Published on Wednesday, 8 October 2014 at 12:00:00 AM
The Shire of Ashburton has launched its awareness campaign against unathorised accommodation in industrial areas with letters being sent to landowners and lessees in Paraburdoo this week.
A shortage of housing has led to workers living in unauthorised accommodation within the Shire of Ashburton’s industrial areas.
The Shire’s Town Planning Scheme does not permit normal residential accommodation in industrial areas, but does take ‘caretakers’ dwellings’ into consideration. These dwellings must have only one bedroom and not exceed 80m2.
Shire President Kerry White said that the Shire initially carried out inspections of the Paraburdoo Light Industrial Area in November 2012. “We inspected all lots and uncovered 68 unauthorised units and rooms that were, or could be, used for residential accommodation.”
Despite non-compliant lot owners being subsequently asked to no longer house workers on site, a review earlier this year found that unauthorised accommodation was still being utilised.
“While we considered making changes to allow such accommodation, it is not good planning practice,” said Cr White. “Therefore, the Shire has recently made recommendations to enforce the current laws with audits to take place in the near future.”
Letters outlining the Shire’s intentions and providing advice are being sent to all light industrial landowners throughout the Shire. “We will also be hand-delivering a similar letter to each lot to ensure lessee awareness,” said Cr White.
“We want to work together to help affected parties do the right thing. Therefore, we are incorporating an ‘amnesty period’ to allow owners or occupiers to approach us for help without fear of prosecution.”
The amnesty period for Paraburdoo owners or occupiers currently providing unauthorised accommodation will conclude on 31 March 2015, while the amnesty period within Tom Price and Onslow will be in place six months from the date of notification.
“During this amnesty period, the Shire will also promote the issue in the media, helping to ensure that all stakeholders are well aware of specific dates and events, including audits,” said Cr White. “These audits will take place at the conclusion of the amnesty periods to identify and potentially prosecute those who are still providing unauthorised accommodation in our light industrial areas.
“We are also working to help solve the housing shortage that is contributing to the problem. As Rio Tinto owns much of the land in Paraburdoo, they have offered to make 40 or so vacant lots available for housing to be built upon.”
An example of unauthorised accommodation:
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