City wants DAPs scrapped

THE City of Vincent is seeking a promise from major state political parties to “scrap the DAPS” ahead of the March election.

As part of a state election wish list requested by the Guardian Express, chief executive Len Kosova included “revoking or reviewing and revising the DAPs model”.

The controversial Development Assessment Panels, which were set up in 2011 to enhance planning expertise in decision making by improving the balance between technical advice and local knowledge, have been labelled undemocratic by action groups.

Former Vincent Mayor John Carey has been lobbying against DAPS for almost a year and cancelled his membership as one of the two City representatives.

Transport was also a priority, with the City holding out hope for a commitment on light rail along Fitzgerald Street and improved public transport connections, including east-west across our City.

The Liberal Party in June last year abandoned its 2013 election promise for the MAX Light Rail plan.

Vincent also seeks state government financial support on its proposed 40km/h speed zone trial, which gained council support in May last year, but not Main Roads WA.

Other items on the City of Vincent state election wish list:

– More changes to local government legislation and practice in relation to governance, transparency and accountability

-Traffic signal improvements at key intersections

– Improved allocation of funding from the Perth Parking Management Area Licence towards projects/initiatives that better respond to public transportation issues within Vincent rather than primarily Perth

– Support/funding to implement outcomes of the Beatty Park Leisure Centre Heritage & Conservation Plan, and the Leederville Oval Master Plan

– Reversal of recent funding cuts to the State Library of WA affecting local library services

– Retention of Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund funding levels via the Department of Sport and Recreation to renew and upgrade sport and recreation infrastructure