Draft blueprint for Hillarys released

28/5/04
The State Government has unveiled a planning blueprint that will guide the development of Hillarys Boat Harbour over the next 10 years.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan released the draft Hillarys Boat Harbour Structure Plan and Implementation Strategy for public comment today.
Ms MacTiernan said the plan would ensure that future development and ongoing viability of the world class facility and what was the State's third busiest tourist destination, attracting four million visitors annually.
During the past 20 years, Hillarys Boat Harbour had grown to become a significant asset to the State and an integral part of life for northern suburbs residents.
"The structure plan, developed by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure in consultation with the WA Planning Commission and the City of Joondalup, sets out a framework for the future development of the harbour," the Minister said.
"The plan creates four precincts with dedicated land uses to help ease conflict and reduce pressure on the facility, especially in relation to car parking and the surrounding road network."
Ms MacTiernan said the structure plan had resulted from an extensive consultation process involving a range of stakeholders including lessees, fishing and charter boat operators, harbour users, nearby residents and adjacent landowners and the general public.
In response to concerns raised following the release of a draft structure plan for the harbour in 1999, several additional studies were undertaken in relation to landscaping, parking and traffic management.
"Work has already started on the implementation of the recommendations of the parking study and the structure plan has been modified to accommodate the concerns raised in the initial consultation process," the Minister said.
Key actions incorporated in the structure plan include:

• adoption of a car parking policy with ratios assigned to land use;

• improvements to vehicle access;

• access and compatibility between Hillarys Boat Harbour and adjacent residential and public land;

• guidelines for future planning approvals by the City of Joondalup and the WA Planning Commission;

• encouraging diversification of facilities and off-peak uses;

• improvement and maintenance of public areas, public access and transport modes;

• improvements to landscaping including entry statements;

• improvements to signage and lighting; and

• recognition and promotion of the harbour as both a maritime and tourist destination.

Ms MacTiernan encouraged stakeholders to participate in the consultation process.
"The structure plan sets the framework for future decisions about the development of the harbour," she said.
A display incorporating aspects of the structure plan and documentation can be viewed at the Department for Planning and Infrastructure office at Hillarys Boat Harbour or at the City of Joondalup, Boas Avenue, Joondalup.
The structure plan is available on the Department for Planning and Infrastructure web site: http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/imarine or contact the department on (08) 9264 7668.
Minister's office: 9213 6400