Smiths Point will bring a host of benefits to the region. Attracting investment and tourists, the development promises enormous economic benefits that will be felt at the local, regional and even state level.
Smiths Point has been designed for local families and visitors alike, with a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and much needed community facilities, including provisions for a surf life saving centre. And the easy walking, relaxed atmosphere will ensure Smiths Point is in keeping with the South West’s unique character.
Smiths Point will be an excellent example of sustainability with a number of environmental, social and economic benefits.
Environmental benefits will include:
- Reduced pressure on other, less developed areas along the Cape-to-Cape coastline.
- Best practice environmental strategies protecting native flora and fauna.
- Of the 40ha available for development, approximately 24.1 hectares will be used for public spaces, National Park and reserves, enhancing the area’s environment and providing buffer zones to the National Park while ensuring the western headland of the site remains in its natural state.
- Conservation areas will be donated to the community.
- Improved management of vegetation on the western side of the site.
- Approximately 21 hectares of cleared land in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park will become rehabilitated cockatoo and ringtail possum habitat.
Through best-practice vegetation management, Smiths Point will also ensure these additional positive environmental outcomes:
- The most significant vegetation on the site, the western granite heathlands and Rottnest Island Tea Tree vegetation, will be retained and managed for its conservation values.
- Other native vegetation will be retained wherever possible.
- The habitat for possums will be retained on site by the retention of Peppermint trees in lots and road reserves, and the planting of additional peppermint trees in landscaped areas.
- Stormwater from the road system will be collected and infiltrated back into the subsoil.
Social benefits will include:
- Visitors to Smiths Point will be offered a selection of tourist accommodation options to suit any budget, including a resort and backpacker facilities, camping facilities and a chalet park.
- Smiths Point will contribute towards a Community Centre, with provisions in the plan for a Surf Life Saving Centre with surf and beach patrols to improve safety for all beach users.
- Recreation facilities including play equipment, seating and barbeque facilities will be established.
- Café, restaurant and hotel facilities will help create a vibrant local village atmosphere.
- Improved road access and parking along the beachfront, including new parking bays, viewing areas, lighting and landscape improvements.
- A network of footpaths established throughout the development to encourage pedestrian activity.
- Upgrades to the Cape to Cape Trail.
Economic benefits will include:
- A tourism campaign for the region and the locality will promote local activities, attracting visitors and tourist revenue to the area.
- 70% of the development will be dedicated to tourist accommodation, which will include a resort hotel, lodge, camping area and backpackers’ accommodation.
- Community infrastructure, like the community facilities, surf club and recreational facilities are all provided for in the plan.
- Additional rates generated by Smiths Point will be a windfall for the Shire of Busselton, creating funds for improved services in the area.
- State Government will also benefit from additional taxes, charges and rates revenue, enabling investment in better services for the community.
- Residential land opportunities will ensure a greater number of people have access to living options along this beautiful stretch of coastline.
