A map of potential conservation reserves under the Green Growth Plan.
Camera IconA map of potential conservation reserves under the Green Growth Plan. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

City of Wanneroo gives green growth plan the thumbs down

Laura PondWanneroo Times

A City report said the plan could not be endorsed until the Department of Premier and Cabinet provided consultation with landowners, detailed mapping, cost implications and implementation details.

Its submission to the department criticises the plan’s legibility and comprehension, strategic planning and policy overreach, insufficient discussion of climate change and incomplete documentation.

Cr Dianne Guise called the planning documents “a dog’s breakfast” and a “disgrace” at the April 26 meeting.

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She said the release of the plan and the Department of Planning’s Wanneroo Metropolitan Region Scheme amendment for east Wanneroo at similar times had created confusion.

“It is obvious that the Government agencies are clearly not talking or working with each other in a collaborative manner and that our community is being treated with the utmost contempt,” she said.

She also questioned the environmental intent of the plan.

“I’m still not sure what the real net gain is in terms of ‘green growth’,” she said.

“One could argue that this looks more like a structure plan for Perth rather than a green growth plan.”

Cr Brett Treby believed the plan would create an artificial barrier to development in the metropolitan area.

“I think the real aim is to constrain urban development in east Wanneroo; I’m absolutely convinced of that,” he said.

According to Cr Sabine Winton, the plan did not appeal to environmental groups, developers, residents or local governments.

“What I’m confused about in this whole fiasco is that nobody is satisfied,” she said.

Despite a community forum held on April 20, Mayor Tracey Roberts said the Government needed to provide further community consultation.

“The Green Growth Plan could have significant impacts on our residents’ homes and lifestyles and they need and deserve certainty about how the plan will impact them,” she said.

“While we acknowledge that additional maps have now been included, the fact remains that insufficient time has been given for local residents to consider the implications.”