Planning Minister John Carey called out over inaction on crucial high-rise permissions for Dunsborough

WA’s planning authority is yet to give any indication on when a decision will be made about the future of high-rise development in Dunsborough.

Despite a lapsed deadline set by Planning Minister John Carey for the end of last year, there has been no word on the final ruling on the City of Busselton’s Amendment 52 and associated Dunsborough Precinct Plan.

Amendment 52 seeks to reel back endorsed six-storey heights for future projects to protect the beachside feel of the tourism hotspot, while the precinct plan guides the future of Dunsborough’s town centre.

In September, the Times reported Mr Carey pitching the end of 2023 for a final decision after a previous May forecast passed without the documents clearing the WA Planning Commission.

A Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage spokesperson was this week unable to offer a firm timetable.

Vasse MLA Libby Mettam — who has campaigned for action alongside the Margaret River-Busselton Tourism Association and Dunsborough-Yallingup Chamber of Commerce — said the Minister was overdue in giving residents and businesses reassurance.

“These planning changes are important to locals and have garnered significant support from the broader community,” she said.

“The Cook Labor Government and Minister Carey need to stop dragging their feet on issues that are important to local WA communities.”

Ms Mettam said it seemed Mr Carey was still playing catch-up after taking the portfolio on from Rita Saffioti midway through last year.

City of Busselton community planning director Gary Barbour said the city was yet to receive any ministerial notification.