Release of rezoning proposals for Perth

May 17, 1996

The State Government's commitment to responsibly plan for Perth's growth has been reinforced in rezoning proposals released today.

Planning Minister Richard Lewis said the South-East Corridor Omnibus Amendment No. 2 contained 27 proposals to modify the Metropolitan Region Scheme, which was the planning blueprint for Perth.

Mr Lewis said each of the rezoning proposals would be reviewed after a three month advertising period.

"It is vital that the community play a role in planning for the future growth of our city," he said.

The Minister said the amendment implemented features of a structure plan prepared for the South-East Corridor by rezoning various parcels of land to urban, urban deferred, rural, industrial and parks and recreation.

"The structure plan ensures that the future growth of the corridor is effectively managed and co-ordinated and regional planning issues are considered," he said.

"The plan also guards against unlimited continuous urban development and provides for self-sufficient communities with their own employment, business opportunities and social infrastructure."

Mr Lewis said an omnibus amendment included a number of changes, dealt with at the same time, and used a whole-of-Government approach to suit plans for various agencies.

"An example of this co-ordinated effort is the proposal, to zone urban, land bordering Perth Airport in Redcliffe, to fit in with Homeswest's redevelopment plans for the area," he said.

"The amendment also proposes changes to zoning along the Rivervale foreshore to accommodate the Swan Greenway, a Better Cities project which will see a system of integrated parklands and dual-use paths linking Guildford to the coast.

"In Rivervale, land opposite the Burswood Resort will be rezoned from industrial to urban to suit the Town of Victoria Park's plan to encourage its redevelopment for office and residential uses."

Zoning around the Swan Portland cement site in Rivervale will be rationalised to allow for inner-suburban uses following the cement operation's future relocation to Kwinana.

In Forrestdale, the remaining reservation for the alignment of the proposed extension of Tonkin Highway has been defined.

"This route between Ranford and Willows Roads could cost another $1 million in engineering and land fees, but it will allow better use of the adjoining 47 hectares of land for industrial purposes; will occupy the sewerage treatment plant buffer; and will not have a significant impact on remnant vegetation," Mr Lewis said.

"It has been determined in response to local concerns."

Local input was also considered as part of another change at Thomas Road in Oakford.

The Minister urged interested people to examine the details of the amendment at their local council offices.

Affected areas include the Cities of South Perth, Belmont, Canning, Gosnells and Armadale, the Town of Victoria Park and the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale.

Submissions must be made to the Western Australian Planning Commission by August 16, 1996.

Media contact : Bronwyn Hillman 222 9595