A proposed water ski park has dampened the spirits of nearby landowners who raised concerns to the City of Busselton council about water usage at the park and resale values of their homes.
At a community access session last Wednesday, landowner Rob Bateson brought up an issue from some years ago when a potato farmer drained underground water causing nearby properties to lose a third of their supply.
“It would be the same repercussions for farmers. The development application does not say how water would be supplied,” he said.
“I am concerned how water would be recharged at the ski park, a lot of water would be used at the site and evaporation would be high.”
Another resident was concerned about selling her property and the noise that would be generated from the water ski park.
“I can hear a chainsaw from that property, imagine the noise from boats and a generator,” she said.
“We are a body of people who bought in this area for peace and quiet. We like green grass and creek water. If it goes ahead we will be left with a dry place and a pile of noise.
“It is a good idea but not [on Wildwood Road] it would destroy families and farmers.”
At the meeting, City of Busselton director of planning and development services Paul Needham said the application had been referred to the Department of Water for advice.
Mr Needham said they would not be able to make an assessment about the water issue until they had received advice from the DOW, and could be advised that the city would need to conduct the assessment.
Wildwood Wake developer Cameron Akers said they were currently working with the DOW to secure the necessary licences to fill the lakes and provide the annual shortfall between rainfall and evaporation.
Mr Akers said they had provided a comprehensive water management plan to support their licence request and it would be reviewed and assessed in accordance with the relevant state regulations and legislation.
“The department are reviewing the proposal to ensure the required volumes can be safely and legally obtained without an adverse impact on the aquifer or surrounding land holders,” he said.
In terms of noise, Mr Akers said they had engaged an independent expert to complete a detailed noise assessment for the facility.
He said a copy had been provided in the development application and had been referred to the relevant state government authorities for review and approval.
Further details on both water and noise could be found on their website wildwoodwake.com.au under frequently asked questions, along with contact details should people want to discuss their concerns.