Shire out of depth with Aldi proposal

PUBLICITY by the Shire of Kalamunda of a proposal to build a large new Aldi supermarket at the junction of Mead Street and Central Road in Kalamunda has been woefully inadequate before it was presented to councillors for decision last Monday.

This site is obviously inappropriate for such business premises. By nature, it is both a convenience and department store and combines elements of mass retailing that are high-volume turnover that will draw in far more than local traffic.

The fact that its officers recommended approval demonstrates that in common with many suburban local authorities in the Perth and Peel region, it is out of its depth when dealing with urban development.

There is for example as yet no coherent future comprehensive development plan for central Kalamunda to provide sensible guidance.

Most entries to Canning Road that has become virtually an arterial route through the central area are already difficult to negotiate, particularly mornings and mid-afternoon and this proposal will obviously further overload the Mead-Canning junction close to the bus station, as well as at both ends of Central Road.

Parking around the town centre, around Coles is already inadequate to cope with even the existing trading volume.

Many other urban development issues must be urgently and creatively addressed in central Kalamunda before such a proposal is even contemplated for approval.

PETER FORREST, Kalamunda.