guidelines for eco tourism
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Env i ronmenta l and P lann ing Gu ide l i nes fo rTo u r i s m Devel o pment o n the No r th Wes t Cape
Environmental and PlanningGuidelines for Tourism Development
on the North West Cape
Environmental and PlanningGuidelines for Tourism Development
on the North West Cape
MAY 1999
Prepared for
Gascoyne Coast Planning Coordinating Committee
of the Western Australian Planning Commission
by
Department of Environmental Protection
and
M inistry for Planning
W E S T E R N A U S T R A L I A
Ministry for Planning
Department ofEnvironmental Protection
WESTERN AUSTRALIAN
PLANNING COMMISSION
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ii
State of Western Australia
Published by the
Western Australian Planning Commission
Albert Facey House
469 Wellington Street
Perth, Western Australia 6000
Publi shed May 1999
ISBN 0 7309 9084 2
Internet: http://www.wa.gov.au/planningE-mail: [email protected]
Fax: (08) 9264 7566
Phone: (08) 9264 7777
TTY: (08) 9264 7535
Infoline 1800 626 477
Copies of this document are available in alternative formats on
application to the Disabilities Service Coordinator
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Env i ronmenta l and P lann ing Gu ide l i nes fo rTo u r i s m Devel o pment o n the No r th Wes t Cape
CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMM ARY VBACKGROUND 1
Select Committee on Cape Range National Park & Ningaloo Marine Park 1Gascoyne Coast Regional Strategy 1EPA Cape Range Position Statement 1Exmouth-Learmonth (North West Cape) Structure Plan 2
PURPOSE 3
APPLICATION 3
PRELIM INARY 3
GUIDING PRINCIPLES 3
Sustainability 3Interdependence 3Limits of Acceptable Change 3Precautionary Principle 3Cumulative Impacts 3High Conservation Areas 4Wilderness Values 4
ISSUES FOR PROPOSED TOURISM DEVELOPMENTS 4
1. LOCATION 42. DEVELOPMENT SCALE 63. WILDERNESS PROTECTION 74. FORESHORE SETBACK 95. MARINE INFRASTRUCTURE 116. WATER AVAILABILITY 127. CYCLONES, FLOODING AND DRAINAGE 148. SEWAGE TREATMENT 149. WASTE DISPOSAL 1610. ACCESS 1611. ENERGY GENERATION 18
12. CONSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT 19
APPROVALS PROCESS 21
13. ENVIRONMENTAL APPROVAL PROCESS 2214. PLANNING APPROVAL PROCESS 2315. CALM APPROVAL PROCESS 24
SUM M ARY M ATRIX 25
REFERENCES 32
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Env i ronmenta l and P lann ing Gu ide l i nes fo rTo u r i s m Devel o pment o n the No r th Wes t Cape
EXECUTIVE SUM M ARY
The west coast of the North West Cape is a
fragile coastal environment of national
significance, and its attraction lies in its
wilderness, beauty and relative isolation.
The development of major tourist
accommodation could detract from its
wilderness appeal.
It is not preferred for large-scale
development given its wilderness values,
and the lack of water resources, power
generation capacities, wastewater treatment
and disposal facilities and accessdifficulties. While new development should
take place in Exmouth or close to existing
infrastructure, a demand for wilderness
accommodation from ecotourists and
backpackers is acknowledged.
Accordingly the Environmental and
Planning Guidelines for Tourism
Development on the North West Cape
recommend low-impact/small-scale tour ism
development on the west coast. Theseincorporate standards for essential
infrastructure and type of development,
and are designed to protect the integri ty of
Cape Range and Ningaloo Marine Park. The
guidelines identify both environmental and
planning constraints and opportunities.
Proposals for tourism development will be
evaluated in accordance with the
guidelines.
There are opportunities in the Cape RangeNational Park for low-impact tourism and
for scientific research facilities based on
improving knowledge and appreciation of
the ecology and natural resources.
Management of these areas would be the
responsibility of CALM, which currently
provides a significant amount of
information about the local environment at
the Milyering Visitor Centre.
To ensure that the level of development can
be monitored over a period of time and that
it is environmentally sound and
sustainable, in the short to medium term
only two of the following sites may be
developed:
adjacent Ningaloo Homestead
Lefroy Bay
Winderbandi Point
Milyering; and
A site to be selected north of Cape
Range National Park
Proponents of development on any of
these sites should use these guidelines to
identify the environmental constraints andpossible management requirements for
any proposal prior to submitt ing a formal
application. However, it is likely that any
development on the Capes west coast
would require some form of
Environmental Protection Authority
assessment, given the sensitivity of the
area and the high public interest in its
protection. The level of development
should be monitored to ascertain its
impact on the environment.
This document contains policies and
guidelines for proposed tourism
development under the following
headings:
Location
Development Scale
Wilderness Protection
Foreshore Setback
Marine Infrastructure
Water Availability Cyclones, Flooding and Drainage
Sewage Treatment
Waste Disposal
Access
Energy Generation
Construction and Management
Details of the approvals process are also
outlined.
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featur es or the ambience of the
surr ounding topography.
Recommendation 2:
There be no shor e based resor t
development on t he western side of Cape
Range, on coastal land abut t ing Ningaloo
Mar ine Park .
Recommendation 3:
The Min ister for the Envi ronment establish
a St rategy Group t o develop
envi ronmentally acceptable guidelines for
accommodat ion facili ti es, depicti ng
essent ial inf rast r uctur e, form and
headworks which, as a bott om l ine, protectthe integr it y of Cape Range and Ningaloo
Mar ine Park .
In 1996 the Western Australian
Government released a response to the
Select Committees report. In summary
this response supported the intent and
principle of the recommendations
identifi ed above. The response also
considered that the Gascoyne Coast
Planning Coordinating Committee provides
an appropriate mechanism to develop andformalise these guidelines, in the context
of the Gascoyne Coast Regional Strategy
(1996) and Exmouth-Learmonth (North
West Cape) St ructur e Plan (1998), rather
than forming a separate Strategy Group.
Gascoyne Coast Regional Strategy
In March 1996 the Government of Western
Australia released the Gascoyne Coast
Regional Strategy. The Gascoyne Coast
Regional Strategymade the followingrecommendation:
Ensure tour ism developments comply wit h
str ict envi ronmental cr it er ia designed to
protect the ter restr ial and marine
envi ronments and other development
condit ions outl ined in Section 3.3.4 of thi s
report.
EPA Cape Range Position Statement
In March 1998 the Environmental
Protection Authority (EPA) released a
BACKGROUND
Much has been written about the unique
conservation values of the Cape Rangeregion and the acceptability or otherwise oftouri sm development. Considerablediscussion and debate has occurredregarding the location, scale and design offuture tour ism developments. The SelectCommittee on Cape Range National Parkand Ningaloo Marine Park, WesternAustralian Governments response to theSelect Committees report, Gascoyne CoastRegional St rategy (1996), Exmouth-Learmon th (Nor th West Cape)Structure Plan(1998)and EPA Cape Range PositionStatement all cite and/or recommend theneed to prepare these guidelines. Moreimportantly they provide the backgroundreference and principles on which theseguidelines have been formulated and inthemselves provide a number of policystatements. The publ ication CoastalTour ism: A Manual for Sustainable Tour ism(Environment Australia, 1997) providesproponents with a good source ofadditional information.
Select Commi ttee on Cape Range NationalPark & Ningaloo Marine Park
In 1995 the Select Committee on CapeRange National Park and Ningaloo MarinePark released its fi rst report. The reportchose to draw together aspects relating totourism because it was considered anissue bearing part icular significance. Indelivering its findings, the Committeeendeavoured to make recommendationsthat will provide for sustainable use and
development of these parks. In total theCommittee made 24 recommendations.
The first three recommendations are
directly relevant to these guidelines:
Recommendation 1:
Any accommodation facili t ies in Cape
Range National Park must be consistent
w it h conservation management str ategies
for the ter restr ial and marine
envi ronment, so that constr uction and
operation acti vit ies do not impact
adversely upon signifi cant envi ronmental
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To ensure the conservation and
preservation of land with
environmental value.
To ensure the protection of
groundwater as part of the human and
subterranean environment.
To retain the wilderness value of the
fragile environment of the west coast
which is of national significance.
With respect to tourism development
the objective is:
Encourage major tourist development
such as hotels, motels, resorts, to locatewithin the Exmouth townsite at a scale
and design in accordance with the (yet
to be prepared) townscape and
landscape plans for Exmouth.
The Structure Plan makes specific
references to the style, number and
location of tourism developments
appropriate for the west side of Cape range,
that is:
Support a limited amount of
development, preferably in the form of
wilderness lodge style accommodation
(ie. low-impact accommodation) in
order to retain the wilderness values of
the west coast. Other forms of tourism
development will be considered only
where it is demonstrated that i t wil l
protect the wilderness values and
environmental sensitivities of the west
coast.
Limit the development of tourism
accommodation in the short to medium
term to two of the following general
locations: Milyering, Lefroy Bay,
Winderabandi, Ningaloo, in addition to a
site north of Yardie Creek of fered to the
preferred developer of the resort at the
Exmouth Marina in accordance with
Cabinets decision.
Preliminary Position Statement on the Cape
Range Province. This Position Statement
provides a number of principles for the
protection of the Cape Range Province.Like the Select Committees report,
Government Response and the Gascoyne
Coast Regional Strategy, the EPAs
Statement provides a consistent vision for
the region, for example:
The Cape Range Province should be
managed according to sound ecologically
sustainable development and biodiversit y
prot ection pr inciples [...]. (Principle 1)
From the envi ronmental perspective, t here
should be no major development perm it ted
on t he west side of Cape Range [...] Planni ng
Unit s 2 and 3 in the Exmout h-Learmonth
St ructu re Plan Nort h West Cape [...] .
Resident ial development should be confi ned
to the exi sting townsite. [...] Alt hough it
may be appropr iat e to establi sh some low
key, high quali t y ecolodge[/]w ilder ness
lodge/campi ng tour ism areas on the west
coast. (Pri nciple 10)
Al l development pr oposals should take
account of t he above pr inciples, and, if
pur sued, should be subject t o envi ronmental
impact assessment . This should include,
int er alia, consideration of alternat ive sites
for the development out side the Cape Range
Province, detai led considerati on of on-sit e
and off -site impacts of t he development , as
well as the cumulati ve eff ect of all proposed
development s in t he area on envi ronmental
values and ecological processes.
(Pr inciple 11)
Exmouth-Learmonth (North West Cape)
Structure Plan
In April 1998 the Western Australian
Planning Commission released the
Exmouth-Learmonth (North West Cape)
Structure Plan (1998). The Structure Plan
contained a number of relevant majorobjectives. These include:
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PURPOSEThe purpose of these Guidelines is to :
1). provide state agencies, localgovernment, community and
proponents with clear guidance
regarding tour ism development;
2). delineate limi ts of acceptable change
which wi ll ensure the wilderness
experience remains available; and
3). preserve, enhance and protect the
environment.
APPLICATIONThese Guidelines are primarily intended to
address small-scale/low-impact tourism
developments (ie wilderness or ecolodges)
on the North West Cape from the Exmouth
Gulf to Coral Bay excluding developments
within the designated town sites of
Exmouth and Coral Bay/Mauds Landing.
PRELIMINARYThe North West Cape is a fragile natural
area and is the home of unique marine and
terrestrial species which could be
irretrievably damaged by insensit ive or ad-
hoc development. This fragile natural area,
its flora and fauna, ruggedness and sense
of wilderness are also the bases of a
growing, economically important nature
based tourism industry and the area is
designated as a zone of opportunity in the
States Nature Based Tourism Strategy. Thesustainabili ty of the tourism industry and
the natural area on which it depends will
involve careful planning, management and
sympathetic development.
Pressure for substantial developments has
intensified in recent years due to the
growth in tour ism. The coast is already
subject to a variety of developments
including roads, camping sites (formal and
informal), toilets, car parks, boat ramps,
moorings, interpretation centres,
observation structures, accommodation,
signs, shelters, paths, picnic areas and the
like.
GUIDING PRINCIPLESEcologi cally Sustainable Developm ent
Is the using, conserving and enhancing the
communitys resources so that ecological
processes, on which life depends, are
maintained and the total quality of li fe ,
now and in the future, can be increased.
Interdependence
Ecological processes include both physical
and biological systems, which are strongly
interconnected. Impacting or managing
one part of the environment may impact
on other parts.
Limits of Acceptable Change
The limits of acceptable change are defined
as the degree of change a system can
accommodate or buffer while stil l
sustaining or returning to its desiredcharacteristics. The limits may be defined
by environmental, social or economic
concerns. What is acceptable or
appropriate is determined by consultation
with governments and communities, as
well as by legislation and regulations. The
limits of acceptable change establish the
maximum level of alteration for a
resource that society is prepared to accept.
Precautionary Principle
Where there are threats of serious or
irreversible environmental damage, lack of
full scientific certainty should not be used
as a reason to postpone measures to
prevent environmental degradation. The
precautionary principle should be used as
a tool to underpin decision-making.
Cumulative Impacts
The demand for and subsequent provision
of tourism or recreational development
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Policies
1. Proposed tourism developments should be located consistent with the Gascoyne Coast
Regional Strategy(1996), Exmouth-Learmonth (North West Cape) Structure Plan (1998) and
Cape Range National Park Management Plan(1987).
2. Until more baseline environmental information is available and within an appropriate
planning context only two of the following general locations should be developed for small-
scale and low-im pact tourism developments; Milyering, Lefroy Bay, Winderabandi, Ningaloo
and a site north of Cape Range National Park.
3. Camping on the North West Cape should be restricted to designated andmanaged camp sites.
Guideline
1. Proposed tourism developments should be located to ensure:
a). an appropriate distance from areas of cultural significance or heritage
value is maintained;
b). stable ground conditions exist for access, building construction and
visitor and management use patterns;
c). soil types are suitable for and capable of development;
d). buildings & infrastructure are located to ensure they are not subject to
inundation and/or storm surge;
e). insect breeding sites such as those of mosquitoes and biting midges are
avoided;
f). risks and hazards to visitors are m inimised;
g). locations of declared rare or priority flora and fauna species are a voided
or protected, and disturbance to important breeding or feeding areas is
minimised; and
h). where possible the potential for further e xpansion or upgrading can be
accommodated without significant impact on the environment.
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Policies
4. Subject to environmental and planning approval resort styledevelopment proposals should be confined to Exmouth, Carnarvon andthe gazetted townsite at Mauds Landing/Coral Bay.
5. Proposed tourism developments outside these town sites should be
small- scale, low-im pact and high quality wilderness or ecolodge
developments.
2. DEVELOPM ENT SCALE
It is considered that major tourist
accommodation should not be developed
on the west coast of North West Cape. The
west coast is a fragile coastal environment
and its attraction is its wilderness values
and scenic beauty. The development of
major tourism accommodation would
detract from its wi lderness appeal. The
type of development envisaged for the west
coast is generally a small-scale and low-
impact accommodation, such as wi lderness
or ecolodge style which;
is development that has regard to long-range envi ronmental and natur al resource
conservation and symbioses wit h human
communi ti es. In providing facil it ies and
acti vit ies for visit ors, special care must be
taken not to dest roy the ver y resources or
quali t ies they came to exper ience. In t he
ideal sit uat ion , if development is necessary
it would be constr ucted of natur al
sustainable mater ials, generate it s own
energy fr om r enewable resour ces such as
solar or w ind, and manage it s own waste.
It should not physically alter or have a
visual impact on the exi sting natural
envi ronment (The Ecotour ism Society,
1995).
There is a demand for wilderness
accommodation and small -scale and low-
impact tourism facil ities which should be
met, although all the standards envisagedby the Ecotourism Society may not always
be achievable. From a planning
perspective, it is more appropriate that
major (large-scale or high-impact) tourist
development occur within the Exmouth
townsite or at Coral Bay/Mauds Landing
which:
are physically capable and suitable for
development;
do not abut a sensitive marineenvironment; and
have the available infrastructure ie.
roads, air transport, communications,
boat harbour, community facilities,
water, sewerage and power.
Given the development on the east coast of
the Cape incorporating the Exmouth boat
harbour and associated marina residential
development, it is appropriate that further
development be focused on that area. It isalso appropriate that the west coast be
retained largely in its natural state and its
features preserved to cater predominantly
for day use visitation and suitable small-
scale and low-impact environmentally
sensit ive tourism accommodation
development.
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3. W ILDERNESS PROTECTION
The wilderness values of the region are
outstanding. Despite historic pastoral
grazing the landform and vegetation
reinforce the unspoilt, natural and remote
values of the area and its incredible natural
beauty. The landform is dominated by
Cape Range. The Range is flanked by
highly eroded limestone terraces, drainage
lines and gorges adjacent to red alluvial
fans and f lats, fol lowed by a relatively
narrow strip of aeolian white dunes
adjacent to the beach. Vegetation is
relatively uniform and low lying, rangingbetween 0.5 and 1.5 metres, apart from
isolated stands of taller trees.
The nature of the landform and vegetation
contributes to a visual landscape which is
highly sensit ive to changes. Already minor
tracks, small telecommunication towers on
the Cape Range and gravel pits are highly
visible when viewed from Yardie Creek
Road.
While the Milyering Visitors Centre, which
is only one storey, is designed, constructed
and landscaped sympathetically it is highly
visible from a considerable distance. Even
essential standard roads signs indicating
speed, direction and hazards have
landscape impact. Notwithstanding this,
most of the major and minor sites (eg. low
lying areas or dune swales) provide some
opportuni ty to minimise the visual impact
of development.
Policies
6. To retain the wilderness values of the west coast only a limited amount of
development should be supported, in the form of small- scale/low-im pact
wilde rness/ecolodge style accomm odation. This should located consistent with
Section 1 (l ocation).
7. Proposed tourism developments should demonstrate an understanding of and be
sympathetic with the l andform, visual context and resources, views and general
landscape values of a particular site and how it is likely to impact on the
perception of the areas wilderness values.
Guidelines
2. Building structures should preferably not exceed 1 storey or 5 metres. Buildings
up to 2 storeys or 8 m etres ma y be considered, i n certain areas, provided the
proponent demonstrates that the impact would not be significantly greater than an
equivalent single storey building.
3. Proponents should prepare a visual resource management plan, which should
address:
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a). the existing landform, vegetation, prominent features and viewsheds (to
and from the proposed site);
b). contour information at a minimum of one metre intervals; and
c). how the development proposal wil l impact on wilderness landscape
values using physical or computer generated three dime nsional m odels.
4. The proposed tourism development should be designed, constructed and
operated to ensure:
a). only local ly indigenous vegetation is propagated for screening,
windbreaks, rehabilitation and landscaping;
b) . weeds are moni tored and eradicated where appropriate;
c). minimal change is made to landform (cut and fi l l) and topography to
accommodate buildings and infrastructure;
d). disturbance or loss of natural vegetation is minimised or avoided;
e). local sources of gravel , stone and earth are used, subject to
environmental approval;
f). architectural style, landscape design and construction materials reflect
local elements (eg. landform);
g). Impacts on visually prominent areas such as headlands, cliffs and ridges
are avoided;
h). materials with muted or recessive colours and low reflective qualities that
closely complem ent the setting are used;
i) . noise pollution is m inim ise d;
j ) . l ighting which may impact on nocturnal animals is minimised;
k). services including electrici ty l ines are located below ground (where
practical) provided the environmental impact is less than that of above
ground infrastructure; a nd
l) . isolated structures, such as car parks, toi let blocks, towers and storage
areas blend into the natural setting with appropriate selection of
materia ls and with locally endemic vegetation.
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4. FORESHORE SETBACK
The North West Cape has diverse land
forms and natural systems and the coastal
zone differs from place to place. Due to
this diversity, set backs for development
within the coastal zone should be defined
following consideration of the natural
processes in specific areas. For example,
some areas have extensive mobile dunes
while others have rocky foreshores. Some
areas have drainage systems which affect
mangroves and others have coastal plains
which are subject to t idal or runoff
inundation. Some areas are importantnatural fauna habitats whi le others have
high recreational values.
The coastal zone is dynamic and changes
over time. The coast is subject to erosion
or accretion due to natural processes
and/or as a result of human and animal
activi ty. For example, dunes can be mobile
as a result of natural processes or can
become mobile as a result of vegetation
removal. Therefore, on one hand,developments could be affected by dune
mobil ity whi le on the other, they could
affect vegetation and cause dune mobility.
The major and minor tourism sites
identified in the Gascoyne Coast Regional
Strategy (1996)are significantly different
and without considering a specific
development proposal it is problematic and
simplistic to provide a prescriptive
guideline regarding development setback.
For example, locating buildings off the
foredunes and on the rangeland terraces
(hard limestone) may provide an
appropriate setback, but may impact
adversely on landscape values and/or
subterranean fauna.
Policies
8. Development should be set back from the coast based on natural process
constraints.
9. Development should provide for appropriately managed public access to the
foreshore.
Guidelines
5. An appropriate setback between the development and the line of permanentvegetation should:
a). incorporate the primary and secondary dunes (where they exist);
b). address the stability (accretion/erosion) of the dune and beach system
(beach sand cycle);
c). address inundation (eg. on alluvial flood plains and drainage lines), including
from extreme natural events (eg. cyclone, storm surge or tsunami ) a nd long
term changes in sea level;
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d). protect dunes, beaches and near shore waters which provide breeding,nesting or feeding areas for significant fauna; and
e). set back development from visually prominent sites such as headlands,
cliffs, beaches and other locations which are a focus of attention or in major
viewsheds from other important locations.
6. The land within the foreshore setback should be maintained and managed to
conserve terrestrial, intertidal and near shore natural (physical and
biological), landscape and cultural features through the preparation and
implem entation of a foreshore ma nagement plan, which should ensure:
a). signage, bollards, rubbish bins and smal l structures (water tanks or toilet
blocks) within the foreshore reserve have a very low visual im pact and are of
a form ( colour, materia ls and size) consistent with the ame nity and character
of the area;
b). foreshore access roads and carparks are sensitive to environmental
constraints, minim ising cut and fill a nd vegetation removal, and following
natural contours;
c). pedestrian access is the principal form of access through the foreshore
reserve (where one exists) a nd paths direct people awa y from
environmentally sensitive areas;
d). four wheel drive, off road vehicles and motor bikes are not be permi tted on
the beach or within the foreshore reserve, except for approved boat
launching facilities; and
e). stabilisation, re habilitation, revegetation and landscaping of the foreshore
setback is undertaken using locally endemic plant species.
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5. M ARINE INFRASTRUCTURE
Direct marine impacts mainly arise due to
water-based activities (eg. boating) and
generally have a localised impact, such as
damage caused by anchor chains, the
depletion of fish stocks through overfishing
and the removal of corals and shells.
Indirect marine impacts (eg. increased
turbidity, habitat disturbance and bilge
discharge) are usually more difficult to
control where large numbers of
recreational boat enthusiasts have access to
coral reefs. There is also an increased risk
of contamination due to fuel spills andinappropriate rubbish disposal.
Marinas, canals and jetties have the
potential to cause significant
environmental impact, at the time of
construction and on an ongoing basis. Thisinfrastructure is not considered to be
consistent with the wilderness values of
the area and the intent of low key
wi lderness/ecolodge developments.
Demand exists to provide boat launching
facil ities for recreational f ishing or diving
activit ies, but management plans should
ensure uncontrolled access by vehicles and
the accumulation of boats on the beach
does not occur.
Policies
10. Ma rina and canal developments will be considered only in the designated
town sites of Exmouth and Coral Bay/Mauds Landing.
11. Ma rine structures (ie small jetties) will be considered only if they are
consistent with the Ningaloo Marine Park Management Plan (1989).
12. Boat launching facilities may be allowed provided they are consistent with
the Ningaloo Marine Park Management Plan (1989) and a strategic facilities
plan and assessed by the EPA.
13. Dredging of sand or removal of coral to provide boating passage (eg. blasting)
will not be permi tted.
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to very saline, varies in temperature from
10%C to 100%C and is corrosive. It
requires substantial treatment usually
involving desalination, cooling, softeningand removal of iron to attain potable water
quality.
Water availabili ty also constitutes a
significant environmental constraint.
Pumping of fresh or brackish water which
overl ies saline water can cause saltwater
intrusion to the surface. Recharge of the
shallow aquifer may occur only after
intense or long rainfall and in some years
this may not occur at all . Subterranean
fauna, part icularly stygofauna, may also be
impacted by changes in groundwater levels,
quality and salinity due to groundwater
extraction. Waste water from the
desalinisation and/or treatment of saline
groundwater, corrosive artesian
groundwater or sea water may be highly
saline, alkaline, acidic or contain heavy
metals and minerals, and therefore cause
impacts to the environment if dischargedto it. Evaporation or inf il tration ponds and
ocean outfall pipes, if visible, are likely to
impact on wilderness values.
Clearly the issue of water availabil ity needs
to be considered in the context of the
water required by a specif ic development
proposal, the available water resources,
proposed effluent treatment and recycling
and specific site circumstances.
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6. WATER AVAILABILITY
Water availability has been recognised as
one of the most significant constraints tothe development of the region. The
climate of the North West Cape ranges
from hot, arid conditions at the tip of Cape
Range in the north to warm semi-arid
conditions around Carnarvon in the south.
During January and February each year the
maximum daily temperature regularly
reaches 45%C.
Rainfall in the region averages 300
mill imetres annually wi th peak falls in bothsummer and winter. The sources of rain
include tropical cyclones, the incursion of
warm moist air from the Kimberley Region
and mid-latitude depressions.
Groundwater occurs either as superficial or
confined groundwater. Supplies of fresh
unconfined groundwater are generally
restricted to the vicinity of the major rivers
or in elevated areas such as the Cape
Range. In the case of the Cape Range, fresh
or brackish groundwater usually overlies
very saline groundwater. Conf ined or
artesian groundwater is under pressure and
rises when intercepted by a bore or may
naturally flow to the surface via springs.
Artesian groundwater occurs throughout
most of the region and may be as much as
900 metres below the surface in coastal
areas such as Coral Bay where alternativesources of groundwater are not generally
available. Artesian groundwater is brackish
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7. CYCLONES, FLOODING AND
DRAINAGE
The North West Cape is subject to frequentcyclones which cause strong winds, storm
surge, and tsunamis leading to inundation
of the coastal zone. More frequently,
flooding of the coastal plain occurs as a
result of the combination of rain, high tides
and low lying land. If sea levels rise, as
predicted (IPCC 1996), the coastal zone
may be subject to additional and increasing
inundation. Therefore, development sites
will require careful selection to avoidadverse impacts from cyclones and
flooding. Decision making authori ties
must carefully assess and respond to
development proposals to avoid liability for
loss or damage to developments.
14
8. SEWAGE TREATM ENT
Sewage treatment presents a considerable
environmental constraint to development.
Conventional septic systems involve the
leaching of nutrients and other pol lutants
which may impact on subterranean fauna,
ground and marine water quality and coral
ecosystems. Unlike fresh water wetlands
Policies
19. Land forms and topography should not be substantially altered to deal with
potential flooding.
20. Developments should not be located in areas subject to inundation.
21. Developments should be constructed to withstand the effects of cyclones.
Guideline
8. Development proposals should:
a). consider innovative pavement solutions as an alternative to bitumen and
concrete to decrease the amount of stormwater run-off;
b). ensure buildings and infrastructure are located based on criteria derived
from historical flooding data or best estimates;
c). be constructed to withstand the effects of cyclones; and
d). incorporate water sensitive design principles and features into overall
design of buildings, hard surfaces, landscaped are as a nd stormwater drainage.
the marine environment is sensitive to
nitrogen rather than phosphorus. In
addition, coral reef systems are very low in
nutrients and small increases can result in
a signif icant ecosystem response (Grigg and
Dollar, 1993). Alternative treatment units
(eg. Ecomax or Biocycle) for secondary and
post secondary treatment still produce
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effluent containing nutrients, metals and
sludge which require disposal. Evaporative
or digestion ponds may produce odour, be
highly visible and represent a risk to theenvironment if containment mechanisms
(eg. plastic or clay lining) fail. Tertiary
treatment of sewage is likely to be
uneconomic, given the anticipated scale of
development and current technology
(Baker, pers com).
Policies
22. Appropriate m anagement and monitoring should be established to ensure
criteria are met and there are contingency plans for cases of infrastructure
failure or where criteria is exceeded.
23. Sewage treatment infrastructure should produce negligible odour and be
appropriately separated from tourist accommodation.
Guidelines
9. Best practice enclosed treatment plants will be considered for approval
where:
a). an integrated and sustainable approach is adopted to minimise water
use and maxim ise recycling;
b). treated sewage will contain a maximum of 2.5g/m3 total nitrogen, 1g/m 3
total phosphorus, 5g/m 3 biological oxygen demand, 5g/m 3 suspended
solids and 100 thermotolerant coliforms; and
c). treated sewage will be disposed via trickle irrigation to natural vegetation
(not within 100 metres of beaches or wetla nds) ra ther than disposal to
the marine environment, groundwater via injection or evaporation ponds.
10. Screened solids and sludge should be transported to an appropriate
licensed landfill.
11. Organic fertilisers may be used when derived from the development
proposal itself (eg. toilet compost) rather than inorganic fertiliser, subject
to Health Department requireme nts.
12. Sewerage treatment and disposal systems should incorporate fauna
exclusion strategies or ma ke provision for fauna ma nagement.
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9. WASTE DISPOSAL
Landfil l sites in remote areas are normally
unlined, uncovered and infrequentlymaintained (Mantle, pers com). This may
result in odour, pollutants leaching into
groundwater and rubbish dispersal from
strong onshore winds. The location of a
landfill site adjacent to tourism
development has the potential to impactwi lderness value and tourism amenity.
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10. ACCESS
Apart from the 45 kilometres of coastline
within the Cape Range National Park from
Vlamingh Head to Yardie Creek, the
remaining 320 ki lometres along the west
coast has limi ted management. Most of
this area is contained within leases and is
frequently accessed by visitors travelling in
four wheel drive vehicles and caravans
seeking a coastal holiday experience,
adventure and/or solitude. Theestablishment of indiscriminate tracks to
the coast leading to squatter shacks,
accommodation at pastoral stations and
fishing, diving and camping spots, is
causing loss of vegetation and subsequent
dune destabilisation. This is compounded
by inappropriate rubbish disposal,
increased fire risk from camp fires and
degradation to native vegetation from
firewood collection.
Policy
24. Organic and green waste should be collected, composted and
appropriately stored for use as mulch, soil improver or
fertili ser. Organic waste not used for this purpose and all inorganic
waste should be transported to a licensed landfill facility.
Guideline
13. Development proposals should prepare and implement a waste
managem ent program which minimises wa ste production and
maxim ises use, re use and recycling.
The provision of a formed road from CoralBay towards Yardie Creek and linking to
Learmonth would provide the opportuni ty
for traffic to avoid traversing the National
Park, thus reducing the number of road
kills of native animals. The proposed
tourism development sites should be sited
well away from the coast with spur roads
from the main north-south coastal road
providing access to appropr iate
destinations. This strategy has been highly
successful in Cape Range National Park by
minimising indiscreet and uncontrolled
beach access, usually by 4WD vehicles.
The spur roads would also need to be
formed to remove the necessity for vehicle
operators to create new tracks when
existing ones become boggy.
Providing access to a part icular tour ism site
may have significant environmental
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implications beyond its direct construction
impacts. It would not be responsible to
subject the coastal zone to increased use
prior to development of supportinginfrastructure. Furthermore, the quality of
recreational experiences offered to the
public may be substandard. It is imperative
that development be coordinated so that
when access to the Park accommodates a
larger user group, services, environmental
protection measures and tourism
infrastructure are available to ensure their
experience is catered for and managed.
Yardie Creek is one of the main features of
the Cape Range National Park, for its
wildlife conservation, aesthetic, cultural
(Aboriginal) and nature based tourism
values. The issue of a crossing for Yardie
Creek has been discussed for some time.The provision of the Learmonth/Yardie
Creek/Coral Bay road linkage would reduce
the pressure for a permanent bridge, which
would signif icantly detract from the
amenity of the area and the current visitor
experience of the naturalness, quietness
and solitude of Yardie Creek. On balance
the construction of a flexible sacrificial
crossing near the mouth of the Creek
would be more aesthetically and
environmentally acceptable.
Policies
25. Access to and from tourism developments on the western side of CapeRange should be via a formed road from Vlamingh Head to Coral Bay.
26. The planning and construction of access roads, supporting manageme nt (eg.
carparks, signage, track closures, spur roads and rubbish collection) andproposed tourism developments should be integrated and coordinated.
27. The crossing at Yardie Creek should be via a flexible structure at the Creekmouth that can function as a sacrificial crossing, rather than a l arge al lweather crossing.
28. The construction of a crossing of Yardie Creek and any roads south of YardieCreek should be referred to the EPA for environmental impact assessment.
29. Development proposals should emphasise a nd prioritise walking and hikingexperiences, rather than vehicle tours.
Guidelines
14. Roads, tracks and paths should be aligned and constructed to minimisedisruption of native fauna movement patterns.
15. In fragile environments boardwalks and fenced walkways should be
provided.
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g). isolate heat generating functions such as kitchens and laundries from
living areas;
h). control exposure to wind through building orientation and configuration,number and position of wall and roof openings and relationship togradient and vegetation;
i). provide shaded outdoor living areas such as porches and decks;
j). use suitable micro-climates for warm winter sites and cool summersites;
k). incorporate features to minimise energy use; and
l). avoid the use of energy-intensive, environmentally damaging, waste-producing and/or hazardous materials.
12. CONSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
The following factors should be
incorporated in the planning and
implementation phases of the proposed
development, through an environmental
management system (ISO 14000 series,
1997) to minimise impacts and achieve a
more sustainable development.
Guidelines
17. Construction practices should ensure minimal site disruption.
18. Proponents should develop on-site guidelines or controls for contractors,specifying appropriate construction practices.
19. Proponents should provide briefing or training sessions for all contractorsand their employees, specifying the desired practices and the consequencesof non-compliance.
20. Contractors should provide a performance bond or deposit which can beused to repair a ny environmental damage inconsistent with an environmentalmanagement plan.
21. Environmental objectives and criteria should be documented.
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22. Monitoring and evaluation systems should be prepared and implemented.
23. Regular environmental audits should be undertaken.
24. Staff training and environmental e ducation programs should be established.
25. Interaction between tourists and physical and/or cultural environmentsshould be documented and managed (eg. visitor information and educationfacilities).
26. Minimal use and disposal of chemical cleaning products should beencouraged. Where disposal is unavoidable, l ow-impact products should besought.
27. Construction and decoration materia ls should not produce or release harmfulchemicals during or after manufacture.
28. Proponents should prepare and adopt a product purchasing policy whichmaxim ises use, reuse a nd recycling.
29. Proponents should provide education for visitors on wildlife, cultural
resources, historic and natural features.
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APPROVALS PROCESS
Any proposed tourism development will be
required to seek approval from three keyagencies in most cases:
environmental approval under the
Environmental Protect ion Act (1986)
following assessment by the EPA as
required;
planning approval under the Town
Planning and Development Act (1928)
from local government and in some
cases the Western Australian Planning
Commission; and
for sites on CALM estate including
Ningaloo Marine Park approval from
the National Parks and Nature
Conservation Author ity (NPNCA) and/or
Marine Parks and Reserves Authority
(MPRA) through CALM under the
Conservati on and Land Management
Act (1985).
Tourism developments on pastoral leases
are managed by DOLA and the Pastoral
Board. Low key accommodation (use of
shearers quarters) or camping sites may be
incorporated as a sub-lease to an existing
pastoral lease, where approval is soughtfrom the Pastoral Board. More signi ficant
development proposals requiring access,
specific tourism buildings and facilities
may be accommodated by a separate lease.
In this case a medium term (10-20 years)
lease is issued by DOLA and may be subject
to public offer. Irrespective of the type of
lease, DOLA refers applications to various
government agencies for comment.
The tenure, vesting and zoning of land,
variations in planning schemes and
management plans and the type of
development proposal will determine the
development approval required. Despite
variations it is important that touri sm
developments are considered in a
coordinated, orderly and consistent way
thereby ensuring the objectives and
intended outcomes of these Guidelines, the
Gascoyne Coast Regional Strategy (1996)and
the Exmout h-Learmonth (North West Cape)Str uctur e Plan (1998)are achieved.
Guidelines
30. Prior to lodging an application for development proponents should liaise
with the Department of Conservation and Land Ma nagement, Department of
Environmental Protection, Ministry for Planning and local government.
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multiple developments at a particular site
and along the coast generally There is a
well recognised need for more information
collected and stored in a form (eg.geographic information system) which
assists sound environmental and planning
decisions.
All development proposals should be
referred under Part IV of the Environmental
Protecti on Act (1986)to the Environmental
Protection Authori ty.
Policy
33. All development proposals should be referred to the EPA and be subject toenvironmental impact a ssessment.
Guideline
31. Proponents should preferably provide a high level of information to the EPA upfrontor as part of the assessment, at the time of referral. The remainder should be provided
as part of any environmental review document, should a formal assessment by the EPAbe required. This information should include:
a). a detailed description of the development proposal including site andlandscape appraisal, ultimate development scenario, project design,access arrangements, construction, m anageme nt and operation (seeseparate guidelines);
b). a detailed description of the existing, physical, biological, landscape andcultural environment, which should go beyond desktop studies to includedetailed field investigations of flora, fauna (terrestrial, marine and
subterranean, declared rare and priority species, biodiversity, geology andgeomorphology, hydrology, ecological processes and systems,landscape, drainage, flooding and Aboriginal cultural heritagesignificance;
c). an assessment of construction, visual, indirect, ongoing, off-site andcumulative impacts of the development proposal, and its supportinginfrastructure;
d). an assessment of alternatives and justification of the development proposalselected;
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13. ENVIRONMENTAL APPROVAL
PROCESS
Any environmental assessment wi ll be
dependent on provision of adequate data to
allow a decision to be made. A key issue
for assessment wi ll be the potential
cumulative impact that the development
will have on the environment.
Cumulative impact assessment needs to
consider the total impact from both
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e). information which demonstrates, with a high degree of scientific confidence,
that anticipated environmental im pacts can be m anaged;
f). a commitment to and description of an environmental management system whichintegrates the construction and operation of the development proposal withenvironmental managem ent criteria and objectives, and demonstrates progressiveimprovement; and
g). a monitoring program and contingency plans in case environmental criteria orobjectives are not met.
14. PLANNING APPROVAL PROCESS
At a State and regional level the State
Planning Strategy (1997), Gascoyne Coast
Regional St rategy (1996)and the Exmouth-
Learmon th (Nor th West Cape) Structu re Plan
(1998)provide the basis for future
planning. Statutory planning control at a
local level is achieved through local
government town planning schemes (TPS),
and subdivision and development controls.The Shire of Carnarvon has a TPS which
covers the entire district. Under this TPS
almost all coastal land is zoned Rural. In
the Shire of Exmouth coastal land within
the National Park is zoned as Recreation
and Open Space, Commonwealth facilities
as Public Purposes and land bounded by
Jurabi Point, North West Cape and Charles
Knife Road as Resource Management.
Tourism development is a permitted use on
land zoned Rural, under the Shire ofCarnarvon TPS, while the Shire of Exmouth
has a separate Tourism zone.
Policies
34. Development of tourism sites should proceed in accordance with therelevant planning approval processes consistent with the State Pla nningStrategy (1997 ), Gascoyne Coast Regional Strategy (19 96) , Exmouth-Learmonth (North West Cape) Structure Plan ( 199 8) and relevant Town
Planning Scheme .
35. Where a tourism site is likely to accommodate a number of developmentproposals or where expansion is likely, a structure plan should be preparedto provide for integrated and logical development.
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by CALM and approved by the both the
NPNCA and Minister for the Environment.
All development proposals wi thin CALM
managed areas should be in accordance
with a CALM management plan and most
developments will require approval from
the NPNCA and the Minister for the
Environment.
24
15. NATURE CONSERVATION APPROVAL
PROCESS
The majori ty of the North West Cape isCrown land vested (or jointl y vested) in the
NPNCA or leased for pastoral purposes.
Developments on Crown land vested in the
NPNCA are managed by CALM and subject
to the relevant management plan prepared
Policy
36. All development proposals within CALM m anaged areas should be in
accordance with the a pproved CALM managem ent plan for that area.
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LOCATION
1. Proposed tourism developments should be located consistent with theGascoyne Coast Regional Strategy, Exmouth-Learmonth (North WestCape) Structure Plan and Cape Range National Park Management Plan.
2. Until more baseline environmental information is available and withinan appropriate planning context only two of the following generallocations should be developed for small-scale and low-impact tourismdevelopments; Milyering, Lefroy Bay, Wi nderabandi, Ningaloo and asite north of Cape Range National Park.
3. Camping on the North West Cape should be restricted to designated andmanaged camp sites.
SUMM ARY MATRIX
I S S U E S F O R P R O P O S E D T O U R I S M D E V E L O P M E N T S
DEVELOPM ENT SCALE
4. Subject to environmental and planning approval resort style
development proposals should be confined to Exmouth, Carnarvon andthe gazetted townsite at Mauds Landing/Coral Bay.
5. Proposed tourism developments outside these town sites should besmall- scale, low- impact and high quality wilderness or ecolodgedevelopments.
POLICIES GUIDELINES
36. Proposed tourism developments should be located to ensure:
a). an appropriate distance from areas of cultural significance orheritage value is mai ntained;
b). stable ground conditions exist for access, building construction andvisitor and management use patterns;
c). soil types are suitable for and capable of development;
d). buildings & infrastructure are located to ensure they are not subjectto inundation and/or storm surge;
e). insect breeding sites such as those of mosquitoes and biting midgesare avoided;
f). risks and hazards to visitors are minimised;
g). locations of declared rare or priority flora and fauna species areavoided or protected, and disturbance to important breeding orfeeding areas is minimised; and
h). where possible the potential for further expansion or upgrading canbe accommodated without significant impact on the environment.
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37. Building structures should preferably not exceed 1 storey or 5 metres.Buildings up to 2 storeys or 8 metres may be considered, in certainareas, provided the proponent demonstrates that the impact would not be
significantly greater than an equivalent single storey building.
38. Proponents should prepare a visual resource management plan, whichshould address:
a). the existing landform, vegetation, prominent features andviewsheds (to and from the proposed site);
b). contour information at a minimum of one metre intervals; and
c). how the development proposal will impact on wilderness landscapevalues using physical or computer generated three dimensionalmodels.
4. The proposed tourism development should be designed, constructed andoperated to ensure:
a). only locally indigenous vegetation is propagated for screening,windbreaks, rehabilitation and landscaping;
b). weeds are monitored and eradicated where appropriate;
c). minimal change is made to landform (cut and fill) and topographyto accommodate buildings and infrastructure;
d). disturbance or loss of natural vegetation is minimised or avoided;
e). local sources of gravel, stone and earth are used, subject toenvironmental approval;
f). architectural style, landscape design and construction materialsreflect local el ements (eg. landform);
g). Impacts on visually prominent areas such as headlands, cliffs andridges are avoided;
h). materials with muted or recessive colours and low reflectivequalities that closely complement the setting are used;
i). noise pollution is minimised;
j). lighting which may impact on nocturnal animals is minimised;
k). services including electricity lines are located below ground (wherepractical) provided the environmental impact is less than that ofabove ground infrastructure; and
l). isolated structures, such as car parks, toilet blocks, towers andstorage areas blend into the natural setting with appropriateselection of m aterials and wi th locally endemic vegetation.
WILDERNESS PROTECTION
6. To retain the wilderness values of the west coast only a limited amount
of development should be supported, in the form of small-scale/low-impact wilderness/ecolodge style accommodation. This should locatedconsistent with Section 1 (location).
7. Proposed tourism developments should demonstrate an understandingof and be sympathetic with the landform, visual context and resources,views and general landscape values of a particular site and how it islikely to impact on the perception of the areas wilderness values.
POLICIES GUIDELINES
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M ARINE I NFRASTRUCTURE
10. Marina and canal developments will be considered only in thedesignated town sites of Exmouth and Coral Bay/Mauds Landing.
11. Marine structures (ie small jetties) will be considered only if they areconsistent with the Ningaloo Marine Park Management Plan.
12. Boat launching facilities may be allowed provided they are consistentwith the Ningaloo Marine Park M anagement Plan and a strategicfacilities plan and assessed by the EPA.
13. Dredging of sand or removal of coral to provide boating passage (eg.blasting) wi ll not be permitted.
5. An appropriate setback between the development and the line ofpermanent vegetation should:
a). incorporate the primary and secondary dunes (where they exist);
b). address the stability (accretion/erosion) of the dune and beachsystem (beach sand cycle);
c). address inundation (eg. on alluvial flood plains and drainagelines), including from extreme natural events (eg. cyclone, stormsurge or tsunami) and long term changes in sea level;
d). protect dunes, beaches and near shore waters which providebreeding, nesting or feeding areas for significant fauna; and
e). set back development from visually prominent sites such asheadlands, cliffs, beaches and other locations which are a focus ofattention or in major viewsheds from other important locations.
6. The land within the foreshore setback should be maintained andmanaged to conserve terrestrial, intertidal and near shore natural
(physical and biological), landscape and cultural features through thepreparation and implem entation of a foreshore m anagement plan,which should ensure:
a). signage, bollards, rubbish bins and small structures (water tanksor toilet blocks) within the foreshore reserve have a very low visualimpact and are of a form (colour, materials and size) consistentwith the amenity and character of the area;
b). foreshore access roads and carparks are sensitive toenvironmental constraints, minimising cut and fill and vegetationremoval, and following natural contours;
c). pedestrian access is the principal form of access through theforeshore reserve (where one exists) and paths direct people awayfrom environmentally sensitive areas;
d). four wheel drive, off road vehicles and motor bikes are not to be
permitted on the beach or within the foreshore reserve, except forapproved boat launching facilities; and
e). stabilisation, rehabilitation, revegetation and landscaping of theforeshore setback is undertaken using locally endemic plantspecies.
FORESHORE SETBACK
8. Development should be set back from the coast based on
natural process constraints.
9. Development should provide for appropriately managed publicaccess to the foreshore.
POLICIES GUIDELINES
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9. Best practice enclosed treatment plants will be consideredfor approval where:
a). an integrated and sustainable approach is adopted tominimise wa ter use and maximise recycling;
b). treated sewage will contain a maximum of 2.5g/m3
total nitrogen, 1g/m3 total phosphorus, 5g/m3
biological oxygen demand, 5g/m3 suspended solids and100 thermotolerant coliforms; and
c). treated sewage will be disposed via trickle irrigation to
natural vegetation (not within 100 metres of beaches orwetlands) rather than disposal to the marineenvironment, groundwater via injection or evaporationponds.
10. Screened solids and sludge should be transported to anappropriate l icensed landfill.
11. Organic fertilisers may be used when derived from thedevelopment proposal itself (eg. toilet compost) rather thaninorganic fertiliser, subject to Health Departmentrequirements.
12. Sewerage treatment and disposal systems shouldincorporate fauna exclusion strategies or make provision forfauna management.
CYCLONES, FLOODING AND DRAINAGE
19. Land forms and topography should not be substantially altered to dealwith potential flooding.
20. Developments should not be located in areas subject to inundation.
21. Developments should be constructed to withstand the effects ofcyclones.
SEWAGE TREATMENT
22. Appropriate management and monitoring should beestablished to ensure criteria are met and there arecontingency plans for cases of infrastructure failure or wherecriteria is exceeded.
23. Sewage treatment infrastructure should produce negligibleodour and be appropriately separated from touristaccommodation.
8. Development proposals should:
a). consider innovative pavement solutions as analternative to bitumen and concrete to decrease theamount of stormwater run-off;
b). ensure buildings and infrastructure are located basedon criteria derived from historical flooding data or bestestimates; and
c). be constructed to withstand the effects of cyclones; and
d). incorporate water sensitive design principles andfeatures into overall design of buildings, hard surfaces,
landscaped areas and stormwater drainage.
WATER AVAILABILITY
14. The disposal of waste water from desalinisation or the treatment of
artesian water to the marine environment may be considered providedthe site selection for infrastructure minimises impact on theenvironment and there is no suitable alternative or complementarywater source. Disposal to the terrestrial environment may beconsidered, provided surface and ground water quality and quantityare maintained such that existing and potential uses, includingecosystem functioning are protected.
15. The scale of development and future expansion should be cognisant ofthe availability and sustainability of safe and reliable water sources.
16. Extraction of shallow unconfined groundwater must be sustainable,without impacting on dependent ecosystems or physical processes.
17. Development proponents should endeavour to obtain water from avariety of sustainable sources, with collection of rainwater being apriority.
18. Development proponents should locate visible water supply andstorage facilities sensitively within the landscape.
7. Water conservation strategies (eg. composting toilets, grey water andstormwater re-use and low flow shower roses) should be incorporatedin development proposals.
POLICIES GUIDELINES
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13. Development proposals should prepare and implement awaste management program which minimises wasteproduction and maximises use, reuse and recycling.
ACCESS
25. Access to and from tourism developments on the westernside of Cape Range should be via a formed road fromVlamingh Head to Coral Bay.
26. The planning and construction of access roads, supporting
management (eg. carparks, signage, track closures, spurroads and rubbish collection) and proposed tourismdevelopments should be integrated and coordinated.
27. The crossing at Yardie Creek should be via a flexiblestructure at the Creek mouth that can function as a sacrificialcrossing, rather than a large all weather crossing.
28. The construction of a crossing of Yardie Creek and any roadssouth of Yardie Creek should be referred to the EPA forenvironmental impact assessment.
29. Development proposals should emphasise and prioritisewalking and hiking experiences, rather than vehicle tours.
14. Roads, tracks and paths should be aligned and constructed tominimise disruption of native fauna movement patterns.
15. In fragile environments boardwalks and fenced walkways should beprovided.
WASTE DISPOSAL
24. Organic and green waste should be collected, composted
and appropriately stored for use as mulch, soil improver orfertili ser. Organic waste not used for this purpose and allinorganic waste should be transported to a licensed landfillfacility.
16. Proponents should ensure that development proposals:
a). have the capacity to generate their own power;
b). use northern solar orientation for passive heating and cooling;
c). minimise solid enclosure and thermal mass;
d). maximise roof ventilation;
e). use elongated or segmented floor plans to minimise internal heatgain and maximise exposure for ventilation;
f). separate rooms and functions with covered breezewaysto maximise wall shading and induce ventilation;
g). isolate heat generating functions such as kitchens and
laundries from living areas;
h). control exposure to wind through building orientationand configuration, number and position of wall and roofopenings and relationship to gradient and vegetation;
i). provide shaded outdoor living areas such as porchesand decks;
j). use suitable micro-climates for warm winter sites andcool summer sites;
k). incorporate features to minimise energy use; and
l). avoid the use of energy-intensive, environmentallydamaging, waste- producing and/or hazardous materials.
ENERGY GENERATION
30. Proposed low-impact tourism developments should employalternative/renewable energy sources where possible.
31. The commercial sale of fuel should occur in Exmouth,Carnarvon, Coral Bay/Mauds Landing and MinilyaRoadhouse.
32. Diesel or gas powered generators should only be used inemergency situations.
POLICIES GUIDELINES
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17. Construction practices should ensure minimal site disruption.
18. Proponents should develop on-site guidelines or controls for
contractors, specifying appropriate construction practices.
19. Proponents should provide briefing or training sessions for allcontractors and their employees, specifying the desired practicesand the consequences of non-compliance.
20. Contractors should provide a performance bond or deposit whichcan be used to repair any environmental damage inconsistent withan environmental management plan.
21. Environmental objectives and criteria should be documented.
22. Monitoring and evaluation systems should be prepared andimplemented.
23. Regular environmental audits should be undertaken.
24. Staff training and environmental education programs should beestablished.
25. Interaction between tourists and physical and/or culturalenvironments should be documented and managed (eg. visitorinformation and education facilities).
26. Minimal use and disposal of chemical cleaning products should beencouraged. Where disposal is unavoidable, low-impactproducts should be sought.
27. Construction and decoration materials should not produce orrelease harmful chemicals during or after manufacture.
28. Proponents should prepare and adopt a product purchasing policywhich maximises use, reuse and recycling.
29. Proponents should provide education for visitors on wildlife,
cultural resources, historic and natural features.
CONSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
POLICIES GUIDELINES
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APPROVALS PROCESS
30. Prior to lodging an application for development proponents shouldliaise with the Department of Conservation and Land Management,Department of Environmental Protection, Ministry for Planning andlocal government.
31. Proponents should preferably provide a high level of information tothe EPA upfront or as part of the assessment, at the time ofreferral. The remainder should be provided as part of anyenvironmental review document, should a formal assessment bythe EPA be required. This information should include:
a). a detailed description of the development proposal includingsite and landscape appraisal, ultimate development scenario,project design, access arrangements, construction,
management and operation (see separate guidelines);
b). a detailed description of the existing, physical, biological,landscape and cultural environment, which should gobeyond desktop studies to include detailed fieldinvestigations of flora, fauna (terrestrial, marine andsubterranean, declared rare and priority species,biodiversity, geology and geomorphology, hydrology,ecological processes and systems, landscape, drainage,flooding and Aboriginal cultural heritage significance;
c). an assessment of construction, visual, indirect, ongoing,off-site and cumulative impacts of the developmentproposal, and its supporting infrastructure;
d). an assessment of alternatives and justification of thedevelopment proposal selected;
e). information which demonstrates, with a high degree ofscientific confidence, that anticipated environmentalimpacts can be managed;
f). a commitment to and description of an environmentalmanagement system which integrates the constructionand operation of the development proposal withenvironmental m anagement criteria and objectives, anddemonstrates progressive improvement; and
g). a monitoring program and contingency plans in caseenvironmental criteria or objectives are not met.
ENVIRONMENTAL APPROVAL PROCESS
32. All development proposals should be referred to the EPA and besubject to environmental impact assessment.
PLANNING APPROVAL PROCESS
33. Development of tourism sites should proceed in accordancewith the relevant planning approval processes consistent withthe State Planning Strategy, Gascoyne Coast Regional Strategy,Exmouth-Learmonth (North West Cape) Structure Plan andrelevant Town Planning Scheme.
34. Where a tourism site is likely to accommodate a number ofdevelopment proposals or where expansion is likely, astructure plan should be prepared to provide for integrated andlogical development.
NATURE CONSERVATION APPROVAL PROCESS
35. All development proposals within CALM managed areas shouldbe in accordance with the approved CALM management plan for
that area.
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