When the initial precinct plans were presented to the council on October 8, the officers reported that no further community consultation was necessary because of ‘the extensive community input throughout the preparation of the plans’.
Last Wednesday, the item was back before the Planning Services Committee, this time recommending the City should put the item through another round of consultation before being submitted to the Western Australian Planning Commission.
The City had held meetings with relevant reference groups, a two-day urban design forum and two public open days before the plan went to the Special Projects Committee in October.
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READ NOWIn last week’s agenda, the City stated no changes had been made to the plan since the discussions occurred and that what responses they have received mainly supported the plans.
Community consultation has been a sore point for Fremantle residents in recent times, with many crying foul about the process involved with the Esplanade Youth Plaza.
Fremantle planning projects and policy manager Paul Garbett said the City was committed to ensuring the community was consulted on major development proposals and often went beyond its requirements to keep them well informed.
‘The project has now entered the final endorsement stage and accordingly the WA Planning Commission has formally requested comment from the City of Fremantle before the commission considers the plans,’ he said.
‘The City wants to ensure that all interested parties have had the opportunity to provide their comments on the proposals before finalising its position on the plans.
‘Although the council has given preliminary consideration to the proposals, the City’s submission to the WAPC has not yet been prepared and any comments received will help inform preparation and consideration.’