Latest news with #LandsandHeritage
Perth Now
27-05-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
The Perth suburb set for a $5.2 million coastal cafe
The Burns Beach foreshore will become home to a two-storey cafe/restaurant under a proposal being considered by the City of Joondalup. It is part of a business case for the Burns Beach coastal node first approved by the council in July 2021. The city has budgeted $10.7m over the next five years for works at the popular coastal spot, with approval for the project expected at next week's council meeting. Your local paper, whenever you want it. The cafe/restaurant forms the centrepiece of the coastal node and would feature an alfresco area opening up to the main dining space with a pristine ocean view. It is expected to cost the city $5.2m, with additional annual maintenance and lease expenses of $26,000. However, city staff consider it a strategic investment, with an expected recurring income of $344,000 per year and a whole-of-life positive impact of $16.5m over 42 years. 'The whole-of-life costs for the project would have a positive financial effect on the city because the recurring lease income would be adequate to pay back the initial investment costs by the city,' a council report said. The site would be leased from the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage rent-free for the first 21 years. Credit: City of Joondalup 'It is envisaged that the redevelopment of the Burns Beach coastal node, including the provision of the food and beverage facility, will provide significant resident, visitor and tourist benefit by enhancing the city's existing natural assets and amenities.' The site would be leased from the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage rent-free for the first 21 years. A new 150-bay carpark is also planned. The city received 30 submissions last year when it advertised the Burns Beach business plan late last year, with a mix of support and some environmental concerns. If the proposal to lease the land is approved by an absolute majority at Joondalup's council meeting on Tuesday, May 27, the city will proceed with an open tender to find a commercial operator for the cafe/restaurant. Expressions of interest had been delayed due to advertising requirements and an additional flora study, conducted in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, which is now complete. The cafe/restaurant proposal is the centerpiece of the City's Burns Beach Coastal Node Redevelopment. Credit: City of Joondalup
Perth Now
21-05-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Joondalup moves forward with Burns Beach restaurant plan
The Burns Beach foreshore will become home to a two-storey cafe/restaurant under a proposal being considered by the City of Joondalup. It is part of a business case for the Burns Beach coastal node first approved by the council in July 2021. The city has budgeted $10.7m over the next five years for works at the popular coastal spot, with approval for the project expected at next week's council meeting. Your local paper, whenever you want it. The cafe/restaurant forms the centrepiece of the coastal node and would feature an alfresco area opening up to the main dining space with a pristine ocean view. It is expected to cost the city $5.2m, with additional annual maintenance and lease expenses of $26,000. However, city staff consider it a strategic investment, with an expected recurring income of $344,000 per year and a whole-of-life positive impact of $16.5m over 42 years. 'The whole-of-life costs for the project would have a positive financial effect on the city because the recurring lease income would be adequate to pay back the initial investment costs by the city,' a council report said. The site of the proposed cafe/restaurant at Burns Beach. Credit: City of Joondalup 'It is envisaged that the redevelopment of the Burns Beach coastal node, including the provision of the food and beverage facility, will provide significant resident, visitor and tourist benefit by enhancing the city's existing natural assets and amenities.' The site would be leased from the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage rent-free for the first 21 years. A new 150-bay carpark is also planned. The city received 30 submissions last year when it advertised the Burns Beach business plan late last year, with a mix of support and some environmental concerns. If the proposal to lease the land is approved by an absolute majority at Joondalup's council meeting on Tuesday, May 27, the city will proceed with an open tender to find a commercial operator for the cafe/restaurant. Expressions of interest had been delayed due to advertising requirements and an additional flora study, conducted in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, which is now complete. The cafe/restaurant proposal is the centerpiece of the City's Burns Beach Coastal Node Redevelopment. Credit: City of Joondalup
West Australian
14-05-2025
- Business
- West Australian
State Government releases draft improvement scheme for the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
The State Government has released a draft improvement scheme for the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre which includes creating up to seven new development sites in the area. The draft scheme has been published for public consultation with submissions being considered by the Western Australian Planning Commission. 'The improvement scheme will replace the Metropolitan Region Scheme and City Planning Scheme No.2 as the statutory land use planning instrument over the area,' the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage site said. The draft improvement scheme aims to create a 'recognisable destination' for local, interstate and overseas visitors by activating the wider precinct. The seven sites across the Mounts Bay Road precinct are identified as suitable for office, residential, hotel, retail and hospitality uses. Upgrades to Elizabeth Quay Bus station are also included in the scheme aiming to improve comfort, way-finding and overall experience for users. Modifications to the surrounding roads to improve pedestrian safety and connectivity to the city, Swan River and Elizabeth Quay whilst also maintaining traffic flows around the area are also included. The State Government currently leases the precinct to Brookfield and the Wyllie Group, and have collaborated with them on creating new concept renders for the redevelopment. Cox Architecture, who originally designed PCEC in the 2000s, will redesign the centre. It is understood that Rio Tinto is eyeing the redeveloped space with its lease at Central Park is set to expire in 2030. The project will create a long-term economic boost for Western Australia, unlocking construction and local jobs across a diverse range of industries, the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage reportedly said. In October, the State Government invested $16.6 million to the next planning phase. PCEC is located across to the Swan River and currently is used as a space for functions, exhibitions and conferences. The State Government identifies the site as important to the economic performance of the State. Based on the WAPC's recommendation, the State's planning minister will decide on the improvement scheme. If approved the new scheme will become the new planning tool for the area. Public comment submissions will close on August 7.
West Australian
02-05-2025
- General
- West Australian
Public comments welcomed by DPLH on Albany North District Structure Plan, including Range Road route
A portal enabling residents to have their say on the future of northern Albany has opened, marking the first step to develop and govern the area's future infrastructure — including the controversial Range Road. The Albany North District Structure Plan engagement portal opened on the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage website on April 28, with an online survey, 'drop a pin' activity and expressions of interest to join the community reference group. When approved, the document will consolidate local structure plans across Yakamia, Lange, Milpara and Walmsley and guide future land use, the development of major infrastructure, and residential density. The ANDSP will include the route for Range Road, a proposed arterial road that will provide a more direct link between central Albany, Bayonet Head, Lower King and commercial development at Brooks Gardens. Current plans have the road earmarked for construction through Lot 4737, colloquially known as Yakamia Forest, despite the pleas of environmental group Friends of Yakamia Forest Boodja to re-route it. The City of Albany has said the council will not address the matter until it has considered the ANDSP, which the DLHP website expects will be ready in draft form by mid-late 2025 and finalised by late 2025 to mid-2026. City of Albany mayor Greg Stocks said the ANDSP was a 'vital step' in preparing for the city's future. 'Housing is a significant priority for our community, and this plan lays the groundwork to unlock land, deliver infrastructure efficiently, and create more diverse and affordable housing options,' he said. 'This isn't just about planning for growth — it's about shaping a more connected, livable and sustainable Albany. 'With our population increasing and housing pressures mounting, we're working alongside the State Government to ensure development is well-considered, supported by infrastructure, and meets the evolving needs of our community. 'We're encouraging everyone to have their say on this plan because it will influence how our city grows for decades to come.' Expressions of interest to join the community reference group close on May 20, while the survey and 'drop a pin' activity close on June 25. Community pop-up sessions are scheduled for June 6 and 20.
Perth Now
23-04-2025
- General
- Perth Now
Perth locals ‘blindsided' by 35m tower installed near homes
A 35m telecommunications tower installed without community consultation just metres from homes on the coast in Ocean Reef has left locals shocked and scrambling for answers. Residents claim the tower practically went up within 24 hours late last year, with no prior notice or opportunity provided for community input on its location. According to the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, the telecommunications tower was installed to replace an existing structure nearby that had reached the end of its serviceable life. Your local paper, whenever you want it. Locals are puzzled as to why the new tower was installed so close to homes and not at its original location near the Ocean Reef Sea Sports Club. Speaking to PerthNow on behalf of frustrated residents, Ocean Reef local Kim Allen, who also has extensive experience in the telecommunications industry, said these concerns weren't able to be voiced earlier due to the lack of consultation. 'The Telecommunications Act provides significant powers allowing telecom carriers to construct infrastructure in the most technically suitable locations, but there's a whole range of legislation and guidelines to ensure community feedback is always considered,' Mr Allen said. 'Under normal circumstances, if a mobile communications tower is planned, two other options would be presented to the local council for consideration, but that didn't happen here.' 'Residents should have had the option for alternate locations to be presented for consideration.' The tower is 35m tall. Credit: Supplied As the telecommunications tower falls under the Ocean Reef Improvement Scheme No.1, a planning framework for local development, some projects, like the tower, are exempt from public consultation and development application processes. DevelopmentWA, the State Government's central land and development agency, owns the land where the tower now stands. A spokesperson for the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage defended the decision to construct the tower at its current site, stating the location had been thoroughly considered. 'The replacement tower is located away from public areas within the Marine Enterprise Precinct to provide improved telecommunications coverage for the wider region,' the spokesperson said. 'A visual assessment was conducted as part of the development application, which found the slimline design of the tower does not significantly impede ocean views.' However, visual amenity isn't the primary concern for residents, according to Mr Allen. Many are more worried about the precedent set by the lack of consultation, as well as health concerns due to the tower's proximity to homes and potential exposure to electromagnetic energy (EME), which all towers emit. An aerial image of the location of the new tower and the one being decommissioned. Credit: Supplied 'Current electromagnetic energy monitoring is not capturing the levels of exposure to homes in close proximity to the towers,' Allen claims. 'If you had a smoking factory chimney, the EPA would monitor the chemicals and particulate being produced . . . the same logic should apply to mobile communications infrastructure.' Under national guidelines for mobile phone towers, mobile carriers are required to complete an EME report based on standards set by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency. According to the Australian Communications and Media Authority, which is responsible for ensuring communications equipment and devices comply with the EME standards, the tower in Ocean Reef meets the required standards, and it believes there was an opportunity for public consultation. 'The ACMA has undertaken a preliminary review of the EME compliance documentation for the site and the EME assessment conducted for the facility,' a spokesperson for the ACMA said. 'The findings of the independent assessment were that it is well within the safe maximum exposure limit for EME. 'A review of the RFNSA site for the facility indicates that the community was invited to make comments about the proposal.' However, after speaking to several residents, PerthNow understands that most residents were unaware of the opportunity to comment, and no notice was given. The 35-metre telecommunications tower near homes in Ocean Reef. Credit: Supplied In October 2023, the City of Joondalup received an application seeking development approval for the installation of the telecommunications tower at Ocean Reef Marina. According to city chief executive James Pearson, the city's role in the tower's approval process was for officers to assess the application against the relevant planning framework and provide a recommendation to the Western Australian Planning Commission, which the WAPC did not fully endorse. 'The city responded to the WAPC in November 2023, which included recommending public consultation be undertaken for a period of 28 days to properties within 400m of the subject site and a sign being erected on the site,' Mr Pearson said. 'The WAPC approved the application without undertaking public consultation.' After the tower's construction, a motion was brought to the Joondalup council at the city's Electors AGM, urging the city to push for compulsory public consultation on future telecommunications installations. 'As a result (of the motion), the city will write to the Minister for Planning to advocate for enhanced public consultation on the installation of telecommunications infrastructure, including 5G towers and small cell towers, to ensure community concerns are adequately addressed,' Mr Pearson said. According to the Radio Frequency National Site Archive, an environmental EME report found that the maximum level of EME from the new Ocean Reef Marina site was only 6.03 per cent of the maximum level permitted under national safety standards. In early 2020, the ACMA also measured EME exposure at 59 small-cell sites across Australia, with all levels found to be less than one per cent of the Australian Standard exposure limit for the general public. As of January 2023, Australia had about 26,000 mobile base stations, up from about 22,000 in 2018. Nationally, there are 701 locations where EME levels have recently been monitored, with 18 of those in WA. According to the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, there are currently no known health effects from exposure to electromagnetic energy when it remains within national safety limits. The energy emitted is a form of non-ionising radiation, similar to FM radio waves and heat.
