State Govt scraps plans to widen Guildford Road

CONCERNED residents and businesses can breathe a sigh of relief this morning after the Planning Minister announced she would scrap plans to widen Guildford Road.

Rita Saffioti refused the Metropolitan Region Scheme amendment along Guildford Road following a recommendation by the WA Planning Commission (WAPC) earlier this week.

The process has concluded and will not go before Parliament.

Maylands, Bayswater and Mt Lawley residents raised concerns last year over a proposal to widen the road up to 10m to make way for bus queue jumps, cycle lanes and a median strip, which would cut into verges, front yards and buildings.

The announcement comes one week after residents presented a 2686-signature petition to Parliament in opposition to the amendment.

“The amendment process was completed as quickly as possible, in line with State planning legislation,” Ms Saffioti said.

“This decision gives landowners certainty on the future of their properties.”

The Minster will ask Main Roads WA to plan more modest road improvements in the area that do not affect properties.

Community group Guildford Road to Ruin founder Graeme Reany said it was an “amazing” outcome.

“We are very thankful to Lisa Baker, the Minister, and Alanna Clohesy and the support of the Government and WAPC for fast-tracking the amendment,” he said.

Mr Reany said people could move on with their lives and business plans.

He said the WAPC had informed him they would write to 1200 landowners and people who put in submissions.

Guildford Road to Ruin has carried out more than five months worth of lobbying both the previous State Government and current to scrap the proposal and was set to host a celebration next week.

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