Canning Bridge Rail Precinct Study

Journalist background: I've got a couple of Q&A's regarding the development. Also I would be looking to get some developer diagrams for this. Melville Times published them last week so shouldn't be too much of a drama. 

Please attribute the below information to City of South Perth Mayor James Best.

1) How long has the City been in consultation with other stakeholders in relation to this development? Who has the City liaised with? 
The City has been working in collaboration with the State Department of Planning and Infrastructure (DPI) and the City of Melville on this project. Extensive consultation has been conducted with local residents over the past couple of years. GHD consultants have been appointed to conduct the study. Further community engagement is currently underway and will examine the possibility of creating a vibrant activity centre in the vicinity of the bus and rail interchange at Canning Bridge. The objective is to deliver a planning strategy that takes into account the community’s vision for the project. 

2) Why is the City looking to redevelop this region? Where exactly is this area and what streets/landmark is it bound by?
The Canning Bridge Rail Station Precinct Study forms part of the State Government’s “Network City: Community Planning Strategy for Perth and Peel” program that was launched in 2004. Network City examines ways of managing population growth through to 2030 and takes into account “Transit Oriented Development” (TOD) principles that maximise the use of public transport corridors. The area being looked at for development is located roughly within a 500 metre radius of the Canning Bridge Station. 

3) What is exactly on offer in this development? i.e.) In terms of residential and commercial establishments?
The development will have a focus on creating a sustainable urban environment where businesses, residences and other amenities are clustered around the transport hub, offering liveable spaces and effective land use which encourages pedestrian activity. 

4) How much would this cost? Is there anything to be gained from this?
The only costs to date relate to the costs of the study. The final report will be considered at a meeting in the next few months when Council will determine a timetable for community feedback, which will be advertised in the new financial year. The results of the study will be considered the public, DPI, City of Melville and the City of South Perth before a decision is made on the best way forward.

5) How many resident forums has the City hosted thus far on this? When did Council give the go-ahead to look into this?
As part of this stage of the study, the community engagement conducted by the City includes a Community Information Day on 21 July 2008 and four other Community Forums were held from August to September last year. In addition, progress reports are regularly posted on the City website. 

6) How many letters of opposition has the Council had thus far?
Out of the 560 members of the public who attended the community forums and information sessions, there has only been one letter of opposition that I am aware of regarding future development of the precinct. Overall the community engagement program has been really successful, providing the consultants with valuable input to the study. 

7) Will the city permit high rise? How many stories will the council be looking to give the green light too?
Development in Como and Manning will be largely residential and low rise. 

For more information on the study please contact Anna Kelderman at GHD consultants on: 6222 8222.