Text may be used as quotes attributed to Mr Jeremy Dawkins, Chairman WAPC
The north-east corridor of Perth has been identified since the early 1990s as a potential urban growth area. The State Planning Strategy, released in 1997, proposed an extension to the north-east corridor providing for increased urbanisation and employment opportunities.
In 2002 and 2003 respectively, the WAPC published the North-Eastern Hills Settlement Pattern Plan and the North-East Corridor Extension Strategy. Both documents provide an established basis for future decisions regarding population growth in the north-east corridor and north-eastern hills.
The WAPC acknowledges that future development recommended in these strategies is inconsistent with some of the principles and objectives of Network City. The WAPC expects that planning for future town sites will incorporate contemporary planning principles to align with the objectives of Network City.
The WAPC supports the consolidation of existing settlements - Bullsbrook first, then Gidgegannup - prior to considering proposals for new areas, on the basis of consolidated, tight, urban development to improve the infrastructure of the area and public transport to Midland.
Proponents for town site development in Gidgegannup will be required to:
• investigate the use of sustainable design practices;
• identify opportunities to create local employment;
• provide opportunities for diverse and affordable housing; and
• pursue feasible and appropriately funded public transport systems to reduce reliance on private vehicle trips.
The identification of new towns in the shires of Mundaring, Swan and Chittering are very long term proposals (20+ years) that will only be considered once existing settlements are at capacity. Any future town site should be retained as a large rural holdings on the understanding that government will not undertake any planning for these areas for at least 10 years.
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Media contact: Natasha Farrell 9264 7518 / 0408 955 604