Tourism Planning Taskforce Report - Western Australian Planning ...

Chapter 8Taskforce recommendationsshall have regard for that comment in itsdetermination. In determining an application, itis recommended that the WAPC seek toensure that the following objectives are metand, where these cannot be complied with, notapprove the application:• the proposed lot(s) will be able toaccommodate and provide thedevelopment flexibility necessary tofacilitate development of a sustainabletourism facility consistent with the site’szoning and location and, where identified,its tourism function under an endorsedlocal planning strategy or tourism strategy;• the retention or enhancement of thestrategic value of the site for tourismpurposes, including the relationshipbetween individual lots and areas of hightourism amenity (such as the beachfront)and potential in accommodating currentand future tourism demand;• the accommodation of services,management and recreation facilitiesassociated with development of the sitewithout compromising the character,development flexibility or tourism amenityof the site; and• where the zoning of the site provides for arestricted range of tourism uses, or a singleuse, the ability for all resultant lots to bedeveloped sustainably consistent with thatzoning.In assessing compliance with these objectives,it is recommended that the WAPC alsoconsider:• any approved development proposal for thesite that is consistent with, and supportedby, the proposed subdivision; and• whether the subdivision forms an integralpart of the staged development of the site.8.1.10 Strata schemes: assessment andmanagement conditionsStrata schemes are an important componentin the funding of tourist accommodationdevelopments and the taskforce hasconcluded that the continued use of suchschemes is important for the industry,particularly in regional areas. There areidentified risks in the use of such schemes inachieving sustainable tourism developmentsunless particular management requirementsare met. These requirements are set outbelow. The primary requirements are forcommon management of tourism units withina development and that units are madeavailable for tourism letting. This is designedto address issues of lock-up use of strata unitsand inadequate management andmaintenance of facility standards, as hasoccurred under some current stratamanagement arrangements.For identified strategic sites, therecommendations require that all units are partof a common management and lettingarrangement. Following detailed considerationof the strata issue, the taskforce concludedthat such a management regime wasnecessary in maximising the tourism benefitfrom the State’s best tourism sites. It isacknowledged that these managementrequirements will result in some schemesbeing considered managed investments underthe Corporations Act 2001 and that this hasfinancial implications for the establishment andoperation of these schemes. However, onbalance, it was considered that these costswere outweighed by the benefits of fullyintegrated schemes.In recognition of the development industry’srequest for increased flexibility in respect tostrata management, and in providing somepotential to operate developments asmanagement rights schemes, the option ofallowing flexibility for owners to opt out ofcommon letting arrangements, while retainingcommon caretaking/management, has beenprovided for on non-strategic sites. Thepractical limitations in establishing on-sitecaretaking and management for smallschemes also has been acknowledged withthe option for this to be undertaken off site.The use of strata schemes in the cabin andchalet zone is not supported as suchproposals are considered inconsistent with theobjectives of retaining a variety of touristaccommodation. The strata titling of cabin andchalet development on sites under otherzonings may be supported where consistentwith the planning scheme and subject tocompliance with strata managementrequirements. No change is proposed inrespect to the existing legislative prohibition ofthe strata titling of caravan parks.76 Tourism Planning Taskforce Report