Cape Peron’s future in focus

The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage has launched a public consultation to help determine the community’s vision for Cape Peron’s future.

The department and a working group will consider all current land uses for Cape Peron and will provide recommendations to the Government on how to use the land.

A bid to allow a tourist-based marina at Mangles Bay was withdrawn by Planning Minister Rita Saffioti in March 2018.

This site formed the original planning investigation area, which was later increased to include all land within the Cape Peron peninsula at the request of the City of Rockingham.

Key considerations include land use options, tenure/lease management issues, recreation and community access, environmental protection, coastal setbacks, regional roads and bushfire risk.

A community reference group has also been established to provide important local knowledge to the working group in response to significant public interest in the future of the area.

According to DPLH there are no plans for permanent residential development on the Cape Peron peninsula. But the planning investigation process will determine potential uses, which may include low-impact, tourism-related options such as tent sites or caravan parks.

City of Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels encouraged the community to share their thoughts with the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.

“The City of Rockingham would like to see the State Government conduct a transparent and collaborative process to arrive at the most sustainable long term uses for this important community asset,” he said.

“When the future use is determined, the City also wishes to see the Cape Peron Reserve transferred to Class A to recognise its high community value.”

Submissions can be made until 5pm on Friday, April 24 online or via mail to Cape Peron Working Group, Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, Locked Bag 2506, Perth WA.

A report providing recommendations for the future of Cape Peron is expected to be prepared for the Government by late 2020.