Rarely do you hear a Margaret River winemaker pine for what the Swan Valley has. Despite the valley’s long history of viticulture, almost as long as European settlement in Western Australia, and Margaret River’s comparative youth in that respect, the So
Rarely do you hear a Margaret River winemaker pine for what the Swan Valley has.
Despite the valley’s long history of viticulture, almost as long as European settlement in Western Australia, and Margaret River’s comparative youth in that respect, the South West district is viewed by most as having it all.
So much so, in fact, that some Swan Valley producers have developed their businesses down south, rather than invest significantly in Perth’s backyard.
But for Michael Wright, proprietor of Voyager Estate, the Swan Valley has something he wishes he could see for Margaret River – legislative protection.
The Swan Valley Planning Act 1995 is a piece of law that he believes should be adapted and used to preserve the attractive elements of Margaret River before it’s all too late.
The act enshrines planning objectives that require the maintenance of the rural character of the area, encourage viticulture, horticulture and similar activity, as well as tourism that complements this.
Building setbacks, residential designs, vegetation clearing and land sub-divisions are all supposed to be carefully controlled through these rules.
“Margaret River is losing its attractiveness,” Mr Wright said.
“The most important thing that attracts you there is open space.” The potential development by a consortium led by Satterley Property Group of some 264 hectares of land to the north and north-east of his vineyards is a worrying sign for Mr Wright.
He sees not only the possible change of character for the region, considered one of WA’s most attractive, but also the potential threat to his operations if residential development comes too close.
Voyager operates two shifts at harvest time, which means lights and noise late into the night, an operation that is relatively new but is now standard practice and very likely to upset neighbours, if there were any.
Mr Wright believes wider legislation ought to enshrine rural activities to ensure that those who come to live in agricultural areas can’t complain about traditional and new agricultural practices that are in keeping with productive use of the land.
He points to the case of a dairy farmer in Victoria who had to fight a legal battle against new residents in his area over the issue of cow manure on the road near his operations.
Mr Wright said WA should look to places like California and Quebec which have got this right.
“If it is land gazetted rural you can’t complain about anything so long as good farming practices are being carried out.” But not everyone has the Voyager owner’s heightened level of concern.
The Wine Industry Association of WA CEO Sue Vidovich doesn’t believe it’s a major issue in the sector.
“There’s been the odd rumblings,” Ms Vidovich said.
She said the occasional case has emerged with wineries dealing with councils and sometimes winemakers have to deal with noise or odour complaints.
Ms Vidovich said that there were a few instances of wineries becoming involved with action groups, but that was because they were opposed to development in the area overall.
As for the encroachment issue from Margaret River, other vineyards close to the development are circumspect.
Leeuwin Estate proprietor Denis Horgan believes residential development can take place as long as it’s carefully planned and controlled.
The Satterley and Augusta-Margaret River Shire have claimed it will be.
“Each decision is made on its merits otherwise you would lose the viticultural side which is what brought Margaret River together in the first place,” Mr Horgan said.
Mr Horgan, though, doesn’t dismiss the issue, noting that development at nearby Witchcliffe has concerned him.
“It is not panic stations at the moment.” But he does believe that industry practices, such as spraying, are not conducive to residential development close by.
“You finish up with a degree of conflict,” Mr Horgan said.
Augusta-Margaret River Shire president Steve Harrison said he doesn’t recall any serious issues from the wine industry regarding conflicts with residential property owners or developers, though the potential exists.
Mr Harrison said the shire liaises closely with the wine industry to avoid that risk.
“We are working hard to make sure we have the planning policy so that peoples’ land uses are protected as much as they can be,” he said.
