Plans to streamline reservations for 9 major metro roads

25/6/96

Planning Minister Richard Lewis today tabled in State Parliament plans to rationalise reservations for nine important metropolitan roads.

Mr Lewis said the Major Amendment to the Metropolitan Region Scheme aimed to streamline and modernise road reservations which were drawn up in the 1960s and 1970s.

He said in most cases the reservations for regional roads would be reduced and the land rezoned to match its urban surroundings.

"This will limit the reservation's impact on property owners and will have an expected saving of approximately $20 million in land acquisition costs," Mr Lewis said.

The Regional Roads (Part 2) Major Amendment follows a similar amendment tabled in October last year in which five to 10-metre wide strips along other important roads, including North Lake Road in the City of Melville, were rezoned saving hundreds of homes from possible demolition.

"The changes reflect recommendations included in the Road Reserves Review of 1991 which identified land surplus to requirements," Mr Lewis said.

"Revised reservations proposed in this amendment are generally 23 to 25 metres wide which in some cases is less than half of the current reservations.

"Though the reservations are narrower, design concept plans prepared for these roads allow for improved safety.

"Intersection improvements will improve traffic flow and safety, wider kerbside lanes will promote safer cycling and median strips will make road crossing safer for pedestrians."

Mr Lewis said the plans also recognised the need to protect heritage buildings and existing trees and provide for landscaping.

The nine regional roads affected by reservation changes include Vincent, Hutton, Gugeri, Kent and Miller Streets, Roberts, Welshpool, Manning and Orrong Roads.

The Minister said there had been a limited response to a call for public submissions after a draft amendment was released in December.

"During the three-month advertising period only 24 submissions were received. However, the comments played an important role in finalising the amendment," he said.

Media contact : Bronwyn Hillman 222 9595