Community Information Forum Q&As

The questions have been grouped into common themes for ease of reading.

To protect residents’ privacy, names and addresses have not been provided.

The Process of Developing the Vision

1.            Why and who developed the Vision?

The Canning Bridge Precinct Vision was developed through a partnership of the Western Australian Planning Commission, The City of Melville and the City of South Perth.  The Partnership was formed and the planning process began in mid-2007. The Vision is a way of planning ahead to control the level and style of development that occurs in the Precinct. 

2.            What is the objective of the Vision?

The objective of the Vision is stated in the Vision statement:

The Canning Bridge Precinct is as much about offering various housing choices in Melville as it is about planning for population growth.  

The Canning Bridge Precinct will evolve to become a unique, vibrant, creative community centered on the integrated transport node of Canning Bridge rail station. The Precinct will be recognised by its unique location, its integrated mix of office, retail, residential, recreational and cultural uses that create areas of excitement, the promotion of its local heritage and as a pedestrian friendly enclave that integrates with the regional transport networks while enhancing the natural attractions of the Swan and Canning rivers.

3.            Why weren’t the right people (those impacted) involved in developing the Vision?

There has been a great deal of consultation with various groups throughout this process which began mid-2005. The extensive consultation processes have been both joint (with both the City of Melville and the City of South Perth being involved) and each council undertaking its own consultation. For example, the wide-ranging consultation with residents, business owners, and landowners throughout the study included:

• Between 2005 and 2006 major community dialogue was held with residents which included focus groups, surveys and community meetings, as part of Melville Visions. This information was used in the development of the Vision. 

• During 2006 to 2007 the City researched the public’s aspirations for their community through focus groups, community meetings and surveys. This information was used in the development of the Vision. 

• In 2008, a community information day gathered information from discussions with residents, landowners and key stakeholders. This information was used in the development of the Vision. 

• Also during 2008 we held a series of neighbourhood workshops to discuss the Local Planning Strategy. The Canning Bridge Precinct was a major component of discussions during these workshops.

• Neighbourhood champions were invited to workshops in 2009 as part of the neighbourhood planning process. The Canning Bridge Precinct generated discussion and information was given to residents at these workshops.

• A series of three Workshops were held with landowners, residents, business owners and stakeholders in February 2009 to specifically discuss the Canning Bridge Precinct Vision. Invitations were sent to all landowners, residents and businesses within the study area and lots immediately adjoining the study area.

• Between February and April 2010 the Canning Bridge Precinct Vision was advertised for public comment, providing the opportunity for anyone with an interest to make comment on the Vision.

• As part of the advertising process an information briefing was held at the City of Melville with over 400 people attending. All attendees were provided with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the Vision.

• The consultations and public meetings were advertised; regular media announcements were provided to the general public in Mosaic magazine, newspapers, radio and television; and Canning Bridge Precinct Vision displays requesting public submissions were placed in all five libraries and the Civic Centre foyer. 

• For the community’s information, the City of Melville website has been continually updated with information on the various stages of the project.

4.            Lets commence the process again as the Vision needs to be clear with input from everyone impacted

 The consultation process has been ongoing; refer question 3. Those impacted have had an opportunity to have input whether it be through workshops, information days or through submissions. There will be further opportunities to engage with the community in further stages of the process.

5.            When does the Vision become law and endorsed? Timeframe?

Development under the Canning Bridge Precinct Vision will not commence until comprehensive design guidelines, transition area and traffic studies have been complete, an activity centres structure plan has been prepared and amendments to the Community Planning Scheme have been processed.  The Canning Bridge Precinct Vision is a 50 year concept for the precinct. The Vision recognises the need for staging of private redevelopment within the implementation framework.

6.            When can a new "Vision" plan be started?

The work that has gone into preparation of the Vision will be used as a base for further studies such as detailed traffic studies, comprehensive urban design guidelines and retail sustainability assessment which will be combined with other studies as an input to an activity centre structure plan.

7.            If long term 40 - 50 year plan, can council provide more simplistic plan in stages. i.e. 5, 10, 15, 20 years etc?

The implementation plan suggests a time scale of studies and infrastructure implementation. The urban design guidelines and activity centre structure plan should have a time frame for implementation incorporated. The Council recommendation also suggests that a phased implementation occur to ensure good management of the process.

8.            What is the alternative development area, if Canning Bridge Precinct is not developed?  i.e. Burswood.  I understand is another development area.

There is no single alternative if Canning Bridge is not developed.  There may be pressure to allow subdivision throughout the suburbs if greater intensity is not permitted around transport nodes.

9.            Is the proposal outlined by GHD rep, the view of Melville Council?

The Canning Bridge Precinct Vision will be presented to the October 2010 round of Council meetings.  The Council does not have a position on the Vision until it has been considered at the Council meeting.

10.        The proposed changes to the Vision prove that submissions do not have much effect.  What do stakeholders have to do so that they are listened to and their wishes acted on?

The submissions received were considered and changes were made to the Canning Bridge Precinct Vision as a result of the submissions made.  It is impossible to make changes to accommodate all submissions as some are in conflict with each other

11.        Rate-payers; find out after the event

Refer question 3, there has been a great deal of consultation with various groups throughout the process which began mid 2007.   There will be further engagement and consultation through the next stages of the process.  One of the questions to attendees at the Community Forum was ‘Who should be involved in the next phase of the project? and ’What is the best way to contact them?’

12.        Covertly done; history; e.g. Raffles Hotel

The consultation process by the City of Melville for the Canning Bridge precinct has been extensive and has spanned more than 5 years so far, refer question 3.  It has included focus groups, workshops, surveys and community meetings.  The consultations and public meetings were; advertised; regular announcements were provided to the general public in the City of Melville Mosaic Magazine, newspapers, radio and television and Canning Bridge Precinct Vision displays at all of the five libraries and the Civic Centre.  There will be opportunities for the public to engage further over the coming years, including during the formulation of urban design guidelines, preparation of a structure plan and amendment to the Community Planning Scheme.

13.        Substantial Change

Although it is natural for the community to want things to stay the same, pressures resulting from population growth will see the process of change continue over the next 50 years, as it has over the last 50 years.  The Draft Canning Bridge Vision is the City of Melville’s proactive plan to ensure a high quality of life is maintained in the area in the next 50 years in response to urban growth pressures outlined in the State Governments Directions 2031 and Beyond Strategy. Additionally, the plan allows for aging in place to occur with current residents, that is, residents can down size if they wish and not have to leave Melville as there will be greater diversity of housing stock available locally.

14.        Is this Vision consistent with the descriptions of the pPrecinct in the 2031 study?  If not then why not?

The Central Metropolitan Perth Sub Regional Strategy which is a part of the Directions 2031and Beyond lists the Canning Bridge Precinct as an Activity Centre and as a Transit Oriented Development area.

15.        How is the heritage, quality of our area being address in the revised Vision?

Heritage is recognised as an important part of the Precinct through the Vision statement.  The Canning Bridge and the Tivoli Theatre are both listed heritage structures and they are given recognition in the Vision. They will not be demolished with the adoption of the Vision.

16.        How much of the Canning Bridge Vision Precinct Plan will be affected by tidal levels as advised by the WA Planning Minister , John Day, especially in the area for the proposed five storey and 10 storey buildings in both Canning Beach Road and the Esplanade.

As more detail is investigated through the preparation of an Activity Centre Structure Plan, expert opinion will be sought on the impact of any anticipated rise in river levels. 

17.        What action is being taken by the respective government departments to find out the width of the 'fault line' from South Perth to the Indian Ocean that has caused damage to buildings along the 'fault line'

As more detail is investigated through the preparation of an Activity Centre Structure Plan, expert opinion will be sought on the impact of any geological structure that may impact on development. Any significant development that takes place within the metropolitan area must provide a geological survey of the site prior to construction.  This would determine the risk of any unusual geological formation. Research undertaken by officers to date cannot verify that a fault line exists in the area, as suggested.

18.        What instrumentation has been installed to record all further movements of the ground along the 'fault line' on a twenty four hour basis, every day of the year, as is being carried out in various underground mining operations throughout this state? Until this information becomes available, it would not be possible to know if the whole of the planned area of the Canning Bridge Vision Program is justifiable from a safety viewpoint or whether some of the area could be subject to future earth movement.

Refer question 17. Further investigation will be undertaken to ensure there is no major fault line that will impact on the development of the area.

19.        What is the maximum approved Venturi wind velocity that will be allowed between all of these 5 storey, 10 storey and 20 storey structures?

Further investigation will be undertaken during the development of built form design guidelines to ensure the impact of wind velocity is considered.

Submission Report

20.        Vision responses did not require a particular format or subject matter.  Why then have responses been broken up into various parts and analysed on this basis? 

There were some main themes that arose from submissions.  With the large number of submissions it was considered more efficient to respond to the key themes rather than to each submission individually.

21.        How was this done?

Although each submission was considered individually, there were some main themes that arose from submissions.  With the large number of submissions it was considered more efficient to respond to the key themes rather than to each submission individually. 

22.        How was for/against decided and by whom?

Submissions that used the terms object, oppose or were generally suggesting that all elements of the draft vision would have a negative impact on the amenity of the area were reported as opposed.  Submissions that used the terms support, commend or were otherwise generally suggesting that all elements of the draft Vision would be positive for the Precinct are reported as supportive.  Submissions that have been considered neutral used the terms object or oppose for some elements and support or commend for others but neither more strongly than the other.

23.        How were these figures/decisions checked?

The figures were checked by the members of the partnership. Despite this, consultation is not about finding where the 51% is. Councillors and State Governments are tasked with the good government of the City considering intergenerational equity. This means we must make decisions based on proper planning principles taking into consideration local views.

24.        Why are the analysis figures NOT totally meaningless?

The figures give a general summary of the submissions and provide a form of reporting that gives a snapshot of the various issues.  The content of the actual submissions were also considered as part of the process.

25.        How was the separation achieved when you showed us numbers for and against certain aspects of the precinct, i.e. 33/120 etc

These figures referred to any mention of that aspect e.g.: height within the submission.  The separation did not differentiate between different locations or different aspects of that height.  Therefore it included submissions that were against an unlimited height in Canning Bridge as well as those that were against a five storey height within the transition zone.

26.        What changes are being made to the Criteria for "community benefits" and the governance process including the operation and reporting of the DAU in the City of Melville?

The details of the ongoing partnership between the City of Melville and the City of South Perth need to be explored.  This will develop over the next couple of years

27.        What criteria will be determined to review transport investigations/reviews and outcomes

The details of criteria to review transport investigations are yet to be determined but will need to consider what level of infrastructure is required to service the level of development proposed as well as looking at the extent of development that can be proposed with the current infrastructure. Currently the PTA are undertaking an extensive study to move the current bus interchange and rail station to obtain better outcomes and remove some congestion from Canning Bridge.

28.        What about more cycle paths - will these be considered?

The improvement to the cycling and walking environment is an important consideration in the Canning Bridge Precinct Vision.

29.        Does the City have its own preferred population forecast/target rather than simply relying on predictions from Central Metropolitan Sub-Regional Strategy?

The City of Melville is working in partnership with the Western Australian Planning Commission and the City of South Perth to plan for this precinct.  The City of Melville has contributed to the information used to predict the population growth in the sub region. It’s important to note that the City needs to be sustainable in the long-term. Currently we have some 65 percent local jobs available to people of working age. Generating more jobs locally helps make the City more sustainable and reduces the need for transport.

30.        There are highly qualified professionals from multi-disciplinary background who are also residents in Applecross or near the Canning Bridge Precinct.  How does the City intend to tap into this knowledge pool?

There will be ongoing community engagement throughout the project.  Any local expertise or interest will be sourced during this process. The submission process is part of eliciting the views, issues and ideas from the community.

Study Area and detail of the Vision

31.        The draft Canning Bridge Vision is not a blueprint for the future, is this true?

The Canning Bridge Precinct Vision is a guiding document which will be used as a starting point to begin further studies.

32.        How does the CB Precinct Plan fit into the Central Metropolitan Sub-Regional Strategy that is currently being advertised until 29 Nov 2010?

The Canning Bridge Precinct is listed as a District Activity Centre in the hierarchy of centres within the Central Metropolitan Sub Regional Strategy.  It is also recognised as a Major Transit Oriented Development site. 

33.        Why has the study area increased from 800 metres as initially proposed

The study area was broadly based on an area 800 metres from the railway station and extending on the Applecross/Mt Pleasant side of the river to include the area recognised as the Canning Bridge Precinct.  The boundary is approximate and the scope of the study does not exclude consideration of issues outside the study boundary.

34.        Are you going to provide legible maps really describing the actual boundaries and honestly stating the number of storeys?

The maps provided as part of the Canning Bridge Precinct Vision were deliberately drawn without extensive detail to show that the concepts were indicative only and needed more study before detail could be finalised. The City cannot predict what each developer will deliver on each site. For example: we may have a height limit on a lot at five stories and the developer may build three or four stories.

35.        Where do you start counting the storeys, actually at ground level or from the ceiling of an "amenity" storey?

The storeys of a building are measured form the ground floor.  A four storey building has one ground floor and three upper floors. 

36.        Could we have a workshop on traffic where there is an expert e.g. from Main Roads or similar to explain the implications of a large increase of population in the area and how presumed problems can be solved?

         As part of the traffic studies and the intention to have further engagement a workshop on traffic could be considered

37.        Infrastructure study required - water, sewerage to allow for increase in population

Although the Water Corporation and Western Power have been kept informed of the development of the Canning Bridge Precinct Vision, there will need to be more detailed assessment of the infrastructure requirements when there is more detailed knowledge of the potential population.  This will include water, sewerage, telecommunications, power and stormwater.

38.        Amendment would give certainty

A scheme amendment will not be undertaken until further studies towards the completion of an Activity Centre Structure plan have been undertaken. This will include traffic studies, urban design guidelines and a retail sustainability assessment.

39.        How can the zoning be changed in such a short period?

The zoning has not been changed.  The Canning Bridge Precinct Vision is simply a vision for the future.  There will need to be several further studies and more opportunities for community engagement before any proposed changes to zoning can occur.

40.        How many Councilors live in the transition areas?

None of the City of Melville Councillors live in the transition area.

41.        How many Councilors live in the proposed changed precinct?

 None of the City of Melville Councillors live in the proposed changed precinct. Albeit there are two ward Councillors who represent the ward as is the case in each ward of the City.

42.        No involvement with anything prior to Feb 2010.  No one at our table

         There have been opportunities for people to be involved at varying levels, refer question 3. The advertising of the draft Canning Bridge Precinct Vision in February 2010 was a further stage in the process to allow more people to have input.

43.        It doesn’t make sense why you can allow a 5 storey next to a single/2 storey house – why would council agree to this?

The idea of the area of transition shown on the vision as a maximum of five storeys is conceived to provide a transition from an area where two to three storeys is permitted to an area where heights above five storeys is permitted.  The concept of transition will be explored further during the development of Design Guidelines, however it is not unreasonable to consider that a three storey building would be the most that could abut an area of two to three storeys with a gradual increase to a maximum of five storeys as you moved close to the Mixed Use, Performance Based zones.

44.        Why is View Road being split in height zones?

The Vision shows an area on the map that will provide a transition from the current residential area where two to three storeys are permitted to the area where five to 10 storeys may be permitted. 

45.        I live at (address removed) and your Vision has a 5 storey building next to my single storey residence. Why?

The idea of the area of transition shown on the Vision as a maximum of five storeys is intended to provide a staged transition from an area where two to three storeys is permitted to an area where heights above five storeys is proposed. The concept of transition will be explored further during the preparation of detailed built form guidelines, however it is not unreasonable to consider that a three storey building would be the most that could abut an area of two to three storeys with a gradual increase to a maximum of five storeys as you moved close to the mixed use, performance based zones.

46.        I live at (address removed). Can you please confirm that the diagram GHD produced shows a 5 storey building right next to our house?

The idea of the area of transition shown on the vision as a maximum of five storeys is intended to provide a staged transition from an area where two to three storeys is permitted to an area where heights above five storeys is proposed  The concept of transition will be explored further during the preparation of detailed built form guidelines. It is not unreasonable to consider that a three storey building would be the most that could abut an area of two to three storeys with a gradual increase to a maximum of five storeys as you moved close to the mixed use, performance based zones.

47.        Why are the houses behind those proposed to be 5 storeys in View Road in the Esplanade not also within the transition 5 storey zone?

It was considered that these were not needed as part of the transition and by leaving these at current levels it would protect some of the views of those properties in View Road.

48.        Why is the 5 storey "block" so "higgle piggle"?

The Vision shows an area on the map that will provide a transition from the current residential area where two to three storeys are permitted to the area where five to 10 storeys may be permitted. 

49.        What compensation will the Council give residents for changes to zoning impacting value of properties!

The planning process is concerned with reducing the impact of any changes to zoning through the application of sound planning practice. There is no provision for compensation for perceived loss of value to land.

50.         I will be demanding compensation!

See Question 49

51.        Will people who have their houses devalued be compensated?

See Question 49

52.        Why can a resident have their previous investment in money and emotion eroded by a planning change when they purchased their property in good faith that it will remain in a two storey residential area?

The Canning Bridge Precinct Vision does not make any changes to the town planning scheme.  There will be more studies undertaken and more opportunity for community engagement prior to any changes to zoning.

53.        Will the development change the R codes on the boundary areas?  Specifically Strome Road Applecross?

The idea of allowing greater density in the Canning Bridge Precinct is to provide diversity of housing.  This is intended to protect the surrounding suburbs from further intensification.

54.        Why wasn't re-density zonings of residential blocks considered as a way of increasing number of residences?  Most blocks in Applecross as 1012m²- ours in (address removed) isn't sub-divisible.  The majority of the houses in our street are in a position to be redeveloped and Subi Centro Style subdivisions could be considered.

Part of the message received during previous consultations was that the community was prepared to accept an increase in density around transport nodes and commercial areas rather than have a blanket increase in density throughout the suburbs. 

55.        The zoning of 1/4 acre blocks on the transition area, I would like the opportunity to subdivide (address removed) within the precinct.

Part of the message received during previous consultations was that the community was prepared to accept an increase in density around transport nodes and commercial areas rather than have a blanket increase in density throughout the suburbs. 

56.        I have lived in the area for 32 years and owned this block for over 25+ years.  Will the zoning change in the future?

 The review of the Town Planning Scheme is currently under way as a separate project. It is hoped to be able to advertise a draft of the new scheme early in the new year to seek comment from the ratepayers of the City of Melville. 

57.        Will Council remove the transition area from the map which should not have been part of the precinct and send this out to everyone

This is a Vision for the next 50 years.  If the Vision is supported by Council there will be opportunity during the development of the design guidelines for further input from the community.

Traffic

58.        What concerns me is that the number of people needing to enter and exit the precinct area could be great enough to require a branch line from the railway with the terminus contained in one of the buildings (no provision has been considered other than cars and car parks it seems)

There have been several unrelated studies that have suggested light rail or other modes to connect through Canning Bridge to Fremantle, Garden City and elsewhere. These options are not excluded

59.        The proposed Canning Bridge Precinct Vision Plan does not indicate an increase in the number of lanes to Canning Highway to cope with an increase in traffic.  Such an expansion of lanes will obviously reduce the amount of land available for development.  The expansion in the lane numbers is required purely to cope with an increase of population west of Applecross/Mt Pleasant combined with the proposed population growth within the precinct.

The traffic, access and parking studies will assess in more detail what infrastructure upgrades will be needed for the area to develop. The concept of Transit Oriented Development involves reduced reliance on private motor vehicles for those living and working in the area. 

60.        How does the Canning Bridge Vision link with plans for population growth and business development in the remainder of the City of Melville?  For example the FSH will have 74000 workers per day plus visitors, where will the down-stream facilities (medical rooms, physio spaces, path collection labs, psychologist etc) be planned to be, Murdoch or Canning Bridge?  It defines the character of the CBV development.

The Canning Bridge Precinct is a significant office, residential and entertainment precinct. The Vision for the Precinct is to enhance the precinct for these land uses. The development of the Activity Centre at Murdoch will cater for the associated medical facilities that are expected to develop around the hospital site. 

Open Space and environment

61.        How much of the river is being reclaimed?  Can this please be clearly shown?

This is an indicative Vision only.  The feasibility and extent of any reclamation will be subject to investigation via further environmental impact studies.

62.        How much extra POS is provided north of Canning Highway in the precinct? How does this relate to the increased density proposed?

The Canning Bridge Precinct Vision is a guide to the future as a starting point to begin further studies. The details of open space and community space will be looked at in more detail through the next phases of the project.

63.        Will public open space access including local parks be included in the amended vision?

The Canning Bridge Precinct Vision is a guide to the future as a starting point to begin further studies. The details of open space and community space will be looked at in more detail through the next phases of the project.

64.        It important to have much more open space, and park areas in the near vicinity to the CBP.  This is required at ground level not on roof tops and above ground.  How will this be addressed and considered in the process going forward?

The provision of open space is an important aspect of the future planning for the area.   There will be opportunities to work with those developing land to provide community space as well as exploring opportunities to enhance the river foreshore.  There may also be opportunities for gardens and park areas to be available for public use at podium levels.

65.        Will we get more parks in Mt Pleasant?

The Canning Bridge Precinct Vision is a guide to the future as a starting point to begin further studies. The details of open space and community space will be looked at in more detail through the next phases of the project.

66.        How is the natural environment to be integrated into the revised Vision?

The natural environment is expected to be integrated in several ways. For instance, the Canning Bridge Precinct Vision supports the enhancement of the foreshore reserves and rehabilitation of the wetland environment.  Landscaping design guidelines will be developed to ensure a uniform approach is proposed for streetscape planting, as well as small parks and community spaces.

For further information go to www.melvillecity.com.au/canningbridge or call 1300 635 845.