Mosman Park, Cottesloe and Peppermint Grove Councils are presenting a united front, voicing their vision following the State Government’s bid to create more housing around train station precincts.
A severe lack of transport and infrastructure upgrades to support the proposed infill is driving advocacy and concern among the western suburbs councils.
Mosman Park, Cottesloe and Swanbourne stations are subject to improvement plans and schemes under a plan by the Cook Government to accelerate housing supply within 800m of each station.
The formal submission that the Town of Mosman Park (TOMP) has now sent to the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) in response to the Draft Mosman Park Station Precinct Improvement Plan strongly articulated a plea for genuine community engagement, an integrated transport strategy, and alignment with each councils’ significantly progressed local planning frameworks.
This response also details the 125 submissions from the community during TOMP’s public consultation earlier this year.
TOMP Mayor Paul Shaw suggested a joint integrated transport strategy for the western suburbs will be a great starting point.
“Balancing sustainable housing growth with improved transport infrastructure will be key – as is genuinely listening to the community,” said Mayor Shaw.
Banding together to bolster their advocacy case, all three councils passed a series of resolutions at their respective Ordinary Council Meetings in February.
The Town of Cottesloe has recommended to the WAPC that they consider livability
as an objective in the Improvement Scheme, as well as a fair, funding mechanism to deliver public realm and community amenity.
Cottesloe Mayor, Melissa Harkins emphasised that the cumulative impact of increased development on the existing network needs to be seriously addressed, especially with Future Fremantle on the horizon.
“It’s critical that the State Government address current constraints, improve public transport and active transport connections so that the new infrastructure is delivered in step with housing growth.”
It was noted that substantial work has already been undertaken in partnership with the Shire of Peppermint Grove on the draft Cottesloe Village Precinct Structure Plan, while Cottesloe’s draft Local Planning Strategy demonstrates how State infill targets would be met.
“While the WAPC is ultimately the decision maker, we will continue to work collaboratively with the State Government to ultimately ensure community benefits are integrated into any future planning,” said Shire of Peppermint Grove President Karen Farley.
Header image L-R: Mayor Melissa Harkins, Mayor Paul Shaw, Mayor Karen Farley