Settlement plan for north-eastern Hills protects rural lifestyle

17/5/02
A newly released Settlement Pattern Plan for Perth's north-eastern hills aims to protect the area's environment, industry and lifestyle, while allowing for its population doubling over the next 20 years.
The plan covers parts of the Shire of Mundaring including Chidlow, Mt Helena, Mundaring, Parkerville, Stoneville, and Wooroloo, and of the City of Swan including Gidgegannup.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said that Swan Hills MLA Jaye Radisich had played a strong role in conveying community concerns about future residential development in the north-eastern hills region.
Ms MacTiernan said all landowners in the study area were written to and invited to comment on the draft plan and the final plan had incorporated community input and taken better account of environmental, transport and educational issues.
She said the Western Australian Planning Commission document favoured directing growth in existing townsites, but identified locations for new settlements when required.
"The plan conforms with Labor's commitment to encouraging growth at Gidgegannup while ensuring that development is consistent with the area's rural character," the Minister said.
"Perth's population will grow to 2,000,000 people in 2029, which is almost double its current population and the north-eastern hills is expected to grow from 15,600 in 1996 to 41,900 in 2026.
"Encouraging expansion of existing townsites makes best use of a wide range of infrastructure and services such as water, sewerage, public transport and schools.
"The plan protects features of the 'hills lifestyle', including small settlements and a rural character and aims to avoid suburban sprawl.
"The plan recognises that there may in the future be a need for new settlements, but that these must be staged.
"It shows O'Brien, west of Gidgegannup, developing only when Gidgegannup's population reaches 4,000 and Mayo, east of Gidgegannup, only when O'Brien has a population of 4,000."
The next step in the planning process would involve preparation of a more detailed district structure plan by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure, the City of Swan and the Shire of Mundaring.
When finalised, the structure plan would be used by the Planning Commission to assess future rezoning and subdivision applications.

Copies of the North Eastern Hills Settlement Pattern Plan are available from the Department for Planning and Infrastructure by ringing 9264 7777 or from the Internet at http://www.planning.wa.gov.au
Minister's office: 9213 6400