA)
2. Leeuwin – Naturaliste Ridge, Statement of
Planning Policy Report (Referred to as LNRSPP)
The assessment also references the Environmental
Referral Document (Oceanica: Shire of Augusta-
Margaret River: Flat Rock Boating Facility) and
design drawings supplied by the Department of
Transport (1554-02-01, -02 and -03).
This report is based upon the Visual Landscape
Planning guidelines contained within VLPWA and
as per the diagram opposite. The first phase of
the report is a Visual Landscape evaluation which
defines and describes the sites context in relation
to planning, landscape character and environmental
characteristics. The report will then assess how
the landscape is viewed and experienced as this
greatly affects the way it is perceived. This stage will
influence other key components of the process.
The second phase of the report will use the Visual
Impact Assessment guidelines to critically review
the proposed boating facility. The report will
develop visual management objectives, initiatives
and measures to mitigate impacts that are outlined
throughout the study.
Many phases of the report will overlap and
interrelate as per the model opposite.
Executive Summary
The conclusions of the Visual Impact Assessment
are described in detail in Section 4.1. In short the
findings of this study are as follows:
Natural colours to be used for roofing and
building materials to blend with vegetation and rock
formations.
outside of the required construction area.
This should be fenced off with no access unless
approved by the superintendent.
local native species in accordance with the ‘Site
Rehabilitation and Environmental Management Plan,
Onshore Environmental Consultants,’ 2011.
east
colour (grey brown), form (rounded) and irregular
in size and shape.
Visual Landscape Planning
Visual Landscape Evaluation Visual Impact Assessment
Define Scope & Set Context
Describe visual landscape character
Evaluate how visual landscape character is
viewed experienced and valued
Develop strategies for managing
visual character
Implementation Methodologies
Development Options
Consultation and Review
Figure 2 - Visual Landscape Planning Model
Source: Visual Landscape Planning in Western Australia, 2007
Determine Visual management objectives
Describe proposed development
Describe potential visual impacts
Develop visual management measures
Prepare final recommendations and
monitoring options

PART A - Visual Landscape Evaluation
1.1 Planning Context
This section outlines key objectives and relevant policies contained within the VLPWA and LNRSPP that relate to the region of South Western Australia, site of Augusta and
proposed development at Cape Leeuwin adjacent to Flinders Bay. This will define the key visual management issues for the ongoing phases of this report.
6 The State Planning Strategy states that one of the criteria for plans is
to ensure that :
landscape elements and vegetation.
State Planning Policy No 2: Environment and Natural Resource Policy
elaborates on the importance of protecting and enhancing landscapes
by stating that planning strategies, schemes and decision making
should:
(such as ecological, aesthetic or geological) and encourage the
restoration of degraded landscapes;
need for careful planning, siting and design of new development in a
way which is sensitive to the character of the landscape;
development proposals that may impact upon sensitive landscapes.
These items outline the importance of maintaining significant
landscapes with the need for sensitive planning and design of new
developments to preserve these elements.
The vision of the LNRSPP is ~ Creative, vital and sustainable
communities living in balance with economic development and the
unique landscape and environmental values of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste
Ridge Policy Area.
The overall objectives of the LNRSPP are to:
elements that form the fabric of the region.
and environmental values
the LNRSPP and provide a range of settlement options located to
enhance the economic, social and environmental functions, while
promoting quality and innovation in urban design and built form.
social values
land uses
The LNRSPP classes this landscape as a Travel Route Corridor –
‘Key areas which allow people opportunities to access and experience
adjoining areas along the Primary Transport Network. These corridors
may include areas where rural or natural significance have been
identified.’
with Natural Landscape Significance –
‘Areas in this class include all the natural characteristics which
contribute to significant natural landscapes’.
The following policies from LNRSPP apply directly to the preservation
of Landscape Character relating to the above classification :
PS3.3 states that ‘Development will have due regard for the landscape
integrity and value of Ridge backdrops when viewed from the
coastline, bays or travel route corridors’.
PS3.4 states that ‘In areas of Natural Landscape Significance, including
where they are in Travel Route Corridors, the significant natural
characteristics will be protected and provide adequate development
setbacks. In these areas development will be screened from Travel
Route Corridors except public recreation or safety facilities which may
be seen in the foreground.’
PS3.5 states that ‘The environmental integrity and natural landscape
values of the Western Coastal and Eastern Slopes of the Leeuwin-
Naturaliste Ridge as identified in figure 4 and near shore waters will be
given high priority in land use decisions.
GS3.2 states that ‘In all Travel Route Corridors where the local
government has not prepared and adopted a ‘local landscape
management strategy’, the following should be used as a guide:
than 500m intervals in natural areas; and
lot in natural areas and be at no less than 500m intervals. Local
governments are encouraged to develop design guidelines for signage,
including limits on size, number and location.
Changes to road reserve vegetation should be undertaken only in
accordance with an adopted ‘local landscape management strategy’.
These policies and objectives define the key visual management
objectives that relate to the site of Cape Leewuin, Flinders Bay and
the proposed Boating Facility. They will be used to develop the visual
management measures and recommendations in later stages of this
report.

1.2 Physical Context
The site has a mix of permanent residents and a large tourist population which visit the region each year to immerse
themselves in the rural coastal landscape and the recreational opportunities it provides. The area is exposed to the
extremes of weather and climate in a landscape which is large unmodified and perfectly adapted to the conditions. An
increasing number of people escape to the south west each year to enjoy this landscape.
Increasing visitation and a growing permenant population in
the South West of Western Australia has placed pressure on
the region to effectively retain the rural coastal values and
character it possesses.
Future development in the region needs to be seen to be
respectful and sensitive to these qualities and ensure that they
are maintained for future generations to enjoy.
Recent upgrades to Perth to Busselton highway has increased
accessibility to the region from Perth which comprise the areas
major visitor catchment. This is also relevant for interstate and
international visitors travelling from the Perth Airport.
The area defined as the Leewuin Naturaliste Ridge
encompasses the South Westernmost strip of land that runs
from Dunsborough in the north to Augusta in the south. It is
characterised by a combination of rural agricultural landscape,
viticulture, eucalypt woodland and rugged and high varied
coastline.
Cape Leeuwin and Flinders Bay are located at the southern
Boundary of the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge adjacent to the
principle centre of Augusta. The town overlooks Hardy Inlet
and the Blackwood River which defines its landscape character,
recreation opportunities and identity. Cape Leeuwin connects
these townships to the south western tip of the continent
which is marked by the valued cultural heritage feature of the
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. It is a popular tourist destination
which is accessed along Cape Leeuwin Drive. The road
meanders along the coastline through the heathland vegetation
taking in views of the distant ocean, variable shoreline and the
Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge. It provides a memorable journey
for visitors both to and from the Lighthouse.
As described in the environmental referral document, the
limitations of existing boating facilities at Hardy Inlet and
Flinders Bay and the sustained growth in community demand
for the past decade has necessitated the need for a new
boating facility that services existing residents as well as the
large visitor population. The intent for the facility is to allow
small craft to operate more safely in the ocean waters of
Flinders Bay and offshore from Cape Leeuwin. Many sites were
investigated but through extensive community consultation the
location identified on figure 1 was agreed on.
The Department of Environment and Conservation and Shire
of Augusta - Margaret River were consulted to discuss relevant
visual character issues for this project.
Feedback is as follows:
examined.
These comments are in accordance with the planning policies
identified in Section 1.1.
See Figure 1
Figure 3 - Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge
Source - LNRSPP, 1998
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Carpark entry Rare and endangered
Harbour related buildings
Bund wall to be
vegetation
revegetated
Figure 4 - Site Plan. Source: Department of Transport WA
Breakwater to be constructed
of quarried material adjacent
Leeuwin Drive

1.3 Project Description - Proposed Boating Facility
This section describes the proposed development and assesses it against the visual landscape management strategies outlined in section 3 of this document to test
compliance against relevant planning policy.
As described in ‘Oceanica: Shire Augusta-Margaret River:
Flat Rock Boating Facility, Environmental Referral Document’,
August 2008
‘The concept design for the Flat Rock boating facility has
its marine entrance at the northern end of the harbour.
Vehicular access to the harbour is from the southern end
with the road running north parallel to the existing shoreline
for approximately 200 m. Vehicular access from the
southern end of the facility was chosen as the access point
from Leeuwin Road has a good level of road visibility.
The facility is primarily targeted towards support for the
trailer boating group, but will have a service jetty and
50 pens for boats up to 20 m in length. The land-based
development is relatively small, with a basic toilet block and
harbour-related support buildings and services (e.g. water
and lighting) being provided.
A key feature of this concept design is that the breakwater
rock is to be quarried on-site (seaward of the Leeuwin Road
reserve), with the parking and service area to be located
on the “quarry floor”. This reduces the cost of finding and
transporting other rock material, no land reclamation is
necessary and allows the development to be lowered such
that views from Barrack Point and the tourist drive (Leeuwin
Road) are not significantly interrupted.’
Figure 5 - Cross Sections
Source: Department of Transport WA
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Figure 6 - Visual Landscape Character Plan. Base Plan Source: Department of Transport WA. Photographs: Craig Lovering RPS 2010

2.0 Visual Landscape Character
This section describes the visual landscape character of the region relating to vegetation, topography, coastal landscape and land use.
Cape Leeuwin is a natural landscape remaining largely
unmodified. It is a dramatic representation of the rugged
Western Australian coastline. The Cape has a backdrop of
a prominent Leeuwin Naturaliste ridgeline which contains
the view shed to the north. The landform slopes down
at a gentle to moderate slope to the coastline which is
characterised by a series of sandy coves with prominent
granite outcrops and shelves. These rocky outcrops extend
out into the ocean at various locations to capture and limit
views along the coast and define the somewhat protected
sandy beaches and coves.
The region is part of the Boranup vegetation system and is
relatively consistent from the ridgeline transitioning down
to the ocean. The vegetation is classed as West Coastal
(in LNRSPPR) and broadly consists of an uninterrupted low
coastal heath consisting of a dense shrub layer up to 2m in
height with an understorey of coastal grasses and sedges.
A tree canopy layer exists up to approximately 4-5m in
height back from the coastline, shallow soils and buffeting
winds of the shoreline. Predominant species in the tall
shrub / small tree layer are Agonis flexuosa, shrub layer are
Olearia axillaris and Rhagodia baccata with examples of the
understorey consisting of Lepidosperma gladiatum, Scaevola
crassifolia and Poa poiformis. This gives the landscape an
expansive grey green coverage with accents of lime green,
blue grey and straw yellow when viewed in closer proximity.
The shoreline and coastal interface varies from gently sloping
sandy beaches to flat granite shelves and outcrops to steep
rocky headlands. This variation creates a highly interesting
and diverse shoreline which has differing levels of accessibility.
This affects the distance from and how each area is viewed
and perceived. The headlands create sheltered coves with
shallower water and sandy bottoms which create a beautiful
green appearance contrasted against the darker blues of the
deeper waters. The frequent strong wings and break along
the Cape creates a large amount of ‘chop’ and white water
which is visible and dramatic at the shoreline as well as out
to sea. Rock formations located out from the Cape create
visual focal points for this activity.
Rock formations along the Cape consist of exposed granite
in a variety of forms from flat shelves with rounded features,
irregular, rounded and monolithic boulders as well as steep
to vertical headlands. When viewed from a distance the
predominant colours are light grey brown to charcoal grey
and when in close proximity detailed bronze features and
areas of lichen are prominent. The shelf areas have rock
pools developed in fissures and depressions which ripple in
the winds and glisten in the sunlight.
This area has no built form other than that associated with
the Lighthouse. The only other built embellishments are
electricity poles which follow Cape Leeuwin Drive.
The township of Flinders Bay is the western most point of
habitation and housing. The township is small in size and
consists mainly of one to two storey houses which address
the ocean. Housing is nestled amongst introduced vegetation
such as Norfolk Island Pines which are visually prominent
along the coastline. The appearance of mown lawns, edged
garden beds and informal streets give the feel of a rural
coastal community. A coastal park with a playground BBQ
facilities, a boat ramp, small jetty and a sandy beach connect
Flinders Bay with the ocean and display high scenic amenity.
Heading eastwards to the Township of Augusta continues
this rural coastal aesthetic with the addition of some
commercial shopfronts and activity along the main street.
Short residential streets physically and visually connect the
main street to the Hardy Inlet to the east and National Park
to the west.
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Figure 7 - Visual Landscape Character Plan. Base Plan Source: Department of Transport WA. Photographs: Craig Lovering RPS 2010
ROADSIDE VEGETATION

2.1 Experience of Visual Landscape Character
This section describes how the visual landscape character of the region is experienced and perceived by the users of the area.
As the motorist arrives at Augusta it is apparent that
the rural and pastoral character has shifted to a coastal
environment with views to and along the coastline. From
Augusta, the landscape character remains coastal in nature
with a focus on outward views over the ocean to the
horizon.
There is one access route along Cape Leeuwin Drive from
the townships of Augusta and Flinders Bay which hugs the
coastline on its journey to the point of the Cape. The south
western point of the Cape is marked by the prominent
historic and cultural heritage feature, the Cape Leeuwin
Lighthouse. It is a popular tourist location with visitor and
interpretation facilities, lighthouse tours as well as providing a
vantage point which offers elevated 360 degree views of the
region.
Along Cape Leeuwin Drive there are many opportunities
to pull from the roadway and stop at lookouts as well other
areas to walk down onto the sandy beaches and sheltered
coves. This creates a variety of experiences from exposed
and open areas which enable the subject to take in long
expansive views of the rugged coastline to those of sheltered
and intimate connections with the ocean, sandy beaches,
rock pools and boulders. The roadway is undulating and
winding in nature hugging the terrain and landform. These
qualities create an experience of discovery with the differing
views of the landscape being revealed around each bend,
crest or valley in the road.
The landform and limited accessibility control the viewing
points and the way the landscape is perceived and
experienced along Cape Leeuwin Drive and the coastline.
As stipulated in VLPWA:
‘visibility from key points including roads and recreation
sites) should be minimised as much as possible’.
As also stipulated in the LNRSPP:
PS3.4 states that ‘In areas of Natural Landscape Significance,
including where they are in Travel Route Corridors, the
significant natural characteristics will be protected and
provide adequate development setbacks. In these areas
development will be screened from Travel Route Corridors
except public recreation or safety facilities which may be
seen in the foreground.’
These factors define the points of interest relating to the
Boating Facility proposal as to ‘Travel Route Corridors’ and
‘Recreational Sites’. These directly relate to the entire length
of Cape Leeuwin Drive and each of the recreational sites
along the journey.
Four key viewing sites were identified in the Environmental
Referral Document (Oceanica, 2008). These sites are located
at :
1. Granny Pool / Barrack Point
2. Cnr Skippy Rock Road and Cape Leeuwin Drive
3. Lookouts and beaches along Cape Leeuwin Drive
4. Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
It is at these elevated and accessible sites as well as along
Leeuwin Drive where the visual impact of the boating facility
is to be assessed to comply with the relevant planning
policies and documents. In addition to this, consideration will
also be given as to how the facility will be viewed from the
ocean by passing craft and returning boats.
These sites as are shown on Figure 7 with the viewing
characteristics illustrated at each location. The following
pages will analyse the detailed landscape character elements
and viewing opportunities at each location to define the
visual management issues.
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Figure 8 - Granny Pool: View East. Photographs: Craig Lovering RPS 2010

2.1.1 Granny Pool / Barrack Point
Source: Google Earth
Views to South & South West
Barrack Point
Granny Pool
Boat Facility
Visitor Bay
View South. Photographs: Craig Lovering RPS 2010 Flinders Bay Housing
Leeuwin Road
sheltered views
Views possible to the South and east.
coastline to the west over Granny Pool.
area. Motorists park their cars and walk to the railing at the
edge of hardstand to enjoy the views. It is a popular spot for
photography;
o Views into Granny Pool with turquoise water and
sandy beach
o Rounded granite boulders, shelves, formations and
outcrops
o Low heathland vegetation with grasses, low shrubs
and rushes
o Houses consistent with the rural coastal feel of
Flinders Bay
the ocean
Boat Facility – will be visible to the west (approx. 500m)
of this location along the shoreline.
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Figure 9 - Leewuin Road: East of Skippy Rock Road. View South. Photographs: Craig Lovering RPS 2010

2.1.2 Leeuwin Road - Granny Pool to Skippy Rock Road
Source: Google Earth
Boat Facility
Roadside
vegetation
Views to along
road corridor
Roadside vegetation to the eastern side of Leeuwin Road. Photographs: Craig Lovering RPS 2010
Leeuwin Road
Skippy Rock Road
contained views
Views possible to south. View to East not possible ~
screened by vegetation.
flexuosa (that range in height from 1.5 to 1.8m in height)
to each side of road which contain views to along the road
corridor.
the roadway against the views along the ridgeline.
to the western side of Leeuwin Road along the vegetated
slopes. These views are limited by the ridgeline running
parallel with the coastline.
Boat Facility – Not visible in this location due to roadside
vegetation blocking views to the east. Roadside vegetation
must be retained to screen views in this location.
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Figure 10 - Skippy Rock Road. View East. Photographs: Craig Lovering RPS 2010

2.1.3 Skippy Rock Road
Source: Google Earth
Roadside
vegetation
Vegetation to each side of Skippy Rock Road. View South.
Boat Facility
Leeuwin Road
contained views
Views possible to the east.
flexuosa to each side of Skippy Rock Road frame a view
southwards (in line with the road) over the ocean.
the eastern side of Leeuwin Drive screen the view of the
shoreline. Distant views with moderate scenic amenity to
the ocean and horizon are possible.
Boat Facility – Not visible in this location due to the
roadside vegetation to the eastern side of Leeuwin Road.
Roadside vegetation must be retained to screen views in this
location.
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Figure 11 - Roadside Lookout 1. View North. Photographs: Craig Lovering RPS 2010

2.1.4 Roadside Lookout 1
Source: Google Earth
View to north blocked by
low vegetated headland
Leeuwin Road
Boat Facility
View South. Photographs: Craig Lovering RPS 2010 View North.
Panoramic Views
shoreline view
View possible to north east, south and east
stop and walk down to the sandy beach and granite rock
shelves.
intimate experiences of the shoreline.
views along the coast
possible.
o Views into shallow turquoise water and small sandy
beach
o Rounded granite boulders, shelves, formations and
outcrops with rock pools
o Low heathland vegetation with grasses, low shrubs
and rushes
area creates a sheltered feeling and promotes outward views
over the ocean to the south and east.
Boat Facility – Not visible in this location due to the low
headland to the north of this location.
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Figure 12 - Roadside Lookout 2. View South East. Photographs: Craig Lovering RPS 2010

2.1.5 Roadside Lookout 2
Source: Google Earth
View South. Photographs: Craig Lovering RPS 2010
Leeuwin Road
Views to Lighthouse
Boat Facility
Views blocked by landform
View West
Panoramic Views
Views blocked by
Vegetation and landform
open exposed
Views possible to the west and south.
headland.
and offshore rock outcrops have a high scenic amenity.
Views are also possible to the rocky shoreline.
the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse have a high scenic amenity.
Views along the meandering shoreline highlight the variations
in rock outcrops, sandy beaches and vegetation.
Boat Facility – Not visible from this location due to
vegetation located along the eastern edge of the viewing
area.
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Figure 13 - Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. View East. Photographs: Craig Lovering RPS 2010

2.1.6 Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
Source: Google Earth
Leeuwin Road
Boat Facility
View South East. Lighthouse
View North
Views to east blocked
by landform
Panoramic 360 degree Views
Views possible in all directions.
open exposed
display all landscape character elements of the region relating
to the variable coastline of sandy beaches, granite rock
formations, heathland vegetation and the elevated ridgeline.
extend to the horizon taking in off shore rock formations,
granite rock shelves and formations along the shoreline and
heathland vegetation.
the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge and coastline with dramatic
geological landforms and cliffs, rugged shoreline, vegetated
slopes and open ocean.
o Views into shallow turquoise water and breaking
waves
o Rounded granite boulders, shelves, formations and
outcrops with rock pools. The detailed variation in
rock displaying bronze colours through to greys, veins
and fissures are all visible from lookout areas.
o Low heathland vegetation with grasses, low shrubs
and rushes
o Cultural Heritage features such as the Cape Leeuwin
Lighthouse, viewing decks made of weathered timber
and historic stone cottages with whitewashed walls.
Boat Facility – Not visible in this location due to elevated
landform and headland
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Figure 14 - Affected view sheds
views of breakwater
Views to quarried
embankment
views of breakwater
Distant views will take in
roof line of buildings
Views to quarried
embankment

2.1.7 View from Ocean
Views from west
limited by landform
Source: Google Earth
Views into breakwater and
quarried embankment
Boat Facility
Views possible from south, east, and north
the variable shoreline, rock formations and headlands,
vegetated slopes and Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge
context with the deep blue of the ocean, white sands and
grey rocks at the shoreline, grey green vegetation and blue
of the expansive sky.
Boat Facility – Visible from ocean. Views to breakwater,
roof tops of buildings and quarried embankment
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Figure 15 - Affected view sheds
map to be prepared to show affected views

3.0 Visual Landscape Strategies
As demonstrated through on Figure 15, the boating facility
is not visible from any areas to the south of the low knoll
/ headland visible from Roadside Lookout 1. Landform
effectively screens the boating facility from the formal
recreation locations as well as the motorist along Cape
Leeuwin Drive. This area therefore complies with the
relevant planning policies that are identified in Section 1.1 of
this document.
The study has identified that the boating facility will be visible
from Granny Pool / Barrack Point and could also be visible
from Cape Leeuwin Drive (east of Lookout 1) if roadside
vegetation to the east of the road is removed or damaged.
In this instance the recreation facility will be located in the
foreground of the view which is in compliance with policy
PS3.4 of the LNRSPP. The facility will also be visible from
water borne craft as shown in Figure 14.
The visual impact of the proposed boating facility at each of
these locations will be assessed in Part B of this report. The
following Visual Landscape Strategies will be reviewed and
applied at each of these locations:
1. Minimise roadside clearing works to maintain
visual character and sheltered views along Cape
Leeuwin Drive.
maintain the low heathland vegetation
character.
3. Maintain the variable and natural profile and
alignment of the shoreline.
4. Maintain the natural appearance of rounded
rocky granite outcrops, shelves and formations
along the coastline.
5. Development is to stay close to the shoreline
and nestle into the existing landform of the site.
6. Roof and wall materials for harbour related
buildings to be natural in colour to blend
with browns and greens of landscape.
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PART B - Visual Impact Assessment
4.0 Visual Impacts of Boating Facility
The section of the report will analyse the potential visual impacts from the two areas identified in section 2 of this report. The visual management measures identified in
section 3 will be applied to develop outcomes and initiatives to mitigate visual impacts.
The following three pages illustrate a composite view (3D
imagery from Oceanica, 2008) of each of the identified
areas where the boating facility could be viewed from either
a ‘Transit Route Corridor’ (Cape Leeuwin Drive & Skippy
Rock Road) or a recreation facility (Granny Pool).
Figure 16 (Refer to Page 31)
The image shows that the breakwater will be visible from
Granny Pool. In accordance with the visual management
guideline 3, 4 & 5 the following outcomes are to be
observed in the detailed design and construction of the
breakwater.
(grey brown), form (rounded) and irregular in size
and shape.
Figure 17 (Refer to Page 32)
The image shows that the breakwater is obscured by
the existing vegetation located on the eastern side of
Leeuwin Road. Should this vegetation be removed during
construction as (indicated on the current concept plan) the
breakwater with then be visible.
In accordance with visual management measures 1 & 2
the following outcomes are to be observed in the detailed
design and construction works adjacent to Cape Leeuwin
Drive:
required construction area. This should be fenced off
will no access unless approved by the superintendent.
species in accordance with the ‘Site Rehabilitation
and Environmental Management Plan, Onshore
Environmental Consultants,’ 2011.
Figure 18 (Refer to Page 33)
The image shows that there are no views possible to
the shoreline or ocean (other than glimpsed views of the
horizon) due to the consistent screen provided by the
roadside vegetation.
The visual management measures 1 & 2 and the objectives
outlined are to be observed for the detailed design and
construction works for the project.
Refer to page 32 for the translation of these design and
management objectives in plan view.

Figure 16 - Photomontage of development as viewed from Granny Pool visitor bay
Extent of breakwater to be
visible from Granny Pool
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Breakwater viewed from Skippy Rock Road (behind vegetation)
Figure 17 - Photomontage View from Cnr Skippy Rock Road and Leeuwin Road

Dense continuous screen provided by roadside vegetation
Figure 18 - View from Leeuwin Road (North of Skippy Rock Road)
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Follow natural undulations in shoreline
Figure 19 - Visual Mitigation strategies
Natural colours to be used for
roofing and building materials
to blend with vegetation and
rock formations
Protective Fencing Protective Fencing
Breakwater to be constructed and
formed to emulate naturalistic granite
outcrops, shelves and headlands
Revegetation to all disturbed
areas with local native
vegetation consistent with
the existing structure
Follow natural undulations in shoreline
Maintain all roadside plantings
outside of construction areas.
Fence off protected vegetation
Existing vegetation
to be retained
Protective Fencing

4.1 Conclusions
In accordance with LNRSPP classifications of this landscape
and site as a Travel Route Corridor which is defined as –
‘Key areas which allow people opportunities to access and
experience adjoining areas along the Primary Transport
Network. These corridors may include areas where rural or
natural significance have been identified.’
with Natural Landscape Significance which is defined as –
‘Areas in this class include all the natural characteristics which
contribute to significant natural landscapes’.
The following policies from LNRSPP apply directly to the
preservation of Landscape Character relating to the above
classification :
PS3.3 states that ‘Development will have due regard for
the landscape integrity and value of Ridge backdrops when
viewed from the coastline, bays or travel route corridors’.
PS3.4 states that ‘In areas of Natural Landscape Significance,
including where they are in Travel Route Corridors, the
significant natural characteristics will be protected and
provide adequate development setbacks. In these areas
development will be screened from Travel Route Corridors
except public recreation or safety facilities which may be
seen in the foreground.’
PS3.5 states that ‘The environmental integrity and natural
landscape values of the Western Coastal and Eastern Slopes
of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge as identified in figure 4
and near shore waters will be given high priority in land use
decisions.
GS3.2 states that ‘In all Travel Route Corridors where the
local government has not prepared and adopted a ‘local
landscape management strategy’, the following should be
used as a guide:
or no less than 500m intervals in natural areas; and
per lot in natural areas and be at no less than 500m intervals.
Local governments are encouraged to develop design
guidelines for signage, including limits on size, number and
location.
Changes to road reserve vegetation should be undertaken
only in accordance with an adopted ‘local landscape
management strategy’.
This report has reviewed the visual impact from the relevant
viewing points in accordance with these policies. RPS
conclude that through the following mitigation measures
as shown on Figure 19, the visual impact of the Proposed
Facility at Flat Rock, Flinders Bay can be effectively managed
to comply with the planning policies outlined:
Natural colours to be used for roofing and building
materials to blend with vegetation and rock
formations.
required construction area. This should be fenced off
will no access unless approved by the superintendent.
species in accordance with the ‘Site Rehabilitation
and Environmental Management Plan, Onshore
Environmental Consultants,’ 2011.
(grey brown), form (rounded) and irregular in size
and shape.
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