Progress report on Perth development plan

A progress document on the State Government's 30-year plan for Perth's growth and development was released today by Planning Minister David Smith.

"Called 'Metroplan - One Year On', the document brings the community up to date with the work being done to achieve Metroplan's goals," Mr Smith said.

"During 1991, the Planning and Urban Development Department undertook a great deal of work in line with Metroplan recommendations.

"The department has successfully worked with many different Government, local government, private sector agencies and community groups."

Mr Smith said the year's achievements included the urban expansion policy statement which identified land for future urban development.

"The department has also prepared draft structure plans for the north-west corridor, the foothills and the north-east corridor," he said.

The south-west corridor structure plan would be released soon.

"A metropolitan development program to co-ordinate efforts of State Government agencies in the release and development of land for urban use has been released," Mr Smith said.

"A bid to encourage a more even distribution of jobs throughout the metropolitan region is being undertaken through the metropolitan centres policy."

The Minister said a number of documents had been released to ensure any development proceeded with proper regard to the environment.

"During 1991, DPUD purchased 28 properties to add to the region's parkland," he said.

"It also identified further land to be purchased for conservation or recreation as part of the completed structure plans."

Mr Smith said the pace of progress would continue throughout 1992.

"The north-west and foothills structure plans should be completed and plans for the south-west and north-west corridors will be advanced," he said.

"Regional centre plans for Stirling and Morley will also be finalised.

"Policy statements on several major strategic issues including residential densities and housing mix, rural and non-urban land and basic raw material will be released."

Mr Smith said Metroplan represented a better use of urban facilities and more efficient planning for the future population.

"It is important to continue raising the awareness of these important goals and demonstrate how they are being achieved," he said.