We, the undersigned, urge the City of Busselton and the state government's Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage to make changes to planning laws to allow, encourage and facilitate 'affordable accommodation' so that Australians can afford and enjoy accommodation within the communities in which they work. We have the following concerns and requests:

1. The cost of housing is out of whack with incomes and must be addressed. It can not be addressed by way of 'social housing' or by relying upon the system as it now stands. The system has failed us. Arrangements that might suit a city are inappropriate in the country.
2. The placement of affordable accommodation for rent in the rural zone is a simple way to make housing affordable.
3. Trees in proximity to all forms of shelter are essential and especially so for smaller accommodation units such as caravans, campers, cabins and chalets.
4. In general, the risk of bushfire should be ameliorated by means other than removal of living vegetation in the immediate proximity to a dwelling, because that vegetation provides a vital amenity by way of, shade, shelter and wildlife habitat. The smaller the dwelling the more important this is.
5. The ongoing reduction in lot sizes in residential areas is such that there is virtually no space for children to play, no possibility of shelter trees or the placement of ancillary accommodation such as a 'tiny home' or a 'granny flat'. This is clearly disadvantageous to the health and welfare of residents. Moreover, it is unnecessary in regions that are yet, and will be for a long time, lightly populated.
6. Existing laws which unreasonably restrict the ability of people to meet their needs for accommodation should be re-evaluated to promote owner-building and family self-help. People who have building skills should be encouraged to use their skills.