Hi everyone

18 days left to submit objections to Denmark Shire Council's Draft Local Planning Strategy - in particular the astonishing proposal it contains for the creation of nine new tourism precincts clustered to the west of the shire.

Here are some reasons why Council should reject the Draft Strategy:

It's not in line with Council's Sustainable Tourism Strategy which clearly states:

• business and the rest of the community don't want an increase in visitor numbers during peak seasons – the focus needs to shift to attracting visitors during shoulder and off peak times
• William Bay National Park (home of Greens and Elephant Rocks ), Ocean Beach and Lights Beach are already under pressure from increasing visitor numbers at peak periods and other coastal areas, particularly in the west of the shire face negative environmental impacts
• our natural environment, biodiversity and ecosystems must be sensitively used and protected to ensure a sustainable resource
• tourism activity and visitors should be dispersed throughout the shire.

It's not in line with Council's Sustainability Strategy which refers to the need for community-centred tourism – not Council or developer-centred tourism.

It's not in line with Council's Community Strategic Plan which clearly states:

• environmental conservation and protection is a community priority
• natural reserves, national parks, coastline, flora and fauna are to be safeguarded
• wild, untouched places are to be protected
• action on climate change and investment in renewable energy is needed
• objectives include operating as environmental custodians for the future
• decision making principles include
  • does it protect our environment or align with sustainability objectives?
  • is it a community priority, or does it have wide community support?
  • does it enhance our way of life and keep our village feel?

And am I living in a parallel universe or is Council on some other planet where matching actions with words doesn't matter?

It's ironic - if the Draft Local Planning Strategy is approved, most of what tourists come for will disappear, they may as well be in Margaret River, Busselton or Dunsborough.

The timing could not be worse. Already you busy people are overloaded with school holidays, Christmas and end of year approaching fast. BUT just imagine if every petitioner found a few spare minutes to fire off an email to Council.

Please if you can, make time to email enquiries@denmark.wa.gov.au          Subject line: Comment - Draft Local Planning Strategy with a brief message as to why you don't support the draft strategy.

Thanks, best

Helen