Text may be used as quotes attributed to Mr Gary Prattley, WAPC Chairman
In April 2009, the WAPC agreed to lift the urban deferred zoning for 270 hectares of land at Point Grey.
The WAPC based this decision on supporting information supplied by the proponent, the support of the Shire of Murray, compliance with WAPC policy requirements, environmental approval processes, the proposed scope and quality of the development, and potential employment opportunities.
The development concept provides for approximately 3,400 dwellings with a town centre and tourist node abutting a marina. The marina is proposed to be located inland, to minimise change along the shoreline of Point Grey.
With the land at Point Grey now zoned urban in the Peel Region Scheme, the Shire of Murray will modify amendment 104 to its local planning scheme which deals with more-detailed planning requirements. The modified amendment will reflect the urban zoning and include the land in a special development zone. The modified amendment 104 will be advertised for public comment and require approval from the Minister for Planning.
The originally proposed amendment 104 received environmental approval from the Environmental Protection Authority in 1999. The environmental approval conditions are being reviewed in light of changes to the development, including the reduction of the overall footprint from 1,200 to 270 hectares. The proposed marina is currently undergoing a specific environmental assessment by the Environmental Protection Authority.
Under requirements for the special development zone, an outline development plan must be prepared for the land and this will need to be advertised for public comment. Prior to finalisation of the outline development plan, both the Council and WAPC will consider any issues raised in submissions and the need for any modifications in response.
The WAPC will require agreement to a peer review in relation to the effect of climate change on the proposed development and widths of foreshore reserves when the amendment 104 documents or the outline development plan are submitted for its consideration.
The WAPC has also urged the Shire of Murray to incorporate specific provisions into amendment 104 and the outline development plan relating, but not limited to, developer contributions for road upgrading, ongoing management of the proposed marina, channel and associated access, and the standard of development.
Media contact: Natasha Farrell 9264 7518/0408 955 604