[Greens-Media] WA Greens - Margaret River petition for better planning processes a success - Paul Llewellyn

[Anderson, Sonia]

15 October 2008

PETITION FOR BETTER PLANNING PROCESSES A SUCCESS

The community's petition, tabled on 1 April this year, was  instrumental in getting Margaret River's district planning scheme process moving and in focusing Parliamentary and public attention on Augusta Margaret River Shire Council's planning and decision making processes, says Greens MLC for the South West Region, Paul Llewellyn.

"The petition drew attention to changes made to the Draft District Planning Scheme by the Council that were contrary to State planning policy. It also exposed poor planning processes and factual errors including over stating population growth projections and the need to increase the supply of land in the Margaret River town site.

"The petitioners' concerns about the changes to the Draft District Planning Scheme have been supported by the Western Australian Planning Commission's comments on the scheme, and some of the community's key issues with the scheme have now been addressed.
"I understand that the planning scheme has now been brought into line with State planning policy and that many other inappropriate or non compliant amendments have been removed. These changes alone will have a significant impact on long-term planning outcomes for Margaret River.  Clearly, the petition has already achieved a great deal," said Mr Llewellyn.

"The petition still contains some live, unresolved matters that have not been investigated, including concerns about the transparency and conduct of the Council for example closed negotiations regarding the perimeter road, and I understand that the petitioners are seeking to have it re-tabled it in the new Parliament.

"I will take a closer look at what else needs to be done to ensure that the Margaret River Shire Council produces a scheme that is consistent with good planning principles, community aspirations and long term ecologically sustainable development," Mr Llewellyn said.

"For my part, I'm privileged to have been able to support the Margaret River community in this way and to give them a voice in the Western Australian Parliament about to the future of region."

For more information contact Paul Llewellyn on 9848 1555 or 0428 317 182