❓ Hon Paul Llewellyn questions the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure regarding the Margaret River Townsite Strategy, specifically concerning the East Margaret River Structure Plan, Perimeter Road alignment, community representation, and the accountability of the Margaret River Townsite Strategy Working Group.
AnsweredQoN 6017Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Is the Minister aware that the endorsed East Margaret River Structure Plan (EMRSP) provides for sufficient residential zoned land for projected town site growth to 2020 and a congruous Perimeter Road alignment?
(2) If yes to (1), does the Minister accept that resource to be adequate accommodation for growth in the Margaret River townsite, within the constraints of a Local Planning Strategy, and that any growth beyond that should be in accordance with guidelines set down in an endorsed Local Planning Strategy?
(3) If no to (2), could the Minister explain why?
(4) In view of Council failing to mention the State endorsed EMRSP in the briefing documents to the consultants for the MRTS and Council’s intention to change a fundamental feature, being the Perimeter Road alignment, that undermines the Plan, does the Minister consider this to be due regard for the State endorsed structure plan?
(5) Is the Minister aware that two of the five community representatives on the Margaret River Townsite Strategy Working Group (MRTSWG) have, or have had, direct financial relationships with major land developers east of Margaret River?
(6) If yes to (5), does the Minister consider this acceptable?
(7) Is the Minister aware that MRTSWG has not been formed as a Committee of Council under the provisions of the
Local Government Act 1995
and thereby do not hold open meetings, are not required to keep minutes, and are therefore unaccountable to the community?
(8) Does the Minister support Local Governments forming such ‘working groups’ outside the Committee provisions of the
Local Government Act 1995
, thus avoiding the accountability built into those provisions?
(9) If yes to (8), why?
(2) If yes to (1), does the Minister accept that resource to be adequate accommodation for growth in the Margaret River townsite, within the constraints of a Local Planning Strategy, and that any growth beyond that should be in accordance with guidelines set down in an endorsed Local Planning Strategy?
(3) If no to (2), could the Minister explain why?
(4) In view of Council failing to mention the State endorsed EMRSP in the briefing documents to the consultants for the MRTS and Council’s intention to change a fundamental feature, being the Perimeter Road alignment, that undermines the Plan, does the Minister consider this to be due regard for the State endorsed structure plan?
(5) Is the Minister aware that two of the five community representatives on the Margaret River Townsite Strategy Working Group (MRTSWG) have, or have had, direct financial relationships with major land developers east of Margaret River?
(6) If yes to (5), does the Minister consider this acceptable?
(7) Is the Minister aware that MRTSWG has not been formed as a Committee of Council under the provisions of the
Local Government Act 1995
and thereby do not hold open meetings, are not required to keep minutes, and are therefore unaccountable to the community?
(8) Does the Minister support Local Governments forming such ‘working groups’ outside the Committee provisions of the
Local Government Act 1995
, thus avoiding the accountability built into those provisions?
(9) If yes to (8), why?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
6 May 2008
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure
Response time
47 days
(1) The Minister is aware that the East Margaret River Structure Plan (EMRSP) was endorsed by the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) in May 2005 to guide detailed structure planning, future land use and development east of the Margaret River Townsite. The Structure Plan contains an indicative alignment for the 'Eastern Perimeter Road' (EPR) that was to be subject to further planning. Townsite growth projections are currently under review via the review of the Local Planning Scheme, Local Planning Strategy (LPS) and the Margaret River Townsite Strategy (MRTS).
(2) & (3) The Shire's proposed LPS is being reviewed by the WAPC and has not been finalised. Once finalised, the LPS will guide townsite expansion. It is also understood that the Shire is preparing a comprehensive MRTS to guide longer term urban expansion. The MRTS has not yet been forwarded to the WAPC. Both the LPS and townsite strategy should have regard to the settlement hierarchy and population thresholds established under the 'Leeuwin Naturaliste State Planning Policy' (LNRSPP). Prior to the finalisation of the LPS and MRTS, the WAPC-endorsed EMRSP will provide for the immediate and short term planned residential expansion of Margaret River.
(4) The EMRSP has largely been implemented through more recently endorsed and detailed local structure plans and subdivision approvals for the locality. As such, it is envisaged that this detailed planning and subsequent approvals to residential expansion will be reflected in any proposed MRTS. This will be assessed by the WAPC upon referral of the MRTS. As mentioned above, the EPR is shown indicatively on the EMRSP and there is no objection to the alignment of this road being reconsidered and an alternative route being considered as part of a comprehensive MRTS.
(5) & (6) The Minister is unaware of the membership of the Margaret River Townsite Strategy Working Group (MRTSWG).
(7) The Minister is not aware of how the MRTSWG was formed or the specific role and function of this group.
(8) & (9) Working groups can provide valuable advice and input into a Council's consideration and determination of strategic planning instruments. Such groups are supported on the basis that the recommendations of any working group are reported to the Council and the Council remains the ultimate decision maker on the content and support for the planning instrument.
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(2) & (3) The Shire's proposed LPS is being reviewed by the WAPC and has not been finalised. Once finalised, the LPS will guide townsite expansion. It is also understood that the Shire is preparing a comprehensive MRTS to guide longer term urban expansion. The MRTS has not yet been forwarded to the WAPC. Both the LPS and townsite strategy should have regard to the settlement hierarchy and population thresholds established under the 'Leeuwin Naturaliste State Planning Policy' (LNRSPP). Prior to the finalisation of the LPS and MRTS, the WAPC-endorsed EMRSP will provide for the immediate and short term planned residential expansion of Margaret River.
(4) The EMRSP has largely been implemented through more recently endorsed and detailed local structure plans and subdivision approvals for the locality. As such, it is envisaged that this detailed planning and subsequent approvals to residential expansion will be reflected in any proposed MRTS. This will be assessed by the WAPC upon referral of the MRTS. As mentioned above, the EPR is shown indicatively on the EMRSP and there is no objection to the alignment of this road being reconsidered and an alternative route being considered as part of a comprehensive MRTS.
(5) & (6) The Minister is unaware of the membership of the Margaret River Townsite Strategy Working Group (MRTSWG).
(7) The Minister is not aware of how the MRTSWG was formed or the specific role and function of this group.
(8) & (9) Working groups can provide valuable advice and input into a Council's consideration and determination of strategic planning instruments. Such groups are supported on the basis that the recommendations of any working group are reported to the Council and the Council remains the ultimate decision maker on the content and support for the planning instrument.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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