HelenaValley glamping

Dear Echo News,

I was disappointed to read the conditional approval of the proposed glamping development in Helena Valley New eco-tourism development gets conditional tick to proceed (Echo News, August 7).

As an immediate neighbour, I am not writing as someone opposed to visitors in the Perth Hills. Quite the opposite.

I have lived in Helena Valley for most of my 80 plus years. I understand why people want to experience our beautiful bushland, walking trails and outdoor lifestyle.

My concern is simple: I do not believe a commercial short-stay tourist accommodation business belongs in the middle of an established residential neighbourhood.

I appreciate that the developers may genuinely want to minimise their environmental impact, however, I worry about what happens when guests arrive late at night, vehicles come and go, people gather outside, and weekends and holidays become busy periods.

These are not things that can always be managed by a noise curfew or a management plan.

With Helena Valley Primary School nearby, The Crescent is already heavily congested around drop-off and pick-up times. Adding more vehicles could impact the safety of vulnerable children.

Then there is the bushfire risk.

Permanent residents know the roads and local surroundings. Tourists staying a few nights may not.

In a fast-moving emergency, that difference could be significant.

I am particularly uneasy about the proposed fire pit at the accommodation.

The local attractions listed as an argument in favour of the location – the Bibbulmun Track, Munda Biddi Trail, etcetera – are at least an 8km drive away.

An environmentally responsible development should consider not only how lightly it sits on the land, but also how it affects the people, wildlife, roads, fire safety and established residential environment around it.

The right type of tourism in the wrong location is still the wrong development.

D McAllan

Helena Valley