part 2 strategy the regional - western australian …€¦ · · 2018-04-06the regional strategy...

PA R T 2 . T H E R E G I O N A L S T R AT E G Y

2Part 2

STRATEGYThe Regional

The Region will be based upon a

diverse and vibrant economy,

offering an attractive lifestyle with

a full range of services and

recreational opportunities, while

embracing environmental principles

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Vision Statement for the Goldfields-Esperance Region

GOLDFIELDS – ESPERANCE REGIONAL

PLANNING STRATEGY

An overall vision statement and broad principles provide the

foundation for the Strategy. A policy framework will include

appropriate objectives, strategies and recommendations for the

natural environment and the coast, urban settlement and expansion,

heritage management, resource and industrial development and

community and regional infrastructure requirements.

A regional land use plan will set out the predominant use of land,

embracing multiple use concepts which will allow local decision-

makers a degree of flexibility in implementation.

Structure plans have been prepared for the City of Kalgoorlie-

Boulder and the Town of Esperance as a component of the

regional strategy. The land uses displayed in the structure plans

will be complementary to the overall regional strategy and current

approved local initiatives such as the town planning schemes, and

will have a 30-year time frame.

STUDY VISION AND PLANNING PRINCIPLESA clear vision statement, principles guiding the Strategy and

overall objective statements provide the foundations for the

Strategy and should be established as early as possible. The study

vision, principles and objectives are based on previously

completed strategies by the Ministry for Planning and the

Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission.

Planning provides a way to manage the impacts of growth by

seeking a balance between the individual ingredients of our

quality of life – the environment around us, the community we

live in and the wealth we enjoy. The achievement of such a balance

is a sound basis for the region’s sustainable development.

The principles set out below should guide future decision-making

through the strategies and actions for each principle. While each

principle is unlikely to be met equally in each instance, the best

outcome for the region’s future requires that proposals and plans

fully address each principle.

Community principle: To respond to social changes and

facilitate the creation of vibrant, accessible, safe and self-reliant

communities.

To achieve this principle, the Strategy process is designed to: monitor

the amount and rate of population growth; respond to the changing

needs of the population; improve the linkage between land use

planning and the provision of human services; provide a range of

housing opportunities; build a sense of community through the

design of accessible settlements and public facilities; and incorporate

opportunities for consultation, and include the views of local

communities and groups with specific needs in local plans.

Infrastructure principle: To facilitate strategic development by

ensuring that land use, transport and public utilities are

mutually supportive.

To achieve this principle, the Strategy process is designed to:

integrate land use and transport planning; provide efficient

freight transport routes and hubs; ensure the efficient, progressive

development and servicing of land; promote the development

and optimal use of strategic infrastructure; support the

development of major nodal urban settlements; ensure that the

provision of public utilities is based on economic and social

considerations; and promote public facilities as a means of

assisting the creation of regional wealth and providing cultural

benefits.

Environmental principle: To protect and enhance the key

natural and cultural assets of the region, and deliver to all

residents a high quality of life which is based on environmentally

sustainable principles.

The pursuit of the environmental strategies will contribute to a more

sustainable future. The strategy process is designed to: encourage the

use of energy sources which have minimal impact on the

environment; prevent further loss in biodiversity; ensure that air,

water and soil quality are protected and where necessary improved;

reduce consumption of materials and promote recycling; promote

management and protection of resources; protect landscape, open

space and public access; enhance the quality of life for all residents;

and protect the region’s cultural heritage.

Economic principle: To actively assist in the creation of regional

wealth, support the development of new industries and

encourage economic activity in accordance with sustainable

development principles.

To achieve this principle, the Strategy process is designed to:

provide flexibility in the planning system to meet the needs of

small business; minimise delays in government approval

processes; provide for the likely growth of downstream processing

industries and value adding industries; make allowance for the

needs of new industries and technologies; and support the further

development of the State’s centres of business, culture and

administration.

Regional development principle: To assist the development of

the region by taking account of the region’s special assets and

accommodating its individual requirements.

To achieve this principle, the Strategy aims to provide an

environment which encourages business to locate within the

region through the application of economic, social,

environmental and infrastructure objectives.

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P A R T 2 – T H E R E G I O N A L S T R A T E G Y

STRATEGIC POLICY FRAMEWORK (STRATEGY,

ISSUES, OBJECTIVES AND RECOMMENDATIONS)

SETTLEMENTS AND COMMUNITY SERVICESThe growth and development of regions and major regional

centres is dependent on the availability of land and infrastructure

to facilitate and channel growth. All settlements in regional areas

should have access to essential services. Availability of services can

heighten the attraction of settlements, and improvements in the

level of services should be a fundamental objective.

Servicing the region is more efficient if higher order services are

focused in major regional or sub-regional centres. Lower order

settlements can be sustained through the provision of appropriate

and adequate services thereby encouraging continued settlement

within the region. Kalgoorlie-Boulder is the regional centre in the

settlement hierarchy, where higher level facilities supporting the

region will be concentrated. The focus of higher level facilities on

Kalgoorlie-Boulder does not preclude their location in other towns,

particularly the designated sub-regional centres within the region, or

another town in a particular case. The provision of adequate and

appropriate services in all the towns is supported.

Native title claims over the region have complicated development

of land resources in townsites. Strategies have been put in place by

the relevant government agencies to ensure that suitable land not

affected by native title claims is identified for development. In

townsites, where deep sewerage is available, residential

development at higher densities will be promoted by State and

local government. To provide a wider choice in housing, the

concepts of environmental design and energy-efficient housing

will be promoted.

In spite of its statistically large workforce, the region suffers from

a lack of resources to provide sufficient services in smaller centres

because many of the workers live outside the region. By

encouraging mineral exploration and mining companies to base

and house workers and their families in towns in the regional

centres such as Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Esperance, as opposed to

Perth, a more stable population could be achieved.

The remoteness of many towns in the region makes it difficult to

attract and retain staff to provide community services. Strategies

to enhance opportunities and upgrade facilities should be put in

place by State and local government.

Townscape improvement programs will be used to enhance the

unique identity of major towns.

Aboriginal communities in the region are faced with serious

issues of infrastructure provision, land use planning and

protection of heritage. Agreements are currently in place with the

three tiers of government to ensure appropriate local government

standards are met in the provision of power, water, housing and

municipal services. Priorities for the provision of services are

based on the Environmental Health Needs Survey (ATSIC, AAD,

Health Department of WA, Health and Family Services,

Homeswest, WAMA, 1998).

Improved coordination of planning and the provision of services

to Aboriginal communities is needed. Community layout plans

assist in this approach. The plans’ effectiveness needs to be

strengthened by a formal planning approach. A whole-of-

government approach to planning and service delivery to

Aboriginal communities is recommended.

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Recommendations• Undertake consultation to determine the nature and extent of mineralisation to enable forward planning of

land releases in major towns and for major projects and infrastructure. (DOLA/DME/CME, LG)

• Continue to update the land supply register for Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Esperance and other towns as required.(LG, MfP, DOLA)

• Prepare Community Layout Plans for major Aboriginal communities in the region. (AAD, ATSIC, LG, MfP)

• Determine a whole-of-government approach to planning for Aboriginal communities including:• Responsibility for capital expenditure; maintenance; and coordination of program delivery of

infrastructure such as water, power, roads, local government services, airstrips, health services, housingand community facilities.

• Identification of a formal process for the preparation, consideration and implementation of CommunityLayout Plans.

(AAD, ATSIC, WAPC, LG, GEDC)

Objective• To transform towns and settlement in the region into self-sufficient and environmentally sustainable communities.

Principal Issues• Land release is made more complex because of the implications of the Native Title Act and the Mining Act.

• A proportion of the workforce is based outside the region, and works within the region on a fly-in/fly-out basis.

• There is a need to improve the standard of community infrastructure.

• The availability of adequate infrastructure (particularly water supply, sewerage, power and sealing of roads) and the

lack of infrastructure management throughout Aboriginal communities in the region needs to be addressed.

• There is a need for a whole-of-government approach to planning and service delivery to Aboriginal communities.

• Conservation of the character and improvement of townscape in the settlements is needed.

Guidelines• Review town planning schemes for each local government, to identify areas for future development, recognising

constraints on the land surrounding the townsite. (LG, MfP)

• Promote infill development and a range of lot sizes in each town to accommodate a variety of housing density and

types. (MfP/LG)

• Monitor land supply to provide cost-effective lots for residential, commercial and industrial development. (LG/DOLA,

MfP, WC)

• Support the implementation of the townscape improvement programs in towns where this has not been completed

such as Menzies and Kambalda. (LG, MfP)

• Promote the concepts of environmental design and energy-efficient housing in the development of urban areas.

(LG, GEDC, MfP)

• Involve local Aboriginal communities when planning for future land uses where appropriate, recognise their specific

needs in respect to statutory processes and allow for extended consultation time. (LG/MfP, AAD)

• Identify shortfalls in the provision of urban services and infrastructure in the urban settlements of the region and

promote the coordination of integrated programs for service provision. (GEDC/Mf/LG)

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2HERITAGE AND CULTURE STRATEGY

Conservation of the State’s heritage contributes to a sense of

community and quality of the environment. The region contains

numerous places of heritage significance associated with the

natural and built environment. Heritage places are a valuable

contribution to the scientific and educational understanding of our

past. They stimulate the cultural development of society, provide

diversity and interest in the region and are an essential component

of tourism.

The AAD has a legislative responsibility for the administration of

the Aboriginal Heritage Act. The region has not been subject to a

full Aboriginal heritage study and many more sites are yet to be

documented.

With respect to European heritage, the Heritage Council of Western

Australia has procedures for the protection of places of heritage and

cultural significance. The National Trust of Australia (WA)

contributes to the identification and protection of heritage places.

Urban heritage values, as outlined in Municipal Heritage

Inventories, are to be protected through local government town

planning schemes and government policies. The future planning of

the region should recognise these processes.

5.2

Recommendations• As part of major planning, management and development proposals, incorporate Aboriginal heritage,

including site protection and management, native title issues relating to heritage and monitoring ofapprovals or agreements relating to the Aboriginal Heritage Act. (AAD, LG, MfP)

• Promote the preparation of heritage inventories in town planning schemes to maximise the protection ofheritage places. (LG, MfP)

• Actively promote and facilitate the conservation of the regionally significant cultural heritage of the regionincluding the Burt and Hannan Street precincts and the Gwalia townsite. (HCWA, LG)

Objective• Identify, protect and manage all heritage areas.

Principal Issues• The need for comprehensive protection and enhancement of the region’s cultural and heritage values.

• Protection of the heritage of the region through the preparation of Municipal Heritage Inventories.

• Protection of the architecture typical of the region.

• Pressure for redevelopment of sites containing historic buildings in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the potential for economic

re-use of historic buildings.

• Funding for the restoration of historic buildings.

• Responsibility for protection of Aboriginal heritage areas.

Guidelines• Protect urban heritage values, areas of regional landscape and areas of cultural and heritage significance – including

those places outlined in the Municipal Heritage Inventories – in accordance with the relative legislation, by

incorporation of appropriate provisions in town planning schemes and adoption of appropriate government policies.

(LG/HCWA, AAD, MfP)

• Identify and seek funding sources for the restoration of historic buildings throughout the region. (LG, HCWA)

TERRESTRIAL ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND

CONSERVATION STRATEGY

The environment of the region is diverse ranging from the desert

areas in the north-east, and the central Goldfields to the

Esperance sandplain and coastal areas along the south coast.

Integrated planning and management of the region should

contribute to the retention of land in an ecologically sustainable

state. It will be necessary to pursue best use options in terms of

land capability and suitability, conservation of soil and land

quality, rehabilitation of degraded areas, protection of natural and

remnant vegetation and the threat of the spread of dieback and

loss of biodiversity in coastal areas.

Freehold land which contains isolated pockets of remnant

vegetation can remain in private ownership but be part of the

integrated conservation system. Fundamental to an integrated

system is the protection of valuable representative examples of

natural systems, provision of ecological wildlife corridors and

reduction of land degradation. The need to protect remnant

vegetation generally applies to the southern part of the region

where extensive areas have been cleared for farming. This is

particularly important in the farming area near Esperance, where

the land is predominantly freehold and contains significant areas

of remnant vegetation, and where there is considerable demand

for subdivision and development for rural-residential purposes.

Clearing controls to assist in the preservation of wildlife habitat,

as well as controlling salinity, waterlogging and revegetation,

should be encouraged.

In the Esperance sub-region, increased run-off and rising water

tables resulting from agricultural clearing have a direct impact on

the water quality of the Esperance lakes. Salinity and waterlogging

are removing land from agricultural production and affecting the

coastal environment. Eutrophication6 and siltation are also

threatening the integrity of the lakes’ ecosystems.

The Esperance Lakes Nature Reserve Management Plan: 1999-2009

(CALM, 1999) provides recommendations for the management

of the lakes system. Part of the Lake Warden system of wetlands is

recognised as having international importance under the Ramsar

Convention.

The quality, salinity and reliability of groundwater varies

significantly throughout the Esperance area. There is evidence

that the saline water table is rising both on the coast and further

inland. The groundwater resource should be protected through

integrated management of the groundwater reserves west of

Esperance and surface water catchments to the north. Local

government planning controls over development, including

controls on the use of septic tanks and excessive fertilisers, should

also minimise the impact on groundwater.

A catchment planning strategy has been prepared for the

Esperance region by the Esperance Land Conservation District

Committee which aims to facilitate the most effective use of water

resources, minimise land and water degradation due to

imbalances in the hydrologic cycle, and implement sustainable

farming systems. This strategy will have a positive effect on a

number of environmental issues in the region and will be

promoted. The Lake Warden Catchment Recovery Plan is

currently being prepared under the coordination of CALM.

Saline and hypersaline groundwater is used extensively in the

Goldfields for mineral processing. Dewatering from pit and

underground operations occurs frequently and where the quality

of the water is inadequate for use as process water, or where there

is an excessive volume, the water is often discharged into salt lakes.

Sites which discharge mine dewater into salt lakes are licensed by

the DEP. As part of this licence the company is required to

demonstrate that the discharge is having no detrimental impact

on the lake through the provision of an annual report.

Groundwater abstraction is licensed and controlled by the Water

and Rivers Commission. Abstraction in the northern part of the

region exceeds recharge, and the groundwater from the

palaeochannels is being mined. The distribution of groundwater

resources is relatively even, with marginally higher resources

surrounding Leinster. Although sections of the palaeochannels

and tributaries are completely utilised by current borefields, there

is still scope for considerable development throughout the region.

Protection of water reserves, catchment areas and Aboriginal

water supplies will occur through the integration of proclaimed

water reserves, catchment areas and priority protection areas into

regional planning schemes and/or town planning schemes to

protect town and community water supplies for the future.

There is a need to manage the rangelands so as to preserve

biodiversity and ecological sustainability, protect water quality

and quantity and provide for rehabilitation of degraded areas.

This will occur through the implementation of sound

environmental objectives and will require various people, groups

and organisations to work together to achieve this goal.

The pastoral areas of the north-eastern goldfields are the subject of

the Rangeways Project currently being prepared. The project

commenced early in 1996 and is funded by the Land and Water

Research and Development Corporation and the Commonwealth

Department of Transport and Regional Services.

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6 Eutrophication – process whereby a richness in nutrients results in excessive plant growth, which kills animal life by deprivation of oxygen.

The project aims to address issues such as:

• The need to get government departments to work together to

achieve better management of the rangelands.

• Mining companies to work with local communities to achieve

community goals.

• Encouraging sustainable activities in the region.

• Important natural features should be protected.

• Water quality and quantity.

• Retention of native flora and fauna.

• Rehabilitation of minesites.

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Objectives• To facilitate appropriate funding to enable effective management and ensure that adequate and representative reserves

exist to conserve and protect the biophysical characteristics, and where appropriate provide for multiple use of natural

resources.

• To protect and provide for holistic and integrated management of the region’s conservation, ecological, recreation and

landscape values.

• To contribute to the protection of water catchment areas and the ecosystem of wetlands from increased run-off and

rising water tables, eutrophication and siltation.

• To secure and protect for urban use adequate water reserves of a quality suitable for potable supply.

• To protect remnant bushland, especially river corridors on unallocated Crown land.

Principal Issues• Land management techniques.

• The effects of agricultural clearing, including increased run-off, rising water tables and salinity, and impact on lakes’

water quality.

• Loss of biological diversity, particularly in the cleared agricultural, arid and semi-arid regions and the southern coastal

heaths.

• Prevention and management to reduce risk of the spread of dieback along the coastal areas of the region.

• Involvement of Aboriginal communities in environmental management initiatives.

• Protection and management of remnant bushland especially along river corridors.

• Connectivity and consolidation of CALM managed reserves.

• Protection of the outstanding surface and sub-surface karst features of the Nullarbor.

• Rangelands management, including protection of important natural features such as native flora and fauna, lack of

water quality and quantity, the need to rehabilitate mine sites.

• Provision of adequate and appropriate landfill sites.

Guidelines• Continue to manage and expand the conservation estate as outlined in the Goldfields Region: Regional Management

Plan and the South Coast Region: Regional Management Plan. (CALM)

• Support the catchment planning strategy developed for the Esperance Region by the Esperance Land Conservation

District Committee, including the Lake Warden Catchment Recovery Plan. (LG, MfP, AgWA, CALM)

• Continue remediation of rangeland degradation through the Land Conservation District Committees. (AgWA,

farmers/pastoralists)

• Support Agriculture WA in its rangeland monitoring and station management planning with land managers and

pastoralists, and the work of the Land Conservation District Committees and their catchment groups to address land

degradation in pastoral areas. (AgWA, CALM)

• Continue to utilise land management practices such as the Salinity Action Plan to prevent any further land degradation

and salinity, as well as rehabilitate existing degradation in conjunction with the State and local government.

(Farming/Pastoral community, AgWA, CALM)

• Introduce appropriate planning controls in the Shire of Ravensthorpe and Shire of Esperance Town Planning Schemes

to provide compatible land uses for the protection of the priority source areas and the Esperance Lakes. (MfP/LG)

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Recommendations• Prepare an Integrated Conservation Plan based on:

• Protecting, consolidating, enhancing and expanding reserves in the conservation estate to achievebiological representation of natural systems, associated wildlife and genetic diversity.

• Inclusion (where possible) of freehold and leasehold enclaves (where private or leasehold land issurrounded by or adjacent to conservation reserves) in the conservation estate by purchase, exchange orjoint management arrangements.

• Linking existing and proposed regional reserves through other public land and private land to provideecological linkages and public access.

• Protection of regionally important landscapes and important environmental systems in freehold land byappropriate zoning or policy controls.

• Management of coastal areas from Cape Arid to Ravensthorpe and further west against the threat of theloss of biodiversity that could be caused by the further spread of dieback in coastal areas.

• Preparation of an inventory of important remnant native vegetation in the Esperance sub-region,especially along river corridors, and nomination of mechanisms whereby these remnants can be protectedthrough clearing controls on subdivision, acquisition for reserves or voluntary agreements withlandowners.

• Provision of recreation and tourist areas which are compatible with conservation and landscapeprotection.

• Recognition of the nationally and internationally significant Nullarbor karst landscape.• Development of interpretive centres at the Nullarbor Plain, Recherche Archipelago, Goldfields Woodlands

and Salt Lakes.• Promotion of ecotourism opportunities.(CALM, MfP, AgWA, LG, DEP, WATC, GTA, ERTA)

• Prepare landscape management guidelines to identify and preserve the landscape values of the region andrequire new developments such as housing, industry or mining to be in harmony with existing landscapes.(MfP, CALM)

• Prepare a strategy to identify and protect wetlands and salt lakes based on geomorphic and ecologicalsystems and address the management issues relating to the habitat. (WRC, CALM, LG, DEP)

• Prepare a strategy to protect water catchment areas, particularly potable water from the groundwaterreserves around Menzies, Leonora and Laverton. (WRC, WC, CALM, LG, DEP)

• Formulate planning and management measures to reduce fire risk and manage wildfires on unallocated Crownland. (DOLA/CALM, FES)

• Identify and provide an appropriate site/s for landfill of a Class 3 and 4 category for waste management.(DEP, LG, MfP, DME)

COASTAL AND MARINE ENVIRONMENT

PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION STRATEGY

The south coast is significant for its environmental, visual

landscape, heritage and recreational values. There is growing

pressure on and demand for the attractions of the south coast area

particularly by tourists. There is a need to match the level of

development, access and usage of the coast with the retention of

the area’s pristine beauty and natural values.

The Department of Conservation and Land Management is the

managing agency for existing coastal conservation reserves

including the Fitzgerald River, Stokes, Cape Le Grand and Cape

Arid National Parks and island nature reserves in the Recherche

Archipelago, and is required by legislation to prepare and review

the management plans for the parks every 10 years.

The existing coastal management plans do not deal with current

recreation and development pressures, and preparation of new

coastal management plans funded by the Coastal Marine

Planning Programme is being considered. The need for a coastal

management plan to focus on the Esperance area, Hopetoun and

other nodes of development is required as a matter of priority.

The Report of the Marine Parks and Reserves Selection Working

Group (Wilson, 1994) recommends that the waters of the

Recherche Archipelago, excluding the Port of Esperance, be

considered for reservation as a marine reserve for multiple

purposes, including conservation of flora and fauna, and public

recreation. The proposed marine reserve would protect significant

seabed habitats, such as seagrass beds and the diverse wildlife

habitats, including those of colonies of sea lions, fur seals and

seabirds. It also provides a means for stakeholder/community

involvement in the management planning process.

The report also recommends that the coast about 50km east and

west of Twilight Cove be surveyed to assess the value of the area as

a potential marine reserve for the protection of marine flora and

fauna and coastal landforms.

There are proposals for mariculture7 development which could be

an important addition to the region’s economy. On the

detrimental side, there are potential impacts of disease and

pollution if the developments are not adequately monitored.

Aquaculture developments can be visually intrusive and care will

have to be taken in siting any developments to protect the visual

amenity of the extremely attractive Esperance area.

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Objectives• To protect the significant natural values of the south coast and its associated marine environment and require future

development to be undertaken in accord with ecologically sustainable principles.

• To provide for marine uses such as commercial fishing, aquaculture and tourism/recreation based on the principles of

ecologically sustainable development and protection of the area’s environmental values and visual amenity.

Principal Issues• The need for protection and management of significant marine environments, especially the Fitzgerald Biosphere

coastline and the Recherche Archipelago coastline, through reservation as multiple-use marine reserves.

• Inconsistent and conflicting planning and management between different government land management agencies.

• Increasing pressure for tourism and aquaculture developments and potential impact on the visual amenity of the

Esperance coastal scenery.

• Development of ecotourism opportunities.

• Protection of significant terrestrial environments, especially the unprotected coastal areas as well as existing

conservation reserves.

• Lack of a coastal management plan outside of National Parks.

Guidelines• Continue to prepare and review the management plans for national parks and coastal conservation reserves. (CALM)

• Protect significant terrestrial environments, especially the unprotected coastal areas as well as existing conservation

reserves, including the outstanding surface and sub-surface karst features of the Nullarbor. (CALM, MfP)

7 Mariculture is saltwater aquaculture. It is the growth of any seafood in the ocean. Examples include marine finfish, abalone, oysters, seaweed.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

The economy of the region is based largely on mining and on the

development of other natural resources for basic raw materials

quarrying, agriculture, timber and wood production, fishing and

aquaculture, industry/downstream processing and tourism.

Resource development underpins the economy of the region and

its continuation and expansion are necessary if the region’s

economic growth is to continue.

5.5.1 Mineral Resources and Basic Raw Materials Strategy

Mineral exploration and development is determined by geological

setting, demand, market prices and changes in technology. It takes

many years to prove up economic deposits, which makes it

difficult to include mineral extraction in forward planning

concepts. Townsites and adjacent areas in the Goldfields-

Esperance Region which have been earmarked for urban

development may contain significant deposits of high value

minerals such as gold or nickel. Examples include Kalgoorlie-

Boulder, Menzies, Leonora, Laverton, Coolgardie, Kambalda,

Norseman and Ravensthorpe. This strategy supports exploration

to obtain a clear definition of areas with resource potential,

identifying priority mining tenements and time lines for

development to facilitate decisions on future urban areas and

rehabilitation requirements.

The preparation of basic raw material plans for key areas in the

region identifying adequate resources for the future development,

principally of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Esperance and large scale

industrial activities in the region, is recommended. Such studies

will benefit community and industry by providing the basis for

protection from inadvertent sterilisation of important resources

by other land uses, including mineral development. They will

allow rational, orderly extraction of the basic raw material

resources and provide both producers and users with confidence

of assured supply.

Stringent rehabilitation rules apply to operating mines covering

the beginning, operational phase and completion of any project.

Companies must rehabilitate the minesite. Areas mined prior to

1989 did not have such controls applied, and remain without

rehabilitation. There is the possibility that the waste from those

areas will be re-mined in the future due to technological

improvements. In the interim, the DME is compiling an inventory

of disused mines and possibilities for their future rehabilitation.

5.5

Recommendations• Initiate the implementation of recommendations from the Report of the Marine Parks and Reserves Selection

Working Group (Wilson, 1994) regarding the following:• The waters of the Recherche Archipelago.• The waters adjacent to the Stokes National Park.• The waters adjacent to the Fitzgerald Biosphere Reserve and Twilight Cove.(SCMG/CALM/FWA, GEDC, MfP, LG)

• Initiate the implementation of recommendations from the South Coast Terrestrial and Marine ReservesIntegration Study regarding the following:• The waters adjacent to the Fitzgerald Biosphere reserve.• The waters between Israelite Bay and Point Culver.(SCMG/CALM/FWA, GEDC, MfP, LG)

• Prepare a regional coastal management plan which:• Focuses on the Esperance area, Hopetoun and other nodes of development.• Provides an integrated planning approach to coastal areas.(SCMG/MfP/CALM, LG, DEP)

5.5.2 Industrial Development

The Goldfields-Esperance Region is the base for many significant

industries. The Strategy will aim to promote the retention of

existing industry as well as future expansion areas. It supports the

identification and development of strategic industry in

Kalgoorlie-Boulder (in particular at the Mungari Industrial Park)

and in the Esperance area.

The opportunity exists to identify a major industrial area near

Esperance to accommodate growth in the economy and facilitate

downstream processing and manufacturing. A number of sites

have been identified and require further consideration by State

and local government. There is support for the development of

major industry in a strategic location near the port, existing

infrastructure and the townsite, with suitable road and rail access

linking the estate with the port; and for such development to be

designed to have a minimal impact on the environment.

A major industrial estate has been approved at Mungari, and is

ready for development. At this stage no major industry has been

located in the estate, which provides an outstanding location for

industrial development and downstream processing for the

central goldfields.

Provision is made for further general industrial development in

Parkeston in Kalgoorlie-Boulder (refer to Section 7.0).

The need for a site with a service function to the mining industry

has been outlined for the northern goldfields. A potential location

in the vicinity of the Leinster townsite has been identified in the

Northern Goldfields Mineral Province Study. There is an immediate

opportunity to provide a service centre within the northern

goldfields accommodating contractors, warehousing and support

services, together with some accommodation. This location is

convenient in terms of existing infrastructure and social base. Site

services can also be economically provided.

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Recommendations• Prepare a mineral resource inventory for the region in order to clarify what land is available for future

townsite expansion by:• Examining the potential of identified resource areas particularly in the Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Menzies,

Leonora, Laverton, Coolgardie, Kambalda, Norseman and Ravensthorpe townsites.• Clearly defining areas with resource potential, identified priority mining tenements and time lines for

development to facilitate decisions on future developments and rehabilitation requirements.(DME, CME, MfP, DOLA, DRD, DEP, LG, KB-CCI)

Objectives• To facilitate the identification and protection of major mineral resources and basic raw materials and minimise the

impact of their development, while maximising their economic impact on the region.

• To provide an integrated planning process for resource development projects.

Principal Issues• Potential conflict between mining exploration and urban growth and development.

• Access to, and assured supplies of, basic raw materials.

• Rehabilitation of previously mined areas.

Guidelines• Encourage the timely and continued exploration and assessment of land for mineral resources ahead of the creation

of urban areas. (DME, DRD, MfP, LG)

• Mining companies to continue to rehabilitate minesites following completion of mining activities. (DME, LG)

• Broker government support to aid the completion of mineral and resource development projects.

(GEDC/DME, DRD)

• Ensure basic raw material supplies near major regional towns are identified and protected for long term supply options

through the preparation of Basic Raw Materials Plans. (MfP, DME, LG, DRD)

The study identified the need for a centre to service the increased

mining activity and downstream processing anticipated in the

northern goldfields. It has been estimated that accommodation

for an additional 500-600 people will be required as a result of this

activity near Leinster.

Companies have indicated that a new service centre within 1.5

hours drive of the major mines and/or downstream processing

works would be beneficial in terms of reduction in down time and

the reduction in stocks of spare parts held at the mines.

The concept of further downstream processing of primary

products within the region is supported. All new industrial

projects should be assessed on the basis of their net economic,

social and environmental benefit to the region and its population.

High priority needs to be given to waste treatment and disposal

and pollution control mechanisms. The industrial site location

and characteristics of the treatment and disposal should take into

consideration surrounding land uses and population centres,

conservation areas, water catchments, soil characteristics and

groundwater levels. Industrial buffers should form part of the

industrial estate, but may be used for a variety of uses compatible

with the proposed or potential industrial activities.

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Recommendations• Identify general/light industry sites and buffers adjacent to the townsites or within/ adjacent to major

industrial estates as part of structure planning and town planning scheme reviews. (LG/LandCorp, DRD, DME,MfP, GERPCC, DOLA, KB-CCI)

• Carry out a study to evaluate suitable sites for strategic industrial development in close proximity to theEsperance port. (MfP/LG, DRD, LandCorp)

• Promote and facilitate the development of strategic industry at the Mungari Industrial Park. (DRD/LandCorp,GEDC, LG, MfP)

Objectives• To facilitate the downstream processing and manufacturing of major mineral resources, basic raw materials,

agriculture, pastoral, forestry and fishing industries.

• To encourage and provide for a wide range of industrial development in planned estates which minimise land use

conflicts and environmental impacts, and maximise the opportunity for efficient production.

• To maximise the service, infrastructure and transport opportunities for industrial development and minimise

conflicts with surrounding land uses.

Principal Issues• Diversification of the region’s economic base (i.e. beyond mining and agriculture).

• Future opportunities for downstream processing industries.

• Availability of sufficient land for industrial use.

• Industrial waste management.

Guidelines• Broker government support to create diverse, viable, and sustainable industries. (GEDC, DRD, DME, AgWA, LG)

• Provide adequate corridors to industrial areas, buffer zones and transport infrastructure, and identify them in town

planning schemes. (MfP, LG, DRD, GEDC, LandCorp, Transport)

5.5.3 Agriculture Strategy

The challenge for agriculture in the Esperance sub-region is to

develop the industry’s potential for production in a sustainable

way which minimises land degradation by waterlogging, salinity

and wind erosion and increases whole farm profitability.

The Esperance Region Catchment Planning Strategy (Platt, 1996),

and catchment planning strategies being developed by the various

Land Conservation District Committees (LCDCs) and catchment

groups in the sub-region provide reference documents for farmers

and other land managers to strategically focus their activities. They

assist land managers to identify the major catchments and land

systems in their area, management issues for long term

sustainability and a regional strategy for catchment planning.

The small catchment groups are becoming more active than their

parent LCDCs. The only long term way to arrest land degradation

problems is to treat them on a catchment basis. Catchment

planning encourages all landholders and major land and water

users in the catchment to understand what is happening in regard

to land use, economic activity and environmental and resource

condition. A catchment plan requires the participation preferably

of all the stakeholders in a catchment.

Many farmers within the catchments have changed practices and

are implementing works on the ground to combat waterlogging,

salinity and excess run-off. Much of this work has been done

according to farm plans with the catchment in mind. Many

farmers and research scientists are developing integrated farm

planning and management systems. While implementation is

continuing, it is important to commence proper monitoring of

water flows into the lakes to provide feedback to farmers and the

community on progress and likely trends for the future.

The Western Australian Salinity Action Plan (AgWA, CALM DEP

and WRC, 1996) aims to assist in the control and reversal of the

hydrological imbalance which leads to salinisation.

Productive agricultural land will be protected from ad hoc

subdivision, development and use, by identifying such land and the

preferred predominant uses and other suitable uses, based on land

capability and land suitability analysis and other relevant factors.

Two Limited Rural Strategies8 for the land adjacent to the

Esperance townsite have been prepared to identify the capability

and suitability of land for rural land uses. As further rural areas in

the region experience pressure for subdivision, they should also be

the subject of assessment. Under the WAPC’s Draft Agricultural

and Rural Planning Policy a Local Planning Strategy9 (forming

part of the town planning scheme) is required.

Other potential uses of productive agricultural land will be

considered through the process outlined above. This particularly

applies to the land surrounding Esperance where there is

considerable pressure for other uses. Evaluation of proposals

should focus on a clear demonstration that the longer term

benefits to the community will outweigh the benefits of retaining

the agricultural production of the land.

Catchment management is an essential part of land use planning.

Catchment management relates to the management of surface

water catchments. The surface water drainage divisions in the

region are:

• Nullarbor Basin

• Warburton Basin

• Salt Lake Basin

• Sandy Desert Basin

• Mackay Basin

• Esperance Coast

• Avon River

• Ninghan

• Albany Coast

As part of undertaking catchment planning, planning units

should be defined based on a range of physical and land use

characteristics. Planning and management guidelines can then be

prepared to guide landowners, government agencies and

decision-makers when considering changes to land use and

undertaking further detailed planning activities. It is

recommended that this exercise be undertaken. Land use

objectives and guidelines should also outline the range of uses that

are suitable and specific planning and management guidelines.

This will be a requirement of local planning strategies,

conservation strategies and management plans.

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8 Limited Rural Strategy – is prepared where there is pressure for change and development in rural land use. It may be prepared to facilitate the subdivision of specific parcels of rural land. Inthe WAPC’s Draft Agricultural and Rural Planning Policy, Limited Rural Strategies are now called Local Planning Strategies.

9 Local Planning Strategies are prepared as part of town planning schemes to provide the rationale for the most appropriate use and development of agricultural and rural land and the preferredpattern of rural settlement in accordance with the WAPC’s Draft Agricultural and Rural Planning Policy.

Objectives• To provide productive agricultural land with the capacity to respond to changes in the economy and retain its

important role in the regional economy.

• To develop a long term ecologically and economically sustainable industry.

Principal Issues• Protection and conservation of agricultural land.

• Land degradation resulting from inappropriate land use practices.

• Promotion of ecological sustainability in all rural land use activities.

• Maintenance of the importance of the agricultural industry in the region.

• Diversification of agricultural activity.

• Competing land uses such as hobby farming and rural living in agricultural areas.

Guidelines• Endorse and support the principles and aims of the Salinity Action Plan. (AgWA, WRC, LG, CALM, MfP)

• Support the actions of the Land Conservation District Committees and community landcare groups in arresting land

degradation and promoting land rehabilitation. (AgWA, WRC, LG, CALM, GEDC, MfP)

• Support the granting of tax incentives/concessions for farmers/landowners to carry out land rehabilitation. (AgWA,

WRC, LG, CALM, GEDC, MfP)

• Encourage regular monitoring of groundwater quality and maintain awareness of the results. (WRC, AgWA, LCDCs)

• Encourage the application of best practice processes in production. (AgWA, CALM, WRC, LCDCs)

• Encourage the development of rural strategies to identify and protect good-quality agricultural land from

incompatible land use developments and promote appropriate uses of agricultural land. (LG, MfP, AgWA)

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Recommendations• Prepare a detailed land use plan for the Esperance sub-region outlining:

• Planning units based on a range of physical and land use characteristics.• Planning and management guidelines to help landowners, government agencies and decision-makers

when considering changes to land use and undertaking further detailed planning activities.(MfP, WRC, AgWA, LG)

• Develop landcare plans for the Esperance sub-region based on:• Planning and management for the rehabilitation of salt-affected areas.• Incorporation of strategic revegetation and best practice processes.(AgWA, CALM, LG, SCRIPT)

• Prepare an agricultural development strategy for the Esperance sub-region to:• Promote the diversification of agriculture into other intensive uses (e.g. olives, seed potatoes,

floriculture and farm forestry).• Promote research and trials of alternative farming methods.• Examine the potential for water harvesting.• Encourage best practice management.(AgWA, LG, CALM, WRC, GEDC)

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25.5.4 Pastoral Strategy

The majority of land users in the pastoral areas and rangelands of

the region occupy land on a leasehold basis. With pastoral leases

due to expire in 2015, tenure uncertainty and depressed wool

prices have combined to make pastoralism difficult at present. In

addition many of the pastoralists in the region have native title

claims over their leases. The effect of native title on pastoral leases

is a significant issue affecting current and future planning.

Security of land tenure needs to be resolved to ensure long term

projects, investment and commitments to effective sustainable

management and landcare can proceed.

At present the wool industry on pastoral leases is not economically

or structurally viable and other income-producing activities are

needed (AgWA, 1998). The potential to improve wool production

on pastoral leases exists provided appropriate trials, improved

marketing and vegetation improvements continue to occur.

Pastoralists require encouragement to promote business skills to

develop niche markets and be more responsive to market

requirements.

Some rangeland properties are degraded due to past management

practices and policies. Environmentally fragile areas need to be

protected from grazing activities.

Pastoral land has the potential for multiple land use activities with

proper management. Land uses which are environmentally and

economically sustainable should be encouraged. There are a

number of possible new activities, including industries associated

with fish farming, citrus trees, plantation, forestry, cattle feed lots,

horticulture, agriculture and conservation, which could be

undertaken if environmentally acceptable and subject to normal

approvals processes, to reduce pressure on the bulk of the

rangeland areas. Horticulture in the rangelands is restricted by

freight costs and market access. The greatest opportunities for

success are likely to be those associated with expanding the land

management role, and diversification into activities that utilise

resources occurring naturally in the rangelands such as

sustainably harvesting kangaroos and emus, goat farming (with

careful management), timber, sandalwood plantations,

beekeeping, wildflowers, seed collecting, firewood collecting and

tourism. Provision of station-stay accommodation is an option to

supplement station income.

The use of old mine pits for alternative activities is a possibility.

Depending upon the water quality, suitable uses could be stock

water, finfish aquaculture, recreational fishing, irrigation water

and yabbie or marron farming.

Traditionally the pastoral industry has been a land user, and it is

now considered that it should become a land manager. Integrated

land management is the integration of the role of agencies such as

CALM to diversify management instead of land use. The

pastoralists or other custodians of the land should be the

managers of activities on the land such as conservation, mining

and exploration, tourism and fire within a sustainable land

management system. The concept of integrated land management

in the pastoral areas requires further consideration, particularly

by government in conjunction with pastoralists.

Actions which should be taken in the pastoral areas to improve the

current situation include:

• Support and promote government initiatives such as business

and industry development grants.

• Promote management for conservation and other integrated

land management activities (e.g. CALM Section 16A

Agreements, MOUs or other agreements negotiated by a

landholder under which CALM becomes involved in the

management of all or part of the property) as a land

management integration and diversification opportunity.

• Identify and fund regional priorities for fencing which

conforms with regional land use and conservation objectives

for domestic, native and feral animals.

• Support continuing industry research and development

projects (complete the Rangeways Project, Centre for the

Management of Arid Environments – Kalgoorlie).

• Support rangelands monitoring.

• Improve regional environment management.

The National Principles and Guidelines for Rangeland Management

(ANZECC and ARMCANZ, 1999) established a framework for

those with interests in the rangelands to develop strategies and

actions to manage change and ensure a viable legacy for future

generations. The challenge is to balance the diverse economic,

cultural and social needs of rangeland residents and users with the

need to maintain its natural resources and conserve our biological

and cultural heritage. The report lists three goals:

1. Conservation and management of the natural environment.

2. Sustainable economic activity.

3. Recognition and support for social, aesthetic, cultural and

heritage values, diversity and development.

Some of the key principles and values which underpin the report:

• Ecologically sustainable management of natural resources

should be the underlying principle, and the principle against

which commercial use of rangeland resources must be tested.

• While legislative and compliance responsibility for ecologically

sustainable management resides with government at all levels,

primary responsibility for natural resource management rests

with land users, in accordance with regional objectives,

planning processes and relevant legislation.

• While there is a place for both incentives and sanctions in

achieving changes in management in the public interest,

change is more constructively achieved through

encouragement than coercion.

• The aspirations and inherent rights of indigenous peoples,

their relationship with the rangelands, and the need for

culturally appropriate negotiation processes, must be

recognised.

• Prevention of any resource degradation is more effective than

rehabilitation.

• The precautionary principle should be adopted so that

decisions are based on the best data available, lean to the

conservative and do not result in irreversible loss of

opportunity.

The Rangeways Project is developing ways by which land users

can come together to implement planning decisions while

ensuring the best and fairest use and management of the

rangelands. Outcomes from this project will have practical

application in planning.

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Objectives• To develop a new land management system for the rangelands.

• To develop a viable diversified, integrated and sustainable pastoral and land management industry that retains its

important role in the regional economy and is to the benefit of future generations.

Principal Issues• Security of land tenure and native title issues.

• Resolution of conflict between mining, Aboriginal and pastoral interests.

• Economic viability of pastoral enterprises.

• Lack of financial resources to get pastoral enterprises started.

• Diversification of agricultural/pastoral products and effective land use.

• Sustainable land use and production.

Guidelines• Support the finalisation of the Rangeways Management Strategy. (Rangeways/GEDC, AgWA, PB, CALM, MfP)

• Encourage the development of appropriate trials, improved marketing and vegetation improvements to enable

pastoralists to develop niche markets. (AgWA, PB)

• Promote alternative land uses, if environmentally acceptable and subject to normal approval processes, such as fish

farming, citrus trees, plantation, forestry, cattle feed lots, horticulture, agriculture and conservation. Also activities

which utilise resources occurring naturally in the rangelands such as sustainably harvesting kangaroos and emus, goat

farming (with careful management), timber, sandalwood plantation, beekeeping, wildflowers, seed collecting,

firewood collecting and tourism. (AgWA, PB, CALM)

• Encourage improved management practices and develop policies for protection of environmentally fragile areas from

grazing activities. (CALM, AgWA, PB)

• Continue to progress the development of the Centre for Management of Arid Environments for research and teaching

in subjects linked to arid land management. (ED/Curtin University, GEDC, DOCAT)

5.5.5 Forestry

Timber Plantation StrategyThe southern part of the region, specifically the Esperance and

Ravensthorpe local government areas, have the natural attributes

to develop sustainable plantations and agroforestry on private

cleared farmland. Integrated farm forestry can be more profitable

than traditional grazing and offers the environmental advantages

of protection of land from degradation by wind and salinity.

Farm forestry is a suitable method of farm diversification in this

part of the region and provides opportunities for a value added

industry and manufacturing in the area.

Timber plantations are a land use which aids diversification of the

agricultural base, but also competes with traditional agricultural

use of land. The challenge faced by farmers, government and

industry in the Esperance sub-region is to develop a viable and

world competitive forestry industry based on integrated tree

plantings that complements existing farming practices, increases

whole farm profitability and optimises environmental stability.

In 1999 the medium rainfall zone (400mm-600mm) and the sand

plain in the Esperance area was targeted for CALM’s newest Farm

Forestry Program, the Maritime Pine Project, which is a key

component of the Salinity Action Plan. In 1999, 500 hectares of

Maritime Pine was planted and this should rise to around 2,000

hectares per year by 2001.

In the Goldfields sub-region sandalwood is the only timber

species trialed for plantations. There is some potential for a

plantation industry to develop in this part of the region following

trials of appropriate species.

There are a number of key areas for further research. In the short

to medium term these are:

• To continue monitoring tree survival and growth over the

current trial plot program being carried out by CALM, AgWA

and SEFF.

• To identify a range of already established farm forestry

plantings on farms and establish short and long term

monitoring of the most important ecological parameters (e.g.

water table depths, soil moisture, soil nutrients, subsoil

structure), forestry system, agricultural system, financial and

social parameters.

• To undertake resource inventory work and set up systems for

ongoing monitoring of plantings and harvest.

• To consider alternative commercial species.

• To carry out feasibility studies about further opportunities for

alternative methods of wood processing and local value adding.

Government should continue to contribute financial resources to

implement in whole or part sub-programs which are a part of the

overall development of the timber plantation industry. Over time

this responsibility will decline and where appropriate the function

will be taken on by the private sector.

Natural Forest Resource ProductionWith continued sustainable harvesting of the natural resource,

harvesting and processing of specialty woods such as sandalwood

and Goldfields Woodland species, there is potential for ongoing

development in the region allowing further regional diversification.

The natural forest resource should continue to be managed on a

sustainable basis.

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2Recommendations

• Assess and implement where appropriate the recommended actions within the National Principles andGuidelines for Rangeland Management. (PB/PGA/AgWA/CALM/DEP)

• Formulate and introduce a strategy based on the National Principles and Guidelines for RangelandManagement to:• Support and promote government initiatives such as business and industry development grants.• Seek additional funding support from government through the National Landcare Program.• Provide support for pastoralists in developing comprehensive station management and business plans.• Identify and fund regional priorities for fencing which conforms with regional land use and conservation

objectives for domestic, native and feral animals.• Promote management for conservation and other integrated land management activities.• Provide for the diversification of the pastoral industry.(AgWA, CALM, PB, PGA)

5.5.6 Fishing and Aquaculture Strategy

Aquaculture has diversified the regional economy and is growing

rapidly in regional areas of WA at approximately 10 per cent per

annum. This is particularly important because it is export

orientated, and can contribute to economic growth.

The development of aquaculture using inland saline waters is a

potential new industry that will add to the overall economic and

employment value of aquaculture production in the region.

The main issues from an economic and planning perspective are:

• Environmental management, including the evaporation of

saltwater.

• Access to feedstock, food and equipment.

• The availability of regional infrastructure for processing and

product handling.

• The possibility of creating smaller landholdings in rural areas

to provide an economic opportunity for development.

To encourage the development of the bluefin tuna industry as a

coastal aquaculture industry, a study into suitable sites (to address

the potential conflict with recreational and other users) has been

prepared. This study did not satisfy community concerns, and a

broader Aquaculture Development Strategy for the Esperance

sub-region is to be undertaken to identify suitable sites that will

not have a detrimental social or environmental impact. Fisheries

WA is preparing an aquaculture plan for the Recherche

Archipelago.

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Objective• To enable the timber resource from plantations and natural stands to become an important, integrated and sustainable

component of the region’s economy.

Principal Issues• The need to diversify the use of pastoral and agricultural land.

• Opportunities to develop a value added industry and manufacturing in the region.

Guidelines• Continue to research and promote the development of specialty timber industries in the Goldfields. (CALM,

Private sector)

Recommendations• Identify areas with potential and promote the benefits of timber plantations and agroforestry to the rural

community. (SEFF/AgWA, CALM)

• Facilitate the development of speciality timber industries based on sustainable utilisation of naturalresources. (CALM, GEDC, PB)

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2Objective

• To utilise the region’s recreational, commercial and aquaculture fisheries resource within ecologically sustainable limits

so that these activities do not conflict with one another, or with the conservation/tourism values of the area.

Principal Issues• Lack of resources allocated to policing recreational catches.

• Development of additional recreational fishing locations.

• Value adding to the region’s commercial fish catch.

• Protection of fish breeding grounds.

• Sustainability of the fish resource for professional, tourism and recreational purposes.

• Continuation of research and development of the aquaculture industry.

• The need to evaluate the environmental and economic viability of aquaculture developments taking into account the

visual amenity of the Esperance coastal scenery.

• The need to identify areas for inland aquaculture development.

• The need for coordination/integration of government processes relating to applications for fisheries development.

Guidelines• Sustain commercial and recreational fishing, aquaculture and fisheries habitats through sound environmental and

resource management practices. (FWA)

• Provide the future land and water requirements for the aquaculture industry. (FWA, MfP)

• Provide opportunities for integrated aquaculture, fishing and tourism ventures through appropriate town planning

scheme provisions. (LG, MfP, WATC)

Recommendations• Prepare a strategy for the development of aquaculture in inland/desert saline waters which addresses the

following:• Availability of project resource and funding.• The allocation of land and appropriate zoning for inland aquaculture development, including the ability

of farms to be subdivided to provide an economic opportunity for development.• Environmental management, including the disposal of saltwater.• Access to seedstock, food and markets.• Provision of appropriate infrastructure such as power.(FWA, DEP, AgWA, GEDC, CALM, LG)

• Evaluate the development of aquaculture along the south coast with consideration of the following:• Environmental management.• Allocation of appropriate sites with minimal conflict between the various users.• Economic viability.• Protection of the visual amenity of the Esperance coastal scenery.(FWA, CALM, DEP, AgWA, LG)

• Promote the coordination and integration of government processes and mechanisms for the considerationand development of aquaculture projects.(FWA, CALM, DEP, LG)

5.5.7 Tourism and Recreation Strategy

Tourism in the region has diversified over recent years as visitors

become more aware of the different attractions. Tourism has

major potential to diversify the economic base of the Goldfields-

Esperance Region.

To encourage visitors, particularly international tourists, to stay in

the region, more attractions will need to be developed which

highlight the region’s unique environment, including

ecotourism10 and heritage developments. The development of

integrated tourism products and a comprehensive marketing

strategy should be promoted. The Gwalia townsite and Windarra

nickel mine are examples of two important attractions in the

northern goldfields which have strong potential to attract more

tourists and should be promoted.

The region has significant ecotourism assets and has great potential

to develop these further. The desert areas have potential through

developing a cultural experience of desert life through contact with

Aboriginal people living on their homelands. At the same time this

would give Aboriginal people an opportunity to become involved

in economic development and strengthen their cultural identity.

The natural environment of the south coast has a distinctive

unspoilt beauty with a potential to develop ecologically sustainable

tourism that fosters environmental understanding, appreciation

and conservation. The South-West Eco-Museum concept is a

project initiated by the South-West Development Commission

aimed at fostering environmental and cultural understanding,

appreciation and conservation. It has developed into 19 Eco-

Museums at sites of environmental significance across the South-

West Region. A similar concept could be developed in the

Goldfields-Esperance Region.

The south coast with its spectacular scenery and natural

wilderness values has conservation, recreation and aesthetic

values that should be retained and protected. Conserving the

wilderness appeal of the south coast is an issue for CALM to

address through review of its management plans. The

identification of other coastal areas for conservation purposes is

an issue to be considered in the wider context of future coastal

management. The further potential for ecotourism is immense

and requires careful management.

The growth of the tourism industry requires improved tourist

infrastructure such as the upgrading of tourist roads and

provision of appropriate signage. There is also the need to reduce

conflicts between tourist traffic and heavy haulage vehicles.

A comprehensive tourism development strategy has been

prepared for the south-east part of the region, and is currently

being implemented. There is a need to develop a similar strategy

for the Goldfields sub-region, to provide a blueprint for future

tourism development and market positioning. The Goldfields

Tourism 2000 Plan is currently in preparation and should be

completed by the end of 2000.

Tourism statistics traditionally include business travellers, and

this is by far the biggest tourism market sector in the Goldfields.

This strategy acknowledges the positive economic benefits

delivered by business travellers, and recognises that Kalgoorlie-

Boulder needs to develop its tourism potential in other niche

markets including self drive, conferences and meetings, air

stopovers, as a campervan hub, and by maximising the benefits

resulting from new developments such as the Australian

Prospectors and Miners Hall of Fame.

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Objective• To promote the continued expansion of tourism, ecotourism and recreation where appropriate within the region

and provide supporting infrastructure.

Principal Issues• The requirement for additional accommodation in Kalgoorlie-Boulder during peak periods (e.g. conferences,

Goldfields Mining Expo).

• Increasing pressure for tourism on the south coast.

• Maximisation of tourism potential flowing from the development of the Outback Highway.

• The need to incorporate Aboriginal culture and heritage as an ecotourism opportunity to facilitate cross-cultural

understanding.

10 Ecotourism – has been defined as “Travel to remote or natural areas which aims to enhance understanding and appreciation of the natural environment and cultural heritage while avoidingdamage or deterioration of the experience for others (Figgis 1992).”

Guidelines• Develop coordinated regional tourism marketing strategies. (WATC, GTA, ERTA, GEDC, CCI)

• Promote agricultural tourism in the form of farm-stay accommodation. (WATC, GTA, ERTA)

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Recommendations• Prepare a coordinated tourism strategy for the Goldfields Region to:

• Identify future tourism development needs.• Identify appropriate locations for tourist facilities in areas with tourism potential.• Provide opportunities for nature-based tourism.• Promote the location and design of facilities which minimise adverse impacts on the landscape and

surrounding uses.• Make provision for appropriate land use and infrastructure.(GTA, WATC, GEDC, MfP, LG, KB-CCI)

• Identify suitable sites for the development of tourism and recreation infrastructure and development. (LG, MfP)

• Examine the Port of Esperance’s capacity to accommodate cruise ships, and undertake a cost/benefit analysisof infrastructure requirements. (Transport, ERTA, EspPA)

• Investigate Middle Island as a potential site for day-use ecotourism activities. (WATC, CALM, ERTA, EspPA)

• Identify the potential for development of ecotourism museums throughout the region on sites withecotourism significance similar to those that have been developed in the South-West Region.(GTA/ERTA/WATC, ONT)

• Prepare a development and management strategy for the Gwalia townsite to:• Provide for tourist facilities.• Ensure ongoing management.• Preserve its heritage.(WATC/LG, GTA, GEDC)

• Maintain existing roads and develop additional tourist routes in the region. (WATC, MRWA, LG)

• Investigate the setting up of a regional interpretative display at the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport and at theKalgoorlie-Boulder Railway Station. (GTA, WATC)

• Develop Wilson Street as a feature promenade from the Railway Station to Hannan Street. (LG, GTA, WATC)

• Address gaps in product provision including accommodation facilities for a variety of budgets, farm orstation-stay and other rural attractions. Package existing product to provide an overall tourism experience,adventure and ecotourism attractions, and conference facilities. (WATC, ERTA, GETA)

• Promote and encourage Aboriginal involvement in tourism initiatives. (WATC, GTA, GEDC, LG)

• Produce a tourism implementation strategy that identifies key development issues and achievable outcomes.(WATC, ERTA, GTA, GEDC, LG)

5.5.8 Regional Enterprise Development Strategy

There are considerable opportunities to strengthen the existing

economic sectors of the region’s economy. In addition, its vast

geographical area and diverse environment and cultural history

make the region a unique area for education, research and cultural

developments. The proposed and potential regional economic

initiatives outlined in Section 3.6.9 will improve the economic

base of the region and promote its unique characteristics.

The Centre for Management of Arid Environments (CMAE), for

example, will play an important role in fostering new service

industries based on rangeland management and soil technology.

The priority of the proposed centre is research and teaching

(training in land management and land use diversification in new

industries focused on arid shrublands). The CMAE can assist in

areas such as the pastoral industry, which is experiencing major

economic difficulties through substantial reduction in product

prices. The CMAE can play a crucial role in developing diversified

industries for the region through focusing community led

research and by acting as a conduit to national and international

markets and expertise which can provide access to new markets

and product ideas.

The region has a relatively large Aboriginal community and

opportunities exist for its involvement in regional enterprise

development. The consultation with Aboriginal communities that

occurred as part of this strategy identified economic

opportunities for Aboriginal people such as involvement in

ecotourism as a way of allowing traditional skills to be utilised.

Small business enterprises for passing tourists near Aboriginal

communities; involvement in cottage type industries such as

timber projects; and land management strategies, including

ranger training and rangelands management, are opportunities

with potential. This should be encouraged by vocational training,

through a combination of formal and on-the-job training.

Organisations such as the GEDC are instrumental in encouraging

the development of regional enterprises and economic

development. The GEDC can offer advice to operators of new

enterprises and pursue grants and other assistance available for

development of initiatives. The GEDC, in association with the

Kalgoorlie-Boulder Chamber of Commerce and the Industry

Supplies Office, has recently published a regional Industry

Capability Directory.

The directory aims to:

• Maximise local content in new and existing resource projects.

• Assist local businesses to tender successfully for a greater

proportion of this work.

• Encourage them to develop their capability to meet the needs

of major developers and operators.

• Promote the capability of the region’s businesses to project

developers and major contractors in the construction and

general engineering sectors.

The establishment of an Industry Development Centre in

Kalgoorlie-Boulder aims to increase local content in major

projects within the region.

With many large resource projects in the feasibility and

implementation stage throughout the region, local content is an

important issue. The Murrin Murrin, Cawse and Bulong Nickel

Projects, together with associated infrastructure, alone had an

estimated construction cost of almost $2 billion. While the

economic benefits of these and other resource projects are

important to Australia and Western Australia as a whole, it is also

important that communities and businesses in the region

maximise their opportunities.

The GEDC, in association with the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Chamber

of Commerce, is proposing to establish an Industrial

Development Centre which will reinforce the effectiveness of the

directory by providing an ongoing linkage between local service

companies and project developers. Regional Centres should have

land set aside for regional enterprises.

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Objectives• To promote the economic development of the region through the promotion of initiatives to assist industry or

developments unique to the region.

• To support the existing core industries of mining and agriculture and their service industries.

• Diversification of the regional economy to reduce dependence on the core industries.

Principal Issues• Availability of affordable land for the development of business enterprises.

• Retention of young leaders and potential business developers in the region.

Guidelines• The provision of land to accommodate proposed and future regional initiatives to be monitored by the proposed

Goldfields-Esperance Region Planning Coordinating Committee. (GERPCC)

• Continue to progress towards development of the Australian Prospectors and Miners Hall of Fame in Kalgoorlie-

Boulder. (GEDC, LG)

• Continue to encourage economic development and the development of regional enterprises by compiling information

and providing advice to operators of new enterprises or new entrants to the industry seeking to be established, and

pursue grants and other assistance available for development of initiatives. (GEDC, CCI)

• Encourage the involvement of Aboriginal communities – in ecotourism; small business enterprises for passing tourists

near Aboriginal communities; cottage type industries such as timber projects; and land management strategies,

including ranger training and rangelands management – by vocational training through a combination of formal and

on-the-job training. (GEDC, CCI, CALM, LG, WATC)

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2

Recommendations• Initiate strategies across government and industry which will encourage Aboriginal individuals and

communities to participate in and achieve economic and social benefit from development of the region,including:• Involvement in industry related vocational training (such as ranger training and rangelands

management), through a combination of formal and on-the-job training.• Involvement in ecotourism as a way of allowing traditional skills to be utilised.• Encouragement and training for small business enterprises for passing tourists near Aboriginal

communities.• Involvement in cottage type industries such as timber projects.(GEDC, CALM, Curtin, Community/Industry alliances, LG, KB-CCI)

• Identify suitable sites for the development of future regional enterprise initiatives. (LG, MfP, GEDC)

REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY

The improvement of regional infrastructure can assist in creating

regional wealth and providing community stability. Physical

infrastructure is the range of basic services required for settlement

and includes water and wastewater, power and energy, transport

i.e. road, rail, air and port, and telecommunications. Country

areas should have access to basic and essential services. From a

regional perspective it is essential that regional infrastructure is

upgraded and maintained to encourage and promote economic

development. The size of the Goldfields-Esperance Region and

the distances between towns

mean that the provision and maintenance of infrastructure within

the region is expensive. Much of the existing infrastructure is of a

lesser standard than in other parts of regional Australia, with the

exception of the two major centres, Kalgoorlie-Boulder and

Esperance. An Infrastructure Audit of service provision in the

region has identified gaps and future needs. Through the

identification of regional infrastructure needs in this Strategy the

Government will be better placed to make a commitment to

provide fundamental infrastructure to the region, and to foster

the continued development of the mining, agricultural, pastoral,

timber, fishing, aquaculture and tourism industries in the region.

5.6

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Objective• To facilitate timely and coordinated provision of regional infrastructure to meet current and future needs.

5.6.1 Water and Wastewater Strategy

Sourcing of water is severely limited, particularly in the Goldfields

sub-region, given its arid climate and limited saline groundwater.

Extensive study has been carried out to determine the availability

of water supplies in the region. There are three principal sources

of water to the region: pipeline – potable, harvested surface water

and palaeochannel – hypersaline.

The mining industry will continue to use the hypersaline water

supplied from the groundwater in the region until a financially

viable alternative is found. However, current hypersaline demand

is considerably in excess of the natural recharge rates. The region

will continue to rely on imported potable water unless the cost of

alternative supply methods is significantly reduced.

The Kalgoorlie-Boulder WaterLink Final Report has reviewed

opportunities for improvements to, and expansion of the existing

water supply including: a water pipeline from Esperance to

Kalgoorlie-Boulder; a desalination plant; and upgrading the

existing G&AWS pipeline as well as increasing storage capacity. It

aims to promote a more integrated approach to all aspects of

water supply, use and disposal within the eastern

Goldfields region.

The report recommends:

• The Esperance to Kalgoorlie-Boulder pipeline, probably in

the seawater form, be given further detailed consideration as

the next new source for industry. This should be progressed

relatively quickly in order to meet the needs of the emerging

nickel laterite second stage developments before alternate

sources are adopted.

• The G&AWS supply continue to be augmented in the short to

medium term.

• Other options such as wastewater reuse be progressed to meet

the needs of discrete markets as appropriate.

At this stage there does not appear to be any one option for the

future supply of water to the Goldfields. Water Corporation

conceptual studies suggest seawater could be piped to Kalgoorlie-

Boulder from Esperance for a price of between $0.70/kL and

$1.50/kL. The Goldfields Utilities Limited proposal to process sea

water and produce potable water could potentially provide water

at a cost of $2.00/kL, however this is conceptual and yet to be

proved. The proposal is progressing to the final feasibility stage.

Progression of any of the bulk water supply options (Esperance to

Kalgoorlie-Boulder pipelines, either sea water or desalinated) will

be dependent on demand. The gold industry has shown an

interest in seawater if it is priced between $0.70/kL and $0.90/kL.

Other options for water include piping desalinated sea water from

Perth to the Goldfields, and a Geraldton to Goldfields water pipeline.

For private producers to provide a dual supply for water, as a back-up

in the event of a supply shortage, incentives should be encouraged.

Eucla is the only town without a water scheme. The Government

should instruct the Office of Water Regulation to oversee the

implementation of a public water supply for Eucla, to make

potable water available for all residents.

Leonora, Laverton and Menzies currently have issues relating to

the quality of the water provided by the existing schemes,

especially as high nitrate levels pose health risks to pregnant

women. Water Corporation has indicated that water quality will

be marginally improved to these towns when the planned

upgrades to the schemes are completed. Water quality will still be

lower than urban standards but should be improved sufficiently

to meet health requirements on nitrates.

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2Objective

• To provide consumers and industry with an ongoing water supply at an appropriate cost and quality.

Principal Issues• Reliance on and increasing demand for water from the G&AWS and its sources.

• Poor quality of potable water supplies in the northern Goldfields.

• Lack of a public water supply in Eucla.

• Increasing use of palaeochannel water by the mining industry.

• The high levels of salt being brought to the surface due to the continuous use of hypersaline, palaeochannel water.

Recommendations• Improve to community standards the water quality at Leonora, Laverton and Menzies by reducing the high

concentration of nitrates and other trace elements when the schemes are upgraded. (WC, OWR)

• Implement strategies to reduce water usage and re-use wastewater for areas with limited potable water.(OWR, WRC, WC, LG)

• Identify and provide an alternative and reliable water supply option for Kalgoorlie-Boulder. (OWR, DRD, LG,KB-CCI)

• Devise regional management plans for water resources outside the Kalgoorlie-Boulder area. (WRC, WC)

• Examine mechanisms to introduce more competition into the water market in the Goldfields-EsperanceRegion. (OWR)

• Investigate individual water supply options for strategic locations within the region. (OWR, WC)

• Provide incentives for private producers to provide a dual supply for water. (OWR).

• Investigate options for a public water supply at Eucla. (OWR)

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5.6.2 Power and Energy

Power production and provision is a fundamental requirement to

facilitate growth in the region. The size of the region and the

distances between towns creates limitations for certain towns,

particularly those with a low or fluctuating population base.

The Government’s new policy for electricity supply in regional

areas of the State will encourage the introduction of private

generation and bring more competition into the energy market in

the region. This will particularly affect locations outside the grid

system such as Esperance, Hopetoun, Laverton, Leonora and

Menzies and will encourage innovative proposals from private

companies to reduce the cost of electricity generation to the

lowest level commercially possible.

The town of Leonora has a recently constructed gas-fired power

station. Further studies are required for the settlements that are

powered by diesel-generated electricity. Investigations into cost-

effective alternative sources of energy should be considered for

Menzies, Eucla and other remote settlements. An assessment

of the anticipated increase in demand for services and energy

infrastructure for the Ngaanyatjarraku local government

is required.

Alternative energy generation could include coal (deposits near

Salmon Gums) or wood (biomass) fired power stations, especially

for Esperance, in conjunction with forestry proposals and major

tree planting to address salinity issues. A trial by Western Power is

to be undertaken near Narrogin for this type of alternative power

generation.

Planning strategies need to be put in place to consider better

options for more equitable energy supply within the region. A 10-

year strategy is needed to determine how infrastructure should be

upgraded to meet future demands.

Recommendations• Investigate alternative energy options for potential future use in remote areas and review feasibility figures

to determine more cost-effective ways to introduce alternative energy sources. (OE)

• Investigate the co-location of a gas pipeline if and when a water pipeline is constructed between Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Esperance, to minimise the cost of and disruption associated with construction. (OE, Private sector)

• Investigate power supply options for strategic locations within the region. (OE)

• Provide opportunities for private producers to compete as suppliers of power. (OE)

• Prepare a 10-year strategy to:• Determine how electricity and gas infrastructure can be upgraded to meet future demands.• Consider all feasible options for energy supply to regional centres and options for a more equitable

energy supply.(OE, WP)

Objective• To provide consumers and industry with an ongoing power supply at an appropriate cost and quality.

Principal Issues• Increasing demand for power in remote locations that are only provided with diesel-generated power.

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25.6.3 Roads Strategy

The State Government has allocated funding for road expansion

and improvement within the region to provide a better road

system for industry and the community, to increase safety and

improve freight benefits. The Roads 2020 Regional Road

Development Strategies, Transform WA and The 1997 Road

Program – The Next 10 Years Investment have focused on actions

for the road network, and possible changes to complement the

development of other transport nodes.

The strategic road transport corridors in the region are depicted

in Figure 25. This outlines those roads which link the Goldfields-

Esperance Region to other regions and those which link or open

up key parts of the region. Staged development of the Roads 2020

and Transform WA road proposals will fulfil the road service

infrastructure needs of the Goldfields-Esperance Region.

Under the WA Road Program 1998/1999 – 2007/2008, $189.3

million has been allocated for road development in the

Goldfields-Esperance Region. Of this, $129.2 million has been

allocated for State roads and $60.1 million for local roads. This

strategy supports the proposals in the various strategies and

programs outlined.

Recommendations• Implement the recommendations of the Goldfields-Esperance Regional Transport Strategy, when completed,

Roads 2020 Strategies and the Transform WA Program. (MRWA, Transport, GEDC, LG, KB-CCI)

• Examine the issue of access for Aboriginal communities, particularly in relation to the possible future highlevel of road activity generated by mining companies. (MRWA, Transport, GEDC, Aboriginal communities)

Objective• To provide an appropriate regional road system to meet growth requirements of the region effectively and efficiently.

Principal Issues• Freight increases from increased mining activity, particularly in the northern Goldfields.

• The use of road or rail as the dominant transport mode for freight movements.

• Trade and tourism link to the Pilbara through upgrading the Goldfields Highway.

• Threats and opportunities through linking the northern goldfields with Geraldton via the Magnet-Sandstone-Leinster

Road.

• Protection of the transport corridor to the Esperance port.

• Provision of roads particularly to encourage tourism.

• The Outback Highway will provide a connection to Queensland and increase opportunities for tourism.

5.6.4 Rail Strategy

With continued growth in mining activity in

the Goldfields-Esperance Region, it is likely

that rail transport will be used increasingly by

the mining industry. The potential for rail

transport to increase its share of the future

freight load and/or take precedence over road

transport will be dependent on the quality of

rail infrastructure (particularly the Kalgoorlie-Esperance line)

and rail freight rates becoming more competitive.

The northern Goldfields region is expected to continue to

experience the most growth and place most pressure on existing

rail links. Transportation of large volumes of products used in

mineral processing, such as sulphur and ammonium sulphate, for

various nickel mining operations will be necessary.

The intention to sell the freight business of Westrail was

announced by State Cabinet in July 1998 following a study of the

options for its future. Potential benefits of the sale include the

possible creation of a private sector national rail freight company

based in Western Australia. Part of the condition of sale will

include a guarantee of service to regional and rural users.

The concept of the Leonora-Newman rail link has been

previously considered by government, and has been dismissed as

uneconomic. Such a line would link up with the existing track

from Port Hedland-Newman and Leonora-Esperance. There may

be opportunities for landbridging freight south from Port

Hedland, such as is being suggested for the Darwin-Alice Springs

Railway. The Leonora-Newman link (650km)

would be significantly cheaper to construct

than the proposed 1400km Darwin-Alice

Springs line (estimated in excess of $1 billion).

Extension of the railway line from Leonora to

Laverton as suggested in the Draft Goldfields-

Esperance Regional Transport Strategy requires

further consideration.

Intermodal operations in Kalgoorlie-Boulder are in a state of

transition with several development options possible. This should

include a terminal, and may include infrastructure and services,

such as maintenance, refuelling and general support services.

The optimal location for a single intermodal hub in Kalgoorlie-

Boulder is yet to be determined. Several options, including West

Kalgoorlie and Parkeston have been suggested, and will require

further investigation. Further work by Government and the

private sector is required in the development of intermodal

operations in the Kalgoorlie-Boulder area.

Improvements to passenger rail services will also be required. In

1999 the State Government announced that Westrail will purchase

new passenger trains which are capable of reaching 160km per

hour. The new train will cost $30 million and would reduce the

journey from Kalgoorlie-Boulder to Perth to about six hours.

A proposal to re-route the railway line from the centre of

Kalgoorlie-Boulder is being investigated. Loongana Lime has

prepared a preliminary plan for discusssion.

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Objective• To provide an appropriate regional rail system which effectively and efficiently meets the growth requirements of the region.

Principal Issues• Impact of the privatisation of Westrail.

• The capacity of existing rail infrastructure.

• Impact of the growth of mining activity on the level of service required.

Guidelines• Promote Kalgoorlie-Boulder as an inland port for the transfer of goods into and out of the region and State.

(Transport, GEDC, MfP)

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2Recommendations

• Review existing track infrastructure to enable it to handle heavy haulage of products from existing andfuture mining activities. (Transport, Westrail)

• Evaluate the impact of the sale of Westrail Freight Services on the region. (GEDC, Transport, KB-CCI)

• Upgrade the Kalgoorlie-Esperance rail link. (Transport, Westrail)

• Instigate a study to review regional growth and investigate the railway between Leonora-Leinster-Mt Keith-Newman. (GEDC, Transport, PDC, DRD, MfP)

• Investigate a rail connection from Leonora to Laverton. (Transport, Westrail, Anaconda Nickel, CME, DRD)

• Re-establish motor-rail facilities at Kalgoorlie, to facilitate rail-drive tourism. (Transport, Westrail, GTA, WATC)

5.6.5 Air Transport Strategy

Future air transport requirements in the region will be

determined by the establishment and/or development of

individual mining and industrial projects, principally in the

northern Goldfields sub-region, and by population growth in the

central and more southern parts of the region. It is anticipated

there will be an increased reliance on air transport as the region

develops. Fly-in/fly-out continues to increase, and as a result

aircraft landing areas and aerodromes will need to be upgraded.

Provision of air services will continue to be demand, driven

particularly by the resource and service sectors.

There would be value in strengthening Kalgoorlie-Boulder as an

air transportation hub with increased services to other

State/interstate destinations. Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport should

continue to be promoted as the major aviation hub of the region

and the upgrading of infrastructure to meet growth in demand

for inter and intrastate services, freight handling and other

aviation opportunities should be undertaken. Land use planning

issues such as possible long term relocation of the airport and the

shortage of land for housing and industry in Kalgoorlie-Boulder

should be addressed. This regional plan recommends that further

investigation be undertaken to secure a suitable site for a possible

future airport.

There is a need to upgrade strategically located airports to all-

weather standard to meet access requirements and emergency

landings. Airstrips such as Leonora have been identified as

important community and mining industry airstrips that require

sealing and/or extension.

Maintenance of emergency airstrips is likely to continue to remain

a concern for local communities and airstrip owners. There is a

requirement for the State Government, in association with local

communities, to prepare a strategy to ensure that emergency

landings access to remote communities is achievable.

The following recommendations of the Goldfields-Esperance

Regional Transport Strategy (2000) are endorsed:

• Where possible, investigate, with mining companies, a joint

approach to identifying new airstrip locations that benefit

both mines and nearby communities and help to eliminate

the duplication of airstrip infrastructure.

• Determine long term land use planning requirements for

Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport.

• Assess the need for inclusion of emergency airstrips along the

Western Australian section of the proposed Outback Highway

at the time the road is developed.

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Objective• Develop the region’s air transport network and infrastructure to meet the growing needs of the region.

Principal Issues• Maintenance of strategically located and emergency airstrips.

• Strengthening Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport as an air transportation hub.

• The need to avoid land use conflict between airports and other land uses.

Guidelines• Continue to promote Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport as the major aviation hub of the region and upgrade infrastructure

to meet growth in demand for inter and intrastate services and other aviation opportunities. (LG, Transport)

• Encourage the inception of a Kalgoorlie/Alice Springs flight to tap into the outback tourism market. (GTA, WATC, LG)

Recommendations• Undertake a study to identify a suitable alternative site for Kalgoorlie-Boulder regional airport.

(LG/Transport, KB-CCI)

• Examine the level of current and future use of airstrips in the region to prioritise airstrip upgrading to address:• All-weather availability of Regular Passenger Transport airports.• Re-sealing and possibly re-sheeting of the most frequently used airstrips within 5 to 10 years.• Ensure suitable lighting is installed at all airstrips.• Maintenance of airstrips along the Eyre Highway on the Nullarbor Plain.(Transport, WATC, GEDC)

• Improve the airstrips at Ravensthorpe, Hopetoun and Norseman as a priority, to improve Royal Flying DoctorService access. (Transport)

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25.6.6 Ports Strategy

Transport through the Port of Esperance is a major component in

several mining projects that export their product.

The Goldfields-Esperance Regional Transport Strategy (2000) has

identified possible improvements to efficiency at the Port of

Esperance. An assessment of the need for improved loading and

storage infrastructure at the port should be undertaken.

Land use planning for the port needs to take account of the

shortage of land for expansion, the possible need to use reclaimed

or alternative industrial land and the need to preserve a transport

corridor through Esperance to the port.

The Esperance port has expansion capability for the next 25 years,

and a second port is unlikely to be needed in this time frame. It is

anticipated that growth will stabilise at the port in the next few

years, though the upward trend should continue over the long

term. Two sites – Wylie Bay and Butty Head – have been identified

as potential locations for a future additional port, if new

development in the region requires increased capacity. However,

it is considered that the port’s operations do not need to be

changed at present, and proposed development work is expected

to satisfy requirements for the time horizon of this study.

Objective• To develop the region’s port infrastructure to meet the changing needs of industry, commerce and the community.

Principal Issues• Conflict with other marine and land uses.

• Possible improvements to ship loading efficiency.

• Provision of adequate and appropriate transport corridors to and from the port.

• Shortage of port land for future expansion.

Guideline• Undertake land use planning for the Port of Esperance which takes account of a shortage of land for expansion, the

possible need to use reclaimed or alternative industrial land and the need to preserve a transport corridor through

Esperance to the port (EspPA, LG, MfP, Transport, Westrail).

Recommendations• Assess the need for improved loading and storage infrastructure at the Port of Esperance to increase

efficiency and cater for increased demand. (EspPA, GEDC)

• Develop longer term plans for the possible expansion of berthing facilities and increased channel capabilitiesat the Port of Esperance. (EspPA, LG, MfP, Transport, GEDC)

• Complete the upgrading of Esperance port facilities and associated service corridor, as well as road and railtransport links to the Goldfields. (Transport, LG, MfP, Westrail, MRWA, EspPA, GEDC)

• Evaluate the need for future port facilities, through the Southern Cross-Esperance Regional Minerals ProvinceStudy . (DRD/GEDC/Transport, EspPA, DME, MfP, DEP, CALM, LG)

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Objective• To provide telecommunication infrastructure that will meet the needs and demands of consumers and industry in the

region.

Principal Issues• Poor telecommunications in the region.

• The need to update the region’s telecommunications with improvements in technology.

Recommendations • Establish telecentres at Leinster and Laverton to provide a range of Information Technology and

Telecommunications resources for public use, plus training courses, Help Line support and tele-healthfacilities. (DOCAT, GEDC)

• Facilitate the provision of a comprehensive telecommunications system (including a mobile telephone systemand high speed broad band data transmission) to cover all the towns, mining camps, pastoral and Aboriginalcommunities and principal highways of the region. (GEDC, Commonwealth Government’s RegionalTelecommunications Program, local mining companies, LG, Commonwealth and State regional developmentprograms)

5.6.7 Telecommunications

A Communications Audit- The Needs of Regional Western

Australians (The Bosche Group,1997) has confirmed the relative

disadvantages in communications access and service faced by

people in regional and remote areas, including the Goldfields-

Esperance Region, and particularly in its sparsely populated areas.

Improvements through installation of fibre optic cabling are

under way, but it will be a number of years before many remote

areas can access higher capacity cabling.

The impact of deregulation and competition in the region has

resulted in the provision of voice, data and video services at a

lower cost, and created the opportunity for private funding to

help pay for rural networks. The introduction of Optus into

themarketplace has not had a substantial impact but the 1997

deregulation allowing the entry of more telecommunications

companies into the Australian marketplace will result in

benefits, particularly to business users. Vodafone Globalstar

Satellite mobile phone system has recently been introduced

throughout Australia.

Apart from existing gaps in telecommunications services, the

combination of increased direct and indirect economic activity in

minerals, population expansion, increasing travel/tourism

through this region, and the worldwide trend toward greater

reliance on convenient and cheap communications, will increase

demand for telecommunications for the next 30 years. For

example, workers at the present and future mines will demand

better communications and entertainment facilities, and the

mining companies and telecommunications providers need to

address this.

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2

Objectives• To develop a regional waste management plan including identification and provision of local and regional facilities,

and the funding and implementation of initiatives aimed at the management and minimisation of the various waste

streams in the region, including;

• Municipal Solid Waste

• Household Hazardous Waste

• Liquid Waste

• Construction and Demolition Waste

• Organic Waste

• Commercial and Industrial Waste

• To identify existing contaminated sites within the region and develop, in conjunction with Government, an agreed

strategy for their eventual remediation and management.

• Identify and manage (through policy, and regulation where applicable) sites and industries with future and/or ongoing

contamination potential.

Principal Issues• Need to identify various wastes by source, volume and type.

• Need to explore waste management opportunities for each waste type or stream (including recycling, minimisation,

re-use, etc).

• Need for a coordinated regional waste management strategy.

• Need for a State waste management strategy (in development).

• Availability of information with regard to existing contaminated sites.

Recommendations• Establish a Regional Waste Management Council. (LG, DEP, GEDC)

• Develop a Regional Waste Management Plan, including the development of a Regional Waste ManagementCoordinator’s position per the Waste Management and Recycling Fund. (LG, DEP, GEDC)

5.6.8 Waste Management and Contaminated Sites

A lack of an overall State direction in strategic waste management

planning within which the region may have positioned regional

and local waste management initiatives, and issues such as

economics, distance and population have impacted on the overall

waste management performance of the region.

Various activities have been undertaken to address specific wastes,

but generally on an ad hoc basis, and locally rather than at a

regional level. This is most likely a result of the lack of a regional

waste management strategy, although the region’s local

authorities have evidenced regional cooperation on several

other issues.

There are obvious opportunities to conduct waste audits

throughout the region to determine the breadth of the issue and

subsequently develop participative waste management plans

inclusive of all the region’s municipalities.

Initiatives such as secondary processing, diversion, greenwaste

composting, biosolids use, liquid waste reprocessing or re-use and

many other opportunities should be looked at from a regional

perspective, within the economic advantages of greater volume

and coordinated sourcing or availability.

At least one of the major centres is currently investigating urban

recycling opportunities, and due to its remoteness, may well

provide some regional impetus for improvements in regional

recycling and minimisation.

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REGIONAL LAND USE PLAN

The regional land use strategy (Figure 27)

builds on the strategic policy framework of the

region plan, described in Part 2 of this report.

The strategy is broadly divided into the

following land use categories:

• Pastoral

• Agricultural

• Potential Intensive/Irrigated Agriculture

• Environmental Planning Priority Areas

• Marine Planning Priority Areas

• Settlement Hierarchy

• Aboriginal Areas

• Regional Infrastructure

The categories have been generalised to reflect the major land uses

at the regional level. Current land use activities and patterns are

much more complex than the categories suggest, but the strategy

reflects the main elements to present a concept of the region as a

whole, taking into account known trends and possible future

proposals and information regarding specific sites.

The process used to prepare the strategy has included both

objective and subjective assessment, and the values and opinions

of individuals, local governments and State Government agencies

have also contributed.

PASTORAL

Pastoral areas extend across the northern and

eastern portions of the shires of the region. The

rangelands are not only important agricultural

areas, but also are important for minerals and

basic raw materials. The need to formulate an

extractive industries policy to protect

important basic raw materials, with due regard to environmental

factors and surrounding and competing land uses is

acknowledged. The development of a strategic heavy industry site

at Mungari will focus interest on a range of potential industries

associated with minerals processing which may develop in the

region in the future.

AGRICULTURAL

Broadacre agriculture consists primarily of mixed use

grain/sheep/cattle areas, and is also the primary land use in the

Shires of Esperance and Ravensthorpe. These areas also contain

important minerals and basic raw materials which require

appropriate land use planning controls for their protection. On a

regional scale, it is difficult to represent the complexity and

diversity of rural activities across the region. The State Planning

Strategy identifies a large area in the south as subject to extreme

soil salinity risk, and supports land management as the way to

address this environmental issue. The actions recommended

within this strategy aim to achieve balance between productivity

and long-term conservation of valuable natural resources, with

involvement by a range of government and other agencies.

Promotion and support is provided for the protection of

broadacre areas from encroachment by incompatible uses

through land capability and landcare practices, including

programs to rehabilitate degraded areas.

6.2

6.16.0

Figure 26: Goldfields-Esperance Region

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Warburton

Eucla

Leinster

Leonora

Menzies

Laverton

KalgoorlieCoolgardie

Kambalda

NorsemanBalladonia

Ravensthorpe

HopetounEsperance

Southern Ocean

0 50

Produced by Project Mapping Section, LEGEND

N

Geographic & Planning Information Branch,Ministry for Planning, Perth, W.A. July 2000

Derived from Landsat TM Data (100 metre)

Topographic Data supplied by Departmentof Land Administration, W.A.

SCALE 1:40000

kilometres

100

GEOCENTRIC DATUM OF AUSTRALIA

Bands 741

Existing Road

Future Road

Study Boundarysupplied by Remote Sensing Service,Department of Land Administration, W.A.

ntw-map11//strat_pol/ /gerps/ /gef_fig26.gda94

Figure 27: Goldfields-Esperance Region Plan

124

PA

RT

2 –

TH

E R

EG

ION

AL

ST

RA

TE

GY

✶

Norseman

Coolgardie

Leonora

Laverton

Eucla

Kambalda

Leinster

Southern Ocean

Hopetoun

Menzies

Balladonia

Forrest

Kalgoorlie( See Enlargement )

Warburton

( See Enlargement )Esperance

Enlargement Not to Scale

for details of Land Use ZonesSee Figure 32 Esperance Structure Plan

N

PILBARA

MID-WEST

GASCOYNE

WHEATBELT

GREAT SOUTHERNSOUTH-WEST

PEELPERTH

KIMBERLEY

GOLDFIELDS-ESPERANCE

Kilometres

0 100

Pastoral Lease

Public Port

Regional Airport

Railway

Crown Reserve

Existing Strategic Tourist Road Network/Tourist Route to be Investigated

Air Strip

Strategic Industry Processing Site

LEGEND

Proposed Environmental Priority Management Area

Unallocated Crown Land

Gas Pipeline - Existing / Potential Extension

Existing Strategic Combined Freight and Tourist Road Network

Existing Strategic Freight Road Network /Possible Extension to be Investigated

Primary Mineralised Area

Index to Study Area

Aboriginal Managed Land

Conservation Estate

✶ Mt Walton IntractableWaste Disposal Site

Study Boundary

Marine Planning Priority Area

Agricultural Land

Proposed Intensive AgricultureAreas - Esperance

Non-Agriculture Freehold Land

Land Tenure Water Feature

Non-perennial Lake

Commonwealth Government

State Government

Regular PassengerTransit Airport

Produced by Project Mapping Section,Geographic & Planning Information Branch,Ministry for Planning, Perth, W.A. July 2000

ntw-map11//strat_pol/ /gerps/ /gef_fig27.npj

Source:

-Department of Land Administration, W.A.

Note:

Land Management, W.A.

Some Land Tenure categories derived fromDOLA’s Spatial Cadastral database are notvisible due to map scale.

-Department of Conservation and

-Agriculture W.A.

Ravensthorpe

Enlargement Not to Scale

See Figure 29 Kalgoorlie-Boulder Structure Planfor details of Land Use Zones

INTENSIVE AGRICULTURE

Intensive agricultural areas are important to the region. These

areas are limited natural resources which require protection from

competing land uses, including special rural and residential

development.

The State is committed to identifying and protecting productive

agricultural land for the longer term. The discussion paper,

Planning for Agricultural and Rural Land Use (1997), released for

public comment by the WAPC in November 1997 highlights the

need to identify areas of State and regional significance to ensure

that productive agricultural land is conserved and managed in the

long term.

The State Planning Strategy identifies these areas as agriculture

priority management areas which represent, subject to detailed

evaluation, areas of potential significance. The land use strategy

recommends further investigation to define areas of State and

regional significance, and that guidelines and information be

prepared to support the development and establishment of new

intensive agricultural activities. The Goldfields-Esperance Region

has an area identified for possible intensive agricultural use within

the Shire of Esperance.

ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING PRIORITY AREAS

The region has many unique and valuable landscape features with

aesthetic, conservation and recreation value. Community

consultation emphasised the value of these features to residents

who regarded them as part of the region’s character and identity.

They are also an important contribution to the region’s appeal to

visitors and tourists.

Landscape features in the region are diverse and include:

• the coastline

• wetlands

• water reserves and catchment areas

• remnant vegetation

The conservation category comprises existing managed Crown

land (nature reserves, national parks and conservation parks), other

vested Crown reserves, some unallocated Crown land, together with

areas identified as significant wetlands and river systems.

MARINE PLANNING PRIORITY AREAS

The identification of significant marine environments recognises

the importance of these areas to the economy of the Goldfields-

Esperance Region. Areas of regional significance are the

Recherche Archipelago, and coastal areas near Fitzgerald River

National Park and Twilight Cove. Marine planning priority areas

have been identified as important environmental areas which

require integrated planning to balance resource and

environmental considerations.

6.5

6.4

6.3

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2

SETTLEMENT HIERARCHY

The land use strategy recognises the

importance of the region’s towns. Their

importance will increase as the region grows

and the changes will have social and economic

impacts. Anticipating the future of the region

will assist in planning at both local and regional

levels.

The towns have developed individual and distinct characters focused

on commercial, administrative or recreational activity. They provide

alternative lifestyles for people in the region as well as opportunities

for employment, recreation and tourism. The development of

townscape and, where relevant, coastal management plans is

important for the character and identity of each town as well as

contributing to the character of the region as a whole.

The suggested preferred settlement hierarchy is based upon

Kalgoorlie-Boulder as the regional centre and Esperance and

Leonora as sub-regional centres. Other centres are designated

district or local service centres. Aboriginal communities within

the region are also shown.

Urban development outside of the settlement hierarchy is not

proposed.

ABORIGINAL USE AREAS

There is recognition of areas which are currently managed by

Aboriginal interests, and a recommendation that these areas

should be managed as for any other land use, in an

environmentally sustainable manner.

REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE

The land use strategy recognises the major transport

infrastructure elements in the region. A network is formed by the

combination of water, power, roads, rail, airports, ports and

harbour facilities. The strategy identifies important links between

industrial locations, natural resources, urban centres and

recreation areas.

The regional infrastructure system focuses on Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

The structure plan for Kalgoorlie-Boulder was prepared to help

resolve current and avoid future land use conflicts, including

transport issues in the City. The structure plan considers a range

of transport issues, including the need for a northern and

realigned southern bypass to accommodate future traffic

movement and requirements. The traffic requirements of future

industrial areas are also addressed by the structure plan.

Water and PowerThe strategy recognises the importance of

water and power to the region and

recommended improvements to this system are

included.

RoadsThe strategy identifies the primary road system

which provides access from the region to the rest of the State and

interstate. The significance of the road system is recognised and

ongoing discussions regarding the extension of additional coastal

roads with associated coastal management, urban development

and environmental issues are acknowledged. Social, economic

and environmental implications which result from the

construction of additional links, are important for future

planning of the towns.

RailThe rail system is important to the region and has the potential to

be upgraded in the future.

PortsThe strategy identifies the existing port at Esperance and the need

to determine its potential for expansion. The port is expected to

satisfy requirements for the time horizon of this study. The

strategy also identifies boating facilities at Hopetoun which are

important for fishing and recreational purposes.

AirportsThe strategy acknowledges the importance of airport

infrastructure to the region. The Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport is

currently the busiest regional airport in Western Australia, and

will cater for the region’s future requirements, complemented

by upgraded facilities in other locations, including Esperance

and Leinster, to enhance business and tourism opportunities in

the region.

Waste Management SitesThe strategy identifies the strategic waste management site at Mt

Walton, which is the State’s only Class 5 facility.

6.8

6.7

6.6

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KALGOORLIE-BOULDER STRUCTURE PLAN

INTRODUCTION

The Kalgoorlie-Boulder Structure Plan is a component of the

Goldfields-Esperance Regional Planning Strategy. It has been

prepared jointly between the Ministry for Planning and the City

of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and in consultation with the Goldfields-

Esperance Regional Planning Strategy Technical Working Group

and Steering Committee.

Substantial regional growth has occurred in the Goldfields-

Esperance Region over the past 20 years, and much of that growth

has gravitated towards the two major regional centres –

Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Esperance.

Kalgoorlie-Boulder (Figure 28) is the regional centre for the

Goldfields-Esperance Region. The population of the townsite is

expected to continue to grow at a steady rate, driven by the growth

of the mining industry in the surrounding areas and continued

local service industry expansion. The City includes the suburbs of

Hannans, Lamington, Piccadilly, Mullingar, Parkeston,

Williamstown, Kalgoorlie, Adeline, O’Connor, Somerville,

Fairways, Boulder, South Boulder and Fimiston.

In the past decade significant administrative and infrastructure

changes have occurred in Kalgoorlie-Boulder that impact on the

planning of the City. Major changes include:

• Amalgamation of Town of Kalgoorlie and Shire of Boulder.

• Transfer of airport from the Commonwealth to the City of

Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

• Construction of Anzac Drive.

• Completion of the Goldfields Gas Pipeline.

• Expansion of urban development in the Hannans area –

currently all developed.

The nature and function of Kalgoorlie-Boulder has changed. In

the past the City’s population comprised many short-stay

residents, however over time the community has become more

stable with an increasing long term population. Lifestyle is now a

major consideration in the planning and development of

Kalgoorlie-Boulder, and different lifestyles and recreational

pursuits need to be accommodated. Enhancement and promotion

of the Kalgoorlie-Boulder lifestyle can play a key role in ensuring

the long term viability of the City, by encouraging growth.

Potential land releases are constrained by a number of native title

claims and the provisions of the Mining Act. Concerns exist over

the time that will be required to resolve these issues. Other

constraints relate to the proposed Special Policy Area (covering

the interface between mining activities and urban development)

which could affect redevelopment plans in the northern

Boulder areas.

The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Town Planning Scheme was

approved by the Minister in 1997 and is the main statutory tool

for land use planning in the City. The City undertook an omnibus

amendment in 1998 and will undertake another in 2000.

Purpose of the Structure PlanThe purpose of the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Structure Plan is to

provide for future townsite expansion of land uses (residential,

special rural, industrial, commercial, parks and recreation and

conservation) and community and infrastructure coordination.

A target population of 60,000 has been adopted as a basis for

possible growth and development. The structure plan is designed

to guide development in the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder for a 25-

year period, although it will be subject to regular reviews.

The study area for the structure plan is broadly marked by the

Pilbara-Goldfields gas pipeline (north-west), Anzac Drive (south)

and Parkeston/Fimiston localities (north-east). This extends

outside the present gazetted City boundary.

PLANNING OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS

The preparation of a structure plan requires the consideration of

the area’s physical, social and economic opportunities and

constraints. The physical and socio-economic profile of the

Goldfields-Esperance Region and in particular the City of

Kalgoorlie-Boulder is documented in recent planning studies

commissioned by the City, the Goldfields Regional Profile (GEDC,

1996b) and the Goldfields-Esperance Regional Infrastructure Audit

(GHD, 1998). A brief profile is provided in Part 3 of this report.

The following analysis is limited to providing only that

information that puts the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Structure Plan

study area into context.

ClimateThe City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder lies in the arid zone of WA and has

a mean annual rainfall of 252mm. There are two distinct seasons,

summer and winter and the coldest month is July (average

temperature range of 4.8 to 16.5 degrees Celsius) and the warmest

month is January (average temperature range 18.2 to 33.6 degrees

Celsius). Although it can rain at any time during the year, most of

the rain is received in the winter months. Occasionally the

remnants of cyclones from the north of the State (Pilbara) reach

the City and can bring intense summer rainstorms.

7.2

7.1

7.0

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2

LandformThe landform of Kalgoorlie-Boulder is

generally flat but with clearly noticeable rising

ground to the east and north-east. Gribble

Creek is the only significant drainage system

and it follows a broad, poorly defined path

through the City from north to south.

The high ground (412 m AHD) of dolerite rock along the eastern

boundary is enhanced by the massive tailing dumps associated

with mining (e.g. Mt Gleddon). The Hannans residential area is

undulating with several small peaks and ridges of 400 m AHD.

Natural high ground continues in the north-west section of the

City, where the gentle rising ground from Gribble Creek forms a

broad, flat ridge near the railway line and extending southwards to

the racecourse.

DrainageKalgoorlie-Boulder is situated within the Gribble Creek

Catchment and has an important influence on development in

the City because of the direction of stormwater flow through the

suburbs of Somerville, Adeline and Boulder. The lowest point is

about 360 m AHD at the Gribble Creek culvert under the railway

line near Hannan Street. The highest point of the Gribble Creek

Catchment is about 404 m AHD in the western edge of the study

area. Much of the low-lying area, including Hannan Street in the

City Centre, is subject to flooding during severe storms.

GeologyKalgoorlie-Boulder lies within the Eastern Goldfields Province of

the Yilgarn Craton. Geology is characterised by high

mineralisation Archaean greenstone belts aligned in a north-west

direction. Gold mining is closely associated with these greenstone

belts along the eastern edge of the City. Underground mining east

of Boulder/Maritana Roads, and vibration caused by blasting,

have an impact on current established urban areas. Future urban

areas identified in the north-west are constrained by possible

mineralisation. Exploratory drilling is taking place to determine

the existence of gold-bearing deposits.

SoilsKalgoorlie-Boulder is predominantly overlain by extensive flat

areas of colluvium consisting of red-brown clayey loams, silty

gravels and sands. Archaean rock is found as outcrops in the

north-east and in isolated areas in the west. Outcrops of laterite in

the form of breakaways, ridges and small hills are also widespread

in the north-east. Areas of major outcrops limit development

opportunities because of high development costs.

VegetationKalgoorlie-Boulder forms the eastern limit of

the South-West Botanical Province and abuts

the Eremaean Province. Referred to as the

‘Interzone’, vegetation here has characteristics

of both provinces. Vegetation is predominantly

regrowth of Eucalypt Woodland. Along the

northern boundary the Eucalypt Woodland,

regrowth forms an almost continuous belt of vegetation. Most

common types of Eucalypts are blackbutt, grey gum, salmon gum,

gimlet and mallee. The understorey is also rich in species

predominantly of saltbush, bluebush, broombush and tan wattle.

Casuarina and sandalwood are found in scattered locations.

Many of the land uses in the north-west of the study area (Rifle

Range, Explosives Reserve, Sewage Treatment and Rubbish Tip)

have used the vegetation as buffer. Preservation of the eucalypt

woodland will be important for natural habitat protection and

buffering against noise, dust and amenity.

Natural Conservation ValuesThe main areas with conservation values are the eucalypt

woodland (Karlkurla Bushland Park) in the north-west and the

Gribble Creek open space system. The protection of these areas is

primarily the responsibility of the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. The

Arboretum is also an important passive open space area and is the

responsibility of CALM.

Buffer ZonesA Safety Exclusion Zone has been proclaimed around the

Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines (KCGM) Super Pit. This

area is a protective buffer which excludes residential development

and allows commercial/industrial development on the basis that

the premises must be evacuated, as a risk management procedure,

during the brief and infrequent times when blasting is occurring

within a 400m distance. A Special Policy Area, to complement the

existing Safety Exclusion Zone, will be prepared. Input on mining

developments in the mineralised zones east of the City is being

sought from KCGM. Whilst there is a need to provide for

additional residential areas, the provision of adequate buffers

between residential and industrial land uses will need to be

accommodated.

Environmental IssuesCurrent sulphur dioxide (SO2) levels are generally below National

Environment Protection Measure (NEPM) criteria for residential

areas in Kalgoorlie. SO2 limits are unlikely to significantly restrict

further residential development because of the restrictions already

in place, however, the EPP for Kalgoorlie-Boulder should be

amended to include the identified future residential areas shown

in the Structure Plan.

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Noise from the nearby minesites and train marshalling yards at

West Kalgoorlie have an impact on future residential areas in the

north-west. Buffers will need to be retained.

The environment of the City is not excessively windy and there are

no significant changes in wind direction throughout the day.

Changes in wind direction are seasonal; in summer they are

predominantly easterlies and in winter westerlies. In an arid

environment like Kalgoorlie-Boulder, human activity contributes

to the generation of dust. Sources of dust include cleared areas,

degraded adjacent rangelands and old mine waste disposal areas.

The effects of these sources have been reduced through the

activities of the Goldfields Dust Abatement Committee, such as

re-vegetation programs.

Existing Infrastructure and ServicesKalgoorlie-Boulder is well provided with infrastructure and

services. These are capable of further upgrades and extensions.

The need to provide new infrastructure or expand existing

infrastructure will depend on the rate and scale of population

growth in the City and continued expansion of mining and

processing. A detailed assessment of the existing infrastructure is

discussed in Section 5.6 Regional Infrastructure Strategy. The

following is a summary of existing infrastructure available in

Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

• Roads – the Great Eastern Hwy/Hannan St (west) and

Goldfields Hwy/Broad Arrow Rd (north) and Coolgardie-

Esperance Hwy/Kambalda Rd (south) are the major regional

roads that enter the City. Anzac Drive forms part of the

Kalgoorlie-Boulder Bypass.

• Rail – the Trans Australian Railway from Perth to the Eastern

States passes through the City. The passenger terminal is

located in the City Centre, and is the obvious hub for this line,

the Kalgoorlie-Esperance line and the Kalgoorlie-Leonora line.

• Airport – the City is serviced by a well-equipped regional

airport, but is constrained by nearby residential areas.

• Water – the city is supplied (at relatively high cost) with

potable water from Mundaring Weir.

• Electricity – the South-West Integrated Network grid

provides electricity via a 220 kV transmission line from the

Muja Power Station to Western Power’s terminal in West

Kalgoorlie. Electricity from the gas power station at Parkeston

is used by mining customers and can be channelled into the

SWIN grid in emergencies.

• Natural Gas – the Goldfields Gas Transmission (GGT)

pipeline passes through the City and there is a program to

connect homes to natural gas.

• Sewerage – the City operates its own sewerage scheme and

almost all residential areas are linked to the Kalgoorlie-

Boulder Treatment Plant in Piccadilly Street or the South

Boulder site. An infill program is in place to connect all

houses to sewerage. The system also includes an effluent

recycling system for the watering of the City’s parks and ovals.

• Telecommunications – all telecommunications services are

available in the City.

• Community Services – health, education, recreation, police

and emergency services are available in the City.

History and PopulationIn 1893 gold was discovered at Mt Charlotte in Kalgoorlie. A gold

rush followed and in one decade the population of the region

reached 30,000 people. The town of Kalgoorlie was declared in

1894 and the twin town of Boulder in 1896. The area was declared

a municipality in 1895. Despite many hardships that followed,

major infrastructure projects, such as the Perth-Kalgoorlie railway

line and the Goldfields & Agriculture Water Supply (G&AWS)

pipeline from Mundaring Weir, were completed.

On 1 February 1989 the Town of Kalgoorlie and Shire of Boulder

amalgamated to form the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. The district

extends east to the WA/SA border and covers an area of 96,466

square kilometres. Kalgoorlie-Boulder is the administrative centre

and contains more than 95 per cent of the population of district.

According to the 1996 ABS Census Count the City of Kalgoorlie-

Boulder had a population of 28,807 which represents 53 per cent

of the Goldfields-Esperance Region population. As at June 1999

the estimated resident population of the City was 31,400 (ABS

2000). Population projections and estimates within the City are

open to speculation. Population figures from ABS are unlikely to

take into account fly-in/fly-out and contract workers, who are not

permanent residents, but have significant impacts on the City. The

City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder estimates its current population to be

about 33,000 people. Population levels in the City also have

capacity to increase with the sudden influx of people employed in

nearby resource projects, including the construction of the Cawse

and Bulong nickel projects.

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2

Current planning by the City of Kalgoorlie-

Boulder has identified that the City’s

population could double in the next 25 years.

The State Planning Strategy projects the

population of the City to increase to between

50,000 and 65,000 over the next 50 years.

Conservative population projections (based on

a medium growth scenario of 1.62 per cent)

predict the population will reach approximately 47,000 people by

the year 2026. Structure planning for the City of Kalgoorlie-

Boulder is based on the City reaching a population of 60,000

people. It will require more than 500ha of additional land. The

urban areas Kalgoorlie and Boulder will continue to attract the

bulk of population in the district.

Existing subdivision style consists of the traditional grid

residential design and the more recent cul-de-sac. The more

recently developed areas resemble suburbs of Perth and do not

reflect the older traditional character of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

Housing stock in the Kalgoorlie-Boulder area consists principally

of fibro/wood/iron construction and new structures of mostly

brick/tile/iron construction.

The majority of dwellings are single homes, although an

increasing proportion of the population characteristic suggests a

need for alternative form and choice of housing.

Economic DevelopmentThe economy of Kalgoorlie-Boulder has fluctuated in line with

the fortunes of the resources sector. Investment in mining in the

City has resulted in parallel investment in major infrastructure,

service and general industry, retail and office development and

residential expansion. There is optimism in the City that has been

sustained over the past 20 years. It began to emerge with the

mining of nickel at nearby Kambalda and then followed with gold

as the drawcard for mining expansion and growth. Kalgoorlie-

Boulder is now providing a more diverse regional and social role

within the Goldfields-Esperance Region. Its economic base will

expand and strengthen as service industry, commerce and

processing develop to meet the demands of the region.

Diversification in tourism is also a significant growth area.

STRUCTURE PLAN

The following describes a structure plan for the

City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder to guide land use

and infrastructure coordination for the next

25 years. Figure 29 shows the land uses

outlined below.

Land Use

Urban

The residential category incorporates current and future areas and

it is anticipated that residential uses with single residences will

remain the primary activity.

Short-term urban land requirements are addressed in the City of

Kalgoorlie-Boulder Land Development Land Release Plan (WAPC,

1999). This land release program has identified areas generally not

constrained by native title which could be developed quickly for

residential purposes. The program caters for the creation of about

280 lots per annum.

The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder is currently preparing a housing

strategy which will identify housing trends. In areas close to the

town centre and where lot shapes and sizes are appropriate,

opportunities exist for urban redevelopment. It is anticipated that

6,000 people could be accommodated through this process. This

will ensure a range of housing density and choice is provided.

Long term urban expansion areas are based on the proposals in

the North West Sector Structure Plan prepared by DOLA in 1993.

It identifies that “the only direction for significant urban

expansion in Kalgoorlie-Boulder is to the north-west. The land is

ideal for residential development. It is elevated, visually attractive,

well removed from the dust and noise of mining operations and

close to existing and proposed shopping and recreational

amenities”.

The structure plan identifies land for future urban use to

accommodate population growth and maintain a cohesive urban

form. The area has the capacity to house between 25,000 to 30,000

people. This is based on the assumption of a yield of seven

dwellings per gross hectare, with an occupancy of three people per

dwelling. Long term residential requirements could be met

further north of the proposed outer ring road.

7.3

130


Native title and mineral prospectivity issues are major constraints

to development. In June 1999 the National Native Title Tribunal

announced that the parties involved in the claims over the Crown

land known as the North West Sector and the portion of

Hampton location had reached a voluntary agreement. This

agreement represents significant progress, although further NTA

procedural requirements remain to be addressed. Similarly

mining tenement clearances have been given for the northern half

of the future urban areas. The retention of the eucalypt woodland

during subdivision is to be encouraged for aesthetic reasons, for

amenity, for dust abatement and natural habitat protection.

Restricted Residential

This category applies to the existing historic Williamstown

residential area. The town has heritage value but is constrained by

its location in a mineralised zone. It is intended that the existing

residential use should continue in the short to medium term only.

Expansion or redevelopment of the residential area should not be

permitted.

Special Residential

Special Residential areas are located primarily in West Kalgoorlie

and Somerville. These are low density residential areas. These

areas have been retained because they provide a suitable buffer

between the railway, industrial areas, the airport and sewage

treatment site, and future urban neighbourhoods. They also

provide for a semi-rural lifestyle choice.

The structure plan shows land for future Special Residential use

north of the study area, situated between the railway line and the

Eastern Bypass road. The area is suitable for low-density

development and would be particularly suited to equestrian

applications (commercial equestrian and/or private dwellings

with adjacent paddock). The Special Residential use also provides

a buffer between the Goldfields Highway/industry and the

residential areas at Hannans.

Town Centre/Commercial

The retail structure of Kalgoorlie-Boulder is dominated by the

two traditional centres of Kalgoorlie and Boulder. The Central

Kalgoorlie Area focuses on the Hannan Street-Maritana Street

intersection and is the major administrative and retailing area for

the whole region. The Boulder town centre focuses on the Burt

and Lane Street intersection and supports retailing on a

neighbourhood scale. The historical and heritage character of the

Boulder streetscape would enhance the potential for

redevelopment of the area. The development of the north-west

sector for residential use will create the demand for

neighbourhood-scale retail centres to be developed.

The Town Centre will be expanded to allow for additional

Commercial/Mixed Business areas. The Town Centre category

focuses on consolidation of existing uses along Hannan Street

whilst allowing for expansion; uses to include retail, administrative,

commercial, educational and entertainment uses. The Town Centre

will continue to play an important primary role in the City of

Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the Goldfields-Esperance Region.

District level Commercial/Mixed Business focuses on the Town of

Boulder, Boulder Road and between Hannan Street and the

railway to the west of the Town Centre. These areas will continue

to provide an important role as the second major business centre

in the City. The historic Burt Street is of significant heritage value

and presents opportunities for a major entertainment precinct to

be developed. Hannan Street and the Town of Boulder are suitable

for ‘shop-top’ style development incorporating a mix of

residential and commercial uses. Potential land use conflicts can

be minimised through provisions in the TPS.

Local level Commercial/Mixed Business uses exist in the area

between Hannans and Lamington. Future local level

Commercial/Mixed Business areas are proposed for O’Connor

and in the north-west sector where the development should

comprise local retail facilities.

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2

132


Heavy Industry

It is anticipated that any new heavy industry

operators will locate at the Mungari Industrial

Park which is currently being developed. The

1,000ha site in the Goldfields sub-region,

which is located in the Shire of Coolgardie on

the Great Eastern Highway, will provide

opportunities for the diversification of

Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s industrial base and downstream processing.

The Explosives Reserve is currently in Piccadilly Street and the

operators should relocate in the medium-long term to a suitable

site within the Goldfields. The use itself does not require large

amounts of land, however the buffer requirements for the facility

do impinge on the orderly development of residential land in the

North-West sector. The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder has granted an

extension to the current lease until 2009, when it will then consider

the possibility of a yearly extension based upon the staged

development and take up of land within the North-West sector.

Light/General Industry

Industrial development is widespread and the type and extent of

this service industry development is indicative of the area’s strong

mining activity and the City’s position as the major regional

centre in the Goldfields. The need for additional land (all lot sizes)

for industry with different requirements is expected to continue.

The structure plan shows Light/General Industry areas are in the

south-west of Kalgoorlie, Boulder, South Boulder and Parkeston.

The intention would be to consolidate these areas for continued

industrial use. Most of the future industrial requirements (catering

for all lot sizes) will be met in the south-west Kalgoorlie-Boulder

area. The area is well placed as for transport (road and rail) and

services.

Intermodal Freight Facility – Kalgoorlie-Boulder

The intermodal facility will be supported in areas zoned for

Light/General Industry in the structure plan.

Safety Exclusion and Amenity Area

The structure plan shows a Safety Exclusion Zone around the

KCGM Super Pit. This is a protective buffer which excludes

residential development and allows commercial/industrial

development on the basis that the premises must be evacuated

during the brief and infrequent times when blasting is occurring

within a 400m distance. A Special Policy Area, to complement the

existing Safety Exclusion Zone, will be prepared for inclusion in

the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Town Planning Scheme. Input on

mining developments in the mineralised zones east of the City is

being sought from KCGM.

Regional Open Space

The structure plan shows areas for regional

open space incorporating both existing and

future parks and recreation areas. The main

regional open space is centred along Gribble

Creek. Gribble Creek creates a continuous

system of open space (from north to south of

the City) that will provide a major focal point

for the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and a uniting influence for the

two halves of the City. Large areas north of Hannans have been

reserved for regional open space to protect a good stand of

eucalypt woodland. A bushland park in the northern part is being

advanced by the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Urban Landcare Group.

The development of a grassed golf course has long been proposed.

The opportunity now exists to create a good standard golf course

using the Gribble Creek linear open space, and at the same time

establish stormwater control mechanisms through the

construction of detention basins, dams and diversion channels.

This new golf course will allow the existing Hannans and

Kalgoorlie golf courses to be redeveloped for residential use.

The Report on the Development and Management of Gribble Creek

(Arid Area Landscape Group, 1990) provides a blueprint for the

long term development of Gribble Creek. The City of Kalgoorlie-

Boulder commenced a floodway study for Gribble Creek in 1999.

The study is likely to suggest long term land use development and

management options.

Private Recreation

The structure plan shows private recreation over the Kalgoorlie-

Boulder Racecourse and areas to the south of the airport. The area

south of the airport is suitable for a range of recreational purposes

such as motor sport facilities.

Serviced Residential (Tourism and Short Term Stay)

The structure plan shows the existing and future Serviced

Residential areas. It provides for a range of uses such as

accommodation for tourists and short term stay.

Public Purpose

The structure plan identifies a wide range of Public Purpose

reserves for infrastructure and community services and facilities.

Aboriginal Short Term Accommodation

The issue of short term accommodation for the visiting Aboriginal

population in Kalgoorlie-Boulder has been raised by State

Government agencies, City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Aboriginal

groups. The preference is for the accommodation to be sited in the

Northern approach to Kalgoorlie-Boulder. A site will need to be

identified in consultation with the Aboriginal community.

Figure 28: Kalgoorlie-Boulder

133


2

STREET

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Hannans

Gribble

0

Metres

Produced by Project Mapping Section,

N

500 1000 1500


ntw-map11//strat_pol/ /gerps/ /gef_fig28.z51

LEGEND

Townsite Boundary

Super Pit

Department of Land Administration, W.A.Cadastral and Ortho-Image Data supplied by

Figure 29: Kalgoorlie-Boulder Structure Plan

134


STREET

HANNAN

BOULDER

STREET

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Water,Sewage and Drainage

Sub Station/Power Terminal

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MP Municipal Purpose

CP Community Purpose

Major Water Mains

Main Drainage

Town Centre

Commercial/Mixed Business - Existing

Commercial/Mixed Business - Future

Light/General Industry - Existing

Light/General Industry - Future

Regional Open Space - Existing

Regional Open Space - Future

Public Utilities

C

HS

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Railway

Gas Pipeline

Transmission Line - Existing

Mine Safety Exclusion

Airport

Existing Sewerage Pumpstation

Major Sewer Mains

Power Station

Western Power SubstationPrivate Recreation

Restricted Residential

Rural - Mining

Railway Reserve

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Special Residential - Future

0

Metres


LEGEND

N

Existing

500 1000 1500

be regarded as indicative only.Note :- Future land uses shown are to

College

High School

Primary School

Hospital

Possible Residential Access

InfrastructureLand Use

Future

Wastewater Treatment

Rubbish Tip

Department of Minerals and Energy W.A.Source:- Western Power.

Agriculture Department, W.A.

Special Residential - Existing

Urban - Existing

Urban - Future

Primary Regional Road

Other Regional Road

Water Supply Storage Tank - Existing

Water Supply Storage Tank - Future

RP Railway Purposes



Emergency Services

Buffer

Serviced Residential - Future

Primary Regional Road - Future

Buffers around key roads and

will vary from location to location.industry are indicative only - they

Rural-Mining

The area outside the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder is included as

Rural-Mining. This reflects current and future land use for

mining predominantly in a Rural zone.

Infrastructure and ServicesAll servicing agencies have indicated that the existing

infrastructure has sufficient capacity to service the current short-

term projected populations. In the longer term some services will

require upgrading and new ones will need to be constructed to

sustain a population of 60,000 people. The structure plan

recognises and accommodates these infrastructure requirements.

Road Network

New roads will be required as urban development occurs. The

main consideration will be the outer ring road, district distributor

roads and grade separations crossing the railway line and the

Great Eastern Highway.

The structure plan shows the North-West Bypass as a continuous

outer ring road providing a direct link from the Great Eastern

Highway to the Goldfields Highway. The alignment has been

chosen in consultation with the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder,

MRWA and Transport WA, but the exact course will be subject to

detailed surveying. This road follows the alignment of the GGT

pipeline and Western Power transmission lines. A service corridor

about 200 metres wide is required to protect the road and utilities,

and encourage other public utilities to use this common

alignment in the future.

The Structure Plan also recognises the long standing proposal to

realign the Eastern Bypass. The relocation of the Eastern Bypass

was recommended in the Golden Mile Mining Development

Conceptual Plan (1992) in order to allow for the ongoing

development of the Fimiston Pit operations. KCGM is now at the

point where the realignment of the road must occur in order for

operations to continue in the long term and the proposal is under

active consideration.

Detailed design plans for the realigned Bypass have been prepared

and have been endorsed by the relevant government agencies. The

proposal is to be formally recognised in the City’s TPS through the

Amendment process. The recognition of the Bypass on the

Kalgoorlie-Boulder Structure Plan ensures that the plan reflects

this strategically important infrastructure development for the

Golden Mile.

The structure plan also shows district distributor roads linking the

old established areas with proposed ones in the north-west. The

district distributor road concept unites and consolidates the City

by facilitating good movement of traffic between existing/future

residential areas, the City Centre and other commercial and

industrial areas.

District distributor roads link residential cells and give access to

the internal local distributor roads of each neighbourhood.

Details of district and local distributor roads will form part of an

outline for development plans in each neighbourhood.

The Kalgoorlie-Boulder Traffic Modelling Study conclusions

represent the road network and configuration scenario justified

for the ultimate population of the structure plan. Road

construction and upgrading will be dictated by the actual

population reached (see Figure 30).

Rail

Kalgoorlie-Boulder is a major railway junction between the

Eastern States, Perth, the northern and southern parts of WA. The

railway at Kalgoorlie-Boulder provides many of the services and

meets many of the needs of the mining industry and towns within

its catchment area. Westrail, National Rail, SCT and Toll Rail use

the rail system for transfer of products into and out of the region

and for passengers.

A proposal for a new high-speed train linking Perth and

Kalgoorlie-Boulder was announced by the Minister for Transport

in 1999. The new Prospector, scheduled to commence operations

in 2003, will be capable of reaching speeds in excess of 150 km/h.

It will significantly improve passenger travel between the two

cities, subject to rail track upgrades to accommodate theses

speeds. The train will be capable of cutting up to two hours off the

existing journey time. The new $30 million train will consist of six

power units to replace the five existing power cars and three trailer

cars which have been in operation since 1971.

The railway system will continue to play an important part in the

economy of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. The location of the line and the

amount of land set aside for railway purposes has implications for

the future planning of adjacent areas. The structure plan endorses

the retention of the existing railway reserve.

135


2

Figure 30: Kalgoorlie-Boulder Traffic Modelling

136


BOORARA RD

PREM

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PICCADILL

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GATACRE

ANZAC

GRAEME

PERCY

ST

McCLEERY

BROADWOOD ST

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WILSON

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STST

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BYPASS RD

RD

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EASTERNBYPASS RD

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0


1

N

Geographic & Planning Information Branch,

2

YARRI

RD

HAWKINS ST

HANNAN

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RD

VIVIAN ST

Primary Distributor

District Distributor

Local Distributor/Local RoadMinistry for Planning, Perth, W.A. July 2000

Road Hierarchy - BSD Consultants

THROSSELL

Kilometres


Railway Line

2006 Road Network

2011 Road Network

2026 Road Network

LEGEND

Hierarchy Staging

RD

STO

’CO

NN

OR

137


2Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport

The Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport has the highest passenger

movement of all the regional centres in WA. The Draft Kalgoorlie-

Boulder Airport Master Plan (1997) predicts that 336,900

passengers will pass through the airport in 2010. Upgrading to the

terminal building was completed to alleviate congestion during

peak periods. The airport can meet demand for the next 20 years

but beyond this, may need complete relocation.

The noise contours and aircraft paths in the nearby residential

areas could prove to be a major constraint for major airport

extensions and upgrades in the future. The structure plan

supports upgrades to the airport based on the Airport Master

Plan. It also supports further investigations to secure a suitable site

elsewhere for a possible future airport.

Water

The City’s water supplies are inadequate. Residents are often the

first to be affected by water restrictions. Longer restrictions are

also likely to have a significant impact on industry and have the

capacity to affect production. The current water supply

infrastructure is a priority for the City and will need urgent

upgrading to maintain demand.

The WaterLink Project is reviewing opportunities for

improvements to, and expansion of the existing water supply

including: a water pipeline from Esperance to Kalgoorlie-Boulder;

a desalination plant; and upgrading the existing G&AWS pipeline

as well as increasing storage capacity. A secondary water supply

needs to be determined in the short term.

The Goldfields Utilities Limited proposal to process sea water and

produce potable water, is conceptual and yet to be proved. The

proposal is progressing to the final feasibility stage.

A site for a possible desalination plant and storage facility near

Kalgoorlie-Boulder should be investigated.

Water Corporation is currently upgrading the G&AWS Main

Conduit to increase water supply capacity into Kalgoorlie.

The Mt Percy tank is the primary supply storage for the City water

supply which consists of a network of distribution and

reticulation mains. Mt Charlotte reservoir supplies primarily

mine services to the north and east. The standby reservoirs in

lower Hannan Street are seasonal balancing storages and also

provide reserve storage. Water is pumped to Mt Percy and Mt

Charlotte during summer when the supply capacity of the

G&AWS Main Conduit from Mundaring is less than the

Kalgoorlie-Boulder demand.

The Water Corporation’s ongoing reticulation and main

replacement in the older parts of the City has improved supply

pressures and reduced interruptions through burst mains, and

there are no immediate supply restrictions in extending

reticulation services to new residential areas in the north-west

sector.

Sewerage

The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder operates the City’s wastewater

collection, treatment and effluent re-use systems. Sewerage is

principally a gravity system with the majority of the City now

sewered. The unsewered areas are being addressed through an

infill program and extensions to the network to support new

development.

There are some capacity limitations in the original collection

systems, particularly north of the railway line in Piccadilly, which

creates a constraint for several proposals. New catchment pump

station and collection mains will be required for residential

developments at Hannans. Future residential areas in the north-

west sector will require either upgrades to the treatment plant and

trunk main or the construction of a stand-alone treatment plant.

The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder is currently assessing the sewerage

infrastructure as a result of increased residential densities in the

older established areas such as Lamington and Boulder.

Power

Kalgoorlie-Boulder is connected on the South-West Integrated

Network grid via a 220 kV transmission line from Muja to the

West Kalgoorlie Terminal Station. The 220 kV supply is then

stepped down and distributed to the Piccadilly substation via a

132 kV transmission network. Urban expansion areas will require

extensions of the grid to supply power. Upgrades to the existing

network will also be needed to cope with summer peak demands.

Western Power has an approved future plan for Transmission and

Distribution Network requirements to cater for new

developments in the City.

The City has access to gas supplies via the new gas pipeline. This

provides opportunities for the reticulation of natural gas to

existing and proposed urban and industrial areas. AlintaGas is

currently installing a gas network for domestic customers.

AlintaGas will carry out the works in two stages with the major

consumers, City Centre and surrounding areas as the first priority

followed by the rest of the City. Indications are that gas will be

available to 95 per cent of potential users by the year 2001.

138


Community Services

Kalgoorlie-Boulder is well provided with

community infrastructure and services,

however:

• Additional schools and higher education

facilities will need to be planned as part of

future urban expansions and industry

requirements.

• Upgrading and development of health care facilities will be

required to improve the quality of life.

• Better social, recreation and cultural facilities will be required

to meet the needs of the community.

The structure plan shows an Education Precinct area in the north-

west sector. The precinct would be suitable for a high school

(private or public) with possible playing fields and other

institutional uses utilising the adjoining open space. Additional

primary school sites should be defined in the neighbourhoods

during the preparation of the outline development plans.

Telecommunications

Telecommunications are vital to the effective functioning of

Kalgoorlie-Boulder as the regional centre and to the sparsely

populated and remote areas of the region. Key areas for

improvement include mobile phone facilities on regional

routes and extensions of the fibre optic network between Perth

and Kalgoorlie.

KALGOORLIE-BOULDER STRUCTURE PLAN

IMPLEMENTATION

Outline Development Plans (local area planning) are an essential

part of the implementation of the structure plan. Experience has

shown that without these plans, it is very difficult to get a

coordinated approach through the rezoning and subdivision

process to provide those facilities which transcends the need of

any developers’ particular subdivision application. The area

covered by the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Structure Plan can

conveniently be divided into a number of neighbourhood cells.

Outline Development Plans (ODP) should adopt the broad

principles contained in the structure plan and focus on an overall

district layout that contributes to a clustering of highly

interconnected neighbourhoods, typically of about 400-450

metre radius, that support the city centre. Primary schools should

be provided in accordance with the Education

Department of WA standards, currently one

site per 1,500 to 1,800 housing units.

Preliminary planning for the North-West

Sector has indicated a need for one primary

school for every two neighbourhoods. Primary

schools should be located conveniently to the

catchment area they are intended to serve, and

so as to maximise the walkable catchment area.

The preparation of Outline Development Plans is generally the

responsibility of developers/landowners and may include the

shire. The Ministry for Planning is prepared to offer help and

guidance. Design principles including road design, landscaping

and buffers should be developed in consultation with the

community. A review of the future residential cells needs to

incorporate the findings of the Gribble Creek Floodway Study and

Liveable Neighbourhoods objectives.

Kalgoorlie-Boulder has many examples of its history and

development. It includes natural landscape features, built

architecture and general streetscape. An understanding of the

Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal heritage is an important

consideration for detailed planning in the City of Kalgoorlie-

Boulder.

The Ministry for Planning provided assistance in September 1999,

in facilitating a non-binding Enquiry-by-Design workshop, in co-

ordination with the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and DOLA, to

develop a concept ODP for the North West Sector of Kalgoorlie-

Boulder. The Liveable Neighbourhoods trial policy planning

approach was adopted in the exploration of the staging and

neighbourhood structuring of this Sector of the City in the

context of the draft Kalgoorlie-Boulder Structure Plan and a

medium population growth scenario.

In brief, the workshop considered reinforcement of the Kalgoorlie

and Boulder town centres through improved street connections,

established key urban design principles in accordance with

Liveable Neighbourhoods objectives and local circumstances for

the planning of the North West Sector, and tested design options

for developer marketability.

A report entitled the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Enquiry-by-Design

workshop, Working Paper 2 (December 1999), gives a detailed

account of the workshop proceedings and outcomes, and is

available from the MfP.

7.4

139


2Recommendations

• Complete the housing strategy for the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. (CK-B)

• Review the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Land Release Plan on a regular basis. (MfP, LRTF)

• Prepare an urban design study for the Kalgoorlie Town Centre. (CK-B, MfP)

• Implement the streetscape plan for Hannan and Burt Street to improve the visual attractiveness of thestreetscape for residents and tourists. (CK-B, MfP)

• Undertake a study to identify a site for transient Aboriginal accommodation. (CK-B/AAD)

• Undertake a floodway study focusing on the Gribble Creek catchment (CK-B, WRC).

• Undertake a study to determine boundary and prepare a Special Policy Area to complement the SafetyExclusion Zone. (KCGM, CK-B, DME)

• Prepare a structure plan for the Parkeston industrial area. (CK-B, MfP, DOLA, Landowners, ASR)

• Undertake a study to identify a suitable alternative site for a Kalgoorlie-Boulder regional airport.(CK-B/Transport, DME, KB-CCI)

• Review the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder boundary as part of the TPS process. (CK-B)

• Undertake a study to identify a suitable site for a major regional prison. (MOJ, MfP)

• Undertake a strategy to consolidate landholdings around Curtin University of Technology Kalgoorlie Campusto facilitate the development of student housing and establish additional facilities at the university. (Curtin, ED, GEDC, KB-CCI)

ESPERANCE STRUCTURE PLAN

INTRODUCTION

The Esperance Structure Plan is a component

of the Goldfields-Esperance Regional Planning

Strategy. It has been prepared jointly by the

Ministry for Planning and the Shire of

Esperance and in consultation with the Goldfields-Esperance

Regional Planning Strategy Technical Working Group and

Steering Committee.

Substantial regional growth has occurred in the Goldfields-

Esperance Region over the past 20 years, and much of that growth

has gravitated towards the two major regional centres –

Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Esperance. Esperance is the largest

population centre in the south-east. The Town of Esperance is

made up of the suburbs of Castletown, Chadwick, Esperance,

Nulsen, Sinclair and West Beach.

Esperance’s growth has not been as rapid as that of Kalgoorlie-

Boulder but is steady. Growth in the agricultural sector has

contributed. Esperance services the agricultural community and

is an important gateway for the export and import of resources

and other goods through the port. Other industries include

tourism, fishing, meat processing and salt extraction. The town’s

pleasant seaside location offers comfortable living and provides a

good standard of facilities and services. Esperance is emerging as

an important location for retirees.

Esperance is one of the two sub-regional centres of the Goldfields-

Esperance Region.

Long term growth prospects for Esperance suggest the

continuation of current patterns. Its pleasant location has the

potential to attract a mix of age groups and family groups, similar

to Albany. Most of the future urban land is not affected by native

title claims. The Shire of Esperance owns land and takes an active

role in development.

Purpose of the Structure PlanThe purpose of the Esperance Structure Plan is to provide for

future townsite expansion of land uses (urban, special residential,

rural, industrial, commercial, parks and recreation and

conservation) and community and service infrastructure

coordination.

A target population of 25,000 has been adopted

as a basis for possible growth and development.

The structure plan is designed to guide

development in the Town of Esperance for a

25-year period, although it will be subject to

regular review.

The study area for the structure plan is

bounded by the Pink Lake and Lake Warden System (north) and

the coastline (south), generally covering the present gazetted

townsite.

PLANNING OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS

The preparation of a structure plan requires the consideration of

the area’s physical, social and economic opportunities and

constraints. The physical and socioeconomic profile of the

Goldfields-Esperance Region and in particular the Shire of

Esperance is documented in recent planning studies

commissioned by the shire, the South-East Coast Regional Profile

(GEDC, 1996) and the Goldfields-Esperance Regional

Infrastructure Audit (GHD, 1998). A brief profile is provided in

chapter 3 of this report. The following analysis is limited to

providing only that information that puts the Town of Esperance

Structure Plan study area into context.

ClimateThe Esperance climate is described as Mediterranean with average

temperatures ranging from 8.5 to 17.5 degrees Celsius in winter

and 15.3 to 25.7 degrees Celsius in summer. The town receives

about 625mm of rainfall annually, with the wettest period being

from May to August. Although it enjoys a mild climate, Esperance

is a windy town. Western Power’s decision to establish wind

turbine generators to supplement the existing power grid was a

result of consistent wind speeds year-round at Esperance.

LandformThe landform of Esperance is low lying, with level to gently

inclined sandplains. The coast is characterised by windswept sand

dunes with isolated granite outcrops. The coast is backed by a low

escarpment and the coastal hinterland features a line of salt lakes,

which are not connected to the sea.

DrainageThere are no major river systems in the study area. Bandy Creek is

the only significant watercourse in the eastern sector of the study

area, and flows from Station Lake southwards to the boat harbour.

8.2

8.1

8.0

140


Water ResourcesThe quality and reliability of groundwater supplies varies

significantly. The Esperance Sandplain close to the coast west of

the town contains the best quality water. In the eastern part,

supplies are generally restricted and saline. The Quaternary

coastal sand deposits west of Esperance are the principal source of

the town’s water supply. The water is regarded as hard with less

than 1,000 parts per million of dissolved salt. Supply rates are

usually small due to the fine-grained character and silty nature of

the water-bearing horizons. A series of borefields supply water to

the Town of Esperance.

A Draft Water Source Protection Plan has been prepared by the

Water and Rivers Commission which outlines a protection plan

for the Esperance water reserve. The plan establishes the level of

protection required within drinking water source areas and

provides a basis for establishing compatible land uses within the

water reserve at Esperance.

GeologyEsperance lies within the Fraser Orogen geological unit. The study

area is underlain by granite and gneiss which outcrop at Dempster

and Wylie Heads. Throughout most of the study area, these rocks

are blanketed by recent deposits of coastal limestone and

windblown sand. Brown coal is found close to the town (50km

north) and occurs within ancient drainage channels that overlie

the rocks of the Fraser Orogen unit. Gypsum and salt occur in

beds of the surrounding salt lakes. Although there are extensive

salt deposits most are regarded as uneconomic in comparison

with the low-cost solar salt production in the north of the State,

however 10,000 tonnes are extracted annually from Pink Lake on

a commercial basis.

SoilsEsperance is part of the Sandplain Soil Unit and comprises:

• Alluvium – silt and clay deposit around the Lakes area.

• Foredune Sand – consists of the bare, mobile coastal sand and

blowouts.

• Coastal Dune Sand – covers most of the study area and

consists of white quartz sand on the coastal dunes, coastal

plain and lower plateau.

• Eolianite – submerged beach rock and marine sand appears as

a coastal scarp.

• Coastal Hill Dune – coastal sand forming long parallel dunes

on the coastal plain.

• Granite intrusions – appear on the headlands.

The depth of sand is variable and this in turn affects agricultural

productivity. Most of the soils in the study area are part of the

Coastal Dune Sand group and have limited agricultural value. The

low agricultural value of the soils is reflected in current land use

patterns. The Coastal Dune Sand and Coastal Hill Dune groups

are where most residential and rural-residential areas occur and

are capable of further development.

VegetationMuch of the study area has been cleared and developed for

agriculture, residential and industrial uses. Esperance is part of

the South-West Botanical Province. The remnant vegetation is

made up of a low but richly diverse heath interspersed with bushy

mallee. The coastal dune system and extensive areas of Crown

land west of the townsite and south of Pink Lake is naturally

vegetated.

Coastal dune areas consist of mainly low scrub vegetation of

wattles, tea tree thickets and banksia that have stabilised the

dunes. In more protected areas, low Peppermint woodlands,

redheart mallee and redwood are found. In other places there are

dune blowouts of various sizes. The Sandplain comprises mainly

dense low-lying scrub and thickets of bush and trees. The salt lake

system is fringed by samphire and surrounded by stands of salt

water paperbark.

Environmental and Landscape FeaturesThe most significant environmental and landscape features in

the study area include the lake system, the coastal dune system

and the coastline.

The Lakes area occurs in the north and consists of Pink Lake, Lake

Warden, Windabout Lakes, Wheatfields Lake, Woody Lake and

Station Lake. The lakes have environmental and landscape

significance with Lake Warden System being listed as a wetlands of

international importance under the Ramsar convention.

The Coastal Dune System has some limited and marked changes

in topography and areas of natural vegetation. The dunes are

fragile and in some locations extend several kilometres inland.

While some coastal areas offer good views, the environmental

sensitivity and vulnerability of large parts of the area precludes

urban development.

The coastline is regarded as one of the most scenic in WA, if not

Australia. The coastal areas in the study area comprise mainly

reserved land and therefore the use of the coastline for other large-

scale development is limited.

141


2

Existing Infrastructure and ServicesEsperance is well provided with infrastructure

and services, which are capable of further

upgrades and extensions. The need to provide

new infrastructure, or expand existing

infrastructure will depend on the rate and scale

of population growth in the town and industry

requirements. The following is a summary of

existing infrastructure and services in Esperance.

• Roads – Coolgardie/Esperance Hwy provides the towns’s

primary road link to the north and the Eastern States. The

South Coast Hwy connects Esperance with Ravensthorpe and

Albany.

• Rail – links Esperance with the Goldfields and is mainly used

for the transport of agricultural products, minerals (iron ore

and nickel concentrates) and petroleum. The railway line is

old and in need of major upgrading. The Government has

committed $42m to resleeper the line, and $35m to upgrade

the line has been guaranteed in legislation.

• Public Transport – Westrail provides a bus service from

Esperance to Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Esperance to Perth (via

Albany). A local taxi service is available.

• Esperance Airport – is 21km north of the town and is owned

and managed by the Shire of Esperance. Skywest Airlines has

regular flights from Perth to Esperance.

• Water – is supplied by the Water Corporation from

underground borefields. It is sourced from 35 production

bores as part of the Esperance water reserve. Extension of the

wellfield to the west is planned by the Water Corporation.

• Electricity – is supplied by a Western Power station using light

diesel fuel and wind generation. Power is available throughout

the townsite and extends throughout the study area generally

via the road system.

• Gas – is available in bottles for domestic use. The location of

major industry and/or mining development close to

Esperance will create opportunities for extensions of the gas

pipeline from Kalgoorlie.

• Sewerage – the system is owned and operated by the Water

Corporation. A wastewater treatment plant is located between

the centre of Esperance and Castletown, and consists of a

primary and secondary oxidation pond. The system also

includes an effluent recycling system for the watering of some

of the town’s parks and ovals. An extension of this system is

being considered.

• Telecommunications – services such as televison and radio

reception, telephone, newspapers and telecentres are available

in the town.

• Community Services – health, education,

recreation, police and emergency services are

available in the town.

History and PopulationIn the mid to late 1800s Esperance and the

surrounding area was first utilised for grazing.

In the late 1800s sealers and whalers used

Esperance Bay as a harbour, and it later became a disembarkation

point for prospectors during the gold rush in the 1890s. The town

had started to develop as a port and recreation centre. A steady

flow of traffic northwards developed and the local population

increased. When the Perth to Kalgoorlie railway was constructed

in 1897, Esperance became less significant and began to evolve as

a holiday destination for the Goldfields population. In 1925 the

railway from Salmon Gums to Esperance was completed and the

town became a major agricultural port. The Great Depression

stalled development but in the 1950s significant overseas

investment, principally American, spurred agricultural

development of the sandplains.

According to the 1996 ABS Census Count the population of the

town of Esperance was 8,647 which represents more than 20 per

cent of the Goldfields-Esperance Region population. As at June

1999 the estimated resident population of the Shire was 13,070

(ABS, 2000). The Shire of Esperance estimates the current

population of the town to be between 10,000 and 10,500 people.

Current planning by the Shire of Esperance has identified that the

Town of Esperance could accommodate population growth up to

30,000 people by the year 2026. Based on the medium growth

scenario the town’s population could grow to over 18,000 people

by the year 2026. Planning is based on the town reaching a

population of 25,000 people. It will require more than 300ha of

additional land for residential purposes.

Economic DevelopmentThe town development expanded due to its proximity to the

Goldfields, and more recently as a result of the growth of

agriculture and its attraction as a tourist destination. The role of

Esperance has broadened and it is providing a more diverse sub-

regional role within the Goldfields-Esperance Region. Agriculture

will continue to be the dominant industry. The town’s economy is

also diversifying to incorporate commerce, manufacturing,

finance, tourism, fishing and mineral processing. Esperance is

alsoa major port town for the wider region.

142


STRUCTURE PLAN

The following describes a structure plan for the Town of

Esperance to guide land use and infrastructure coordination for

the next 25 years. Figure 32 shows the land uses outlined below.

Land Uses

Urban

There is sufficient unconstrained land for urban expansion for 25

years. The Town of Esperance requires a landbank for the release

of approximately 50 blocks per annum. Most residential areas are

likely to be low density at R 12.5 to R 17.5.

The structure plan shows future urban expansion areas

(approximately 300ha) in the north-eastern part of the town and

south of Fisheries Road towards the West Beach area. These areas

can be serviced by an extension of existing power, water and

sewerage infrastructure.

Longer term requirements can be accommodated by expansion of

residential use into the Special Rural land to the west of the town.

Apart from one precinct on John Street north of the Dempster

Heights subdivision, all the redevelopment areas are held in

freehold title.

Special Residential – Special Rural

There is pressure for the provision of rural-residential lots of 4 to

10 hectares in the Esperance area, to be used mainly as rural

retreats and hobby farms. Generally it is not intended to support

Special Residential-Special Rural development in the proposed

future Residential areas as it would constrain the orderly

expansion of the existing residential areas.

Within the townsite boundary, Rural zones in the north-east and

west will cater for the short-term requirements for this form of

development, however in the longer term it will be catered for

within existing precincts outside the Lakes system and other areas

that are presently the subject of limited rural strategy.

The structure plan shows Special Residential (0.2 to 0.8 hectares)

as a legitimate land use, but further subdivision of this type within

the townsite will not be encouraged due to limited future

residential land resources inside the Lakes system.

Except for the Blue Haven precinct, most of the Special

Residential-Special Rural areas could be considered as a land bank

for future residential use in the longer term.

Rural

Broadacre rural land is limited in the study area, and is confined

to small areas next to the Pink Lake salt evaporation ponds and

the abutting Bandy Creek Boat Harbour. These may be capable of

limited subdivision in the future.

8.3

143


2

Farming land commences north of the Lakes

system and west of Pink Lake. Smaller holdings

within 12 kilometres of the townsite are

currently the subject of a separate limited rural

strategy by the Shire of Esperance to determine

their suitability for farmlet type subdivision.


The town centre of Esperance is the major employment hub of

the south coast and comprises a full complement of services. It is

centrally placed within the study area and future residential areas

will have good access. Enough undeveloped land is available to

satisfy the longer term commercial expectations.

The structure plan shows a consolidated town centre that will

cater for the town’s retail and commercial needs. Local

commercial centres are shown for Castletown and Sinclair.

Light/General Industry

The town offers opportunities for industry associated with

minerals, agriculture and fishing and tourism development. There

is adequately zoned Light/General Industry land in the town to

cater for service industries and areas for expansion

(approximately 120ha) are located at Chadwick. Existing and

future areas are well located in terms of transport and

infrastructure requirements.

Heavy Industry

A site for a heavy industry is being investigated. It is expected such

a site will be outside the Town of Esperance. Further work on

investigation of a site and assessment of issues needs to be

undertaken.

Mineral Extraction

The structure plan indicates that the salt mining operations at

Pink Lake would continue according to current agreements.

Various minor extractive industry operations are scattered

throughout the townsite, but their life expectancy is short-term. A

basic raw materials strategy is to be carried out in the near future

to identify any major sources which would then be protected.

Regional Open Space

The structure plan shows the main regional open space

(conservation and recreation) centred along the coastline, the

coastal dune system and the lake system to the north. The Lake

Warden System is an integral part of the Ramsar convention areas.

The regional open space system includes the Water Catchment

Resource areas for Esperance. Land uses and activities that are not

compatible with the environmental and landscape value should

not be permitted. Reservation and management should be a high

priority for the Shire of Esperance and the Department of

Conservation and Land Management.

Tourism Nodes

The structure plan shows a consolidation of the

existing tourism nodes. These nodes provide

for a range of accommodation and support

tourist uses and activities.

Public Purpose Uses

The structure plan identifies a wide range of

public purpose reserves for infrastructure and community

services and facilities.

Infrastructure and ServicesAll servicing agencies have indicated that the existing

infrastructure has sufficient capacity to service the current short-

term projected populations. In the longer term some services will

require upgrading to sustain a population of 30,000 people. The

structure plan recognises and accommodates infrastructure

requirements such as power and water.

Road Network

A major constraint to cost-efficient road building is the lack of

basic raw materials in close proximity.

District and local distributor roads will need to link future

residential areas. Details of such roads will need to form part of

outline development plans for new residential areas.

Rail

A railway links Esperance and the Goldfields for the transport of

minerals and agricultural products through the Esperance port.

There is no scheduled passenger rail service to Esperance. The

structure plan shows the railway reserve as a major service

corridor. Buffer areas for the service corridor need to be

implemented in accordance with the Esperance Infrastructure

Corridor Study (ERM, 1996).

Port of Esperance

The Port of Esperance is the region’s import/export gateway.

Current and proposed use is expected to satisfy demands for the

next 25 years. If major expansion to the port is required then land

reclamation needs to take place. Alternatively, a second port site

with adequate land for support industry should be investigated.

Butty Head and Wylie Bay have been identified as potential

locations for a future additional port, if new development in the

region requires increased capacity. However, it is considered that

the port’s operations do not need to be changed at present, and

proposed development work is expected to satisfy requirements

for the time horizon of this study.

144


Figure 31: Esperance

145


2Bandy

Creek

PINK

LAKE

ROAD

HIGHWAY

SOUTH

COAST

ROAD

SHELDON ROAD

HA

RB

OU

RR

OA

D

FISHERIES

RO

AD

GO

LDFI

ELD

S

ROAD

RO

AD

TWILIGHT BEACH

ROAD

TH

E

ESPL

ANADE

Nulsen

Dempster Head

Lover’s Beach

Second Beach

Blue Haven Beach

Boat Harbour

Salmon Beach

Esperance

Sinclair

ChadwickCastletown

Lake WardenWindabout Lake

Wheatfield Lake

NO

RS

EM

AN

Woody Lake

Esperance

Bay

SOUTHERN OCEAN

Pink Lake

West Beach

MONJINGUP (COLLIER)ROAD

CO

LLIER

0

Metres


N

250 500 750 1000

Townsite Boundary


Port of Esperance


Department of Land Administration, W.A.Cadastral and Ortho-Image Data supplied by

Figure 32: Esperance Structure Plan

146


1

23

PS

PS

PS

PS

CEM

HS

H

WP

FS

SS

SS

SPS

WS

SPS

SPS

SPS

WSD

WSD

WSD

WSD

SL

WSD

M

ASS

AH

HOPA

T

PP

DP

DP

WSD

YFC

WSD

HOSPS

SPS

WP

Bandy

Creek

Salt Evaporator

PINK

LAKE

ROAD

HIGHWAY

SOUTH

COAST

ROAD

SHELDONROAD

HARBOURH

ARBO

UR

ROAD

FISHERIES

ROAD

GOLD

FIEL

DS

ROAD

ROAD

TWILIGHT BEACH

ROAD

THE

ESPL

ANAD

E

Nulsen

Dempster Head

Lover’s BeachWest Beach

Hughes StepsSecond Beach

Blue Haven Beach

Fourth Beach

Boat Harbour

Racecourse

Golfcourse

Golfcourse

Salmon Beach

Rifle Range

Esperance

Sinclair

ChadwickCastletown

Lake Warden

Windabout Lake

Wheatfield Lake

NO

RSEM

AN

Woody Lake

ROAD

Esperance

Bay

SOUTHERN OCEAN

Pink Lake

West Beach

MONJINGUP (COLLIER)ROAD

COLLIER SPS

SPS

0

Metres


N

250 500 750 1000

1

LEGEND

Special Rural

Rural

Tourist Node

Light/General Industry - Existing

SPS

FS

PS

H

SS

WP

M

Public School

Western Power

Hospital

Meteorologic

School Site

Fire Station

33Kv Powerline

Infrastucture

Land Use

Port Installation/Railway

Sewerage Pipeline

Water Pipeline

PP

ASS

HO

PA

T

WSD

DP

AH

Agricultural School Site

Aged Hostel

Depot

Hall/Office

Parking

Public Pound

Telstra

YFC Youth and Family Centre

SL Slipway and Launching Site

Groundwater Zone Boundary

Monitoring Bore

Decommissioned Production Bore

Regional Open Space - Future

Tourist Node - Future

Light/General Industry - Future

Port Buffer

Regional Open Space - Existing

Boat Harbour

Salt Harvesting

Special Residential

Townsite Boundary

Groundwater Boundary Area

Note:- Future Land Uses shown are to

be regarded as indicative only.

Railway

Public Utilities

Existing

Source:- Western Power, Water Corporation.


Urban - Existing

Urban - Future

HS High School


Primary Regional Road

Other Regional Road

Sewerage Pumping Station Site

Water Supply/Sewerage/Drainage

Existing SeweragePumping Station

GWTP Ground Water Treatment Plant

GWTP

GWTP

500 m Buffer

Community Recreation

Water Supply Production Bore

Water Supply Storage Tank

ntw-map11//strat_pol/ /gerps/ /gef_fig32.dgn500 m Wastewater Buffer

RT

RT

Quarry

Rubbish Tip

QRY

QRY

Airport

The Esperance Airport is outside the study area. It has a sealed

runway and the current location has the capacity for

improvements. The terminal and runway have been upgraded to

facilitate the current demand and anticipated growth in current

numbers. The local government estimates about 7 per cent annual

tourism growth.

Water Supply

A water scheme utilising a series of borefields supplies water to the

Town of Esperance. Water supplies are limited and new sources

are marginal in terms of quality and quantity. Additional

borefields close to the townsite will need to be found to

accommodate future residential and industrial development. The

structure plan shows the main water catchment areas as regional

open space, which will require appropriate controls in the TPS.

Water storage at Dempster Head will be increased significantly in

the short to medium term and may lead to visual impacts.

The WaterLink Project is reviewing opportunities for

improvements to, and expansion of the existing water supply

including: a water pipeline from Esperance to Kalgoorlie-Boulder;

a desalination plant; and upgrading the existing G&AWS pipeline

as well as increasing storage capacity. The Goldfields Utilities

Limited proposal to process sea water and produce potable water

could potentially provide water, however this is conceptual and

yet to be proved. The proposal is progressing to the final feasibility

stage. A site for a desalination plant near Esperance should be

investigated and secured.

Sewerage

More than 60 per cent of the town is connected to a sewerage

scheme. An infill program is under way to connect other areas.

There is one wastewater treatment plant in the Town of Esperance

and the Water Corporation has recently installed mechanical

aeration in the primary pond to increase the capacity of the

treatment plant from 560 kL/day (2500 people) to 1800 kL/day

(8000 people).

The Water Corporation’s long term plans will involve:

• The development of a new Wastewater Treatment Plant

(WWTP) near the shire tip.

• Stage two development of current WWTP to increase capacity

to meet the needs of 15,000 people.

• Development of a second treatment site when the existing

plant reaches its capacity.

These further developments will meet the needs of about 35,000

people.

Power

Electricity is the major energy supply in the town. Esperance is the

only centre where an alternative method of power generation

(wind) is used. It is estimated that wind generation saves about 1.2

million litres of diesel per year in Esperance. High costs in the initial

construction stages constrain alternative power supply options.

Demand for power already exceeds the capacity of the current

source in Esperance and additional diesel generators are often hired

to meet peak demand.

The Port of Esperance has installed its own electricity generation plant

in response to the increase in electricity charges for larger users.

A new State Government policy for electricity supply was recently

announced for regional areas not on the grid system. The policy

maintains the Government’s commitment to the uniform tariff for

all residential customers and all small to medium sized businesses

supplied by Western Power.

Extensions of the gas transmission line to Esperance (and thus the

construction of a gas-fired power station) would be viable if mining

developments in the Ravensthorpe area chose to source power from

Esperance, and/or if the sea water pipeline were to proceed, which

would require power for pumping and desalination.

Much of the existing infrastructure, except the wind farm, needs to

be replaced. A site for power generation should be investigated

and secured.

Community Services

Esperance is well provided with community infrastructure and

services, however:

• Additional schools and higher education facilities will need to

be planned as part of future urban expansions and industry

requirements.

• Upgrading and development of health care facilities will be

required to improve the quality of life, and additional aged care

facilities will be needed to meet demands.

• Social, recreational and cultural facilities will be required to

meet the needs of the town.

Telecommunications

Telecommunications are vital to the effective functioning of

Esperance and the sparsely populated surrounding areas. Key areas

for improvement include mobile phone facilities on regional routes.

147


2

ESPERANCE STRUCTURE PLAN

IMPLEMENTATION

Outline development plans are an essential part

of the implementation of the structure plan.

Experience has shown that without these plans,

it is very difficult to get a coordinated approach

through the rezoning and subdivision process

to provide those facilities which transcends the need of any

developers’ particular subdivision application. The area covered

by the Esperance Structure Plan can conveniently be divided into

a number of neighbourhood cells.

Outline Development Plans (ODP) should adopt the broad

principles contained in the structure plan and focus on an overall

district layout that contributes to a clustering of highly

interconnected neighbourhoods, typically of about 400-450

metre radius, that support the town centre. Primary schools

should be provided in accordance with the Education

Department of WA standards, currently one site per 1,500 to

1,800 housing units. Primary schools should be located

conveniently to the catchment area they are intended to serve, and

so as to maximise the walkable catchment area.

The preparation of Outline Development Plans is generally the

responsibility of developers/landowners and may include the local

government. The Ministry for Planning is prepared to offer help

and guidance. Design principles including road design,

landscaping and buffers should be developed in consultation with

the community.

Esperance has many examples of its history and

development. It includes natural landscape

features, built architecture and general

streetscape. An understanding of the

Aboriginal and European heritage is an

important consideration for detailed planning

in Esperance.

The Ministry for Planning provided assistance

in October 1999 in facilitating a non-binding Enquiry-by-Design

workshop in co-ordination with the Shire of Esperance. The

Liveable Neighbourhoods trial policy planning approach was

adopted in the exploration of the staging and neighbourhood

structuring of Development Area No.13 (Ormonde Street) in the

context of the draft Esperance Structure Plan.

In brief, the workshop considered reinforcement of the Esperance

town centre through improved street connections, established key

urban design principles in accordance with Liveable

Neighbourhoods objectives and local circumstances for

Development Area No.13, and tested design options for developer

marketability, including a possible canal estate.

A report entitled the Esperance Enquiry-by-Design workshop,

Working Paper 3 (December 1999), gives a detailed account of the

workshop proceedings and outcomes, and is available from the MfP.

8.4

148


Recommendations• Prepare a land development program for Esperance for land use supply and coordination of physical and

human service infrastructure for a five-year period. (MfP, LG, GEDC)

• Following identification of an appropriate site through the Regional Power Procurement Process, the siteshould be recognised in the Esperance Town Planning Scheme. (OE, LG, MfP)

• Identify and confirm the suitability of a site for the development of a water desalination plant to service theGoldfields-Esperance region. (OWR, Proponent, WRC, LG, DEP)

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