Contentious Cowaramup Country subdivision expansion gets State Government green light after council changes

The WA Planning Commission has signed off on a long-anticipated new subdivision on the southern cusp of Cowaramup which has stirred community sentiment. Developer Goldfields bought the remaining part of Cowaramup Country on the west side of Bussell Highway in November last year, with the land once slated to include an aged-care village and extra sporting grounds. Instead, the site was earmarked for a proposed workers accommodation village designed to take pressure off seasonal industries including vineyards and the hospitality sector, though details about how the for-lease project would operate continued to be vague. Approvals were being sought to start ground works at the end of the year and lots would be advertised for sale soon, the developers said. Goldfields State director Gareth Wilson said the 20ha project would ease the region’s housing crisis as the average local house price crept past the $1 million mark. “Our new estate will deliver 184 residential lots and a 2ha medium-density site,” he said. “Lots will range from 380sqm to 1900sqm to cater to the broader market. “In addition, residents will be able to enjoy areas of public open spaces across the site, including a park where existing mature trees will be retained where possible,” he said. The Times understands WAPC did not request substantial changes to what was approved by the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River council in December. Although changes were made to the plan sought by Goldfields, residents had remained displeased at perceptions the developer was avoiding commitments made by previous owners at that site. The project received 257 objections. A lack of connectivity to the existing township, density concerns, and the loss of the aged-care and sporting facilities were all cited by residents. However, the council changes reduced the density and insisted on a sound bund rather than walls fronting Bussell Highway amid concerns from residents Goldfields was going for the maximum housing possible. The developer had also previously received $1.9m from the State Government to advance a suite of about 60 units slated for workers in the seasonal viticulture and tourism industries.