An Improvement Plan has been put into place to transform the Cockburn coastal strip into a thriving and energetic beachside residential and mixed-use area.
An Improvement Plan has been put into place to transform the Cockburn coastal strip into a thriving and energetic beachside residential and mixed-use area.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said gazettal of the improvement plan this week, was a significant step toward creating an exciting new destination, from an industrial area with poor access and under-used natural assets.
"Local people want to see the area rezoned and rejuvenated," Ms MacTiernan said.
"The Government has now delivered a framework that will enable this makeover to take place.
"In time, as many as 20,000 people could be living in a new community integrated with those at South Beach and Port Coogee.
"It will include better beach access, with coastal cafes and shops, a new life for the power station buildings and improved roads and services."
The Minister said a steering committee, including Cockburn Mayor Cr Stephen Lee, Fremantle Mayor Cr Peter Tagliaferri and representatives from the Department for Planning and Infrastructure and LandCorp, would oversee planning to revitalise the area.
"The improvement plan also ensures that the Western Australian Planning Commission has final determination on development applications," she said.
"This mirrors the process that will be possible when the State Government's Redevelopment Authority legislation is passed, so that the Cockburn coast is in position to be the first cab off the rank."
Ms MacTiernan said existing landowners with industrial and commercial operations were encouraged to participate and ensure their interests were protected in the planning process.
Cockburn Mayor Stephen Lee said it was fantastic to see that the steering committee was up and running, after many years of hard work to establish it.
"The Cockburn coast will be the jewel in the crown for the city - the logical extension of the urban renewal at Port Coogee, reinstating beach access and creating a hub of residential, employment and leisure activities," Mr Lee said.
City of Fremantle Mayor Peter Tagliaferri said the aim was to ensure that regional needs were addressed through planning for the site.
"The City of Fremantle is pleased to be involved in planning for the Cockburn coast, ensuring that regional opportunities and benefits are maximised, linkages between north Coogee and the city are improved and providing for the opinions of surrounding communities to be thoroughly considered in the structure planning process,"
Mr Tagliaferri said.
Ms MacTiernan said a collaborative approach to planning, listening to the needs of all stakeholders and capitalising on the opportunities presented, would see the Cockburn coast reach its potential.
"The steering committee will ensure the area is heading in the right direction before a new development authority, along the lines of Subiaco and East Perth, is established," she said.
