In-principle support for Perth Airport complex

27/5/94

State Cabinet has given in-principle support for a multi-million dollar resort-style hotel, sports stadium and golf course development at Perth airport.

However, the Government has rejected a plan by the Federal Airports Corporation (FAC) to build a massive 38,557 square metre bulk retailing outlet on the Commonwealth-owned land.

Planning Minister Richard Lewis said today Cabinet's decision not to support plans for a bulk retailing facility was in line with recommendations from the State Planning Commission (SPC).

In November last year, the FAC submitted plans to the SPC for a two-stage development on a 130 hectare site of surplus airport land bounded by Tonkin Highway and Horrie Miller Drive.

Both Stage One, which included the bulk retailing outlet, and Stage Two, which included a hotel, sports stadium and golf course, were advertised for public comment.

Of the 206 public submissions received, nearly all expressed concerns about the proposals - particularly Stage One.

Mr Lewis said the commission had recommended against the bulk retailing facility because it did not comply with either State or local government policies and legislation.

In particular, the Government's Metropolitan Centres Policy, which sets out the strategic location of major suburban shopping centres.

The Minister said the commission also concluded that a bulk retailing facility would undermine the viability of existing and planned retail centres and employment.

"The SPC's very strong recommendation to the Government is that a bulk retailing facility of the type proposed, in an unplanned location, would have a serious impact on existing shopping and retail outlets," Mr Lewis said.

"While it is not the Government's role to prevent competition, it is the Government's responsibility to take account of the economic benefits of major retail developments and the effect they might have.

"In this case, it was clear that a development of the scale proposed was simply not acceptable, especially since it would be able to operate with an unfair advantage over other retailers by not having to pay standing charges such as land tax and the like."

Mr Lewis said the Government would, however, be prepared to consider a smaller retail centre of about 5,000 square metres to meet the daily needs of people working within or using Perth airport.

"Provided it complied with the State's retail trading hours, a centre of this size would be consistent with the Government's Metropolitan Centres Policy," the Minister said.

While the bulk retailing centre was ruled out by the SPC, Mr Lewis said Cabinet had accepted a recommendation to support Stage Two of the FAC's plans to develop a resort-style hotel, sports stadium and golf course.

Mr Lewis said the Government's in-principle support was subject to a number of conditions, which included:

·       further details of the proposed uses, the siting of buildings, drainage and the proposed traffic and access arrangements be submitted and approved before any development is started;

·       that no retail sales take place from the proposed developments; and -

·       the proposed development complied with any requirements and conditions set down by the Commonwealth Environmental Protection Agency.

The Minister said a portion of Stage Two contained wetland areas identified under the System 6 Report and would be subject to the findings of an environment review, which is currently being carried out by the Commonwealth EPA.

Media contact: Paul Plowman (09) 222 9595