Janet remains concerned that the City of Melville is not listening to community concerns regarding planning issues, in particular in relation to the Canning Bridge Precinct.  The Precinct is already struggling under the pressure of new developments and traffic congestion.  Any proposals for change must meet community expectations and guarantee the provision of public open space and community facilities.

The draft Canning Bridge Precinct Vision released for public comment in February 2010 met with strong community objections.  While some development is not opposed, the community was against the scale of the Vision and the lack of community consultation. 

Janet organized three community meetings to gather feedback and suggestions for development at the Precinct, as well as provide guidance on how to make a submission to the Western Australian Planning Commission.  The community’s concerns and objections include, but is not limited to, the following:

• The Canning Bridge Precinct was never identified as an area for major development and is only designated as a ‘District Centre/Activity Centre’ in the Draft Statement Planning Policy: Activity Centres for Perth and Peel. Development in such areas are meant to be relatively small scale that meets the needs of the local community.
• The scale of the proposed development will worsen traffic volume and congestion along Canning Highway and on Canning Bridge.
• The proposed area for development is much bigger than the original study area.
• The proposed height of the buildings, particularly the performance-based zoning areas, are inconsistent with the existing character of the locality.
• The Vision does not address the potential for tall buildings with large building bulk to impact on the microclimate of the Precinct area.
• Any change in the town planning scheme for the area should not be approved until a detailed traffic study and a solution identified to deal with increase in traffic volume.  

Janet handed in a submission to the Western Australian Planning Commission which encapsulates the community’s concerns and objections.  She also lends her support to the Melville Action Group (MAG) (www.melvilleactiongroup.com.au) which has been formed with the mission “To influence local and state governments thereby ensuring development throughout the City of Melville satisfies the needs and wishes of the Melville community”.