PORT Bouvard’s plans to create a townsite at Gidgegannup appear to be moving ahead after clearing a hurdle with the City of Swan this week.
At its meeting on Wednesday, the City agreed to advise the WA Planning Commission it does not object to the proposed amendment to the Metropolitan Region Scheme for subject lots to be rezoned from “rural” to “urban” .
The City considers the proposed development is consistent with existing strategic planning for Gidgegannup and the proposed provision of essential infrastructure was permissible under the existing framework.
But the City will advise the WAPC that its lack of objection should not be seen as support for Port Bouvard’s Masterplan for Gidgegannup. The applicant will still be required to submit comprehensive local structure plans of future development to council for approval.
Gidgegannup Progress Association chairman Sally Block said the council’s decision was a big win for the community.
“The City has not endorsed the Masterplan produced by Port Bouvard so it is back to the drawing board on that,” she said.
Ms Block was among those to speak on the issue at the meeting ahead of the council’s vote on the item, saying the GPA supported the officers’ recommendation but still had concerns about Port Bouvard’s proposal.
Lack of infrastructure provision, such as water, wastewaster, telecommunications, electricity and a Toodyay Road upgrade, is of particular concern to the group.
Port Bouvard chief executive John Wroth said the decision was a significant milestone to the company after having worked for three years on the proposal.