THE South West could soon be home to a new rural based tourism business focused on developing crops for flavour and fragrance exports.
Topsouth Holdings have proposed a sustainable hamlet situated on Wildwood Road, just past the existing Carbunup town site.
If approved by the City of Busselton, the development would allow Wildwood Hamlet to partner with Raintree Estate to tap into their knowledge of cosmetics and perfumes and prepare products for an international market.
Topsouth Holdings director Steve Palmer said the intention of the Hamlet it to create a tourist drawcard with sustainable employment opportunities based on a successful operation in Tasmania.
“The Tasmanian fragrance business now has contracts with more than 20 farmers growing a variety of grangrances and essential oil organic produces on more than 300 hectares,” he said.
“The company currently supplies the world market with food additives, perfume and essential oils.
“By utilising this template and the experience of Raintree, there is an opportunity to create an exciting new tourist destination in the Busselton region and also generate substantial rural cash crops income for farmers in the region.”
Some of the crops grown by the contracted farmers in Tasmania include fennel, parsley oils, peppermint oil and baronia.
Mr Palmer said major perfume houses are seeking to diversify their risk base from disease and climate events.
“The Mediterranean growing climate of Margaret River is frost free and identical to the south of France,” he said.
“European perfume crops have started to encounter increased shortage of supply and peak pricing at various times.”
Wildwood Hamlet are set to start the process of seeking expressions of interest from local farmers who would like to be involved in growing high value crops.
The plans have also put a focus on sustainability with all dwellings encouraged to be constructed with energy efficient housing designs.
Mr Palmer said the development also intends to try and attract entrepreneurs to form a business and technology hub to further encourage small business development.
“This would be a first for the area and in keeping with the federal government’s push to encourage the growth of innovation and small business,” he said.
The City of Busselton council will consider the application at their meeting on February 10.