South West community group rallies against Smiths Beach development over 2800sqm beach ramp zone

A group of Busselton residents have again rallied their concerns about the controversial Smiths Beach Development proposal over the fact it now contains plans to build a ramp on the beach.

While the Save Smiths Beach group has been fighting against the coastal village proposal for decades, they say they were only just made aware of a modification to the application which included a 2800sqm zone for a universal access ramp on the beach.

The plan amendment was made in November 2023 to include the ramp on top of the sand span roughly 100m from the western end of the beach.

Save Smiths Beach spokesperson David Mitchell said he feared for the future uses of the beach if the ramp – which he referred to as a sea wall – went ahead.

“The impact of this sea wall will ruin the most used family end of the beach,” he said.

“A sea wall of over 100m long and five metres high will completely change the landscape and change the beach experience for everyone forever and it’s simply not acceptable.”

The coastal village would see 126 tourism and residential dwellings, with the plan altered twice in submissions to the Environmental Protection Agency, who are assessing the proposal.

In August further plans to expand the project by 1.13ha was submitted to allow for wastewater storage and infrastructure, the amendment would also increase the extent of cleared vegetation by 1.5ha and modified vegetation by 0.32ha.

Both amendments were allowed to the submitted proposal by the EPA, who are yet to make a ruling on the development as a whole.

A spokesperson for the Smiths Beach Project said the ramp would bring “considerable community benefit” and improve safety.

“The new ramp is being funded by the project and delivers a number of local community and visitor benefits including coastal protection, universal (all abilities) access to the beach, better access for all members of the public to reach the beach, as well as giving the new surf club improved access to the beach from their new club rooms and storage areas,” the spokesperson said.

“Easier and faster access will assist the surf club’s regular lifeguard and training activities, not to mention better assisting any rescue events, all of which further improve public safety at this important tourism destination.”

Another issue raised by the opposing group is the potential impact to a sacred site in the middle of the proposed development zone.

A 2021 report by Perth Aboriginal heritage consultancy firm Ethnosciences commissioned by the developer found 44 Aboriginal artefacts around the development as part of a registered Aboriginal heritage site.

The report noted most Aboriginal elders consulted on the site believed it was not significant but one was of the view it should not be built on.

It recommended the development revise plans to avoid the heritage site or seek State Government consent to use the land.

Speaking to the Times, Wadandi elder Bill Webb said he believed there was cultural importance to the identified site.

“It’s been an ongoing thing for Aboriginal culture, and you know how places and stuff like that have not been treated right,” he said.

“I talked to these crew here (Smiths Beach Project) and (Adrian) Fini about how all that area back there contains artefacts that we’re concerned about that being destroyed.”

The Smiths Beach Project spokesperson said the noted site would be respected during the potential build.

“There has been considerable ethnographic and archaeological survey work over a number of years, which has identified a cultural site within the Smiths Beach project area,” the spokesperson said.

“This site will be respected during the development at Smiths Beach in consultation with Noongar community representatives from the Karri Karrak Aboriginal Corporation.”

Vasse MLA and WA Liberal Party leader Libby Mettam is also not a fan of the project — she said it was not the right fit for the beach.

“It is outrageous that we now discover the size and scope of this development will require a large concrete seawall on one of our State’s most pristine natural asset of Smiths Beach,” she said.

“I remain opposed to any development at Smiths Beach which is beyond the boundary identified under the 2011 Guide Plan and remain committed to the requirement for the disputed development area to be ceded to the National Park.

“It is critical we recognise the unique environmental and amenity values of this area. Any future development must take into consideration the years of investigation, consultation and work undertaken and now detailed in local and State planning policies.”

The development has drawn the ire of multiple levels of government over the years with the City of Busselton writing to then Planning Minister Rita Saffioti lodging their objection in 2021.