Council Votes to Approve Scheme Amendment for Wallcliffe House

Thursday October 29, 2020

At a meeting last evening, the Augusta Margaret River Shire Council voted 5-1 (with one Councillor absent) to approve the Town Planning Scheme Amendment for the iconic Wallcliffe House property in Margaret River to enable the potential for a 40-key boutique, luxury hotel to be built on the site.

Speaking after the meeting, property owner and proponent of the amendment Alexandra Burt said, “We are very pleased to have reached this point in the process.  During the last few months, we have actively engaged with the public, our neighbours, Wadandi elders, government agencies and local businesses on our plans for Wallcliffe House.

We have been overwhelmed at the interest shown and the active engagement from all parts of the community.  We intend for this site to be a major drawcard for local - and in due course – national and international visitors.  We intend for Wallcliffe House to once again be a much-loved and admired property for our region that can contribute significantly to the local economy during construction and operation.”

Ms Burt went on to say, “We know there will always be those with alternative views and beliefs of what should be allowed in any proposed development and we have welcomed hearing those perspectives during the past 18 months. 

“I do sincerely hope that our conduct over the past year has reassured the community of our intention, transparency and dedication.  We intend to continue in this same manner to see this vision, for a reimagined Wallcliffe House, become a reality for us all.”

The Scheme Amendment still requires approval by the Minister for Planning before it becomes final. That decision is expected in the first half of 2021.