Private landowners in Exmouth have the opportunity to provide temporary accommodation for visitors to the region for the Total Solar Eclipse in April 2023, following changes to the local planning scheme.
Exmouth and the North West Cape will be one of the only accessible places in the world to view 100 per cent of the eclipse, a natural phenomenon that occurs when the sun, moon and earth align.
While Exmouth is only expected to experience full darkness for just over a minute - at
11.27am on Thursday 20 April next year - it is estimated around 20,000 tourists will visit in the region.
To temporarily increase the number of accommodation options available in the region, the State Government has endorsed amendments to the Shire of Exmouth local planning scheme.
The amendments will provide a variety of strategic sites and options across the Shire to help in facilitating the event, including allowing large-scale camping facilities on Crown land sites and giving private landowners the opportunity to provide temporary accommodation.
Scheme Amendment No.7 applies temporary 'Additional Use' provisions over land zoned for residential, rural residential and special use within the Exmouth townsite and surrounding areas, for a fixed period between 6 April 2023 and 4 May 2023.
Amendment No.7 gives Exmouth landowners, that meet the Shire's requirements, the opportunity to use their properties for campsites or holiday accommodation. Landowners will be able to lodge their proposal through the Shire's online registration process, rather than a full application for development approval.
There will be some areas not included by the scheme amendments and landowners need to check with the Shire or refer to the local planning scheme for more details.
Extensive information about planning for the Total Solar Eclipse is available at www.ningalooeclipse.com.au
As stated by Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:
"We are expecting thousands of people from across the world to descend on Exmouth for the Total Solar Eclipse, and these planning changes are a simple but effective way to ensure there is enough accommodation.
"The amendments will allow an estimated 600 landowners to use their properties for campsites, as well as for large-scale camping facilities on Crown Land.
"Not only will these changes ensure we're able to accommodate for the thousands of expected visitors, they'll allow private landowners the opportunity to benefit from this unique tourism opportunity."
As stated by Tourism Minister Roger Cook:
"It is important that we take the right steps now to prepare the region to meet the increased demand for temporary accommodation.
"The Total Solar Eclipse will be a significant economic boost to Exmouth and the surrounding communities and a great opportunity to showcase the region to tourists.
"This scheme amendment is a great example of our Government reducing red tape so more tourists can see this unique event and the events around it."
