Local Structure Plan 9, the first step in approving a large resort complex proposed for Lot 660 in Goode Beach, was considered at a meeting of the Albany City Council on Tuesday 24 July. The outcome was disappointing but not unexpected: Councillors voted 10 to 3 in favour of the Structure Plan. We appreciate the support of our local ward Councillors John Shanhun and Tracy Sleeman and also that of Councillor Anthony Moir, who moved an alternative motion: “That Council recommend that the Western Australian Planning Commission not approve the proposed structure plan”, which was defeated. Lots of us spoke to the meeting in a final attempt to convince Council that this is an inappropriate development for the fragile site chosen. One person, the proponent, spoke in favour of the development. Obviously, however, the fight does not end here. The coordinating group met this week to consider the next steps in helping the authorities to see this proposal for what it is, a mismatch between the development and the site. The Western Australian Planning Commission will now consider the Structure Plan and we will ensure that they are provided with all the compelling evidence we’ve gathered that the proposed development does not belong on Lot 660. We will also be alerting the Western Australian EPA and the Commonwealth environment authorities to the potentially disastrous impacts on threatened species of plants and animals on the proposed development site. Once again, thanks for your support and I’ll keep you up to date with progress as things unfold. Ian