Future of Scarborough beachfront put to the people

4/09/04
Approximately 200 Perth residents will today participate in a forum on the future of the Scarborough beachfront.
These residents have been drawn from a random sample reflecting users of Scarborough Beach.
The forum will look at proposed redevelopment in Scarborough and involve presentations by key stakeholders, group discussions and question and answer sessions.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the forum would focus on proposed development at Scarborough.
"The forum is part of an innovative consultation process that will help the State Government understand the attitudes of the community to the beachfront at Scarborough and to any potential development," Ms MacTiernan said.
The Minister will use the information gained from the forum when considering changes to development guidelines and zoning proposed by the City of Stirling, some of which includes high-rise development.
"Decisions that are made now will have major impacts on the way Scarborough will look and develop through the next few generations - it is crucial that we have a clear understanding of community views and aspirations," she said.
"Recently up to 450 community members were surveyed as part of the consultative process.
"Participants represented a random sample roughly based on a beach users survey, divided into three tiers reflecting more intense interest by areas closer to the beach.
"Council, planning experts and community groups will present their viewpoints to the workshop and participants will be given the opportunity to have their say, listen to others' viewpoints, ask questions and seek more information.
"A panel of social, economic, environmental and urban planning experts will also take part to provide additional information and clarification on issues arising during discussions.
"At the end of the day participants will be asked to complete the survey again.
"The results of the surveys will be available within the next month, when a final report by independent market research company Colmar Brunton is expected to be completed and disseminated to all participants as well as the general public."
Ms MacTiernan said the deliberative process aimed to provide informed community feedback, which would assist her in determining any future development at Scarborough.
"Any potential development would also need to take into account the new planning strategy for the whole of Perth," she said.
Members of the Coastal Planning and Coordination Council and the Dialogue with the City steering group have overseen the process since its inception.
Minister's office: 9213 6400