Controversial plans to transform Quinns Beach foreshore into glamping destination approved despite 7-7 vote

A pristine beachfront view in Perth’s north, described by locals as the final piece of land available along a popular foreshore, will soon be no more after councillors voted to overhaul it into a glamping destination. For more than a decade, the City of Wanneroo faced heat over what it intended to do with a former “eyesore” caravan park site in Quinns Rocks after the park closed in 2012. But this week, the debate — which included over eight hours of public statements and questions across two special meetings in June and Tuesday night — finally ended in a vote of 7-7 to move forward and enter into an agreement with a private operator. “So as a result (of the vote draw) I have the casting vote . . . and as the casting vote, I vote yes,” Mayor Linda Aitken said. This was met with a roar of disgruntled residents in the public gallery, as heard during the meeting, which ran late into the night. In 2016 after the site known as “Lot 211” was decommissioned and left vacant, the city touted the need for market research for potential tourism park opportunities. A business case was then developed that identified eco-retreat — commonly known as glamping — as one of the more viable development scenarios. Then last year, the city backed a proposal from Heritage WA Investments — who have run Buckland Estate in Northam for several years, including a heritage homestead for accommodation and weddings. But the entity run by director Russell Percival would have to establish a new company to deliver and operate the proposed development in Quinns Rocks — an issue raised by several residents at the June meeting. In a statement read out this week, Mr Perceival said although it didn’t need to form the relevant company until approvals had been granted — it had done so after being made aware of the public’s concerns. Now known as Eco-Tourism Pty Ltd, the entity received a letter of support from Tourism WA two weeks ago for developing the eco-accommodation proposed in Quinns Rocks. Mr Perceival said upon receiving public feedback, and it had modified its design plans, including removing a reflection pool and moving its cafe function area. A recurring question raised in June and on Tuesday was why the city did not develop the vacant land into an open space community facility — then voting to accept a private developer’s offer. A survey of 1006 self-selected residents revealed 48 per cent of people were against it — while a randomly assessed survey earned 70 per cent in support. Residents at the June meeting questioned the validity and reliability of those randomly picked for the survey. Former Central-West ward councillor Nat Sangalli who resigned in April, said with increasing visitor numbers — it has been clear that parking and amenities at lot 211 are inadequate and would get worse if the glamping proposal was approved. “The threat of erosion at Fred Stubbs Park and the lack of accessible swimming locations in Mindarie raise concerns about the added pressure of lot 211 in the future,” Ms Sangali said. It comes after a parking study report revealed that in certain instances — up to two hours of parking could be an option when parking reached its total capacity. Cr Frank Cvitan, who voted for the glamping accommodation proposal, was interrupted by a loud uproar in the public gallery during his address in support of the item. “I will support the item because I think it is good for Quinns,” he said. “And what surprises me is who is going to go there and really look at this park and go and have a barbecue . . . I don’t know.” While Cr Natalie Herridge said it was necessary to note the special meeting was only the beginning of the next phase. “This current expression of interest process with the City of Wanneroo business in mind . . . cannot be ignored,” she said. “We could possibly jeopardise future business opportunities and relationships should we not follow through on such a process.” Deciding against the tourism plan was Cr Helen Barry, who warned councillors that if the development went ahead — residents would have no public space left. A sentiment also shared closely by Cr Sonet Coetzee in her address. “I am here because of the residents,” she said. “I am here for the residents, and I listen. I think we should give the community what they want, and that’s why I am not in favour of this.” As part of the passed motion, Cr Bronwyn Smith made several amendments, which were voted on 13-1. This includes advocating to the respective Minister that the site’s land be classed as Class A instead of Class C as it currently is — she said this would help ensure better protection for the surrounding bushland. Cr Smith also wanted a plan developed on how the city could work towards addressing the needs of Quinns Mindarie Surf Life Saving Club, which previously stressed — through its members — it desperately needed more room and space. While “a key point” in Cr Smith’s number of amendments was wanting the lease to include provisions to include public access. As disclosed in the proponent’s original pitch — the deluxe tent glamping accommodation would be powered, furnished, air-conditioned and have an ensuite bathroom. It was indicated then that options would start at just under $200 per night. Amenities would include a cafe, events space and a lawn area in what was previously discussed as a possible 21-year lease, as it “needed to be sufficiently long-term to provide an adequate return on investment”. Based on a valuation in March, the city’s rent proposal to the proponent was assessed at $50,000 per annum for the 1.9-ha site. This is about $30 per week for a 600 sqm block. The city also received a 1502-signature petition at its June meeting for the council to cease any discussion with the proponent — the city received a similar petition two years ago with 1148 signatures.