FAQ's

1. Why does the Canning Bridge precinct have to change?

The State Government's 2031 Directions strategy has proposed that approximately 47 per cent of the State's future population increases be in urban areas - specifically around transport hubs and activity corridors.

Although it is natural for the community to want things to stay the same, pressures resulting from the 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 pro-active plan to ensure a high quality of life is maintained in the area in the next 50 years in response to this new State Government planning policy.

2. How will the area cope with an increase in traffic? 

Detailed traffic studies need to be conducted to determine future traffic implications for the area, as well as the best options for infrastructure (roads, bridges and paths) improvement. 

The area is currently well-serviced by public transport including the Mandurah-to-Perth railway line and one of the highest frequency bus services in the metropolitan area. However, it is very clear that access to and the frequency of this existing transport will need to be improved to address an increase in population.

For people living and working in the Precinct, due to its close proximity to public transport and the CBD, there is expected to be a move away from the reliance on private vehicles. 

It may not be realistic to expect significant metropolitan growth and a decrease in traffic. As opposed to unplanned growth, proactive planning and design of the Precinct will alleviate the traffic and parking issues and provide a much more desirable Precinct.

In addition, a long term Vision will be useful for putting forward a case that will attract State and Federal infrastructure funding.

The Draft Vision proposes that, to gain planning approval, larger buildings must provide additional public parking (eg: underneath).

3. How high will the buildings be?

Following advertising of the Draft Vision, the community has queried the anticipated height of buildings in the Precinct especially in the central performance based zone.

The Draft Vision notes that heights will require careful consideration and the preparation of detailed built form design guidelines will involve further community consultation.

The Draft Vision proposes consideration of greater heights in the performance based zone if proposed developments can demonstrate they are benefitting the community.

Provided that necessary performance based requirements can be met, the height of buildings could go above 10 storeys in the central performance based zone.

Building heights and densities are subject to further testing and review through traffic access and parking studies. For the purpose of undertaking these further studies, an indicative 20 storey height limit in the performance based zone is proposed with final heights and densities to be confirmed on completion of those studies.

4. How will the Vision impact on the river and environment?

Redevelopment of the riverine environment would only occur following substantial investigations into water quality, marine environment and sedimentary concerns.

Preliminary discussions surrounding the Vision suggest that some amendment to the riverine environment would improve the environment and provide significant benefit to the community. An increase in parklands may be able to be achieved through this Vision, ensuring a better outcome for our local community.

The Swan River Trust would be, as requested, party to any Steering Group convened to appropriately implement the Vision. Statutory controls, which exist to protect the riverine environment, would be adhered to.

5. When will the redevelopment of the Precinct start?

Development under the Draft Vision won’t commence until design guidelines and traffic studies have been completed and changes to the Town Planning Scheme have been implemented. The Draft Vision is a 50 year plan for the precinct. 

The Draft Vision recognises the need for staging of private redevelopment within the implementation framework.

6. How many new dwellings are proposed for the Canning Bridge Precinct?

The Western Australian Planning Commission’s draft Central Metropolitan Perth sub-Regional Strategy suggests an increase of 2,500 dwellings for the Melville portion of the Canning Bridge Precinct over the next 21 years. However, this number should be considered a guideline as further studies are required to determine whether this number is practical.  

7. Is the Draft Canning Bridge Precinct Vision designed to benefit developers to the detriment of residents?

The State Government through its 2031 Directions strategy is targeting approximately 47 per cent of future population increases for urban areas. The Draft Vision is in response to the State Government’s planning policy.

There is a need to manage population increases in a responsible and sustainable way.  Increasingly residents understand the importance of development around transport hubs and activity corridors.

The Draft Vision is a partnership between the Cities of Melville and South Perth, the Western Australian Planning Commission, and the Department of Planning and, as such, is not being driven by developers. The community engagement program during the planning process has included landowners as major stakeholders. 

8. Why hasn’t there been more consultation? Is it too late to comment?

The consultation process by the City of Melville for the Canning Bridge area has been extensive and has spanned more than five years so far. It has included focus groups, workshops, surveys and community meetings. The information gained from the consultations has been used in the development of the Vision. 

The consultations and public meetings were: advertised; regular announcements were provided to the general public in the City of Melville’s Mosaic magazine, the website, newspapers, radio and television; and Canning Bridge Precinct Vision displays (calling for public submissions) were placed in all five of the City’s libraries, as well as the Civic Centre foyer.

There will be opportunities for the public to engage further over the coming years, including during the design guidelines formulation and scheme amendment phases of the project. 

9. As a resident of the City of Melville, what does the Draft Canning Bridge Precinct Vision offer me?

 The Draft Vision proposes a vibrant people-focused area which includes cafes, restaurants and open space.

The Vision will provide residents with an understanding of the development potential of their land.

The potential redevelopment of the Canning Bridge Precinct will also make alternative housing stock available, such as apartments and townhouses. 

10. Will I have to sell my house?

There will be no compulsory acquisition. No one will be forced to sell their home.

11. How can affordable housing be provided in the Canning Bridge precinct?

It is anticipated that through a diversity of housing options (including smaller apartments) a range of affordability will be available.

12. Are the areas affected by the Vision (and the areas of transition) finalised?

The area of transition is being reviewed and will be determined following further investigation and community consultation. 

13. What happens if the Vision is not supported by Council?

If the Vision is not supported by Council, the City of Melville planning scheme may not be consistent with the State Government’s Directions 2031 framework.

In the absence of an agreed planning framework ad-hoc development may occur with less desirable amenity outcomes for residents.

The Vision is an opportunity for the City of Melville to engage the State Government in a constructive conversation and have some influence over the future development of the Canning Bridge precinct.

People with comments or enquiries are encouraged to contact the City of Melville on 1300 635 845.