Guidelines for Leighton Beach development released

5/5/00
Details of how planning guidelines will be developed for the Leighton Beach area have been released for community discussion.
In releasing the guidelines, Planning Minister Graham Kierath said they would give the community an explanation of the issues that would be examined and the time frame to be met.
He said 10,000 copies of the Leighton Rail Marshalling Yards (scoping paper) would be distributed to community, local government and business groups and individuals who had registered an interest in the area.
"There has been a lot said about what should be allowed at the Leighton Beach site," Mr Kierath said.
"What today's guidelines do is set out what issues will be examined when setting parameters for the area and the timeframe at which they will be achieved."
Mr Kierath said the 8-page report set out detailed steps to complete technical studies and consultation to ensure the final planning guidelines were prepared within the anticipated timeframe.
"I told the community when the Ministry for Planning began the formal process for Leighton that the parameters will be established by the end of the year," he said.
"Under this process, there are a number of steps that clearly show the community how this will be achieved."
Mr Kierath said the final planning guidelines would set:

• coastal set-back requirements;
• environmental constraints;
• provisions for public access to the beach;
• protection of views and heritage;
• identify extent of public open space; and -
• establish appropriate areas for development.

The preparation of the final guidelines will be co-ordinated by the Fremantle Regional Strategy Implementation Group, to be chaired by the Ministry for Planning and involve relevant technical officers from across Government.
Mr Kierath said a community reference group was also being formed to have input to the Implementation Group on issues of interest and technical details as well as assist in the dissemination of information to the community.
He said the community reference group would include community representatives and councillors from Fremantle, Mosman Park and Cottesloe.
"It is quite comprehensive community consultation with representatives involved through out the process," Mr Kierath said.
"By August we are planning to have the draft parameters established and put them to the community for further consultation.
"We have to ensure this process is followed without making any shortcuts that could impact on either the community or technical input."
Special telephone lines and an e-mail address have been established to enable interested groups to gain copies of the scoping report and register comments.
The telephone number is (08) 9228 1387 and the e-mail address www.leighton@echidna.id.au or post requests to Leighton Guidelines, PO Box 8290, Perth Business Centre, WA. 6849.
Media contact: Zac Donovan (08) 9213 6400