A new consultation forum has been formed to allow the community, developers and the State Government to discuss issues relating to the Port Geographe development.

The new forum, chaired by Member for South West Barry House MLC and opened by Planning Minister John Day, met for the first time on April 30 at the Busselton Shire office. 

The forum membership includes the Shire of Busselton; Port Geographe Joint Venture; Port Geographe Action Group; Port Geographe Land Owners Association; Wonnerup Residents Association; Port Geographe Business Association; Department for Planning and Infastructure; Department of Environment and Conservation; and Department of Health.

The forum agreed on the need to work toward short and long term solutions for the seagrass wrack problems at Port Geographe.

“With the looming winter storm season, it was imperative that all parties agreed on a strategy to deal with the accumulating wrack,” Mr Day said.

“The Shire of Busselton and the developer outlined options and these will be canvassed in detail with the forum at the next meeting on May 29.”

Mr Day said that recent findings on the impact of nauseous gases were provided at the meeting.  The independent analysis found that although exposure to the gases was unpleasant, it did not have any long term harm.

The Minister welcomed the involvement of the local community and business groups in working toward a long term solution.

“We are dealing with natural occurrences and forces at Wonnerup, so the ocean current and seagrass studies being undertaken by The University of WA are critical to finding that solution,” he said.

Minister's office- 9213 6600

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