Stirling Mayor: Why I backed the Scarborough towers

STIRLING MAYOR Mark Irwin on why he backed the Scarborough towers:

AS the mayor of the City of Stirling and a Scarborough local, I am passionate about Scarborough and its future.

MORE: Scarborough businesses respond to the twin towers

Until recently, that future was looking uncertain.

The area had been neglected and was often viewed in a negative light.

But now, thanks to the recent redevelopment, Scarborough is starting to transform.

Life has been brought back into the area and people are now enjoying all that it has to offer, day and night.

Scarborough has the potential to become a national and international tourism destination.

But, without the right development that potential won’t be realised.

And, while I admit that the 3 Oceans development proposal has divided some in the community, the majority of people are excited about it.

I believe the process that the MRA has followed has been open, inclusive and transparent and they have carefully considered all the information before them.

The issues raised with the original application have now been addressed and it is time to move forward.

The one thing that still needs to be looked at in detail is traffic management.

It’s not perfect, we all know that. But the approval of this development has provided us with a catalyst to address it.

A multi-agency working group has been established by the State Government that will include representatives from the City, MRA, Main Roads WA, the Department of Transport, the Department of Planning and the Public Transport Authority.

The first task of the working group will be to develop a comprehensive independent transport assessment.

This will allow us to analyse and fully understand what is needed and come up with long term traffic and access solutions for pedestrians, cyclists, public transport, private vehicles and other movements in the area.

Because there will be more development in Scarborough and we need to ensure that we are prepared.

Overall, I am very excited about the future of Scarborough and the many benefits this development will bring the area and the community.