Public asked to comment on Draft Canning Bridge Precinct Vision

The draft vision is a concept for the future development of the Canning Bridge precinct and a partnership between the Cities of Melville and South Perth, the Western Australian Planning Commission and the Department of Planning.

The call for submissions comes after a recent public information event, which was attended by 420 people. The two-hour meeting was staffed by 14 planning personnel who provided information on the topics of: Building Heights and Densities; Traffic and Parking; Public Transport and Infrastructure; Built Form, Character and Urban Design; Facilities and Amenities; Public Spaces and Green Spaces; Safety and Security and Governance or Implementation. Participants were encouraged to respond to the vision by writing down their opinions and any suggestions for improvement.

Mayor Russell Aubrey said the public consultation so far had generated significant interest and it was now time for people to make their opinions heard via a formal submission process.

“We look forward to and encourage public submissions about this important process,” he said.

“The area will experience significant growth in population and a resulting increase in employment and traffic. The Canning Bridge Precinct Vision is a long-term concept which manages this growth and ensures the area’s sustainability.”

The draft vision is a response to the 2009 West Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) policy document Directions 2031: Draft Spatial Framework for Perth and Peel, released to guide development within the Perth metropolitan region and to manage the significant population projections for Perth in the next 22 year period.

The key ideas of the Draft Canning Bridge Precinct Vision include: creation of a town square and central community hub in Applecross; promotion of sustainable building types and uses which support the community; opportunities for new commercial development adjacent to the freeway in Como in the longer term; improvement in pedestrian and kiss’n’ride connections to a new bus/rail interchange and improvement in general pedestrian accessibility within each local government; better connections to the river and allowance for a future ferry station integrated with the new bus/rail interchange. The vision proposes a new local traffic bridge to allow pedestrians, cyclists and buses to cross the river with greater convenience and amenity. The report discusses the actions required to refine the plan into some urban and landscape designs, with progressive actions.

Closing date for public comment is 5.00pm Friday, 19 March 2010. Members of the public can make their submissions by filling out a form at the reception desk of the Civic Centre, 10 Almondbury Road, Booragoon or at any library. Alternatively, people can make submissions at www.planning.wa.gov.au/Online+Forms/2118.aspx. To view the Draft Canning Bridge Precinct Vision go to the homepage: www.melvillecity.com.au