Local Biodiversity Strategy: - Shire of Kalamunda

option would need to align with the Local Planning Scheme and the WAPC's
Development Control Policy 1.3: Strata Titles (Local Government Biodiversity
Planning Guidelines for the Perth Metropolitan Region).
Cluster developments are an extension of utilisation of Strata Titles for the protection
of natural areas. Cluster developments can be used where most of the land to be
subdivided consists of natural areas. The principle of cluster developments is to
cluster buildings and infrastructure in one or two locations. This can be done in two
ways:
i. To make the common property very large and residential lots much smaller
and clustered near each other; and
ii. To have larger individual lots with building envelopes clustered near to each
other.
(Adapted from the Local Government Biodiversity Planning Guidelines for the Perth
Metropolitan Region)
Cluster developments could be implemented using the Strata Titles Act 1985 or as a
special zone produced through an amendment to the Local Planning Scheme No. 3
(refer to Section 11.5).
11.7.4 Rate Rebates
Rate Rebates are one tool used by some Councils, such as the Shire of Busselton and
the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale, to recognise the community benefit from
landholders protecting and managing biodiversity on their land. It is one way that
Councils can recognise landholders who make formal longer term commitments.
Before instigating a rate rebate scheme, a feasibility study would be required to
identify the likely cost, the best means of meeting this cost that is fair to all Shire
ratepayers and the most appropriate mechanism for determining the criteria and
operation of the scheme, including review provisions.
The requirement for formal commitment to conservation means that the overall take
up would not be onerous. For example, the Shire of Busselton provides a 50%
rebate for landholders voluntarily entering into a Bushland Protection zoning, but
since 2002, with four properties have entered the scheme with each property having
high conservation values. Likewise, the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale provides rate
reductions for properties that voluntarily seek either Conservation Zoning or
Conservation Living within the Rural Zone. Both Councils apply appropriate criteria
to ensure properties are appropriate for the zoning prior to initiating scheme
amendment.
The value of the rebate could be tied to the size of the natural area to be protected,
the condition of the natural area and/or the management actions implemented by
the landholder. To be eligible for a rate rebate, landholders would be required to
sign a voluntary conservation agreement for a minimum of 5 years. Higher rebates
could be made available to landholders entering into conservation covenants in
perpetuity
Local Biodiversity Strategy Page 82