My suburb - What does the draft Strategy propose?

Atwell is a well-established residential suburb, and the majority of the zonings and residential codings for the area still remain appropriate for the next 15 years.  However, the draft Local Planning Strategy proposes that the City investigate whether a higher coding is appropriate for the large R5 coded lots located adjacent to Tapper Toad to achieve some residential infill in this area.  There is a small area of large rural lifestyle lots in Atwell on the eastern side of Pacific Avenue that is zoned 'Rural Water Protection' zone under the Metropolitan Region Scheme (MRS), and this is proposed to remain unchanged unless there is a change to the State Planning Framework.

The draft Local Planning Strategy identifies key neighbourhood features for the area to be protected and enhanced into the future, including streetscapes that have a landscaped garden character, and streets that are pedestrian and cyclist friendly.

Other key points in the draft Local Planning Strategy for Atwell include:

• Protecting residential amenity by ensuring appropriate land uses for residential areas, with the new Scheme likely to tighten up the range of non-residential land uses that are allowed, to provide for appropriate home-businesses while protecting the residential amenity of neighbourhoods.
• Achieving safe and efficient road networks that are also designed as an important part of the neighbourhood environment.

Aubin Grove is a residential suburb that has developed over the past 15 years, with the zonings and planning framework for the area still considered appropriate for the next 15 years.

The draft Local Planning Strategy identifies key neighbourhood features for the area to be protected and enhanced into the future, including streetscapes that have a landscaped garden character, and streets that are pedestrian and cyclist friendly.

Other key points in the draft Local Planning Strategy for Aubin Grove include:

• Protecting residential amenity by ensuring appropriate land uses for residential areas, with the new Scheme likely to tighten up the range of non-residential land uses that are allowed, to provide for appropriate home-businesses while protecting the residential amenity of neighbourhoods.
• Achieving safe and efficient road networks that are also designed as an important part of the neighbourhood environment.

Banjup has a rural lifestyle character and is mostly zoned ‘Rural Water Protection’ under the Metropolitan Region Scheme (MRS) to protect the Jandakot groundwater mound.  The Jandakot groundwater mound is a drinking water resource that also supports wetlands and Banksia woodlands.  

Land use and development in this area is regulated by State Planning Policy 2.3 ‘Jandakot Groundwater Protection’ (SPP 2.3) to protect this groundwater resource, and the City’s local planning framework must be consistent with SPP2.3.  

In 2018 workshops were held with residents of this area, and this input was considered in the drafting of the new local planning strategy.  We heard that many residents value the natural environment and rural lifestyle character and amenity, while others consider that this has been compromised.  There have also been concerns about traffic and roads.  

There was a desire from some landowners to have the opportunity to subdivide.  However, the future land supply needs of Perth (to 2031 and beyond) are identified in the Western Australian Planning Commission’s (WAPC) Perth and Peel @ 3.5 million, and the underlying South Metropolitan Peel Sub-Regional Planning Framework (March 2018).   These do not identify any change occurring in the Banjup locality.

The WAPC ‘Perth and Peel @3.5 million Planning Investigation Areas Update’ (September 2022) outlines the State Government’s commitment to undertake an integrated and whole-of-government strategic review of water and land use values in the Jandakot water protection area as a priority.  This document also states the review will inform further consideration by the State Government regarding future policy settings within the broader Jandakot water protection area, including the ‘Planning Investigation Area’.  Further information can be viewed here: Planning investigation areas (www.wa.gov.au)

This review by the WAPC is still underway, and at this point in time the City has no further information regarding this matter, or what the outcome might be.  In the meantime the City’s vision for Banjup is outlined in the draft Local Planning Strategy currently out for advertising, including the following key points:

• Area to remain rural as shown in the State Planning Framework, with no changes to subdivision potential, as the local planning framework must be consistent with the State Planning Framework.
• Protection of a rural lifestyle character and amenity that is valued by residents.
• Advocating for the State Government to undertake a groundwater technical study of the Jandakot Groundwater Protection Area to better understand how the groundwater mound works.
• Investigation into measures such as incentives for vegetation retention to improve environmental values and ecological connectivity across the City.
• Achieving safe and efficient road networks that are also designed as an important part of the neighbourhood environment.
• Improving the efficiency of the City’s movement network through integrated transport planning.
• Lobbying for better telecommunications, internet coverage and forward planning for Cockburn, including strategically positioned infrastructure.

The suburb of Beeliar includes established residential areas, with further growth still underway; the ‘Rural Living’ zone which is a rural-lifestyle precinct in Beeliar bounded by East Churchill Avenue, Stock Road and Fanstone Avenue; and a small area that is zoned ‘rural’.

Beeliar Residential Areas

The draft Local Planning Strategy identifies key neighbourhood features for the area to be protected and enhanced into the future, including streetscapes that have a landscaped garden character, with landscaping around houses and within the verge, and streets that are pedestrian and cyclist friendly.

Other key points in the draft Local Planning Strategy for Beeliar include:

• Residential densities (R-Codes) remaining the same for established residential areas, as the majority of the area has been recently planned and developed.
• Protecting residential amenity by ensuring appropriate land uses for residential areas, with the new Scheme likely to tighten up the range of non-residential land uses that are allowed to provide for appropriate home-businesses while protecting the residential amenity of neighbourhoods.
• Improving established areas and centres as hubs for the community.
• Improving streetscapes and urban tree canopy cover, and creating safe, walkable neighbourhoods.

‘Rural Living’ Precinct

The ‘Rural Living’ zone is mostly located within the Environmental Protection (Kwinana) (Atmospheric Wastes) Policy 1992 buffer area (“EPP buffer”).   In 2018 workshops were held with residents of this area, and this input was considered in the drafting of the new Local Planning Strategy.

There are differing landowner views on what are appropriate land uses for this area.  Some value the preservation of the natural environment and rural lifestyle character, and others wanted more flexibility for small businesses to operate in the area.   There was a desire from many landowners to have the opportunity to subdivide, however, any further subdivision is restricted by the EPP buffer, and in accordance with Perth and Peel @3.5million the area must remain rural.  

The draft Local Planning Strategy includes the following key points for the Beeliar ‘Rural Living’ precinct:

• Area to remain as a rural lifestyle precinct that is zoned rural, with no changes to the subdivision potential of the area.
• Current range of permissible land uses (i.e. what is allowed in the area) generally appropriate to continue into the future to protect the amenity of residents.
• Protection of a rural lifestyle character that is valued by residents.
• Investigation into measures such as incentives to improve vegetation retention.

Beeliar Rural Area

The current Rural zone includes a small part of Beeliar that is within the Environmental Protection (Kwinana) (Atmospheric Wastes) Policy 1992 buffer area (“EPP buffer”).

In 2018 the City of Cockburn undertook local planning strategy workshops in the rural zone whereby landowners identified key constraints to the agricultural use and viability of their land, including the size of the lots and water allocations.  

There were a variety of views regarding what are appropriate land uses for this area.  Some value the natural environment and rural character and expressed concern over the impact of some non-rural land uses.  Others wanted ongoing flexibility for businesses to operate in the area.   There was a desire from many landowners to have the opportunity to subdivide, however, any further subdivision is restricted by the EPP buffer, and in accordance with Perth and Peel @3.5million the area must remain rural.  

Feedback has been taken into consideration for the rural zone, and the draft Local Planning Strategy identifies the following:

• Area to remain ‘rural’, with no changes to the subdivision potential of the area, as the local planning framework must be consistent with the State Planning Framework which identifies the majority of the area as ‘Rural under the ‘Metropolitan Region Scheme’.
• Protection of a rural character that is valued by residents.
• Future local planning scheme to consider whether uses such as ‘storage’ can be managed to protect rural character and amenity and environmental values.
• Support for a range of rural land uses suited to the land capability and lot sizes.
• Investigation into measures such as incentives to improve vegetation retention.

The community in Bibra Lake have told us through The Lakes Revitalisation Strategy and ‘Better Neighbourhoods’ project that they appreciate and value the proximity to wetlands and public open space, with retention of greenery important into the future.  Residents also expressed a desire to see improvements to centres and streetscapes.  These issues have been considered in drafting the Local Planning Strategy.

In 2016 Council adopted the Lakes Revitalisation Strategy which identified residential coding (R-Code) changes, however these changes were refused in 2019 by the Minister for Transport and Planning (Scheme Amendment No. 118 – The Lakes).  The City was asked by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH) to focus on its city-wide Local Planning Strategy, and as part of this the City has looked at housing and residential infill needs into the future. The City has again looked at whether residential recodings are appropriate in Bibra Lake Lake against the State Planning Framework (Perth and Peel @ 3.5million), however the area was determined not to meet the criteria.

Key points in the draft Local Planning Strategy for Bibra Lake include:

• Residential densities (R-Codes) to remain the same, as the area has been considered against the State Planning Framework (Perth and Peel @ 3.5million) guidelines for infill and does not currently meet the criteria.
• Protecting and enhancing a neighbourhood character that includes green, leafy streetscapes, and streets that are pedestrian and cyclist friendly.
• Protection of residential amenity by ensuring appropriate land uses for residential areas, with the new Scheme likely to tighten up the range of non-residential land uses that are allowed to provide for appropriate home-businesses while protecting the residential amenity of neighbourhoods.
• The Lakes Revitalisation Strategy to be reviewed and updated into a ‘Local Area Plan’ to ensure it is up-to-date and still meeting the needs of the community – this will look at opportunities for improvements to the public realm and centres, not residential codings.
• Improving centres as hubs for the community.
• Improving streetscapes and urban tree canopy cover, and creating safe, walkable neighbourhoods.

Industrial Areas

The City held workshops in 2018 with industrial landowners and businesses in Bibra Lake where there was concern about parking and traffic; desire for infill sewerage; better public transport and access to local services and amenities.  The draft Local Planning Strategy includes actions to address this, including:

• Working with government agencies and service providers to undertake a full utilities/servicing study confirming infrastructure capacity to cater to growth needs of Cockburn.
• Future intent to identify and protect priority industrial land for industrial land uses.
• Future-proofing industrial areas by considering adaptability, including subdivision, parking and access.
• Future investigation of cash-in-lieu for parking in industrial areas.
• Lobby for and encourage the provision of an efficient and convenient public transport network.
• Enhance the quality, attraction and accessibility of industrial areas, via identification of their intended future character.
• Explore opportunities for public open space and other local amenities within or accessible from industrial areas.
• There is an area of ‘Light and Service Industry’ in Bibra Lake that is considered to be potentially appropriate for ‘General Industry’, as it does not form part of the interface to residential development and has the same characteristics as the adjacent ‘General Industrial’ zoned land. Further analysis will be undertaken as part of the preparation of the new Scheme.

The suburb of Cockburn Central covers a large part of the Cockburn Central Activity Centre, including Cockburn Central train station, the town centre, and Cockburn Central West.  It also includes industrial zoned land to the west, and the emerging development area of Cockburn Central North (Muriel Court), which will deliver mixed use and high density dwelling to support the Cockburn Activity Centre. 

The City's vision is for Cockburn Central to be positioned as a Strategic Metropolitan Centre and the most influential Activity Centre in the South-West Metropolitan Sub-Region by 2031.  Key points in the draft Local Planning Strategy include:

• Investigate the opportunity for Cockburn Central Activity Centre to be elevated to a strategic metropolitan centre based on the function of the centre (Proposed ‘Planning Area H: Cockburn Central Activity Centre’).
• Promote and lobby for the transportation benefits of the Fremantle to Cockburn Central High Priority Transit Corridor.
• Undertake an analysis of the frame area of the Cockburn Central Activity Centre to determine its future role.
• Investigate with the Department of Education the future educational needs of the Core of the Cockburn Central Activity Centre; particularly as they relate to Primary Education.
• Supporting a high quality ‘urban character’ that is shown in the relevant structure plans and design guidelines for the area.
• No proposed residential coding changes for the small established suburban residential area (accessed from Lakeridge Drive).
• Future-proofing industrial areas by considering adaptability, including subdivision, parking and access.
• Enhance the quality, attraction and accessibility of industrial areas, via identification of their intended future character.
• Lobby for and encourage the provision of an efficient and convenient public transport network.
• Explore opportunities for public open space and other local amenities within or accessible from industrial areas.

The suburb of Coogee includes older established residential areas, and newer areas that have been more recently planned.  It also includes a large section of coast including Coogee Beach Reserve and Woodman Point.

Key points in the draft Local Planning Strategy for Coogee include:

• Residential densities (R-Codes) to remain the same, as the area has been considered against the State Planning Framework (Perth and Peel @ 3.5million) guidelines for infill and does not currently meet the criteria.
• Protecting and enhancing a neighbourhood character that includes green, leafy streetscapes, and streets that are pedestrian and cyclist friendly.
• Protection of residential amenity by ensuring appropriate land uses for residential areas, with the new Scheme likely to tighten up the range of non-residential land uses that are allowed to provide for appropriate home-businesses while protecting the residential amenity of neighbourhoods.
• A future ‘Local Area Plan’ for the older areas to identify public realm improvements.
• Improving streetscapes and urban tree canopy cover, and creating safe, walkable neighbourhoods.
• Creation of a City of Cockburn Tourism and Visitor Strategy to identify tourism opportunities for the City, including coastal areas, and how to appropriately and sensitively support these opportunities.
• Ensuring development, infrastructure and the location of coastal facilities responds appropriately to coastal processes.
• Ensuring coastal and remnant vegetation links remain intact and provide appropriate protection.
• Advocate for improved management of State Government owned and/or managed heritage listed places to ensure protection of heritage values, including the Lime Kilns, Pensioner Guard Cottages, and former Explosives Reserve structures throughout Woodman Point Regional Park.

The City has engaged with residents in Coolbellup through the Coolbellup Revitalisation Strategy and the ‘Better Neighbourhoods’ project, and this feedback was considered in drafting the Local Planning Strategy which includes the following key points:

For Coolbellup the draft Local Planning Strategy includes the following:

• Residential densities (R-Codes) to remain the same, as residential codings have already been increased through the Coolbellup Strategy area and remain appropriate to deliver infill.
• Protecting and enhancing a neighbourhood character that includes green, leafy streetscapes, and streets that are pedestrian and cyclist friendly.
• Protecting residential amenity by ensuring appropriate land uses for residential areas, with the new Scheme likely to tighten up the range of non-residential land uses that are allowed to provide for appropriate home-businesses while protecting the residential amenity of neighbourhoods.
• Improving centres as hubs for the community.
• Improving streetscapes and urban tree canopy cover, and creating safe, walkable neighbourhoods.
• Identifying the Roe Highway Reserve as ‘Planning Area A’, whereby future planning for the area should:
  • Minimise the impact on environmental values
  • Investigate opportunities for POS and a recreational corridor
  • Respect Indigenous and European heritage 
  • Achieve a compatible interface to existing residential development.

The City has engaged with residents in Hamilton Hill through the Hamilton Hill and Phoenix Revitalisation Strategies and the ‘Better Neighbourhoods’ project.  This feedback was considered in drafting the Local Planning Strategy which includes the following key points:

• Residential densities (R-Codes) to remain the same, as they have already been increased through the Hamilton Hill Revitalisation Strategy area and remain appropriate to deliver infill.
• Protecting and enhancing a neighbourhood character that includes green, leafy streetscapes, and streets that are pedestrian and cyclist friendly.
• Protecting residential amenity by ensuring appropriate land uses for residential areas, with the new Scheme likely to tighten up the range of non-residential land uses that are allowed, to provide for appropriate home-businesses while protecting the residential amenity of neighbourhoods.
• Hamilton Hill and Phoenix Revitalisation Strategies to be reviewed and updated into ‘Local Area Plans’ to ensure they are up-to-date and still meeting the needs of the community.
• Focus on improving established areas and centres as hubs for the community.
• Improving streetscapes and urban tree canopy cover, and creating safe, walkable neighbourhoods.
• Advocate for Main Roads to recognise the Aboriginal cultural significance of the Hamilton Hill Swamp Precinct, and the women’s ‘high ceremonial grounds’ on the south side of Rockingham Road.
• Identifying the Roe Highway Reserve as ‘Planning Area A’, whereby future planning for the area should:
  • Minimise the impact on environmental values
  • Investigate opportunities for POS and a recreational corridor
  • Investigate the potential consolidation of commercial land around the existing transit hub on Carrington Street
  • Respect Indigenous and European heritage 
  • Achieve a compatible interface to existing residential development.

Hammond Park is a growing residential suburb, and the draft Local Planning Strategy identifies key neighbourhood features for the area to be protected and enhanced into the future, including streetscapes that have a landscaped garden character, and streets that are pedestrian and cyclist friendly.

Other key points in the draft Local Planning Strategy for Hammond Park include:

• Ensuring planning for new areas (structure planning) achieves high-quality design outcomes.
• Protecting residential amenity by ensuring appropriate land uses for residential areas, with the new Scheme likely to tighten up the range of non-residential land uses that are allowed, to provide for appropriate home-businesses while protecting the residential amenity of neighbourhoods.
• Ensuring public open space is designed to meet the needs of the community; maximise their health and wellbeing; and contribute positively to neighbourhood character.
• Achieving safe and efficient road networks that are also designed as an important part of neighbourhood environment.

The suburb of Henderson includes the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) which is a world-class centre servicing the defence, marine, oil and gas, and resource industries; large areas of ‘Parks and Recreation’ reserve, including Mt Brown; and the Woodman Point Wastewater Treatment Plan.

AMC 

In 2018 a workshop was held with AMC businesses and landowners, and this input was considered in the drafting of the new Local Planning Strategy.

There was strong consensus from landowners and businesses for greater flexibility in land uses, and better amenity in the area.  In response, in 2020 the City's Town Planning Scheme was changed to introduce a wider range of possible land uses at the AMC.  This was further supported through modifications to Local Planning Policy 3.9 ‘Industrial Development’ (LPP 3.9) in 2021.

LPP 3.9 requires all uses in Precinct A (adjacent to the waterfront, including State-owned land such as the Common User Facility) to be directly associated with the marine, defence and resources industries.  Outside this area, Precinct B provides some flexibility for other uses where the strategic intent of the AMC is not compromised. 

The draft Local Planning Strategy aligns with this need to protect the AMC for strategic industry whilst providing for a limited range of alternative and complementary uses where appropriately located and demonstrating adaptability.

Parking, traffic, and supporting infrastructure are also key areas of concern, and the draft Local Planning Strategy identifies further actions to address this.  

Other key points in the draft Local Planning Strategy for the AMC include:

• Strengthening of requirements for vehicle access and parking in industrial areas.
• Investigation of consolidated parking facilities via cash-in-lieu arrangements in industrial areas.
• Enhance the quality, attraction and accessibility of industrial areas, via identification of their intended future character.
• Advocating for the State Government to undertake integrated transport planning and infrastructure improvements for the Australian Marine Complex.
• Working with government agencies and service providers to undertake full utilities/servicing study confirming infrastructure capacity to cater to the growth needs of Cockburn.

The suburb of Jandakot includes the Jandakot Airport; Jandakot City commercial and industrial park; suburban residential areas, and the rural lifestyle area that is zoned ‘Rural Water Protection’ under the Metropolitan Region Scheme (MRS). 

It also includes the area referred to as ‘Cockburn Central East’, which is part of the Cockburn Central Activity Centre, and is intended to be focused towards a diverse range of commercial services and/or light industrial rather than retail, providing for high-quality strategic employment.

Water Protection zone (Resource zone)

The MRS ‘Rural Water Protection’ zone covers part of Jandakot, protecting the Jandakot groundwater mound which is a drinking water resource, and which also supports wetlands and Banksia woodlands. 

Land use and development in this area is regulated by State Planning Policy 2.3 ‘Jandakot Groundwater Protection’ (SPP 2.3) to protect this groundwater resource, and the City’s local planning scheme must be consistent with SPP2.3.  

In 2018 workshops were held with residents of this area, and this input was considered in the drafting of the new local planning strategy.  We heard that many residents value the natural environment and rural lifestyle character and amenity, while others consider that this has been compromised.  There was a desire from some landowners to have the opportunity to subdivide.

Perth and Peel @ 3.5million identified a portion of the MRS ‘Water Protection’ zone in Jandakot as a ‘Planning Investigation Area’ (PIA), and the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH) have been undertaking investigations to determine the appropriate land use for this area.  

On 21 September 2022 the Minister for Planning announced decisions on future land uses for 13 of the 15 ‘Planning Investigation Areas’ (PIAs) across Perth and Peel, but advised that work is still continuing on the Jandakot/Treeby PIA.  The WAPC ‘Perth and Peel @3.5 million Planning Investigation Areas Update’ (September 2022) outlines the State Government’s commitment to undertake an integrated and whole-of-government strategic review of water and land use values in the Jandakot water protection area as a priority.  This document also states the review will inform further consideration by the State Government regarding future policy settings within the broader Jandakot water protection area, including the ‘Planning Investigation Area’.  Further information can be viewed here: Planning investigation areas (www.wa.gov.au)

This review by the WAPC is still underway, and at this point in time the City has no further information regarding this matter, or what the outcome might be.  In the meantime the City’s vision for Jandakot is outlined in the draft Local Planning Strategy currently out for advertising, with an overview provided below:

Jandakot ‘Rural Water Protection’ zone outside the ‘Planning Investigation Area’

The key points of the draft Local Planning Strategy for the area of Jandakot outside the ‘Planning Investigation Area’ include:

• Area remaining rural as shown in the State Planning Framework, with no changes to subdivision potential.
• Protection of a rural lifestyle character and amenity that is valued by residents.
• Advocating for the State Government to undertake a groundwater technical study of the Jandakot Groundwater Protection Area.
• Investigation into measures such as incentives for vegetation retention.

Jandakot ‘Planning Investigation Area’

Within the Jandakot ‘Planning Investigation Area’ the draft Local Planning Strategy includes:

• The area to remaining rural with no changes to subdivision potential, unless there are changes to the State Planning Framework..
• Protection of a rural lifestyle character and amenity that is valued by residents.
• Advocating for the State Government to undertake a groundwater technical study of the Jandakot Groundwater Protection Area. 
• The area being included within ‘Planning Area B’, which sets out the need for a District Structure Plan (overall high-level plan) should the MRS be changed, to ensure coordinated planning of the area, including staging; infrastructure requirements; public open space; traffic; fire management; and community benefit.
• Investigation into measures such as incentives for vegetation retention.

Glen Iris Golf Course site

At the request of the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH), the former Glen Iris Golf Course site has been included as ‘Planning Area D’ to reflect closure of the golf course and the likelihood that the new landowner would propose a land use change for the site.

Since this time there a rezoning and structure plan proposal have both been lodged and advertised for public comment.

‘Planning Area D’ includes one ‘Planning Direction’ and action as follows:

Planning Direction - Land use and development that achieves an appropriate interface with existing residential land uses.

Action: Consider any proposed land use or zoning changes against the State and local planning framework, including consideration of the following (among other things): 

• An appropriate interface to surrounding landholdings. 
• Impact on environmental values. 
• Facilitating good connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists. 
• Consideration of bushfire risk. 
• Traffic.

Lake Coogee is a suburb that includes established residential areas south of Barrington Road; newer residential areas further south that are still growing; and the Lake Coogee ‘Urban Deferred’ area on the eastern side of Lake Coogee, within approximately 750m of the Woodman Point Wastewater Treatment Plant.  

Existing Residential Areas

Residential codings (R-Codes) are proposed to remain the same given that newer residential areas have been recently structure planned, and the older areas have been considered against the State Planning Framework (Perth and Peel @ 3.5million) guidelines for infill, and do not currently meet the criteria.

Over the next 15 years the focus will be on:

• Protecting and enhancing a neighbourhood character that includes green, leafy streetscapes, and streets that are pedestrian and cyclist friendly.
• improving established areas and centres as hubs for the community.

Lake Coogee ‘Urban Deferred’ area (Planning Area E)

The Lake Coogee Urban Deferred precinct is located on the eastern side of Lake Coogee, within approximately 750m of the Woodman Point Wastewater Treatment Plant.

In 2018 workshops were held with residents of this area and the adjacent residential area, and this input was considered in the drafting of the new Local Planning Strategy.

The area is zoned ‘Urban Deferred’ under the Metropolitan Region Scheme (State Government level zoning), reflecting a 750m buffer to the Wastewater Treatment Plant that was identified by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in the 1990s.  Since this time there have been extensive odour-reduction measures and there may no longer need to be a ‘buffer’ east of Lake Coogee.  For this reason, the draft Local Planning Strategy does not propose to show a buffer for this area.  However, whether a buffer is required still needs to be resolved if there is to be any change to the MRS zoning.  

The area is identified as an ‘Industrial Investigation Area’ in the State Government’s Perth and Peel @ 3.5million.  The 2018 workshops demonstrated a strong consensus that industrial use of this area is not appropriate and that the focus should be on urban uses and improving amenities.  The City has also investigated this matter further and is of the view that industrial uses are generally not appropriate for this area. 

The draft Local Planning Strategy proposes a way forward, as follows:

• The City investigating whether residential development is appropriate, subject to demonstration that there are no odour impacts from the Woodman Point Wastewater Treatment Plant.
• Preparation of a draft district structure plan for the purposes of requesting the lifting of urban deferment to ensure coordinated development occurs.
• The City advocating for the removal of ‘Munster Industrial Investigation Area’ from Perth and Peel @ 3.5 million when next updated, given that the 2018 workshops demonstrated a strong consensus that industrial use of this area is not appropriate, as supported by the City’s investigation into this matter. 

The City has engaged with residents across the City through the ‘Better Neighbourhoods’ project where we sought feedback on what is valued by the community, and this feedback was considered in drafting the Local Planning Strategy which includes the following key points:

• Residential densities (R-Codes) to remain the same, as the area has been considered against the State Planning Framework (Perth and Peel @ 3.5million) which sets out guidelines for infill, and does not currently meet the criteria.
• Protecting and enhancing a neighbourhood character that includes green, leafy streetscapes, and streets that are pedestrian and cyclist friendly.
• Protecting residential amenity by ensuring appropriate land uses for residential areas, with the new Scheme likely to tighten up the range of non-residential land uses that are allowed to provide for appropriate home-businesses while protecting the residential amenity of neighbourhoods.
• Improving established areas and centres as hubs for the community.

The suburb of Munster is predominately zoned ‘rural’, with the western portion located within Latitude 32.  Latitude 32 is one of Australia’s largest industrial redevelopment projects, subject to its own Act of Parliament known as the Hope Valley-Wattleup Redevelopment Act 2000 (the Act) which gives Development WA the functions to plan, undertake, promote and coordinate the development and redevelopment of land in the redevelopment area.

Latitude 32

The draft Local Planning Strategy includes the following key action for Latitude 32:

• Advocate for the protection of the supporting infrastructure needs for Rowley Road (as the primary east west access to Latitude 32) and the delivery of the Fremantle-Rockingham Controlled Access Highway.

Munster Rural Area

A portion of Munster between ‘Latitude 32’ and Thomson’s Lake Nature Reserve is zoned ‘Rural’ and is located within the Environmental Protection (Kwinana) (Atmospheric Wastes) Policy 1992 buffer area (“EPP buffer”).

In 2018 the City of Cockburn undertook local planning strategy workshops in the area whereby landowners identified key constraints to the agricultural use and viability of their land, including the size of the lots and water allocations.  

There were a variety of views regarding what are appropriate land uses for this area.  Some value the natural environment and rural character and expressed concern over the impact of some non-rural land uses.  Others wanted ongoing flexibility for businesses to operate in the area.  There was a desire from many landowners to have the opportunity to subdivide, however, any further subdivision is restricted by the EPP buffer, and in accordance with Perth and Peel @3.5million the area must remain rural.  

Feedback has been taken into consideration for the rural area, and the draft Local Planning Strategy identifies the following:

• The area remaining ‘rural’, with no changes to the subdivision potential of the area, as the local planning framework must be consistent with the State Planning Framework which identifies the area as ‘Rural under the ‘Metropolitan Region Scheme’.
• Protection of a rural character that is valued by residents.
• The future local planning scheme considering whether uses such as ‘storage’ can be managed to protect rural character and amenity and environmental values.
• Supporting a range of rural land uses suited to the land capability and lot sizes.
• Investigation into measures such as incentives to improve vegetation retention.

The coastal suburb of North Coogee covers the development areas of South Beach, Cockburn Coast and Port Coogee, and includes the landmark former South Fremantle Power Station.  The area is experiencing significant growth and includes a mix of different residential densities and housing types.

Perth and Peel @3.5 million and SPP 4.2 ‘Activity Centres for Perth and Peel’ identified an emerging district centre in Cockburn Coast. This centre will be important to meet the needs of the catchment and to help achieve the vision set out in the Cockburn Coast District Structure Plans and local structure plans to create a vibrant, high density mixed use urban environment. The former South Fremantle Power Station will be a critical focal point for this emerging district centre.

Key points in the draft Local Planning Strategy for North Coogee include:

• Supporting a high quality ‘urban character’ for the area that is shown in the relevant structure plans and design guidelines for the area.
• The future Cockburn Coast District Centre as a vibrant, landmark destination that is connected, integrated, diverse and accessible.
• The City lobbying and planning for a transit link between Fremantle and Cockburn Central to provide more active, sustainable transport options and deliver the vision for Cockburn Coast.
• The City advocating for investigation into an alternative adaptive reuse approach for the South Fremantle Power Station, including a staging strategy that provides a more feasible pathway for reuse while protecting what is most valued by the community.
• Establishment of a State Government / City of Cockburn joint steering group for the South Fremantle Power Station to facilitate engagement and determine overarching principles; and review opportunities, in conjunction with the State’s preferred proponent(s), to achieve community, tourism and industry benefits.
• Ensuring development, infrastructure and the location of coastal facilities responds appropriately to coastal processes.
• Ensuring coastal and remnant vegetation links remain intact and provide appropriate protection.
• Ensuring development responds to sea level considerations on the coast and is consistent with State Planning Policy and Guidelines, and the outcomes of the City’s Coastal Vulnerability Assessments through the preparation of a local planning policy.

Engagement with the community of North Lake through the Lakes Revitalisation Strategy and ‘Better Neighbourhoods’ project has identified that residents appreciate and value the proximity to wetlands and public open space, with retention of greenery important into the future. These issues have been considered in drafting the Local Planning Strategy, with key points for North Lake including:

• Residential densities (R-Codes) remaining the same, as the area has been considered against the State Planning Framework (Perth and Peel @ 3.5million) guidelines for infill and does not currently meet the criteria.
• Protecting and enhancing a neighbourhood character that includes green, leafy streetscapes, and streets that are pedestrian and cyclist friendly.
• Protecting residential amenity by ensuring appropriate land uses for residential areas, with the new Scheme likely to tighten up the range of non-residential land uses that are allowed to provide for appropriate home-businesses while protecting the residential amenity of neighbourhoods.
• The Lakes Revitalisation Strategy being reviewed and updated into a ‘Local Area Plan’ to ensure it is up-to-date and still meeting the needs of the community – this will look at opportunities for improvements to the public realm and centres, not residential codings.
• Improving centres as hubs for the community.
• Improving streetscapes and urban tree canopy cover, and creating safe, walkable neighbourhoods.

Engagement with the community of South Lake through The Lakes Revitalisation Strategy and ‘Better Neighbourhoods’ project has identified that residents appreciate and value the proximity to wetlands and public open space, with retention of greenery important into the future.  Residents also expressed a desire to see improvements to centres and streetscapes.  These issues have been considered in drafting the Local Planning Strategy.

In 2016 Council adopted the Lakes Revitalisation Strategy which identified residential coding (R-Code) changes, however these changes were refused in 2019 by the Minister for Transport and Planning (Scheme Amendment No. 118 – The Lakes).

The City was then asked by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH) to focus on its city-wide Local Planning Strategy, and as part of this the City has looked at housing and residential infill needs into the future. The City has again looked at whether residential recodings are appropriate in South Lake against the State Planning Framework (Perth and Peel @ 3.5million), however the area was determined not to meet the criteria.

Key points in the draft Local Planning Strategy for South Lake include:

• Residential densities (R-Codes) remaining the same, as the area has been considered against the State Planning Framework (Perth and Peel @ 3.5million) guidelines for infill and does not currently meet the criteria.
• Protecting and enhancing a neighbourhood character that includes green, leafy streetscapes, and streets that are pedestrian and cyclist friendly.
• Protection of residential amenity by ensuring appropriate land uses for residential areas, with the new Scheme likely to tighten up the range of non-residential land uses that are allowed to provide for appropriate home-businesses while protecting the residential amenity of neighbourhoods.
• The Lakes Revitalisation Strategy being reviewed and updated into a ‘Local Area Plan’ to ensure it is up-to-date and still meeting the needs of the community – this will look at opportunities for improvements to the public realm and centres, not residential codings.
• Improving centres as hubs for the community.
• Improving streetscapes and urban tree canopy cover, and creating safe, walkable neighbourhoods.

The suburb of Success is largely comprised of well-established residential areas, but also includes the Gateway Retail Precinct of the Cockburn Activity Centre which provides a focus for retail uses.

For the residential areas, the draft Local Planning Strategy identifies key neighbourhood features for the area to be protected and enhanced into the future, including streetscapes that have a landscaped garden character and streets that are pedestrian and cyclist friendly

Other key points in the draft Local Planning Strategy for Success include:

• Residential densities (R-Codes) remaining the same for established residential areas, as the majority of the area has been recently planned and developed.
• Protecting residential amenity by ensuring appropriate land uses for residential areas, with the new Scheme likely to tighten up the range of non-residential land uses that are allowed to provide for appropriate home-businesses while protecting the residential amenity of neighbourhoods.
• Improving the efficiency of the City’s movement network through integrated transport planning.
• Investigation into the opportunity for Cockburn Central Activity Centre to be elevated to a strategic metropolitan centre based on the function of the centre, as Council’s vision is for Cockburn Central to be positioned as a Strategic Metropolitan Centre and the most influential Activity Centre in the South-West Metropolitan Sub-Region by 2031 (Proposed ‘Planning Area H: Cockburn Central Activity Centre’).

The City has engaged with residents in Spearwood through the Phoenix Revitalisation Strategy and the ‘Better Neighbourhoods’ project where we sought feedback on what is valued by the community.  The community have told us they value the greenery and the leafy streetscapes.  

Key points in the draft Local Planning Strategy for Spearwood include:

• Residential densities (R-Codes) remaining the same - Residential codings have already been increased across much of Spearwood through the Phoenix Revitalisation Strategy area, providing for infill development where appropriate.  The area outside the Phoenix Revitalisation Strategy area (previously identified to have a future Revitalisation Strategy) has been considered against the State Planning Framework (Perth and Peel @ 3.5million) which sets out guidelines for infill and does not currently meet the criteria.
• Protecting and enhancing a neighbourhood character that includes green, leafy streetscapes, and streets that are pedestrian and cyclist friendly.
• Protecting residential amenity by ensuring appropriate land uses for residential areas, with the new Scheme likely to tighten up the range of non-residential land uses that are allowed, to provide for appropriate home-businesses while protecting the residential amenity of neighbourhoods.
• Phoenix Revitalisation Strategy being reviewed and updated into a ‘Local Area Plan’ to ensure it is up-to-date and still meeting the needs of the community – this will look at opportunities for improvements to the public realm and centres, not residential codings.
• The City lobbying and planning for a transit link between Fremantle and Cockburn Central to provide more active, sustainable transport options.
• Focusing on providing for better infill development and improving established areas and centres as hubs for the community.
• Implementing the public realm improvements for the Phoenix Activity Centre.

The suburb of Treeby has a growing residential community across the area that is zoned ‘Urban’ under the Metropolitan Region Scheme (MRS).  A large portion of the suburb is zoned ‘Rural Water Protection’ under the MRS, characterised by larger lots and a rural lifestyle character.

Treeby residential areas

The draft Local Planning Strategy identifies key neighbourhood features for the residential areas of Treeby to be protected and enhanced into the future, including streetscapes that have a landscaped garden character, and streets that are pedestrian and cyclist friendly.

Other key points in the draft Local Planning Strategy for Treeby include:

• Ensuring planning for new areas (structure planning) achieves high-quality design outcomes.
• Protecting residential amenity by ensuring appropriate land uses for residential areas, with the new Scheme likely to tighten up the range of non-residential land uses that are allowed, to provide for appropriate home-businesses while protecting the residential amenity of neighbourhoods.
• Ensuring public open space is designed to meet the needs of the community; maximise their health and wellbeing; and contribute positively to neighbourhood character.
• Achieving safe and efficient road networks that are also designed as an important part of the neighbourhood environment.
• Lobbying for better telecommunications, internet coverage and forward planning for Cockburn, including strategically positioned infrastructure.
• Lobbying for better telecommunications, internet coverage and forward planning for Cockburn, including strategically positioned infrastructure.

Water Protection zone (Resource zone)

The MRS ‘Rural Water Protection’ zone covers part of Treeby, protecting the Jandakot groundwater mound which is a drinking water resource, and which also supports wetlands and Banksia woodlands. 

Land use and development in this area is regulated by State Planning Policy 2.3 ‘Jandakot Groundwater Protection’ (SPP 2.3) to protect this groundwater resource, and the City’s local planning scheme must be consistent with SPP2.3.  

Perth and Peel @ 3.5million identified a portion of the MRS ‘Water Protection’ zone in Treeby (and Jandakot) as a ‘Planning Investigation Area’, and the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH) have been undertaking investigations to determine the appropriate land use for this area.  

On 21 September 2022 the Minister for Planning announced decisions on future land uses for 13 of the 15 ‘Planning Investigation Areas’ (PIAs) across Perth and Peel, but advised that work is still continuing on the Jandakot/Treeby PIA.  Further information can be viewed here: Planning investigation areas (www.wa.gov.au)

In 2018 workshops were held with residents of this area, and this input was considered in the drafting of the new local planning strategy.  We heard that many residents value the natural environment and rural lifestyle character and amenity, while others consider that this has been compromised.  There was a desire from some landowners to have the opportunity to subdivide.

Treeby ‘Rural Water Protection’ zone outside the ‘Planning Investigation Area’

The key points of the draft Local Planning Strategy for the Treeby ‘Rural Water Protection’ zone outside the ‘Planning Investigation Area’ include:

• Area remaining rural as shown in the State Planning Framework, with no changes to subdivision potential.
• Protection of a rural lifestyle character and amenity that is valued by residents.
• Advocating for the State Government to undertake a groundwater technical study of the Jandakot Groundwater Protection Area.
• Investigation into measures such as incentives for vegetation retention.
• Lobbying for better telecommunications, internet coverage and forward planning for Cockburn, including strategically positioned infrastructure.
• Lobbying for better telecommunications, internet coverage and forward planning for Cockburn, including strategically positioned infrastructure.

Treeby ‘Planning Investigation Area’

The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH) have been undertaking investigations to determine the appropriate land use for the ‘Planning Investigation Area’.  The City is awaiting the outcome of investigations and a decision of the WAPC.   Until this happens the City’s planning framework must be consistent with the MRS and SPP 2.3.  

Therefore, within the Treeby ‘Planning Investigation Area’ the draft Local Planning Strategy includes:

• The area to remaining rural with no changes to subdivision potential, unless there are changes to the State Planning Framework..
• Protection of a rural lifestyle character and amenity that is valued by residents.
• Advocating for the State Government to undertake a groundwater technical study of the Jandakot Groundwater Protection Area. 
• The area being included within ‘Planning Area B’, which sets out the need for a District Structure Plan (overall high-level plan) should the MRS be changed, to ensure coordinated planning of the area, including staging; infrastructure requirements; public open space; traffic; fire management; and community benefit.
• Investigation into measures such as incentives for vegetation retention.

The City has engaged with residents in Yangebup through visioning forums in 2018, and the ‘Better Neighbourhoods’ project where we sought feedback on what is valued by the community.  The community have told us they value the greenery in their suburbs and expressed a desire to see improvements to centres and streetscapes.   These issues have been considered in drafting the Local Planning Strategy.

The City did not proceed with the Yangebup Revitalisation Strategy in light of the Minister for Planning’s decision in 2019 to refuse the residential coding changes in the Lakes Revitalisation.  At that time the City was asked at by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH) to focus on its city-wide Local Planning Strategy, and as part of this the City has looked at housing and residential infill needs into the future. 

The City has looked at whether residential recodings are appropriate in Yangebup against the State Planning Framework (Perth and Peel @ 3.5million), however the area was determined not to meet the criteria.

Key points in the draft Local Planning Strategy for Yangebup include:

• No change to residential densities (R-Codes) or subdivision potential, as the area has been considered against the State Planning Framework (Perth and Peel @ 3.5million) guidelines for infill and does not currently meet the criteria.
• Protecting and enhancing a neighbourhood character that includes green, leafy streetscapes, and streets that are pedestrian and cyclist friendly.
• Protecting residential amenity by ensuring appropriate land uses for residential areas, with the new Scheme likely to tighten up the range of non-residential land uses that are allowed to provide for appropriate home-businesses while protecting the residential amenity of neighbourhoods.
• Preparation of a ‘Local Area Plan’ to identify neighbourhood improvements, taking into consideration the visioning forums undertaken in 2018.
• The City lobbying and planning for a transit link between Fremantle and Cockburn Central to provide more active, sustainable transport options.
• Improving streetscapes and urban tree canopy cover, and to create safe, walkable neighbourhoods.

Wattleup Rural Area

The current Rural zone includes part of Wattleup between ‘Latitude 32’ and Harry Waring Marsupial Reserve.  The area is mostly located within the Environmental Protection (Kwinana) (Atmospheric Wastes) Policy 1992 buffer area (“EPP buffer”).

In 2018 the City of Cockburn undertook local planning strategy workshops in the area whereby landowners identified key constraints to the agricultural use and viability of their land, including the size of the lots and water allocations.  

There were a variety of views regarding what are appropriate land uses for this area.  Some value the natural environment and rural character and expressed concern over the impact of some non-rural land uses.  Others wanted ongoing flexibility for businesses to operate in the area.   There was a desire from many landowners to have the opportunity to subdivide, however, any further subdivision is restricted by the EPP buffer, and in accordance with Perth and Peel @3.5million the area must remain rural.  

Feedback has been taken into consideration for the rural area of Wattleup with the draft Local Planning Strategy identifying the following:

• The area remaining ‘rural’, with no changes to the subdivision potential of the area, as the local planning framework must be consistent with the State Planning Framework which identifies the area as ‘Rural under the ‘Metropolitan Region Scheme’.
• Protection of a rural character that is valued by residents.
• The future local planning scheme considering whether uses such as ‘storage’ can be managed to protect rural character and amenity and environmental values.
• Supporting a range of rural land uses suited to the land capability and lot sizes.
• Investigation into measures such as incentives to improve vegetation retention.
• A small part of the rural zone south of Harry Waring Reserve was identified in the State Government’s Perth and Peel @3.5million as an ‘Industrial Investigation Area’, and there will be detailed investigation into whether retention of the rural zoning is appropriate. Preliminary investigations indicate that industrial uses may not be appropriate due to the environmental issues, Aboriginal heritage, and interface with residential development.

Wattleup ‘Latitude 32’ area

Latitude 32 is one of Australia’s largest industrial redevelopment projects, subject to its own Act of Parliament known as the Hope Valley-Wattleup Redevelopment Act 2000 (the Act) which gives DevelopmentWA the functions to plan, undertake, promote and coordinate the development and redevelopment of land in the redevelopment area.

The draft Local Planning Strategy includes the following key action for Latitude 32:

• Advocate for the protection of the supporting infrastructure needs for Rowley Road (as the primary east west access to Latitude 32) and the delivery of the Fremantle-Rockingham Controlled Access