CARNARVON 2020
A Strategy For Sustainable Development
INTRODUCTION
The town of Carnarvon is the main urban centre in the Gascoyne region with a current population
estimated at 6,680 (2002 Census) out of a total regional population of 10,300 persons. It sits between the
environmental icons of Shark Bay and Ningaloo–Cape Range and services an area bigger than the State
of Victoria.
Carnarvon has developed on the delta of Western Australia’s longest river, the Gascoyne, and is at the
junction of the North-West Coastal Highway and the Carnarvon-Mullewa Road.
It is the Aboriginal and European cultural centre for the region and has maintained its role as the service
and administrative centre for the Gascoyne region. Pastoralism, horticulture and fishing continue to
make a significant contribution to the local economy and more recently, the mining of salt and gypsum
at Lake McLeod has substantially expanded the economic base of the district.
Although tourism has been an important economic activity throughout the region, with the wide
exposure of the outstanding natural attractions such as whale sharks, wild dolphins, manta-rays, coral
reefs and dugongs in close proximity to Carnarvon, this industry is expected to strengthen and become
a key economic driver for the region. Carnarvon will be a major beneficiary of this rapidly expanding
industry. Visitor numbers to Carnarvon have steadily increased in recent years and visitor numbers are
expected to grow substantially with the implementation of the Ningaloo Coast Regional Strategy Carnarvon to Exmouth that promotes Carnarvon and Exmouth as tourist destinations and hubs.
Growing the economy, although essential, must be planned, promoted and developed within a
framework of sustainability. This means that social, cultural and environmental objectives have equal
standing with economic objectives.
The State Government has endorsed the preparation of the Carnarvon 2020 Strategy that aims to
prepare the Carnarvon community for the challenges that lay ahead. It is based upon the principles,
goals and objectives contained in the State Sustainability Strategy, the Regional Development Policy for
Western Australia and the Ningaloo Coast Regional Strategy - Carnarvon to Exmouth. It includes short,
medium and long term strategies and actions to address immediate issues and to position the Carnarvon
community for sustainable growth.
The structure of the Strategy is directly aligned with the goal areas of the Regional Development Policy
for Western Australia.
GOVERNMENT GOAL – Understanding, Partnering and Delivering Better Outcomes for the Regions
The desired outcomes for the “Government” goal are:
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Government decision making based on a thorough understanding of regional issues;
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Planning in partnership for a sustainable future; and,
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Effective Government service delivery in the regions.
The Government is committed to continuing regional Cabinet meetings, the Cabinet Standing
Committee on Regional Policy and Regional Impact Statements in Cabinet submissions to ensure that
regional issues are appropriately represented in Government decision-making.
A thorough understanding of regional issues must underpin government decision-making affecting the
regions. The State Government has established a Sustainable Development Office in Carnarvon that will
be responsible for the implementation of the Ningaloo Coast Strategy - Carnarvon to Exmouth. This
planning document identifies Carnarvon as a gateway to both Ningaloo and Shark Bay and includes a
structure plan for the town that provides a planning rationale for the tourism infrastructure projects
proposed by the Carnarvon Shire Council.
Strong partnerships as well as mechanisms for the development of those partnerships are required
across all levels of government, industry, commerce and communities to maximise the potential of
Carnarvon and its hinterland. The Gascoyne Development Commission has the mandate to
development partnerships as a key element in the achievement of many of the outcomes in the Regional
Development Policy for W.A.
The Shire of Carnarvon Council has been proactive in identifying several projects that will grow the
tourism industry in Carnarvon and has proposed a partnership with the State Government through the
Gascoyne Development Commission to advance those projects. The State Government has responded
with support for the development of this 2020 strategy. The strategy is a formal mechanism to not only
review and progress the projects presented by Council, but to also develop a plan for Carnarvon that
deals with issues and responses within the policy framework adopted by government for sustainability
and regional development.
As part of the government’s commitment to more effective service delivery to the regions, the Strategic
Planning Framework for W.A. Public Sector contains the same strategic outcomes as those in the
Regional Development Policy for W.A. This will require all public sector agencies to report to
government against the strategic goals and outcomes in the framework. In addition, the Government
has commissioned research into service delivery issues affecting Carnarvon and the development of
improved delivery models.
ECONOMIC GOAL – Growing a Diversified Economy
The economy of the Gascoyne region has traditionally been based on the primary industries of
pastoralism, horticulture and fishing. However, the development of the tourism and mining (salt and
gypsum) industries has resulted in these two industries alone accounting for over 40% of the Gross
Regional Product, with tourism being the principal contributor.
Carnarvon’s largest employer is the fishing and agriculture sector with retail trade, education, health and
government administration also being major contributors.
Changes in the pastoral industry has resulted in considerable effort being directed to alternative uses for
pastoral leases. Much of this work has been undertaken through the Gascoyne Murchison Strategy that
has identified several exciting prospects for intensive agriculture and tourism that focus on Carnarvon as
the service hub.
The massive growth in tourism generates both opportunities and challenges. Challenges in managing
the fragile natural attractions and in providing the necessary infrastructure and employment skills to
service the industry. The opportunities are extensive in areas such as employment growth, revitalisation
of the Town of Carnarvon and improvement in services.
Although there is a need to plan for new development opportunities in tourism and horticulture, there
is also a need to consolidate and develop the fishing industry that is the biggest employer in the town.
In this regard, improving efficiency and safety through the provision of new wharf facilities is vital as is
ensuring that fishing is conducted on a sustainable yield basis.
The outcomes desired from “Growing a Diversified Economy” are:
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Skilled Communities;
Improved Regional Infrastructure;
Diversified Regional Economy; and,
Enhanced Regional Investment.
The following projects have been developed to achieve the above outcomes.
1.
Tourism
Whitlock Island
This project is adjacent to the Fascine and presents a major opportunity for residential and tourism
development for the town. Whitlock Island is ideally located to take advantage of the water-ways and
natural environment.
Whitlock Island addresses key planning objectives of the tourism structure plans in the Ningaloo Coast
Regional Strategy - Carnarvon to Exmouth. One of the planning objectives of the Strategy is to
encourage the development of tourism accommodation and uses on Babbage and Whitlock Islands.
Preliminary estimates of costs to connect services to the Island were $7 million however more detailed
analysis is being undertaken to establish whether costs can be reduced. A revised structure plan is in
preparation. As this land is in Crown ownership, Landcorp will need to call for expressions of interest to
test the level of private sector interest and to satisfy probity requirements.
Government has recently made available $250,000 to undertake a value engineering assessment and
tourism market research for the project.
Northwater
Northwater Stage 1 has established a high quality residential area and has set an excellent precedent for
further stages. The release of Stage 2 has become a matter of urgency due to the lack of available
residential land, stifling building activity and investment in the town. With the real estate market tested
during Stage 1 it is now time to progress Stage 2 which will be designed to meet the needs of the
market.
Landcorp has recently obtained approval to transfer the Northwater project into their Townsite
Development Program so that a CSO can support further development. In June 2004 a workshop with
Landcorp, Shire, GDC and relevant stakeholders resulted in a design for the future development of
Northwater.
The design, supported by the Shire of Carnarvon, includes a 34 block subdivision with 19 exclusive
water front blocks. This is now subject to a town planning scheme amendment and environmental
review. Landcorp have commissioned Market Force to undertake community survey on block size and
cost.
Tender process for construction is expected to commence in 2005.
Carnarvon Townscape Enhancement Stage 1
The town of Carnarvon has long experienced difficulty in establishing a reliable water supply for all its
needs given its dry climate and part reliance on infrequent water flows from the Gascoyne River.
Artesian bore water is accessible but many bores are too saline for irrigating lawns and agricultural crops.
This had led to an unattractive townscape and inadequate sporting and recreational facilities.
The coastal areas to the north of Carnarvon are experiencing increased pressure from tourism and while
many of these areas have inadequate facilities to handle increasing tourist numbers, Carnarvon as the
main population and service centre in the region is in need of an improved image and amenity in order
to attract more of the tourist traffic and a greater share of the accommodation market.
The Shire of Carnarvon has tested and trialled an artesian bore located near the town centre. It has
proved suitable to supplement recycled grey water already used in the town and irrigate salt-tolerant turf
species. The provision of quality sporting and recreational facilities and an attractive townscape will
assist the community retain long term residents and encourage more tourists to use Carnarvon as a base
when visiting the region.
The State Government has, through the Regional Investment Fund, allocated $722,000 to this project
Civic Centre Re-development and Re-location of Justice Services
Planning for the development of the Whitlock Island, Northwater and Fascine areas highlights the need
for complimentary development of the central business area of the town. The extension of Northwater
and the development of Whitlock Island are critically linked to the upgrade and enhancement of the
Civic and Cultural Centre Domain. The concept caters for commercial development, enhanced tourism
facilities and improved infrastructure for the Gascoyne Growers Markets, providing economic and social
benefits for residents and the increasing tourism market.
Successful implementation of this project requires relocation of the Carnarvon Police Station and Court
House facilities, which currently occupy prime commercial real estate and preclude the potential to
develop a pedestrian orientated environment that would link tourism and commercial interests.
With funding committed to construct a new Carnarvon Police Station the opportunity exists to relocate
the facility to allow for the development of the town centre.
One Mile Jetty Heritage Precinct
A long term strategy for the development of Carnarvon includes the link between the Heritage Precinct
and the town centre. The train line currently links the Heritage Precinct with the town via the Tram
Bridge and will be a major feature of the tourism experience of Whitlock Island.
The Heritage Precinct has received considerable funding from the State and Commonwealth
governments over recent years. The development of the precinct is at the stage of constructing an
interpretative and visitors centre which has been supported with Regional Partnerships ($330,000) and
Regional Development Scheme funds ($84,500).
OTC Tourism Development
The OTC is an historical landmark that has the potential to be a major tourist attraction for the town.
Redevelopment of the site is considered crucial to preserving the historical significance while lending to
an increase in the length of stay by visitors.
In 2003, the Shire of Carnarvon in partnership with the GDC, produced a Tourist Concept Plan and
Implementation Strategy. The recommendations of this have been slowly implemented including a twoyear project to redevelop the site.
State and Commonwealth governments have supported the project through Regional Partnerships,
Regional Development Scheme, Community Development Employment Program, Lottery West and the
National Environment and Heritage Program.
Carnarvon Airport Terminal
The existing Carnarvon Airport Terminal was built by the Department of Civil Aviation in the late 1940s.
The Shire of Carnarvon has recently completed a public consultation and concept planning exercise for
a new terminal.
The endorsed concept is based on a ‘pastoral homestead’ style that represents the uniqueness of the
Gascoyne. The new terminal will serve to –
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Provide a facility that meets the needs of air travellers and satisfies recent changes to security
requirements and
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Compliment the development of other tourism infrastructure in the town and region and offer a
unique entry to the town.
A detailed concept design and quantitative cost estimates the project at $2 million. Design and planning
will be undertaken in 2005/2006. The Shire of Carnarvon has committed $500,000 to the Carnarvon
Airport Terminal.
The Regional Infrastructure Fund has been identified as a potential funding source for this project.
Quobba Coast Eco-Tourism Precinct
This project proposes a coastal eco-tourism precinct that maximises the natural features of this unique
coastline. The project offers to demonstrate the Government’s intention to immediately implement
well-planned initiatives that are consistent with the Government’s decision to create small nodal
developments on the Carnarvon-Ningaloo Coast while directing major development to the regional
hubs of Exmouth and Carnarvon.
The Gascoyne Murchison Strategy (GMS), following a call for expression of interest with local shires,
Government departments and other stakeholders to develop regional opportunities, prioritised the
Quobba Coast proposal as one of the investment areas to achieve broader sustainable economic
development in the region.
The GMS (with the Shire of Carnarvon and the Gascoyne Development Commission) proposes to coordinate a planned approach to the southern end (or hard coast) of the Carnarvon-Ningaloo coast,
including the Blowholes, Quobba and Red Bluff consistent with the strategy. Concept plans have been
developed for the Blowholes, Quobba Homestead and Red Bluff by the Carnarvon Shire Planner. A full
business case to determine threshold viability of the proposed development based on the concept plans
has been prepared by the Curtin’s School of Business.
GMS has committed $130,000 to undertake the initial planning and to pilot eco-structures (solar/wind
power, water and toilet waste) to assist planning benchmarks for this unique arid environment.
The Department of Planning and Infrastructure are also negotiating the exclusion/excision of the coastal
strip under the 2015 Pastoral Lease exclusion process that will contribute to forward planning.
The Quobba Coast proposal is based around the viable commercial management of the following nodes
and more generally the Quobba Coast and includes:
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The Blowholes – proposed family Caravan Park with chalets
Quobba Station – proposed station-stay, conference facilities and fishermen’s bungalows
Red Bluff – proposed eco style low impact node offering tiered levels of
accommodation/services; and
Management of all Public Access Routes (PARS) and the Quobba Coast more generally
Initial estimates suggest the new precinct will contribute a further $8 million to the value of tourism in
Carnarvon and the Gascoyne. This figure does not include the additional benefits to the regional
economy such as employment and industry flow on effects.
Initial threshold viability analysis indicates that for the successful commercial expression of interest for
development of the Blowholes and other potential nodes will require government assistance with
headworks. Specifically for example, the Blowholes nodal development will need to be supported by:
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Redirection of roads
Power from the Dampier salt line
Water from the artesian basin
Sewerage headworks
Refuse facilities
Public boat ramp and parking areas
Public access routes to nearby visitation hot spots
Vehicle access control and signage
Rehabilitation of severely degraded areas
Mt Augustus Tourism/Horticultural Precinct
The objective of this project is development of an inland tourism/horticulture precinct that maximises
the natural features of the Mt Augustus, Kennedy Ranges and Gascoyne Junction areas.
Previous work by the Gascoyne Murchison Strategy (GMS) identified a potential horticulture precinct at
Mt Augustus. Exploration has shown this water resource is sufficient for small-scale tourism or
horticulture development. The GMS also assisted in development of the Gascoyne Murchison Outback
Pathways (GMOP), which bring tourists inland from the Mid-West and Gascoyne Coasts to the sites
mentioned above. A lack of infrastructure and facilities has limited development in the Upper Gascoyne
and reduced ability to meet potential.
The GMS has funded a study, managed by the GDC to identify a development concept plan (including
tourism) for this sub-region. This work is being undertaken by Curtin’s School of Business. The GDC is
also developing an indigenous tourism pathway through the region and has worked with the
Department of Premier and Cabinet to bring eco-resort developers and investors to Mt Augustus. Stage
Two of the “Outback Pathways” will enhance drive tourism and will explore a pathway link with the
Pilbara to Karijini from Mt Augustus. CALM is in negotiations to re-open the Bangemall Inn at Cobra
station and is examining options for tourism at the Kennedy Ranges.
While the regional impact is currently being determined by the Curtin School of Business analysis the
development of these major inland icons close to Burringurrah aboriginal community (population of
between 150-250) will make a significant difference to inland employment opportunities. In addition any
increase in tourism or horticulture related activity will be based on Carnarvon as the regional hub. If all
the water identified to date (1 gigalitre or 100 hectares) the Gross Value of Agriculture Production from
this would be $5 million/year and create over 30 jobs per annum. Mt Augustus has also been identified
as the most suitable area in Australia to grow dates and there is considerable middle-east interest to
invest in this area.
This project will provide significant benefits to Carnarvon as the regional service centre for the inland
Gascoyne region.
2.
Horticulture
Brickhouse Horticulture Precinct
This project aims to develop a 400 hectare horticulture precinct east of the current irrigation area. The
Gascoyne Murchison Strategy (GMS) and the GDC have identified an unallocated water resource on
Brickhouse Station, proximate to the existing irrigation area.
This project is a high priority and considered ready for immediate progress. It relies on action by
multiple Departments including:
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Planning and Infrastructure to progress excision of land to freehold title and suitable tenure
arrangements for access, communications, power and the borefield.
Environment to progress aquifer assessment and allocation, including drilling supervision, and
lead the process where required to meet and gain all environmental approvals.
Water Corporation to establish and maximise potential of the current assets to be incorporated
into the new development.
The GMS has committed $400,000 through the Department of Agriculture to progress this project.
A business case (including an external pre-feasibility study) has been completed and provides due
diligence that the project is economically and environmentally viable providing there is some initial
assistance to establish the borefield and delivery main.
The business case estimates the economic benefits, derived from the Gascoyne Regional Input/Output
Tables, show the project to have annual expected Gross Value Agricultural Production of $19.9 million.
The annual additional employment is estimate at some 240 jobs, generating an income multiplier effect
of almost $4.5 million annually.
This represents an enormous boost to the Gascoyne’s regional economy.
As identified above the initial upfront capital cost to establish production bores and mains delivery will
require initial government assistance. The current growers receive a 17c/kilolitre CSO which diminishes
to zero over 15 years and it is recommended that this be extended to the new development to firstly
establish the area, secondly to ensure equity between the growers and thirdly reflects the timing of the
Strategy’s vision by amortising until the year 2020.
Meedo Horticulture Precinct
This project aims to develop a 400 hectare horticulture precinct 150 km south-east of Carnarvon
adjacent to the Wooramel River. The Gascoyne Murchison Strategy (GMS) and the GDC have identified
an unallocated water resource on Meedo Station.
This project is has high priority and considered ready for immediate progress. It relies on action by
multiple Departments including:
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Agriculture to provide overall co-ordination;
Planning and Infrastructure secures an excision of land to freehold title and suitable tenure
arrangements for access, communications, power and borefield; and,
Environment to undertake an aquifer assessment and allocation for the precinct, including any
further drilling supervision and lead the process where required to meet and gain all
environmental approvals.
The GMS has previously committed some $300,000 on a drilling program to confirm that the potential
for a 4 Gigalitre (400 hectare) precinct is highly prospective.
A business case has been completed and provides due diligence that the project is economically and
environmentally viable. Economic estimates from the business case highlight the following outcomes.
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Expected Gross Value of Agricultural Production of $20,000,000.
Income multiplier effect increase $4,222,931.
Employment multiplier effect of 242 jobs
Value Added multiplier $16,527,543.
Internal rate of return of 18 per cent.
This represents an enormous boost to the Gascoyne’s regional economy.
The initial drilling program and subsequent resource appraisal has identified a highly prospective
resource and requires a final targeted drilling program to confirm the allocation. This will include 5
monitoring bores, a gravity traverse and test pumping of production bores.
Bibbawarra Bore River Crossing
The construction of a permanent low level river crossing on Bibbawarra Bore Road has been a high
priority for the Shire of Carnarvon for several years and considered critical to the economic efficiency of
the horticulture industry and the meat processing factory.
The $5.5 million project is budgeted through Main Roads and programmed for 2005/2006. Demolition
of the old crossing was completed by December 2004 and construction of the new crossing is scheduled
to commence in January 2005 and completed in April.
This project will result in improved access to plantations, packing facilities and the meat processing
facility, a substantial reduction in maintenance and repair costs and improve access to Miaboolya Beach
and Bibbawarra Bore.
Robinson Street Dual Carriageway
The construction of a dual carriageway along Robinson Street will address long term improved travel
times, transport efficiencies and improved entrance route to the town centre.
Main Roads has scheduled an extension of the dual carriageway from Campbell Way to Cornish Street in
the 10 year program. The extension of the dual carriageway requires considerable advanced planning to
address planning related issues.
3.
Fishing
The commercial fishing industry that operates out of Carnarvon is conducted mainly in the Shark Bay
managed fishery area. The catch comprises prawns, scallops, squid, crabs, snapper and fin-fish including
red emperor, groper, mulloway and tuna. The value of the commercial fishery is estimated at $40 million
with an indirect contribution of approximately $24 million. It is the biggest employer in the town.
Opportunities have been identified to develop the crab, tuna and squid segments of the industry. There
is also potential to value-add through the sorting and packaging of squid and cuttlefish, crab packaging
and filleting and processing of fin-fish.
Productivity gains have been achieved through more targeted fishing effort and operational efficiency
will be increased substantially through the development of the land-backed wharf. The other major
factor affecting competitiveness is the relatively high cost of power. There is currently no “off peak tariff”
which is offered to those on the SWIS.
The Carnarvon Land Backed Wharf
Demands on the Carnarvon Small Boat Harbour have incrementally increased since the 1970’s as the
Shark Bay Snapper Managed Fishery and the Shark Bay Scallop Managed Fishery have been declared. In
addition, tugs servicing Shark Bay Salt use the facility along with boats from the West Coast Deep Water
Crab Fishery, Western Tuna and Billfish fishery and Western Deep Water Trawl Fishery.
The existing “T” jetty has been assessed as inadequate to meet the needs of the fishing industry and
presents a number of occupational health and safety issues. These issues have been acknowledged and
commitment has been made to the development of a land-backed wharf. The original costing of $2.75m,
of which the users were to contribute $1.42m, has been revised up to $4.25m.
The Government has committed to funding the shortfall of $1.5 million over two financial years.
Recreational Boating
The development of the Land Backed Wharf has provided the catalyst for the rationalization of
recreational boating facilities and a partnership between the Department of Planning and Infrastructure,
the Shire of Carnarvon and the Carnarvon Yacht Club. Recreational boating facilities will be greatly
improved by the construction of stage 2 of the yacht club mariner and a new public boat launching
facility. This project has received funding from Regional Partnerships ($237,000) and RDS ($23,856).
Construction will commence early 2005.
SOCIAL GOAL – Educated, Healthy, Safe and Supportive Communities
The Combined Universities Centre for Rural Health in conjunction with Healthway undertook a survey
in late 2003 to obtain information about social capital in the town of Carnarvon. The outcomes from the
survey will be a key source of information for the current research project being undertaken by Edith
Cowan University and the University of W.A. titled “Building Service Models for a stronger Carnarvon”.
Significantly, when asked about life in Carnarvon over the past three years, 37% of respondents stated
that it was getting worse and only 18% said it was getting better. Issues such as juvenile crime, substance
abuse, truancy, racism, unemployment and education standards have been sensationalised through the
local media particularly and this has led to the perception that the town is socially undesirable.
The outcomes desired from the “Educated, Healthy, Safe and Supportive Communities” goal are:
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Life Long Learning in the Regions
Effective Health Service Delivery
Safe Regional Communities
Enhanced Quality of Regional Lifestyles
Cohesive Communities
The following projects have been developed to achieve the above outcomes.
1.
Building Service Models for a Stronger Carnarvon
Building Service Models for a Stronger Carnarvon is underway and should be completed in early 2005.
This project is identifying social issues in Carnarvon, reviewing existing models of service delivery and
analysing current services and gaps.
The researchers have extensively reviewed previous research done in Carnarvon and are holding focus
groups with service providers in the community to gauge whether the same social issues still exist and
whether new issues are emerging. The project is also linking closely with other activities tackling social
issues in Carnarvon, such as Operation Burglary Countdown, which is piloting interventions intended to
reduce the burglary rate.
The report on Building Service Models for a Stronger Carnarvon will contain recommendations for
consideration by the Government. These will centre on facilitating the capacity of the Carnarvon
community to respond to current and emerging social issues in the township. The report will also
identify regional models for service delivery, suitable for Carnarvon and elsewhere in the State.
2.
Crime Prevention
The Shire of Carnarvon signed a Community Safety and Crime Prevention Partnership Agreement on 31
May 2004. The Agreement is for a three year period. Community Safety Crime Prevention Partnerships
bring together local communities with Local Government and State Government agencies to identify
community safety and crime prevention issues and priorities. The Partnership group is working with the
Shire of Carnarvon to develop a plan and implementation strategies to tackle crime and improve safety
in the community.
Operation Burglary Countdown, a 12-month pilot, was launched in Carnarvon at the end of July 2004.
The project is piloting interventions intended to reduce the burglary rate, with a particular focus on
youth and Indigenous crime. The project has produced positive results such as a 72 per cent reduction
in residential burglaries for the month of September.
3.
Piyarli Yardi Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre
Construction phase of this project is underway. Housing and Works have contracted Jones Coulter
Young to supervise construction. Site clearing and fencing was completed in late 2003 ($30k) and major
earthworks and site shaping completed in February 2004 ($300k).
The building contract was awarded to Jaxon Construction in April and construction commenced in May.
Contract price is $3.3m and construction time is estimated at forty weeks.
Planning for the operation of the Centre is now critical. A MOU between the GDC and the Piyarli Yardi
Corporation is needed to ensure appropriate ownership arrangements and management structure.
4.
Carnarvon Education Precinct
This project will develop an educational precinct to take students from Primary through to Tertiary
education. It includes development of a Sustainable Regional Development Research Centre and
relocation of TAFE into an area already housing the Carnarvon High School, a primary school and an
Open Learning Australia University Access Centre. Most tertiary study is on-line.
Carnarvon has the lowest take up of tertiary education in the State and one of the lowest in Australia.
The concept is a GDC priority project and Phase 1 ($100,000) is fully funded and will define the project,
establish a business case and develop a concept design. Phase 2 is to undertake initial building and fitout ($1.6m unfunded) and the final stage 3 ($4m unfunded) will complete the building and fit-out
program.
ENVIRONMENT GOAL Valuing and Protecting the Environment
Much of the public interest in the Gascoyne region is in the coastal zone that includes the Shark Bay
World Heritage Area and the proposed Ningaloo-Cape Range World Heritage Area. These areas contain
unique and rare flora and fauna and sea and landscapes that have captured the interest and imagination
of domestic and international visitors.
Carnarvon is located between these two environmental icons and is the gateway to both areas. It is also
the service hub for the inland areas that is largely arid pastoral leases, but includes the Kennedy Range
and Mt Augustus National Parks and the Gascoyne River.
The outcomes desired from the “Valuing and Protecting the Environment” Goal are:
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Improved Environmental Management
Sustainable Natural Resource Management
Conservation and Restoration of our State’s Natural and Built Heritage
Significant effort has been directed to meeting the above outcomes. In particular establishing a
reticulated sewerage scheme at Coral Bay, investigating renewable energy options to service coastal
development, allocating funds to marine science research, extending the marine and terrestrial parks,
improving coastal access and developing alternatives to the traditional pastoral lease uses. Capping of
the largest free flowing bores in the Carnarvon Basin is also a major environmental management
achievement.
The following projects provide details of the most significant efforts to achieve the above outcomes.
1.
Ningaloo Coast
Although planning, development and resource management effort will produce positive economic and
social outcomes for Carnarvon, the key focus of the Government’s plan of action for the Ningaloo Coast
is to protect the natural assets of the area and put in place a management regime that achieves
ecologically sustainable development.
Key elements of the planning, development and resource management strategy for the coastal region
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Reviewing the management plans for the Ningaloo Marine Park and Cape Range National
Park and extending the parks.
Fixing the servicing issues at Coral Bay. In particular, establishing public reticulated
sewerage and water supply schemes, regulated power supply and a dedicated boat
launching facility away from the town beach.
Promoting the towns of Carnarvon and Exmouth as major service gateways to the coast.
Rationalising coastal access and rehabilitating degraded areas.
Undertaking baseline research to support the management of the environment. In
particular the mega fauna of the area such as whale sharks, manta rays and dugongs.
Establishing planning and development controls that support sustainability objectives.
2.
Capping Carnarvon Basin Artesian Bores
This project is the second phase of an operation to rehabilitate flowing bores within the Carnarvon
Artesian Basin to ensure that it will continue to provide a sustainable water resource for future
generations.
As a result of concern about the on-going sustainability of this resource the Gascoyne Murchison
Strategy secured agreement from Federal, State Governments and the pastoralists to fund Phase I to
rehabilitate this critical, regional water resources.
To date the majority of the bores originally for pastoral purposes (usually the larger bores) have been
rehabilitated and it is estimated that some 50 gigalitres/annum has been saved. The majority of the
remaining 35-40 bores are leaking under the surface, some at over 100m3/annum with a total loss
estimated as over 37 gigalitres.
A threshold analysis determined the average expenditure per megalitre saved as a ‘one off’ cost and also
as an equivalent annual value (EAV) over a period of 30 years. One off water savings needed to be
valued at greater than $69.60 per megalitre for the project to be economically sound. The current cost
of potable water in Carnarvon is five and a half times that at $390 per megalitre.
Phase II of the project will rehabilitate the known high loss bores at a cost of a further $2.7 million over
04/05 and 05/06. Funding to achieve Phase 11 will be a joint State / Commonwealth arrangement and
the State Government has committed its share to implement Phase 11.
The completion of Phase II is critical in bringing this precious resource under sustainable yield and will
underpin the State’s capacity to allocate new developments with future water allocations.
3.
Bibbawarra Bore
Bibbawarra Bore is one of the remaining bores to be capped and holds historical significance to the
pastoral industry. However, the site has fallen into disrepair in recent years but has the capacity to be
developed into a significant tourism site. Water and Rivers Commission estimated that 0.5 gigalitres of
water flows from this bore annually.
Public consultation has established local support for the development of the site and has held off
capping the bore. However, due to the estimated cost of re furbishing the bore the proposal has not
been progressed.
The opportunity now exists to partner with the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority to establish a
regional botanical garden with a desert theme. BGPA has called for expressions of interest and the Shire
of Carnarvon has registered their support for the concept.
In a report presented for the Minister for Environment in 2000, the Regional Botanic Gardens Advisory
Group recommended the establishment of regional botanical gardens across the State over the next 10
years. The potential for a regional botanic garden at this location needs to be thoroughly investigated.
4.
Flood Mitigation
Flood Mitigation Works are required to protect Carnarvon and the horticulture district from the effects
of flooding. The total project is estimated to cost almost $11 million – Mitigation works $7.4 million;
road works $3 million.
In February 2000 State Cabinet endorsed the development of a WA Floodplain Management Strategy;
the aim was to improve the effectiveness of floodplain management activities and reduce future losses
caused by floods.
The WA Floodplain Management Strategy, which remains in Draft form, proposes the following
principles:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
Federal, State and Local Government will equitably share in the capital cost funding for
proposed mitigation works;
State Govt. will carry out technical audits of existing flood mitigation works, and if
necessary, upgrade to an acceptable standard, with audit and upgrading to be funded by
the State Government.
State and Local Govt. will share in the maintenance of flood mitigation works. Local
Government takes on the ownership and ongoing maintenance through a negotiated
agreement with the State Government on the level of maintenance. The cost of the
ongoing maintenance will be met through an agreed cost sharing arrangement between
the State and Local Government.
State Government will indemnify Local Government if flood mitigation works are over
topped in floods greater that the design of the works.
Local Government will contribute to the local flood warning network and have acceptable
local community emergency management arrangements.
The Shire of Carnarvon requires urgent flood mitigation works and is ready to implement. The State
Government has allocated $8 million towards the cost of this project.
The government has committed to ensuring that ownership, funding arrangements, ongoing
maintenance and liability issues of all the State’s flood mitigation works, for both existing and proposed
works, are equitable.
5.
South Carnarvon Surge Wall and Upgrade of the Fascine Wall
Following extensive community consultation the Shire of Carnarvon has progressed the South
Carnarvon surge wall project and is now scheduled for construction in 2005. The State Government has
funded the project $1,050,000 through RIF.
The upgrade of the Fascine Wall is a high priority for the Carnarvon community as it:
i.
ii.
iii.
completes the protection of South Carnarvon from storm surge;
allows for the redesign of the wall to incorporate access for pedestrian, cycling, boating, fishing
and general passive recreation;
recognises the Fascine waterways as the community’s premier natural asset upon which
Whitlock Island Tourism Precinct and Northwater Residential subdivision are built.
The Shire of Carnarvon has budgeted $40,000 in 2004/2005 financial year to undertake planning and
design. Funding will be required in subsequent years for the implementation of the works. The
Commonwealth’s Natural Disaster Mitigation Fund has been identified as a funding partner to this
project.
Carnarvon 2020
Building a Better Future
for Carnarvon.