Augusta Margaret River councillors have voted in favour of rezoning former farm paddocks into a future development zone in Cowaramup.
Cowaramup could be home to an extra 1000 residents within the next two decades after the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River council backed a major new development.
The small South West town, population 2500, will see about 400 new lots developed east of Bussell Highway on land mostly cleared for agriculture.
Augusta Margaret River councillors on Wednesday voted in favour of rezoning the former farm paddocks into a future development zone.
Shire sustainable development and infrastructure director Nick Logan said there was demand now for new land releases in Cowaramup.
“This is a purely residential development that ranges and density from R10, so 1000 square metre lots, to R60,” he said.
“There's also some significant areas of public open space in the development and connection to adjacent existing residential development.
“There is really the full range of housing product available in this structure plan.”
The precinct will be entirely residential, with commercial and retail to remain on the main street.
Changes were made to the initial plan to include more public open space, protect trees and ensure it was developed in a way that suited the town’s aesthetic.
The zoning options mark the first time medium density housing will be built in town.
“We need to make sure there is reasonable supply so the… market can function effectively,” Mr Logan said.
“We were also very keen on a mix of housing products so that we are providing for affordable forms of housing and providing options for people that might want smaller houses on smaller properties.”
Cowaramup’s population has grown by nearly 500 per cent since 2001 and its current trajectory would see the new precinct filled in about 10 years.
The land has been earmarked for development since 1996.
Cowaramup population
2022: 2480*
2021: 2119
2016: 1546
2011: 795
2006: 569
2001: 375
Source: ABS. *2022 is estimated.
