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<strong>CITY</strong> <strong>CENTRE</strong><br />

<strong>MASTER</strong> <strong>PLAN</strong><br />

KARRATHA <strong>CITY</strong> OF THE NORTH<br />

VOLUME 3


ii<br />

PROJECT MANAGERS - LANDCORP<br />

Susan Oosthuizen – Project Director<br />

Ryan Victa – Project Manager<br />

SHIRE OF ROEBOURNE<br />

Nicole Lockwood – <strong>Shire</strong> President<br />

Collene Longmore – Chief Executive Officer<br />

Joel Gajic – A/Executive Manager Development Services<br />

Simon Kot – Executive Manager Community Services<br />

Troy Davis – Executive Manager Technical Services<br />

SoR Peer Review - Mark Casserly <strong>of</strong> CCS Strategic Management<br />

Consultant Planner - Mike Allen <strong>of</strong> Mike Allen Planning<br />

CONSULTANT TEAM<br />

Town Planning and Urban Design – TPG Town Planning and Urban Design<br />

Community and Consultation – Creating Communities<br />

Economics - Pracsys<br />

Traffic – Transcore<br />

Engineering – Wood & Grieve<br />

Landscape Architecture – UDLA<br />

Environment/Sustainability – GHD<br />

Peer Review - Brian Curtis Pty Ltd<br />

Property Consultants – State Property Advisory<br />

For further details and information contact: <strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Roebourne</strong><br />

<strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Roebourne</strong> Administration | Lot 1083 | Welcome Road | PO Box 219 | Karratha | WA 6714 | P 08 9186 8555 | F 08 9185 1626 | E sor@roebourne.wa.gov.au


PREMIER'S FOREWORD<br />

<strong>The</strong> release <strong>of</strong> this much anticipated plan is a<br />

watershed moment in the history <strong>of</strong> Karratha<br />

As a central component <strong>of</strong> the Government's 'Pilbara<br />

Cities' initiative to invest in our regional towns, this<br />

plan will radically transform Karratha from a mining<br />

town with an estimated population <strong>of</strong> 18,000 into a<br />

regional city <strong>of</strong> 50,000 people.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Pilbara is pivotal to the economy <strong>of</strong> our State and the nation and in<br />

recognition we have budgeted $846million over the next four years, bringing<br />

the State's commitment to the Pilbara through Royalties for Regions since<br />

2008 to $977million.<br />

Our ambitious plan is to revitalise the town and establish Karratha as a<br />

future dynamic and diverse city - a place with services and amenities which<br />

will attract and retain a broad range <strong>of</strong> people wanting to settle permanently<br />

in the region.<br />

This document is the culmination <strong>of</strong> much planning and input from the<br />

community,local businesses, industry and Government.<br />

Making this vision a reality requires continued planning, investment and<br />

coordination <strong>of</strong> many individuals and organisations.<br />

Together we can transform Karratha into a city with a diverse and resilient<br />

population and economy, with high amenity and a unique Pilbara style.<br />

Hon Colin Barnett MEc MLA<br />

Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State Development<br />

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LANDS<br />

MINISTER'S FOREWORD<br />

With this bold new plan, the landscape <strong>of</strong> Karratha is<br />

set to evolve into a diverse and well-appointed place to<br />

live and work.<br />

Through Royalties for Regions we have committed to<br />

re-invest funds to thoroughly revitalise the town and<br />

establish a future city - not with superficial facelifts,<br />

but through the creation <strong>of</strong> liveable communities<br />

serviced by everything modern Australia expects.<br />

I firmly believe this project will unlock Karratha's full potential and will<br />

become a benchmark for other regional areas.<br />

Underpinning the plan is the essential need to address a co-ordinated<br />

approach to the delivery <strong>of</strong> infrastructure and community services and<br />

facilities, housing affordability and diversity, and other issues which until<br />

now have constrained development and deterred people from settling<br />

in Karratha.<br />

<strong>The</strong> community has shown great interest in the plans for Karratha's future<br />

and taken ownership <strong>of</strong> the project to actively drive change.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Government, the <strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Roebourne</strong>, business and industry all have a<br />

vested interest in a successful outcome and are fully committed to working<br />

with the community to make the plan a reality.<br />

We have set the bar high and we are well placed to realise our vision.<br />

Hon Brendon Grylls MLA<br />

Minister For Regional Development; Lands


VISION FOR KARRATHA<br />

- <strong>CITY</strong> OF THE NORTH<br />

A liveable, compact, Regional City <strong>of</strong> 50,000+ people, with a diversified<br />

economy, a healthy local community which demonstrates demographic<br />

balance, affordability, high quality amenity, and infrastructure. It is a place<br />

<strong>of</strong> choice, to work, visit, grow up, raise families and age gracefully.


FOREWORD<br />

Karratha is about to embark on a journey that will<br />

transform it from a mining town to a regional city. In<br />

permanent population terms, it will grow to more than three<br />

times its present size. <strong>The</strong> town centre, currently the major<br />

hub <strong>of</strong> activity in Karratha, will need to change dramatically<br />

to respond to and cater for this anticipated growth.<br />

<strong>The</strong> current town centre was set aside in the planning<br />

for Karratha over forty years ago and it has developed<br />

incrementally, in a largely piecemeal fashion, in the<br />

intervening years. While it now boasts a large and comfortably air-conditioned<br />

shopping centre, <strong>of</strong>fices and specialty shops, it does not function well as a<br />

town centre. Large areas <strong>of</strong> open car parking, that become blisteringly hot in the<br />

summer, are not the building blocks <strong>of</strong> a successful city centre.<br />

Great city centres <strong>of</strong> the world all have their particular characteristics that make<br />

them memorable. <strong>The</strong> City Centre Master Plan for Karratha does not set out to<br />

mimic any other city, but provides a sustainable framework that will enable the<br />

city centre to grow over time in response to the development <strong>of</strong> Karratha as a<br />

city <strong>of</strong> 50,000 people. It recognises what is on the ground today, and the climatic<br />

considerations that will play a major role in determining the type <strong>of</strong> city centre<br />

that Karratha deserves.<br />

<strong>The</strong> City Centre Master Plan is one <strong>of</strong> three documents that provides the<br />

necessary foundation for Karratha to achieve the goal <strong>of</strong> becoming a City <strong>of</strong> the<br />

North, and will sit alongside the Implementation Plan and the City Growth Plan.<br />

<strong>The</strong> City Centre Master Plan provides a spatial dimension that explains how<br />

the city centre could develop. It includes urban design and landscape design<br />

guidance to steer development in the right direction in order to achieve the<br />

objectives that have been set for the town centre.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re is no doubt that in order to develop a city centre with vibrancy, vitality and<br />

variety an intensification <strong>of</strong> uses will be necessary. <strong>The</strong> Master Plan shows how<br />

this can be achieved.<br />

It contains a phasing plan that shows how and in what sequence land for<br />

development and supporting infrastructure will be provided. Community<br />

infrastructure delivery is also included, together with an implementation strategy<br />

for the whole Master Plan.<br />

As with the City Growth Plan, the City Centre Master Plan will inform changes<br />

that will be needed to the <strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Roebourne</strong>’s local planning scheme and its<br />

local planning policies.<br />

This City Centre Master Plan represents an exciting opportunity and heralds<br />

the significant change necessary for us to become a City <strong>of</strong> the North. We are<br />

seeking the community’s feedback to these innovations and challenges so that in<br />

whatever form the Plan is eventually adopted, the <strong>Shire</strong> will know that it has the<br />

support <strong>of</strong> the community.<br />

Join with us as we transform Karratha into a city to be envied.<br />

Nicole Lockwood<br />

President, <strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Roebourne</strong>


vi<br />

FUTURE <strong>CITY</strong><br />

... Finally the City comes alive as it falls into the arms <strong>of</strong> a cool night,<br />

balconies full with gatherings and streets with performers fire and dance<br />

while up by the water tanks above the lantern like glow <strong>of</strong> hillside housing,<br />

fireworks celebrate the start <strong>of</strong> the cultural festival. Foreign languages<br />

intermingle in exuberance over the richness <strong>of</strong> indigenous collaboration in<br />

creating and a city <strong>of</strong> the north and resorting wonder to the Pilbara while a<br />

temporary worker who arrived 10 years ago swigs a beers and laughs at a<br />

email from a friend drowning in winter somewhere to the south.


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY<br />

WHERE ARE WE NOW?<br />

Mining and resource extraction is the backbone <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Pilbara economy, and the scale <strong>of</strong> demand from China<br />

particularly and Asia generally is driving new projects<br />

on an unprecedented scale. <strong>The</strong> significance <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Pilbara to the national economy is unquestioned, but<br />

the indications are that unless major intervention occurs<br />

quickly this could be compromised through inaction in<br />

investing in Pilbara communities.<br />

Concern has been expressed in a large number <strong>of</strong><br />

studies with input from resource industries, and all<br />

levels <strong>of</strong> government that our current practices are<br />

not sustainable because they are not leading to the<br />

development <strong>of</strong> sustainable local communities. <strong>The</strong><br />

dominance <strong>of</strong> major industries, difficulties in attracting<br />

labour, high costs <strong>of</strong> living, inadequate infrastructure,<br />

and poor quality <strong>of</strong> amenity has led to a vicious cycle<br />

that needs to be broken.<br />

Karratha is one such town that is dominated by the<br />

resource sector, with an estimated population <strong>of</strong> some<br />

18,000 Karratha is under pressure for a variety <strong>of</strong><br />

reasons. In summary these are:<br />

An economy tied to expanding resources sector and<br />

primary industrial activity;<br />

A workforce that is resource sector orientated;<br />

Shortages <strong>of</strong> service workers;<br />

High proportions <strong>of</strong> singles and families;<br />

Lower proportions <strong>of</strong> teenagers and seniors aging<br />

infrastructure at capacity;<br />

Limited availability <strong>of</strong> developable, affordable<br />

LandCorp inelastic land and housing supply pipeline;<br />

Limited housing choice;<br />

High demand and competition for limited housing<br />

supply;<br />

Social polarisation as access to housing is largely<br />

restricted to those on high wages or qualify for<br />

housing subsidies;<br />

Limited retail opportunities with low levels <strong>of</strong><br />

competition;<br />

Poor quality <strong>of</strong> services and limited range <strong>of</strong> services<br />

do not meet community expectations;<br />

Limited cultural activities; and<br />

Limited planning and coordination.<br />

In considering the future <strong>of</strong> Karratha there are a<br />

number <strong>of</strong> key facts and figures that will need to be<br />

acknowledged, in summary these are:<br />

Karratha equates to 29% <strong>of</strong> the Pilbara region’s<br />

population;<br />

In comparison to regional WA and the Perth<br />

metropolitan area Karratha has a higher proportion<br />

<strong>of</strong> families with children;<br />

Average household size in Karratha is 2.9 persons in<br />

comparison to 2.5 persons in Perth Metro area;<br />

66% <strong>of</strong> all dwellings are separate houses;<br />

Median weekly income in Karratha is $2,078 double<br />

than the Perth Metro area;<br />

Rental in Karratha ranges from $300 to $1900pw;<br />

A median income household <strong>of</strong> $131,000 pa renting<br />

a four bedroom house would pay 75% <strong>of</strong> household<br />

income to rental payments;<br />

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A median household income will 40% equity to avoid<br />

mortgage stress, this equates to around $375,000;<br />

Average price for a four bedroom house in Karratha<br />

is $900,000;<br />

Karratha is noticeably lacking in retail and consumer<br />

services employment (27% <strong>of</strong> total employment as<br />

opposed to the average <strong>of</strong> 37%);<br />

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Distribution <strong>of</strong> employment in Karratha skewed to<br />

towards export/driver projects & Services (57%),<br />

relative to the average employment distribution <strong>of</strong> 23<br />

other Australian regional and centres; and<br />

In major regional centres such as Darwin,<br />

Rockhampton and Newcastle knowledge intensive<br />

consumer services employment is 14 to 17% <strong>of</strong> the<br />

total resident workforce, whilst Karratha is only 10%.<br />

vii


viii<br />

<br />

SO WHERE DO WE WANT TO BE? - KARRATHA<br />

50,000 – A <strong>CITY</strong> OF THE NORTH<br />

What are the fundamental steps that we will need to take<br />

to allow Karratha to evolve into a diverse and sustainable<br />

city <strong>of</strong> the north. Key moves that need to be made are<br />

as follows:<br />

An expanded, more diverse economy, which <strong>of</strong>fers a<br />

broader selection <strong>of</strong> job opportunities;<br />

A planned city that responds to the environmental<br />

conditions <strong>of</strong> the Pilbara and exhibits a strong sense<br />

<strong>of</strong> place;<br />

Greater housing diversity that meets the needs <strong>of</strong> a<br />

broader demographic pr<strong>of</strong>ile;<br />

Infrastructure that meets the needs <strong>of</strong> the city, and<br />

allows for growth;<br />

More industrial, commercial and residential land<br />

supply and creation <strong>of</strong> readily developable land<br />

banks that can be quickly released to the market;<br />

Improved housing affordability through normalisation<br />

<strong>of</strong> the housing market, centered around a strong<br />

private sector presence;<br />

Demonstration projects targeted at delivery<br />

<strong>of</strong> affordable land and housing for service and<br />

residential construction workers;<br />

A modern vibrant and attractive city centre which<br />

<strong>of</strong>fers more opportunities to shop and socialise;<br />

Provision <strong>of</strong> services at a standard that meets the<br />

expectations <strong>of</strong> the community;<br />

Excellent connectivity and transport linkages<br />

throughout the city; and<br />

A partnership approach that facilitates the<br />

coordination and investment required to achieve a<br />

city <strong>of</strong> the north.<br />

HOW DO WE GET THERE? KARRATHA <strong>CITY</strong> OF THE<br />

NORTH IMPLEMENTATION <strong>PLAN</strong> (KCN)<br />

Our traditional interventions and delivery <strong>of</strong> s<strong>of</strong>t and<br />

hard infrastructure by the State Government is conceived<br />

and delivered by a wide range <strong>of</strong> State agencies and<br />

Government Trading Enterprises (GTE’s), each with a<br />

different focus, timing and lacking coherence. <strong>The</strong> call<br />

for urgent action in Pilbara towns recognises that a new<br />

governance approach is needed.<br />

<strong>The</strong> challenge <strong>of</strong> creating sustainable Pilbara towns and<br />

communities therefore requires a new approach that can<br />

work simultaneously at a number <strong>of</strong> levels to break the<br />

current cycle:<br />

− Economic Diversification: If the population <strong>of</strong><br />

Pilbara cities is to increase at the anticipated<br />

scale, this will require a significant increase in<br />

jobs to support the resident community. This in<br />

turn will require the diversification <strong>of</strong> the local<br />

economy, which means working closely with the<br />

resource industry to find ways <strong>of</strong> developing<br />

a more robust, flexible and adaptable local<br />

economy.<br />

− Lower Cost <strong>of</strong> Living: <strong>The</strong> high cost <strong>of</strong> living<br />

in Karratha is also impacting on the ability <strong>of</strong><br />

Karratha to grow its population. Service worker<br />

accommodation at affordable prices will need to<br />

complement economic diversification initiatives.<br />

Initiatives and actions are needed to address<br />

the cost <strong>of</strong> rents and mortgages and free up the<br />

operation <strong>of</strong> the housing market. <strong>The</strong> availability<br />

<strong>of</strong> affordable housing to accommodate the<br />

required population is a key element on this.<br />

− Improving the Quality <strong>of</strong> Life: Although Karratha<br />

has both the natural and economic attractions,<br />

there is a high level <strong>of</strong> dissatisfaction with<br />

the level <strong>of</strong> service provision, facilities and<br />

amenities. <strong>The</strong> urban form, quality <strong>of</strong> the built<br />

form, and range <strong>of</strong> housing does not generally<br />

make a positive contribution to the quality <strong>of</strong><br />

life for Karratha residents. <strong>The</strong>re is a strong<br />

perception within the Karratha community<br />

that its needs in core areas such as health,<br />

education, utilities infrastructure, and transport<br />

and community amenities must be urgently<br />

addressed and that additional population<br />

growth will only exacerbate the situation, unless<br />

significant changes occur.


METHODOLOGY<br />

<strong>The</strong> KCN is a revitalisation plan that recognises from<br />

the outset that a coherent and integrated approach is<br />

necessary that will bring together the economic, social,<br />

environmental and built form responses that together<br />

are needed to deliver vibrant towns, with a good quality<br />

<strong>of</strong> life that is affordable for all to enjoy.<br />

<strong>The</strong> KCN project recognises from the outset that actions<br />

will be needed at several spatial and non-spatial levels<br />

simultaneously:<br />

− Region: Some things can only be achieved by<br />

coordinated interventions at the regional level.<br />

For example, many initiatives aimed at working<br />

with the resource industry to examine working<br />

practices, or diversifying the economy can only<br />

be tackled at the regional level.<br />

− City Wide: Providing more land for release to<br />

house the resident and business community<br />

requires better planning at the city wide level<br />

so that there is a clear vision on where best to<br />

meet these needs, built on a vision shared with<br />

business and the local community. This can then<br />

provide the framework needed to identify the<br />

infrastructure and non-spatial needs required to<br />

support these communities.<br />

− City Centre: At the heart <strong>of</strong> Pilbara cities are the<br />

city centres, as they provide the focal point for<br />

the community, meeting places to interact, and<br />

represent to visitors the meaning <strong>of</strong> the place.<br />

This analysis <strong>of</strong> Karratha and the development <strong>of</strong><br />

the Blueprint was undertaken using the Driving force-<br />

Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) Framework.<br />

<strong>The</strong> DPSIR Framework is viewed as a means <strong>of</strong> providing<br />

a systems-analysis view <strong>of</strong> a socio-ecological system, in<br />

this case the human settlement <strong>of</strong> Karratha.<br />

Based on this analysis, project objectives were<br />

developed which (if met) will transition Karratha from its<br />

present state towards achievement <strong>of</strong> the aspirational<br />

goals. Various solutions were evaluated in terms <strong>of</strong><br />

how effectively each different solution would meet the<br />

objectives <strong>of</strong> the City Growth Plan and City Centre<br />

Master Plan levels with the most effective being chosen.<br />

Extensive consultation has been undertaken on a wide<br />

range <strong>of</strong> matters directly impinging on the revitalisation<br />

<strong>of</strong> Karratha and its growth into a major Pilbara city. This<br />

has included the following:<br />

Business<br />

Traders<br />

Non-Government<br />

Organisations<br />

Workers<br />

Leisure and<br />

Recreation<br />

Providers<br />

Health<br />

Service<br />

Providers<br />

Education<br />

Providers<br />

(eg schools,<br />

further education)<br />

Local Media<br />

Local<br />

Police<br />

<strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>Roebourne</strong><br />

Karratha<br />

Government<br />

Agencies<br />

state and federal<br />

Townsite<br />

Landowners<br />

Utilities<br />

Providers<br />

(eg WaterCorp,<br />

Alinta Gas)<br />

Resource<br />

Companies<br />

Chamber <strong>of</strong><br />

Commerce and<br />

Industry<br />

Indigenous<br />

Community<br />

Landcorp<br />

Resource<br />

Contractors<br />

Local Community<br />

(eg sporting clubs,<br />

community groups,<br />

churches)<br />

ix


x<br />

<br />

<strong>CITY</strong> <strong>CENTRE</strong> <strong>MASTER</strong><strong>PLAN</strong><br />

<strong>The</strong> DPSIR Framework was used by the project team to<br />

assess the current situation, pressures and implications,<br />

and derive aspirational goals and project objectives.<br />

<strong>The</strong> multi-disciplinary team then used this framework to<br />

workshop what strategies and actions were required to<br />

realise the vision for the KCN. This enabled strategies to<br />

be identified, which were then developed by the project<br />

team, and then tested at a variety <strong>of</strong> design workshops<br />

with the Karratha community and key stakeholders.<br />

<strong>The</strong> KCN City Centre Masterplan outlines the principles,<br />

objectives and strategies for delivering the Pilbara Cities<br />

Vision to create a vibrant, active and diverse City Centre<br />

commensurate <strong>of</strong> Karratha as City <strong>of</strong> the North. It is not<br />

a plan just for the local government or a singular state<br />

department. Rather, it describes an integrated approach<br />

for local, state and federal agencies, the private<br />

sector and the community to transcend conventional<br />

sectoral boundaries to think and act holistically. It is an<br />

implementation-oriented plan, which is specific in terms<br />

<strong>of</strong> responsibilities, time and costs to ensure delivery can<br />

be coordinated and monitored.<br />

<strong>The</strong> City Centre Masterplan (CCMP) goes well beyond a<br />

list <strong>of</strong> projects; it outlines key principles and provides<br />

guidance for the future strategic development <strong>of</strong><br />

the City Centre, including policy creation and design<br />

development.<br />

<strong>The</strong> CCMP utilises a precinct-based approach is to<br />

optimise the development <strong>of</strong> mutually beneficial<br />

relationships within the City Centre and also to minimise<br />

the potential for land use related conflicts to occur.<br />

Each precinct is based on some <strong>of</strong> the strengths <strong>of</strong><br />

existing land use patterns within the City Centre, whilst<br />

providing guidance to facilitate future aspirations for<br />

intensification <strong>of</strong> land use patterns.<br />

This KCN City Centre Masterplan provides an overview<br />

<strong>of</strong> the strategies including the “non-spatial” strategies<br />

that together provide the roadmap to realise the project<br />

vision. <strong>The</strong> strategies and Projects identified have been<br />

determined for their ability to effect the greatest change,<br />

not only in terms <strong>of</strong><br />

Government funded projects, but also to attract private<br />

sector investment into the future.<br />

<strong>The</strong> detailed implementation projects, actions and<br />

steps are described in more detail in Section 6, which<br />

are also included in Volume 1 KCN Implementation<br />

Plan. It is an adaptive management plan and is to be<br />

continually reviewed in the light <strong>of</strong> progress, and updated<br />

accordingly.<br />

In particular the CCMP outlines a staging plan that<br />

identifies priority projects to result ‘quick wins’ that will<br />

have the greats impacts on the existing Town Centre<br />

in the short to medium term. A focus on providing the<br />

key elements to establish a City Heart will require the<br />

extension <strong>of</strong> Sharpe Avenue, major streetscape works<br />

and upgrades to the public realm are some <strong>of</strong> the key<br />

initiatives identified as catalysts to the City Centre vision.<br />

KCN is a call to action for all sectors <strong>of</strong> government,<br />

industry and the community to bring infrastructure<br />

levels up to an acceptable standard. KCN requires a<br />

majority investment from the Federal, State government<br />

and Private Sector/Industry and a significant lower<br />

investment from the local government in the first<br />

instance. This KCN City Centre Masterplan is a roadmap<br />

for the journey towards the city <strong>of</strong> the north and the<br />

creation <strong>of</strong> a City Centre that will provide the diverse<br />

range <strong>of</strong> services and amenities commensurate <strong>of</strong><br />

a future population <strong>of</strong> 50,000. It represents a new<br />

approach aimed at unifying strategies, initiatives and<br />

actions that combine, maybe for the first time, spatial<br />

planning and infrastructure with the economy and<br />

community. <strong>The</strong> intention is that this is to be a “living”<br />

document for the <strong>Shire</strong> and the state government<br />

through the Pilbara Cities Office, to work in partnership,<br />

to realise the joint vision for a city <strong>of</strong> 50,000 people.


CONTENTS<br />

1 INTRODUCTION 1<br />

1.1 FUTURE <strong>CITY</strong> <strong>CENTRE</strong> – OVERVIEW 2<br />

1.2 PROJECT SCOPE 3<br />

1.3 PROJECT METHODOLOGY 4<br />

1.3.1 Sustainability Framework 4<br />

1.3.2 Principles <strong>of</strong> Best Practice 6<br />

1.3.4 Project Management and Decision Making 8<br />

1.3.5 Consultation and Engagement 8<br />

1.4 STRUCTURE OF THIS DOCUMENT 9<br />

2 CONTEXT AND ANALYSIS 13<br />

2.1 BACKGROUND 13<br />

2.1.1 Pilbara Plan (2008) 14<br />

2.1.2 Pilbara Planning and Infrastructure<br />

Framework (draft) 14<br />

2.1.3 Karratha 2020 Vision and Community Plan 14<br />

2.1.4 Karratha Area Development Strategy<br />

and Structure Plan 14<br />

2.1.5 Karratha Settlement Pr<strong>of</strong>ile 14<br />

2.1.6 Karratha Primary Trade Area Retail &<br />

Commercial Strategy (2009) 14<br />

2.1.7 Karratha Regional Hotspots Land<br />

Supply Update (2008) 15<br />

2.1.8 Housing Study for Pilbara Towns<br />

(2010) – Draft 15 15<br />

2.1.9 Strategic Plan (2009-2013) 15<br />

2.1.10 <strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Roebourne</strong> Town Planning<br />

Scheme No 8 15<br />

2.2 ROLE AND FUNCTION OF THE KARRATHA<br />

TOWN <strong>CENTRE</strong> 17<br />

2.3.1 Current Situation 18<br />

2.3.2 Current Planning 21<br />

2.3.3 Key Drivers and Pressures 23<br />

2.3.4 Key Implications 24<br />

2.3.5 Goals and Objectives 24<br />

2.4 COMMUNITY 25<br />

2.4.1 Current Situation<br />

25<br />

2.4.2 Current Planning 29<br />

2.4.3 Key Drivers and Pressures 30<br />

2.4.4 Key Implications 30<br />

2.4.5 Goals and ObjectiveS 31<br />

2.5 ENVIRONMENT 32<br />

2.5.1 Current Situation 32<br />

2.5.2 Current Planning 34<br />

2.5.3 Key Drivers and Pressures 34<br />

2.5.4 Key Findings and Implications 34<br />

2.5.5 Goals and Objectives 34<br />

2.6 BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC REALM 35<br />

2.6.1 Current Situation 36<br />

2.6.2 Current Planning 41<br />

2.6.3 Key Drivers and Pressures 41<br />

2.6.4 Key Implications 41<br />

2.6.5 Goals and Objectives 42<br />

2.7 INFRASTRUCTURE 43<br />

2.7.1 Current Situation 43<br />

2.7.2 Current Planning 47<br />

2.7.3 Key Drivers and Pressures 48<br />

2.7.4 Key Implications 48<br />

2.7.5 Goals and Objectives 49<br />

2.8 STRENGTHENING KARRATHA’S<br />

SENSE OF PLACE 50<br />

3 PROJECT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 55<br />

3.1 FUTURE KARRATHA <strong>CITY</strong> <strong>CENTRE</strong> – GOALS<br />

AND OBJECTIVES 55<br />

3.2 <strong>CITY</strong> <strong>CENTRE</strong> <strong>PLAN</strong>NING PRINCIPLES 57<br />

3.2.1 Principles <strong>of</strong> a Great City Centre 57<br />

4 AN INTEGRATED STRATEGY FOR<br />

KARRATHA TOWN <strong>CENTRE</strong> 61<br />

4.1 DIVERSIFYING THE ECONOMY 62<br />

4.1.1 Karratha Floorpsace 62<br />

4.2 DEVELOPING KARRATHA’S <strong>CITY</strong> <strong>CENTRE</strong> FOR THE<br />

COMMUNITY 62<br />

4.2.1 Community Development Approach 62<br />

4.2.2 Social Dimensions <strong>of</strong> a Vibrant City Centre 63<br />

4.3 RESPONDING TO ENVIRONMENT 65<br />

4.3.1 Environmental Investigations 65<br />

4.3.2 Additional Assessments 65<br />

4.3.3 Management Actions 65<br />

4.3.4 Licence and Approval Requirements 65<br />

4.4 A SPATIAL GROWTH <strong>PLAN</strong> FOR KARRATHA 65<br />

4.4.1 City Planning Principles 65<br />

4.4.2 Growth Plan Precincts 66<br />

4.5 <strong>CITY</strong> <strong>CENTRE</strong> <strong>MASTER</strong> <strong>PLAN</strong> 67<br />

4.5.1 Key Elements <strong>of</strong> City Centre Master Plan 68<br />

4.5.2 Connection 72<br />

4.5.3 Activity 76<br />

4.5.4 Built Form 77<br />

4.5.5 Public Realm 82<br />

4.5.6 Precinct Plan 95<br />

4.5.7 Town Centre Precincts 96<br />

4.5.8 Recommended Property Strategies 100<br />

4.6 INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT GROWTH 103<br />

4.6.1 Service Infrastructure 103<br />

4.6.2 Transport and Movement 103<br />

5 A NEW APPROACH TO<br />

GOVERNANCE 107<br />

5.1 LOCALISED ECONOMIC ACTIVATION 107<br />

6 MAKING IT HAPPEN –<br />

IMPLEMENTING THE STRATEGY 111<br />

6.1 ECONOMY 111<br />

6.2 COMMUNITY ACTIVATION 112<br />

6.4 BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC REALM 114<br />

6.4.1 Governance and Policy Development 114<br />

6.4.2 Projects and Strategies 115<br />

6.5 INFRASTRUCTURE 119<br />

6.6 PROPERTY AND ACQUISITIONS 120<br />

6.8 GOVERNANCE 128<br />

APPENDIX A - CONSULTATION 131<br />

APPENDIX B - PILBARA <strong>PLAN</strong> 145<br />

APPENDIX C - KARRATHA 2020 VISION AND<br />

COMMUNITY <strong>PLAN</strong> (2009) 146<br />

APPENDIX D - STRATEGIC <strong>PLAN</strong> (2009-2013) 147<br />

APPENDIX E - TRAFFIC 148<br />

APPENDIX F - COMMUNITY ACTIVATION 150<br />

APPENDIX G - BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC<br />

REALM 159<br />

APPENDIX H - INFRASTRUCTURE 160


FIGURES<br />

Figure 1: <strong>The</strong> Karratha Town Centre comprises a<br />

large shopping centre and a variety <strong>of</strong><br />

predominantly single storey buildings.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Town Centre is characterised by<br />

dispersed land use patterns and vast<br />

areas <strong>of</strong> car parking. 3<br />

Figure 2: Sustainability Framework 4<br />

Figure 3: KCN Implementation Plan. 7<br />

Figure 4: Existing strategic planning framework 13<br />

Figure 5: District Context 17<br />

Figure 6: Distribution <strong>of</strong> Employment Comparison 18<br />

Figure 7: Distribution <strong>of</strong> floorspace by land use<br />

category. 19<br />

Figure 8: Land Ownership within the City Centre 20<br />

Figure 9: Retail and Commercial Floor Space 22<br />

Figure 10: Floor Space <strong>of</strong> All Categories 22<br />

Figure 11: Current and Projected Employment<br />

Levels by Employment Category 23<br />

Figure 12: Age Structure, 25<br />

Figure 13: Household Structure 26<br />

Figure 14: Dwelling Types 26<br />

Figure 15: Average House Settlement Price and<br />

Sales Karratha (2004 – 2009) 27<br />

Figure 16: 9am Prevailling wind 32<br />

Figure 17: 3pm Prevailing wind 32<br />

Figure 18: Mean minimum temperature 32<br />

Figure 19: Mean maximum temperature 32<br />

Figure 20: Mean rainfall 32<br />

Figure 21: Poor structure within the Town<br />

Centre limits is confusing and lacks<br />

permeability. <strong>The</strong> movement system is<br />

illogical in many areas and difficult to<br />

interpret in terms <strong>of</strong> its hierarchy. 36<br />

Figure 23: East west connection through the town<br />

centre is limited to peripheral roads such<br />

(Dampier Road and Warambie Road)<br />

and Welcome Road, all <strong>of</strong> which are <strong>of</strong><br />

poor pedestrian quality. 36<br />

Figure 22: Finding the centre <strong>of</strong> Town is difficult<br />

and disappointing upon arrival. <strong>The</strong><br />

geographical centre is generally three<br />

turns form a major road. 36<br />

Figure 24: Large street blocks encourage sprawled<br />

development forms that provide a limited<br />

relationship with the public realm and<br />

low permeability. 36<br />

Figure 25: <strong>The</strong>re is a large amount <strong>of</strong> inactive<br />

street frontage (blue) in the Town Centre<br />

compared to active or interesting frontage<br />

(red). 37<br />

Figure 26: Buildings are generally setback from the<br />

street and surrounded by car parking. 38<br />

Figure 27: Minimal distribution <strong>of</strong> public open<br />

space in the existing Town Centre. 39<br />

Figure 28: Knitting the Town Centre together with its<br />

surrounding population and features is a<br />

key opportunity for the enhancement <strong>of</strong><br />

the public realm. 40<br />

Figure 29: <strong>The</strong> visual connection to the surrounding<br />

environment such as the Karratha Hills<br />

has the potential to enhance Karratha’s<br />

‘Sense <strong>of</strong> Place’. 40<br />

Figure 30: Existing drainage networks may be<br />

further developed into an amenity for the<br />

town. 40<br />

Figure 32: Klenk Street 46<br />

Figure 35: Sharp Avenue 46<br />

Figure 33: Vast unmarked and underutilised<br />

parking areas 46<br />

Figure 36: Staggered/roundabout intersection with<br />

substandard central dome 46<br />

Figure 31: Unsightly entry statement to the town<br />

centre zone: Balmoral Road/ Welcome<br />

Rd intersection 46<br />

Figure 34: Poor intersection geometry and legibility<br />

at Headland Place/Klenk Street/Searipple<br />

Road intersection 46<br />

Figure 37: Traffic congestion at Balmoral Road/<br />

Warambie Road intersection 46<br />

Figure 38: Settlements as Systems 55<br />

Figure 39: City Growth Plan Precincts 66<br />

Figure 40: City Centre Masterplan 67<br />

Figure 41: Sharpe Avenue as the key main street<br />

with its Grande Square supported by<br />

a Nature Promenade. This diagram<br />

also shows a pedestrian connection to<br />

potential new residential areas to the<br />

north <strong>of</strong> the City Centre. 68<br />

Figure 42: New east west public transit based<br />

routes connecting to the surrounding<br />

residential areas.68<br />

Figure 43: Strong connections to the Karratha Hills<br />

and surrounding Landscape has been<br />

achieved through extension <strong>of</strong> Sharpe<br />

Avenue as a key vista. 69<br />

Figure 44: A variety <strong>of</strong> civic spaces and public<br />

parkswill be provided within the City<br />

Centre encouraging a wide variety <strong>of</strong><br />

passive and active recreational activities. 69<br />

Figure 45: City Centre Masterplan 70<br />

Figure 46: ‘<strong>The</strong> Quarter’ Entertainment Precinct<br />

- Intersection <strong>of</strong> Sharpe Avenue - East<br />

West Link. 72<br />

Figure 48: Sharpe Avenue (looking north towards<br />

Grande Square). 72<br />

Figure 47: Civic Courtyard (internal space inside<br />

perimeter block development -may be a<br />

deck over internal parking). 72<br />

Figure 49: Grand Square – Central palm court <strong>of</strong><br />

Murchison Palms. 72<br />

Figure 50: An improved structure with a rational<br />

street network that promotes legibility<br />

and permeability. 73<br />

Figure 51: Providing a heart to the City Centre that<br />

is easier to find from the surrounding<br />

road connections. 73<br />

Figure 52: Improved east west connection where<br />

additional connections and a public<br />

transport route takes pressure <strong>of</strong>f existing<br />

road connections such as Warambie<br />

Road. 73<br />

Figure 53: A finer grain through reduced street<br />

block sizes make navigation through the<br />

City easy whilst increasing the potential<br />

for activity at the street edge. 73<br />

Figure 54: Active street frontages, interesting<br />

facades and the avoidance <strong>of</strong> blank walls<br />

will be a key feature throughout the City<br />

Centre. 76<br />

Figure 55 : Buildings are designed with minimal<br />

street setbacks with car parking located<br />

in streets and concealed behind<br />

buildings to promote greater activity at<br />

the street edge and improve aesthetic<br />

appeal. 77<br />

Figure 56: Shade Study Existing Town Centre – 20<br />

March 9am 81<br />

Figure 57: Shade Study Existing Town Centre – 20<br />

March 4pm 81<br />

Figure 58: Shade Study Proposed City Centre – 20<br />

March 9am 81


Figure 59: Shade Study Proposed City Centre – 20<br />

March 4pm 81<br />

Figure 60: A greater variety <strong>of</strong> parks and civic<br />

spaces is proposed throughout the City<br />

Centre. 82<br />

Figure 61: City Centre Public Realm Concept Plan 83<br />

Figure 62: Karratha Town Centre public realm<br />

design principles 84<br />

Figure 63: Proposed typical section(s) through the<br />

main street 85<br />

Figure 64: Main street concept 85<br />

Figure 65: Proposed typical section through the<br />

‘Nature Promenade’. 88<br />

Figure 66: Major Landscape Components - Nature<br />

Promenade 88<br />

Figure 67: Nature Promenade 89<br />

Figure 68: Nickol Bay Park 89<br />

Figure 69: Proposed Community Garden and<br />

Possible Ecology Centre 89<br />

Figure 70: Proposed Youth Centre Area 90<br />

Figure 71: Proposed Sculpture Park 91<br />

Figure 72: Pedestrian Link to Karratha Hills 91<br />

Figure 73: Predominant Karratha Colour Palette 92<br />

Figure 74: Textures <strong>of</strong> the Region 92<br />

Figure 75: Possible Textural Finishes 93<br />

Figure 76: Colour for Gathering Places 93<br />

Figure 77: Car Park Elements 94<br />

Figure 78: Precinct and Land Use Plan 95<br />

Figure 79: CA 1 - Key Intersections in Karratha<br />

Town Centre - PARAMICS simulation<br />

model 102<br />

Figure 80: Proposed Intersection Treatment<br />

Measures for the Karratha Town Centre<br />

Road Network 103<br />

Figure 81: Proposed short term (0-5 Years)<br />

development actions. 124<br />

Figure 82: Proposed medium term (6-10 Years)<br />

development actions. 125<br />

Figure 83: Proposed long term(11-20+ Years)<br />

development actions. 126<br />

Figure 84: Key Stakeholders 131<br />

Figure 85: Scenario 1 133<br />

Figure 87: Scenario 3 133<br />

Figure 86: Scenario 2 133<br />

Figure 88: Existing Pedestrian and cyclist town<br />

centre network map 148<br />

Figure 89: Karratha town centre daily traffic projects 148<br />

Figure 90: Karratha town centre daily traffic projects 149<br />

Figure 91: Friday parking occupancy map 149<br />

Figure 92: Saturday parking occupancy map 149<br />

Figure 93: Servicing Plan outlining existing utilities<br />

within the existing Centre. 164<br />

TABLES<br />

Table 1: Approach 5<br />

Table 2: Consultation and Engagement 8<br />

Table 3: Structure <strong>of</strong> Document 9<br />

Table 4: Karratha Primary Trade Area Retail<br />

Floorspace 19<br />

Table 5: Karratha Primary Trade Area<br />

Commercial Floorspace 19<br />

Table 6: Retail Category 21<br />

Table 7: Office Category 21<br />

Table 8: Ethnicity 25<br />

Table 9: Countries <strong>of</strong> Birth 25<br />

Table 10: Town Centre Community Facilities<br />

(Current) 28<br />

Table 11: Sun angles 32<br />

Table 12: Estimated traffic volumes for key<br />

Karratha town centre roads 46<br />

Table 13: Goals and Objectives 56<br />

Table 14: Design Elements and Principles 79<br />

Table 15: Exotic Tree Species 87<br />

Table 16: Economy 111<br />

Table 17: Community Activation 112<br />

Table 18: Environment<br />

Table 19: Governance and Policy Development 114<br />

Table 20: Projects and Strategies 115<br />

Table 21: Infrastructure 119<br />

Table 22: Staging- Connection 121<br />

Table 23: Staging- Built Form 122<br />

Table 24: Staging- Public Realm 123<br />

Table 25: Governance 128<br />

Table 26: Summary <strong>of</strong> Submissions 136<br />

Table 26: Summary <strong>of</strong> Submissions (Continued) 137<br />

Table 27: Karratha 2020 Vision and Community<br />

Plan (2009) 146<br />

Table 28: City Centre Governance 150<br />

Table 29: Business Support 150<br />

Table 30: Access to Services 151<br />

Table 31: Safety and Security 151<br />

Table 32: Social Connections- General 151<br />

Table 33: Social Connections- Families 152<br />

Table 34: Social Connections- Youth 152<br />

Table 35: Social Connections- Fly in fly out<br />

(FIFO) / Temporary Workers 153<br />

Table 36: Social Connections- Seniors 153<br />

Table 37: Recreation and Leisure 153<br />

Table 38: Celebration 154<br />

Table 39: Culture and Heritage 154<br />

Table 40: Entertainment 154<br />

Table 41: Karratha City Centre Activation<br />

Indicative Calender <strong>of</strong> Events 155<br />

Table 42: Community Facilities- Proposed Initial<br />

Projects 156<br />

xiii


xiv


<strong>CITY</strong> <strong>CENTRE</strong> <strong>MASTER</strong> <strong>PLAN</strong><br />

KARRATHA <strong>CITY</strong> OF THE NORTH<br />

VOLUME 3 - PART 1.0


xvi<br />

PROJECT MANAGERS - LANDCORP<br />

Susan Oosthuizen – Project Director<br />

Ryan Victa – Project Manager<br />

SHIRE OF ROEBOURNE<br />

Nicole Lockwood – <strong>Shire</strong> President<br />

Collene Longmore – Chief Executive Officer<br />

Joel Gajic – A/Executive Manager Development Services<br />

Simon Kot – Executive Manager Community Services<br />

Troy Davis – Executive Manager Technical Services<br />

SoR Peer Review - Mark Casserly <strong>of</strong> CCS Strategic Management<br />

Consultant Planner - Mike Allen <strong>of</strong> Mike Allen Planning<br />

CONSULTANT TEAM<br />

Town Planning and Urban Design – TPG Town Planning and Urban Design<br />

Community and Consultation – Creating Communities<br />

Economics - Pracsys<br />

Traffic – Transcore<br />

Engineering – Wood & Grieve<br />

Landscape Architecture – UDLA<br />

Environment/Sustainability – GHD<br />

Peer Review - Brian Curtis Pty Ltd<br />

Property Consultants – State Property Advisory<br />

For further details and information contact: <strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Roebourne</strong><br />

<strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Roebourne</strong> Administration | Lot 1083 | Welcome Road | PO Box 219 | Karratha | WA 6714 | P 08 9186 8555 | F 08 9185 1626 | E sor@roebourne.wa.gov.au


1 INTRODUCTION<br />

<strong>The</strong> State Government has a vision to revitalise Pilbara<br />

towns, and has indicated its intention to develop<br />

Karratha into a ‘city <strong>of</strong> the north’. Similarly, the <strong>Shire</strong><br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>Roebourne</strong>, through the Karratha 2020 Vision<br />

and its Strategic Plan, has articulated the desire for<br />

Karratha to continue to grow sustainably and support<br />

local economic activity. Karratha would become a<br />

major City <strong>of</strong> the North under the State Governments<br />

groundbreaking Pilbara Cities Initiative to encourage<br />

more people to live and settle in the Pilbara.<br />

Similarly, the <strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Roebourne</strong> (SoR), through<br />

its Karratha 2020 Vision and its Strategic Plan, has<br />

articulated the desire for Karratha to continue to grow<br />

sustainably and support local economic activity.<br />

A robust planning framework is required and one that<br />

will elevate Karratha as a City <strong>of</strong> Excellence, capable<br />

<strong>of</strong> delivering key outcomes through both public and<br />

private pathways. <strong>The</strong> planning framework is to provide<br />

guidance for the revitalisation <strong>of</strong> the current town centre<br />

to grow into a future city centre to meet the vision <strong>of</strong><br />

Karratha as a City <strong>of</strong> the North.<br />

Together, the SoR and LandCorp have embarked in a<br />

collaborative partnership on the Karratha revitalisation<br />

project and the preparation <strong>of</strong> a blueprint for future<br />

development <strong>of</strong> the town centre to a<br />

City Centre.<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Roebourne</strong> is responsible for the delivery <strong>of</strong><br />

local services, infrastructure and facilities to meet the<br />

needs and aspirations <strong>of</strong> the local community.<br />

LandCorp as the State Governments land development<br />

agency is responsible for delivering land and<br />

infrastructure projects throughout <strong>Western</strong> Australia,<br />

bringing government landholdings to the market to meet<br />

residential, commercial and regional needs and will have<br />

a strategic role in the partnership with local government<br />

1.0<br />

and private sector to realise the current town centre<br />

potentially into that <strong>of</strong> a future city centre.<br />

Private enterprise, local businesses and resource<br />

companies represent the third arm <strong>of</strong> the development<br />

partnership. <strong>The</strong> concerted and coordinated involvement<br />

<strong>of</strong> the private and public sectors is essential to achieving<br />

a holistic approach to the revitalisation <strong>of</strong> Karratha.<br />

“<strong>The</strong> Pilbara is the economic powerhouse <strong>of</strong> Australia<br />

and is on the verge <strong>of</strong> another period <strong>of</strong> accelerated<br />

economic growth.<br />

<strong>The</strong> State Government is acting quickly to fulfil its<br />

election commitments to meet not just the anticipated<br />

short-term pressures, but to secure the Pilbara’s future<br />

long after the resources sector has reached its peak.<br />

Critical to this will be enticing people and businesses not<br />

involved in the mining, oil and gas sectors to the region.<br />

“<strong>The</strong> Government’s vision is to create places that<br />

people choose to settle on a permanent basis, a place<br />

to bring up families with access to high standards <strong>of</strong><br />

education, health and diverse employment and career<br />

opportunities.<br />

“We have set the bar high, but we are a ‘make it happen’<br />

Government. <strong>The</strong> Pilbara Cities blueprint lays out the<br />

steps we, and our partners in the private sector, need to<br />

take to achieve the very best outcomes, not just for the<br />

people <strong>of</strong> the Pilbara, but for all <strong>Western</strong> Australians.”<br />

Pilbara Cities would also bring opportunities for private<br />

developers to help deliver accommodation solutions in the<br />

Pilbara where there is significant pressure on demand for<br />

both short-term and permanent housing.”<br />

Premier Mr Colin Barnett 27 November 2009.<br />

1


2<br />

1.0<br />

1.1 FUTURE <strong>CITY</strong> <strong>CENTRE</strong> – OVERVIEW<br />

<strong>The</strong> first signs <strong>of</strong> morning start to turn the black night<br />

sky and its millions <strong>of</strong> stars to a blue steel sheet. As the<br />

sun rises it catches the tops <strong>of</strong> the trees and illuminates<br />

their verdant desert foliage. It bathes the ro<strong>of</strong>s <strong>of</strong> the<br />

buildings and sends rays <strong>of</strong> light through the leaves and<br />

sunshades to the city below. <strong>The</strong> city starts to move,<br />

slowly at first, shaking <strong>of</strong>f the warm afterglow <strong>of</strong> a wellspent<br />

evening before. <strong>The</strong> wind wafts in lightly with<br />

the smell <strong>of</strong> an ancient land in its touch and a sense<br />

<strong>of</strong> purpose in its mood. Soon every street seems to be<br />

alive with casual activity. Cafes open their doors and<br />

residents their balcony shutters. Parks welcome<br />

joggers and babies in prams pause to listen to the<br />

sound <strong>of</strong> birds.<br />

<strong>The</strong> first bus <strong>of</strong> the day shuffles through from the coast<br />

on the way to the Burrup and alighting workers wave to<br />

drivers who have paused to let them cross the shared<br />

street. University students gather down cool urban<br />

lanes debating global financial regimes on a mosaic <strong>of</strong><br />

red stone created by world-renowned aboriginal artists.<br />

Business executives scoop breakfast <strong>of</strong> locally grown<br />

fruit from a bowl while drinking c<strong>of</strong>fee bought at a<br />

souk in an Arab city with a similar sensibility for place.<br />

Children skip towards school on a path that will take<br />

them through the linear park where nature plays out its<br />

daily cycle. Splashing water fills the senses and cools<br />

the air and the city breathes in a new day.<br />

Lunch has arrived after hurried preparation in<br />

restaurant kitchens. Workers have answered emails and<br />

made meetings, retailers have paid the day’s rent with<br />

the morning sales, research presentations have been<br />

made and the Burrup has seen a mountain loaded into<br />

a steel hull and slipped from berth. <strong>The</strong> edges <strong>of</strong> streets<br />

and squares are colonised by friends and strangers in a<br />

gaggle <strong>of</strong> discussion. Watches are glanced at and feet<br />

taken back to work giving way to the afternoon where<br />

musicians throw notes across the street to clusters <strong>of</strong><br />

travellers soaking up the City after adventures in the<br />

wilderness.<br />

Twilight falls and families gather dinner from<br />

supermarkets and grocery stalls and their children<br />

from dance classes and creative class studios. <strong>The</strong><br />

musicians move into bars on squares and the bay<br />

front streets lure in tourists and businessmen while<br />

locals finish a run through the park past the evening<br />

market or take out corporate rivalries on the local sports<br />

ground. Finally the City comes alive as it falls into the<br />

arms <strong>of</strong> a cool night, balconies full with gatherings and<br />

streets with performances <strong>of</strong> fire and dance while up by<br />

the water tanks above the lantern like glow <strong>of</strong> hillside<br />

housing, fireworks celebrate the start <strong>of</strong> the cultural<br />

festival. Foreign languages intermingle in exuberance<br />

over the richness <strong>of</strong> indigenous collaboration in creating<br />

a city <strong>of</strong> the north and restoring wonder to the Pilbara<br />

while a temporary worker who arrived 10 years ago swigs<br />

a beer laughing at a email from a friend drowning in<br />

winter somewhere to the south. (Brett Wood-Gush, 2010)<br />

<strong>The</strong> challenge <strong>of</strong> creating a sustainable City in this<br />

region therefore requires a new approach that can work<br />

simultaneously at a number <strong>of</strong> levels to create the<br />

conditions for greater economic diversity, lower cost <strong>of</strong><br />

living and improved quality <strong>of</strong> life.<br />

If the population <strong>of</strong> Karratha is to increase at the<br />

anticipated scale, this will require a significant increase<br />

in jobs to support the local resident community. This in<br />

turn will require the diversification <strong>of</strong> the local economy,<br />

which means working closely with the resource industry<br />

to find ways <strong>of</strong> developing a more robust, flexible and<br />

adaptable local economy.<br />

Economic diversification will provide a broader range <strong>of</strong><br />

local employment opportunities. <strong>The</strong> starting point for<br />

this is to investigate ways in which current activities in<br />

the resource industry supply chain could be provided<br />

or sourced locally. This will require a coordinated<br />

response that would support service workers,<br />

provide land and accommodation for new<br />

businesses, and create the conditions<br />

that will allow the local economy to<br />

expand.<br />

Action is needed to make more<br />

jobs available locally, lower the<br />

costs <strong>of</strong> living and facilitate<br />

better planning in the towns<br />

to make them attractive<br />

places. With these actions<br />

taken together the cycle can<br />

be broken and a sustainable<br />

future created for Karratha<br />

and its communities.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Karratha City Centre Master Plan forms part <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Karratha City <strong>of</strong> the North Plan. It is the “blueprint” for<br />

the revitalisation and future growth <strong>of</strong> the Karratha City<br />

Centre.<br />

This plan will guide the development <strong>of</strong> future<br />

housing, open spaces, commercial activities, tourist<br />

accommodation, entertainment and retail areas, as<br />

well as service infrastructure, transport, education<br />

and community facilities in the City Centre aimed at<br />

delivering a City Centre commensurate with a future<br />

population <strong>of</strong> 50,000 people.<br />

VISION FOR KARRATHA - <strong>CITY</strong> OF THE NORTH<br />

A liveable, compact, Regional City <strong>of</strong> 50,000+<br />

people, with a diversified economy, a healthy<br />

local community which demonstrates<br />

demographic balance, affordability, high<br />

quality amenity, and infrastructure. It is a<br />

place <strong>of</strong> choice, to work, visit, grow up, raise<br />

families and age gracefully.


1.2 PROJECT SCOPE<br />

<strong>The</strong> scope <strong>of</strong> this project is to prepare a City<br />

Centre Master Plan in conjunction with a City Wide<br />

Growth Strategy, and an implementation blueprint.<br />

This document, the City Centre Master Plan has<br />

involved the consideration, examination and<br />

assessment <strong>of</strong> a wide range <strong>of</strong> issues, initially and<br />

broadly at a regional context and then in more detail<br />

at the Karratha urban area context. This component<br />

<strong>of</strong> the report focuses on delivering a robust city centre<br />

commensurate <strong>of</strong> a regional centre with a population<br />

<strong>of</strong> 50,000 or more persons.<br />

Figure 1: <strong>The</strong> Karratha Town Centre comprises a large shopping centre and a variety <strong>of</strong> predominantly single storey buildings. <strong>The</strong> Town Centre is characterised by dispersed land use patterns and vast areas <strong>of</strong><br />

car parking.<br />

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4<br />

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1.3 PROJECT METHODOLOGY<br />

<strong>The</strong> Karratha Revitalisation Plan provides an overall<br />

framework for the future development <strong>of</strong> Karratha<br />

and its evolution into a City. It aims to co-ordinate the<br />

work <strong>of</strong> local and state Government and other key<br />

stakeholders in a coherent plan to improve the quality<br />

<strong>of</strong> life for all the people living in the area. Preparation<br />

<strong>of</strong> the Plan has taken into account the existing social,<br />

economic and environmental conditions, challenges<br />

and the implications these have for development. <strong>The</strong><br />

adopted methodology recognises that Karratha cannot<br />

be considered in isolation and so considers economic<br />

and social development for the Pilbara region as a<br />

whole. <strong>The</strong> approach sets out a framework for how land<br />

should be used, what infrastructure and services are<br />

needed, how community wellbeing can flourish and how<br />

the environment should be protected.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Blueprint is a ‘business plan’ for delivering the<br />

Pilbara Cities Vision to create Karratha as a City <strong>of</strong><br />

the North. It is not a plan just for the local government<br />

or a singular state department. Rather, it describes<br />

an integrated approach for local, state and federal<br />

agencies, the private sector and the community to<br />

transcend conventional sectoral boundaries to think<br />

and act holistically. It is an implementation-oriented<br />

plan, which is specific in terms <strong>of</strong> responsibilities, time<br />

and costs to ensure delivery can be coordinated and<br />

monitored. <strong>The</strong> plan goes well beyond a list <strong>of</strong> projects.<br />

1.3.1 SUSTAINABILITY FRAMEWORK<br />

Sustainability is defined in <strong>Western</strong> Australia as meeting<br />

the needs <strong>of</strong> current and future generations though<br />

an integration <strong>of</strong> environmental projection, social<br />

advancement and economic prosperity.<br />

In applying this definition to development it is useful<br />

to consider human settlements as complex, adaptive<br />

systems. Managing settlements is about managing a<br />

“place” as a socio-ecological system. <strong>The</strong> system has<br />

sub-domains that are purely social (e.g. inclusion, equity,<br />

affordability), purely environmental (e.g. unmodified<br />

natural habitat), and most importantly, the intersection<br />

between them where human activity is intimately<br />

connected to ecosystems (e.g. physical footprint <strong>of</strong><br />

settlements, abstraction <strong>of</strong> water from the environment).<br />

This thinking has informed the methodology used in<br />

developing the Blueprint.<br />

This analysis <strong>of</strong> Karratha and the development <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Blueprint was undertaken using the Driving Force-<br />

Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) Framework.<br />

<strong>The</strong> DPSIR Framework is viewed as a means <strong>of</strong> providing<br />

a systems-analysis view <strong>of</strong> a socio-ecological system, in<br />

this case the human settlement <strong>of</strong> Karratha. Social and<br />

economic development (driving forces) exerts pressure<br />

on all the domains <strong>of</strong> interest, and as a consequence,<br />

their state changes. This change has implications<br />

(impacts) for humans and ecosystems. To be effective<br />

the Response must feedback on all the other elements<br />

(Figure 2).<br />

Driving Forces<br />

(high level human<br />

activities)<br />

Pressures<br />

Response<br />

City <strong>of</strong> the North Implementation Plan<br />

City Growth Plan<br />

City Centre Masterplan<br />

Figure 2: Sustainability Framework<br />

State<br />

- Community<br />

- Environment<br />

- Economy<br />

Impact


Step 1. Firstly Aspirational Goals were developed which<br />

describe the long-term desired characteristics <strong>of</strong> a<br />

sustainable Karratha.<br />

Domain Aspirational Goal<br />

Economy A robust, diversified local economy that<br />

effectively services the needs <strong>of</strong> local<br />

and regional industry and population.<br />

Community Communities that are safe, healthy,<br />

and enjoyable places to live and work;<br />

<strong>of</strong>fer cultural, educational, recreational<br />

opportunities; provide appropriate<br />

housing, services and amenities; foster<br />

active local citizenship.<br />

Environment Local, regional and global ecosystems<br />

in which landform, habitat<br />

and biodiversity are retained and that<br />

provide natural provisioning, regulating<br />

and cultural services.<br />

Infrastructure &<br />

Resources<br />

Built<br />

Environment<br />

Table 1: Approach<br />

Economically efficient infrastructure for<br />

industry and households designed for<br />

efficient use <strong>of</strong> energy, water, materials<br />

and transport.<br />

An urban form that reflects the<br />

intrinsic qualities <strong>of</strong> the site context,<br />

characteristics and relationships and<br />

complements the natural environment<br />

with centres that are vibrant, dynamic,<br />

diverse and functional.<br />

Step 2. Each domain (i.e. economy etc) was then<br />

analysed using the DPSIR approach. <strong>The</strong> existing “state”<br />

or condition <strong>of</strong> each was determined with respect to the<br />

aspirational goals and population targets for Karratha.<br />

<strong>The</strong> drivers and pressures giving rise to the existing<br />

conditions were identified, together with the implications<br />

(impacts) for supporting or constraining progress<br />

towards the aspirational goals.<br />

Step 3. Based on this analysis, project objectives were<br />

developed which (if met) will transition Karratha from its<br />

present state towards achievement <strong>of</strong> the aspirational<br />

goals.<br />

Step 4. Broad strategies were developed which when<br />

taken together will represent an intervention that will<br />

meet the project objectives and hence guide Karratha<br />

forward. <strong>The</strong>se strategies represent the Response<br />

element <strong>of</strong> the DPSIR framework.<br />

<strong>The</strong> objectives were also used to evaluate the various<br />

alternative solutions that were considered. This was<br />

done by evaluating how effectively each solution would<br />

meet the Objectives at the City Growth Plan and City<br />

Centre Master Plan levels, and to select the chosen<br />

strategies.<br />

Step 5. <strong>The</strong> Implementation Plan aims to articulate<br />

the steps needed to implement the chosen strategies<br />

(projects, initiatives and actions) both within and<br />

beyond the present project. This includes actions, key<br />

and contributing responsibilities and a framework to<br />

undertake monitoring and evaluation.<br />

Accordingly the Framework has actively guided the<br />

development <strong>of</strong> the Blueprint towards the effective<br />

implementation <strong>of</strong> solutions that will contribute to<br />

optimising immediate and longer-term social, economic<br />

and environmental outcomes.<br />

<strong>The</strong> project process and structure <strong>of</strong> this report are<br />

based on the methodology described above.<br />

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1.3.2 PRINCIPLES OF BEST PRACTICE<br />

Developing and implementing a vision for Karratha’s<br />

development as a ‘City <strong>of</strong> the North’ requires a<br />

methodology that draws on a number <strong>of</strong> disciplines<br />

and is underpinned by an unswerving commitment to<br />

economic, social and environmental sustainability.<br />

<strong>The</strong> revitalisation process, which aims to facilitate the<br />

growth, rejuvenation and diversification <strong>of</strong> the existing<br />

town centre to establish a City Centre for Karratha<br />

capable <strong>of</strong> servicing growing needs as the future<br />

population moves towards 50,000. This can only be<br />

achieved through looking at the relationship between<br />

the Karratha City Centre and its city wide context and<br />

developing a plan that addresses the needs <strong>of</strong> Karratha<br />

in a holistic and integrated manner.<br />

A critical consideration is the need to integrate planning<br />

so that the work <strong>of</strong> the agencies involved coheres and<br />

brings all stakeholders together behind one driving<br />

vision. More <strong>of</strong>ten than not, interventions in processes<br />

<strong>of</strong> urban growth have been conceived and delivered by a<br />

wide range <strong>of</strong> agencies, each with a different focus, and<br />

have consequently missed opportunities for coordinated<br />

delivery and optimal outcomes. Interventions<br />

have too <strong>of</strong>ten been based on spatial planning and<br />

land development, paying scant attention to the<br />

diversification <strong>of</strong> the local economy and the provision <strong>of</strong><br />

the services, facilities and activities that are essential to<br />

the development <strong>of</strong> sustainable communities.<br />

Current pressures on the Karratha community combined<br />

with the certainty <strong>of</strong> accelerated growth demands<br />

not only a timely response from government but also<br />

a measured, inclusive approach. Such an approach<br />

is based on the creation <strong>of</strong> a shared vision, fostered<br />

through community engagement and empowerment, and<br />

the building <strong>of</strong> partnerships with key stakeholders.<br />

In developing a revitalisation plan for Karratha City<br />

Centre as it develops into a major North West city it<br />

is sensible to build on experience elsewhere. A review<br />

<strong>of</strong> best practice suggests that, to be successful,<br />

revitalisation projects need the following characteristics:<br />

A comprehensive understanding <strong>of</strong> the existing<br />

context;<br />

Visioning process with broad community involvement;<br />

A community engagement and communication<br />

strategy;<br />

Clear, shared agreements for the management,<br />

resourcing and implementation <strong>of</strong> the project;<br />

A strategy for implementation;<br />

Ongoing dialogues across sectors, with private sector<br />

consultation regarding market conditions for plans,<br />

strategies and actions;<br />

Targeted interventions that tackle identified<br />

deficiencies, gaps or inefficiencies;<br />

An approach that goes beyond physical development<br />

and plans for economic development, community<br />

development and environmental sustainability, with<br />

action plans for implementation;<br />

<strong>The</strong> establishment <strong>of</strong> partnerships across<br />

government, between the public and private sector,<br />

and with the voluntary sector to deliver desired<br />

outcomes;<br />

Alignment <strong>of</strong> plans for the town/suburb/city centre<br />

with those for the region;<br />

A pooling <strong>of</strong> skills and expertise during the delivery<br />

phase; and<br />

Rigorous processes for monitoring and evaluation.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Government <strong>of</strong> <strong>Western</strong> Australia and the SoR have<br />

embraced these principles as they move to position<br />

the Karratha City Centre for sustainable growth and<br />

a diversified economy commensurate <strong>of</strong> a City with a<br />

future population <strong>of</strong> 50,000 or more people.<br />

1.3.3 PROJECT APPROACH<br />

<strong>The</strong> approach to the revitalisation <strong>of</strong> Karratha and other<br />

Pilbara towns as part <strong>of</strong> the Pilbara Cities initiative is<br />

not unique. It is widely recognised around the world that<br />

some places require interventions, without which they<br />

are unlikely to reach their potential. <strong>The</strong> more important<br />

these places are, the more urgent the need will be to<br />

identify exactly what is required to be most effective.<br />

Karratha is at the centre <strong>of</strong> the resource driven boom<br />

and will be under increasing pressure to respond to not<br />

only the needs <strong>of</strong> the private sector but also to elevate<br />

the level <strong>of</strong> service for the existing community.<br />

Further, places like Karratha have over the years made<br />

serious attempts to develop partnerships, facilitate<br />

redevelopment and to develop strategies and policies<br />

that will cause or seek to cause change where required<br />

or needed.<br />

Accordingly this process was commenced on a principle<br />

<strong>of</strong> building upon past work. This was also important<br />

from the community’s perspective, as there is anecdotal<br />

evidence that the community was feeling over consulted.<br />

Similarly the project delivery timeframe, <strong>of</strong> which<br />

was mostly over the Christmas 2009/10 period was<br />

condensed to enable the outcomes <strong>of</strong> this project to be<br />

utilised to seek appropriate funding, at the state, federal<br />

and private sector levels.


<strong>The</strong> development <strong>of</strong> the City Centre Plan is a key element<br />

<strong>of</strong> the overall ‘Blueprint’ that represents a holistic<br />

and cohesive approach to community and economic<br />

development based on a shared vision for how we can<br />

create a vibrant and liveable Pilbara city.<br />

Our approach is based on the creation <strong>of</strong> a shared future<br />

vision fostered through community engagement and<br />

empowerment and the building <strong>of</strong> partnerships with<br />

key stakeholders. This approach will be implemented<br />

through strategically targeted interventions that address<br />

current concerns and issues, while also realising<br />

untapped opportunities.<br />

With specific reference to the process used to develop<br />

the City Centre Plan, the following are the key steps were<br />

taken to achieve this plan:<br />

1. Drawing from past work to develop the project<br />

Vision and Goals;<br />

2. Aligning with a Sustainability Framework;<br />

3. Understanding context (particularly testing the<br />

validity <strong>of</strong> the role <strong>of</strong> the Karratha in relation to the<br />

region and the relationship between the broader<br />

townsite and the existing town centre);<br />

4. Undertaking analysis <strong>of</strong> the centre in relation to<br />

structure, land use, public realm etc;<br />

5. Developing key City planning and urban design<br />

principles to guide scenario development;<br />

6. Developing various city growth scenarios for<br />

consideration by stakeholders;<br />

7. Testing city growth scenarios with key stakeholders,<br />

including landowners to inform city growth/<br />

development plans;<br />

8. Conducting design sessions with key stakeholders<br />

and the broader community to inform and refine the<br />

city growth plan; and<br />

9. Further refining the City Centre masterplan to<br />

reflect consultative feedback received<br />

10. Advertising the plan to seek broad community<br />

comment.<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

Figure 3: KCN Implementation Plan. This diagram represents the framework in which the City Centre<br />

Master Plan has been developed and how this process has adopted an inclusive and holistic approach that is based upon<br />

ensuring the projects aspirational goals are weaved through the process as well as is embedded into its outcomes.<br />

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1.3.4 PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND DECISION MAKING<br />

Teams <strong>of</strong> substance with clear purpose and well-defined<br />

relationships are a prerequisite for the success <strong>of</strong> any<br />

major development or revitalisation project. <strong>The</strong> SoR<br />

and LandCorp established a partnership to develop and<br />

deliver the City Growth Plan.<br />

<strong>The</strong> SoR and LandCorp assembled a multidisciplinary<br />

team to develop and guide delivery <strong>of</strong> the City Centre<br />

Master Plan. <strong>The</strong> team comprised <strong>of</strong> consultants<br />

in the disciplines <strong>of</strong>, Town Planning; Urban<br />

design; Civil infrastructure engineering; Transport<br />

engineering; Landscape architecture / irrigation<br />

design; Environmental advice; Property development;<br />

Community development/engagement and Economic<br />

analysis/development.<br />

A project decision-making structure was put in place,<br />

to oversee the project as it evolved, refer to Volume 1,<br />

Section 1.3.5 for the details on the Structure, roles, and<br />

functions.<br />

1.3.5 CONSULTATION AND ENGAGEMENT<br />

Consultation has been undertaken on a wide range<br />

<strong>of</strong> matters directly impinging on the revitalisation<br />

<strong>of</strong> Karratha and its growth into a major North West<br />

city. A variety <strong>of</strong> engagement techniques were utilised<br />

to develop the Karratha Revitalisation Plan. <strong>The</strong>se<br />

techniques were employed specifically due to the short<br />

project timeframe, the time <strong>of</strong> year the project was<br />

conducted and as a means to maximise input from key<br />

stakeholders and the broader community throughout the<br />

project process.<br />

<strong>The</strong> objectives for the community and stakeholder<br />

engagement were to:<br />

Identify actions that will enable inclusive and<br />

effective stakeholder engagement, as well as clear<br />

communication with the project team;<br />

Determine stakeholder opinions and areas <strong>of</strong> interest<br />

in order to provide accurate feedback to inform the<br />

planning process;<br />

Discover synergies and potential for networks<br />

between participants;<br />

Build stakeholder ownership.<br />

In summary the key techniques employed were:<br />

Informing Providing key stakeholders with a summary<br />

<strong>of</strong> the relevant background information.<br />

Awareness raising <strong>of</strong> how well designed,<br />

climatically responsive cities are planned and<br />

designed.<br />

A series <strong>of</strong> provocation on how growth might<br />

occur for Karratha as well as its city centre.<br />

Feedback Random feedback from community members<br />

at public displays.<br />

Feedback via electronic means, web pages etc<br />

Seek broad community consultation on the<br />

proposed spatial plans.<br />

Written surveys<br />

Interviews One on one interview with key stakeholders.<br />

Design<br />

Workshops<br />

Focus<br />

Groups<br />

An interactive process to test design<br />

scenarios with key stakeholders, landowners<br />

and the broader community.<br />

Topic based sessions with key stakeholders<br />

to seek focussed responses to a series <strong>of</strong><br />

questions that will assist with issue resolution<br />

and assist with developing strategies and<br />

actions<br />

Table 2: Consultation and Engagement<br />

A comprehensive list <strong>of</strong> stakeholders was developed<br />

with over 600 members from local community<br />

members, community organization representatives,<br />

Aboriginal groups, business and industry organisation<br />

representatives, government agency representatives<br />

(local and central) and local government representatives,<br />

which are detailed within Appendix A.<br />

<strong>MASTER</strong> <strong>PLAN</strong> EVOLUTION<br />

Three preliminary scenarios were tested with landowners<br />

and key stakeholders and presented to a Design Review<br />

Panel <strong>of</strong> experts brought together by LandCorp who<br />

provided specific feedback was provided by the panel<br />

to the consultant team. <strong>The</strong> purpose the Panel was to<br />

promote innovative design and sustainability outcomes<br />

for significant projects and to provide guidance and<br />

support for the project teams at key stages during the<br />

planning and development <strong>of</strong> the projects. Project<br />

Managers had the opportunity to undertake sessions<br />

during the planning and development phase <strong>of</strong> the<br />

project as well as undergoing reviews at the conclusion<br />

<strong>of</strong> key stages to ensure that the project’s design and<br />

sustainability objectives were being addressed.<br />

Feedback was also received from the <strong>Shire</strong> as a result<br />

<strong>of</strong> a number <strong>of</strong> briefing sessions and individual <strong>of</strong>ficer<br />

feedback, which resulted in further refinements to the<br />

plan.<br />

In February 2010 a series <strong>of</strong> focus groups were then<br />

conducted in Karratha with key stakeholders to explore<br />

key issues and responses to key questions. <strong>The</strong><br />

preferred spatial design for the City Centre was then<br />

further refined using a number <strong>of</strong> techniques such as<br />

open community sessions, targeted meetings with key<br />

stakeholders and finally general community input.<br />

Details <strong>of</strong> each scenario that were developed and tested<br />

throughout the consultation process are contained<br />

within Appendix A.


SUMMARY OF FINDINGS<br />

<strong>The</strong> following information provides a summary <strong>of</strong><br />

feedback specific to the consultation phases undertaken<br />

as part <strong>of</strong> developing growth plans for Karratha.<br />

A consultation phase with key stakeholders was<br />

undertaken in early December 2009 where several<br />

growth scenarios were tested against sustainability<br />

objectives and specific measures.<br />

Following a design workshop in February 2010, a public<br />

consultation phase was undertaken between late March<br />

and mid-April 2010 on the preferred draft City Centre<br />

Master Plan (and City Growth Plan) developed by the<br />

consultant team. <strong>The</strong> outcomes <strong>of</strong> the consultation have<br />

been considered and addressed as part <strong>of</strong> finalising the<br />

preferred City Centre Master Plan (and City<br />

Growth Plan).<br />

An overview <strong>of</strong> the consultation phase outcomes is<br />

provided below. Overarching themes that were raised<br />

during the consultation process are as follows:<br />

Sharpe Avenue extension as the principal main<br />

street was generally supported, however there were<br />

concerns regarding the impacts on the existing Aged<br />

Persons’ dwellings;<br />

Protection <strong>of</strong> natural features such as the Karratha<br />

Hills;<br />

Respondents were generally supportive <strong>of</strong> the eastwest<br />

transit link;<br />

Climate responsive design was seen as important to<br />

Karratha’s future;<br />

Higher densities should be at a scale that does not<br />

overwhelm the public realm;<br />

Alfresco dining was seen as a positive outcome for<br />

the City Centre;<br />

Concerns about the impact <strong>of</strong> growth upon the<br />

Catholic Church;<br />

Building heights should not detract from the<br />

Karratha Hills;<br />

New developments must be designed in an inclusive<br />

and culturally appropriate manner; and<br />

Indigenous cultures should be involved in future<br />

planning and design processes.<br />

1.4 STRUCTURE OF THIS DOCUMENT<br />

<strong>The</strong> Karratha City Growth Plan, the Karratha City Centre<br />

Master Plan and the Implementation Blueprint together<br />

form the “City <strong>of</strong> the North Implementation Plan” (KCN)<br />

for the revitalisation <strong>of</strong> Karratha.<br />

Together, these plans collectively will guide the<br />

development <strong>of</strong> future housing, open spaces,<br />

commercial activities, tourist accommodation,<br />

entertainment and retail areas, as well as service<br />

infrastructure, transport, education and community<br />

facilities.<br />

This document delivers one part <strong>of</strong> the Blueprint,<br />

being, Volume 3 – Karratha City Centre Masterplan.<br />

This plan will guide the future spatial and nonspatial<br />

development requirements determining<br />

the need for land supply, housing diversity, open<br />

spaces, identification <strong>of</strong> commercial nodes, tourist<br />

accommodation, entertainment and retail areas, as<br />

well as service infrastructure, transport, education and<br />

community facilities.<br />

This report has been structured to follow the<br />

sustainability framework and the three key domains <strong>of</strong><br />

Economy, Community and Environment. Infrastructure<br />

and Resources and Built Environment have been<br />

singled out within this specific framework as key<br />

drivers for this project, acknowledging that in real<br />

terms these are typically delivery aspects <strong>of</strong> the 3 key<br />

sustainability elements.<br />

Broadly the document is structured as follows:<br />

Section Overview<br />

1.0<br />

Introduction An overview <strong>of</strong> the project is presented<br />

including the process and methodology<br />

for developing the City Growth Plan,<br />

the development <strong>of</strong> the sustainability<br />

framework and project Aspirational<br />

Goals, the approach to consultation,<br />

and the presentation <strong>of</strong> preliminary<br />

growth scenarios which were used to<br />

identify how Karratha’s capacity to<br />

accommodate growth may be explored.<br />

Context Analysis This section reviews background<br />

documents and current planning<br />

as well as identify the existing state<br />

<strong>of</strong> Karratha across each <strong>of</strong> the five<br />

sustainability areas. Gaps between the<br />

existing situation and the desired state<br />

expressed in the Aspirational Goals are<br />

identified as well as the implications<br />

these have on the future growth <strong>of</strong><br />

Karratha.<br />

Project Goals<br />

and Objectives<br />

An Integrated<br />

Strategy<br />

Key objectives for each <strong>of</strong> the project<br />

goals are presented based on the<br />

outcomes <strong>of</strong> the context analysis. <strong>The</strong><br />

objectives were used to frame and guide<br />

development <strong>of</strong> the strategy. Additionally<br />

key principles <strong>of</strong> good city design are<br />

presented which were used to guide the<br />

preparation <strong>of</strong> the spatial plan.<br />

This section presents both spatial and<br />

non-spatial responses that respond to<br />

the objectives and achieve the goals for<br />

each <strong>of</strong> the five sustainability areas.<br />

Governance This section reviews current governance<br />

arrangements and the limitations they<br />

may pose in implementation <strong>of</strong> the<br />

City Growth Plan from which, a new<br />

governance model is proposed that<br />

includes public-private partnerships.<br />

Implementation This section details recommendations in<br />

terms <strong>of</strong> new governance and strategies<br />

to implement the plan.<br />

Table 3: Structure <strong>of</strong> Document<br />

9


CONTEXT AND ANALYSIS<br />

<strong>CITY</strong> <strong>CENTRE</strong> <strong>MASTER</strong> <strong>PLAN</strong><br />

KARRATHA <strong>CITY</strong> OF THE NORTH<br />

VOLUME 3 - PART 2.0


12<br />

PROJECT MANAGERS - LANDCORP<br />

Susan Oosthuizen – Project Director<br />

Ryan Victa – Project Manager<br />

SHIRE OF ROEBOURNE<br />

Nicole Lockwood – <strong>Shire</strong> President<br />

Collene Longmore – Chief Executive Officer<br />

Joel Gajic – A/Executive Manager Development Services<br />

Simon Kot – Executive Manager Community Services<br />

Troy Davis – Executive Manager Technical Services<br />

SoR Peer Review - Mark Casserly <strong>of</strong> CCS Strategic Management<br />

Consultant Planner - Mike Allen <strong>of</strong> Mike Allen Planning<br />

CONSULTANT TEAM<br />

Town Planning and Urban Design – TPG Town Planning and Urban Design<br />

Community and Consultation – Creating Communities<br />

Economics - Pracsys<br />

Traffic – Transcore<br />

Engineering – Wood & Grieve<br />

Landscape Architecture – UDLA<br />

Environment/Sustainability – GHD<br />

Peer Review - Brian Curtis Pty Ltd<br />

Property Consultants – State Property Advisory<br />

For further details and information contact: <strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Roebourne</strong><br />

<strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Roebourne</strong> Administration | Lot 1083 | Welcome Road | PO Box 219 | Karratha | WA 6714 | P 08 9186 8555 | F 08 9185 1626 | E sor@roebourne.wa.gov.au


CONTEXT AND ANALYSIS<br />

2 CONTEXT AND ANALYSIS<br />

2.1 BACKGROUND<br />

An important aspect <strong>of</strong> the approach adopted by the<br />

Sustainability Framework was to identify the existing<br />

state <strong>of</strong> Karratha across each <strong>of</strong> the Aspirational Goals;<br />

identify gaps between the existing situation and the<br />

desired state expressed in the Aspirational Goals; and<br />

the key impacts (both positive and negative) that these<br />

may pose for the City Growth Plan.<br />

<strong>The</strong> direction and aspirations for the future growth <strong>of</strong><br />

Karratha have been articulated in an array <strong>of</strong> strategic<br />

documents prepared over the last decade by both State<br />

and Local Government organisations such as the <strong>Shire</strong>’s<br />

Karratha 2020 Vision and Community Plan (2009) and<br />

the <strong>Western</strong> Australian Planning Commission (WAPC)’s<br />

Karratha Area Development Strategy (1998).<br />

<strong>The</strong>se documents identify a range <strong>of</strong> visions, strategies<br />

and actions which together seek to modernise and<br />

transform Karratha to support long term economic<br />

activity in the region, improve the quality <strong>of</strong> life for<br />

existing residents and attract and retain new residents.<br />

<strong>The</strong> control <strong>of</strong> land use and development is governed<br />

by the <strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Roebourne</strong> Town Planning Scheme No. 8<br />

(the ‘Scheme’).<br />

<strong>The</strong> following sections describe the current situation,<br />

current planning, key drivers and pressures and key<br />

implications facing the future growth <strong>of</strong> Karratha as<br />

a city <strong>of</strong> 50,000 people for each <strong>of</strong> the Sustainability<br />

Framework elements <strong>of</strong> Economy; Community;<br />

Environment Infrastructure & Resources; and Built<br />

Environment and Public Realm.<br />

Figure 4 identifies the relationship <strong>of</strong> the various<br />

agencies responsible for the preparation <strong>of</strong> the various<br />

plans and strategies:<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

K2020 Plan<br />

Figure 4: Existing strategic planning framework<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

Pilbara<br />

Planning &<br />

Infrstructure<br />

Framework<br />

SoR<br />

Strategic<br />

Plan<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

Pilbara<br />

Cities<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<strong>The</strong><br />

Plibara<br />

Plan<br />

Pilbara Strategic Documents<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

2.0<br />

13


14<br />

2.0<br />

2.1.1 PILBARA <strong>PLAN</strong> (2008)<br />

<strong>The</strong> Pilbara Plan, prepared by the Pilbara Area<br />

Consultative Committee in collaboration with a range <strong>of</strong><br />

government agencies and private sector organisations,<br />

identifies a range <strong>of</strong> ‘community’ and ‘hard’ projects<br />

under nine priority themes to address key issues<br />

affecting the Pilbara relating to cost <strong>of</strong> living; quality <strong>of</strong><br />

life; and labour turnover and reduced productivity.<br />

A summary <strong>of</strong> the priority projects relevant to Karratha<br />

Town Centre is contained with Appendix B.<br />

This City Centre Master Plan seeks to build upon this<br />

work and incorporate the recommendations contained<br />

within the document. <strong>The</strong> timing <strong>of</strong> this document is<br />

such that the finalisation <strong>of</strong> the Pilbara Plan will likely<br />

be informed by this document.<br />

2.1.2 PILBARA <strong>PLAN</strong>NING AND INFRASTRUCTURE<br />

FRAMEWORK (DRAFT)<br />

<strong>The</strong> WAPC is currently preparing a regional planning<br />

framework document the ‘Pilbara Planning and<br />

Infrastructure Framework’ for the Pilbara region. <strong>The</strong><br />

document, which will set out a settlement-focused<br />

regional development structure for the region, will<br />

provide a framework for public and private sector<br />

investment, as well as context for the preparation <strong>of</strong><br />

local planning strategies and local planning schemes by<br />

local authorities.<br />

<strong>The</strong> framework is built on detailed pr<strong>of</strong>iles <strong>of</strong> the<br />

region’s major settlements in which Karratha is<br />

designated as a regional centre providing facilities and<br />

services not only to the 5 nearby satellite settlements<br />

<strong>of</strong> Dampier, <strong>Roebourne</strong>, Wickham, Point Samson and<br />

Cossack, but also to Pannawonica, Onslow and Cape<br />

Preston.<br />

<strong>The</strong> framework also incorporates findings from a range<br />

<strong>of</strong> existing Pilbara-wide studies and strategies including<br />

the Pilbara Plan document, prepared by the Pilbara<br />

Area Consultative Committee in 2008, which identifies<br />

a range <strong>of</strong> ‘community’ and ‘hard’ projects required for<br />

the sustainable development <strong>of</strong> the region in the short<br />

to medium term.<br />

<strong>The</strong> City Centre Master Plan seeks to build upon this<br />

work with regards to identifying new governance models<br />

and public private partnerships to facilitate the future<br />

growth and diversification <strong>of</strong> Karratha City Centre in an<br />

effective manner. <strong>The</strong> timing <strong>of</strong> this document is such<br />

that the finalisation <strong>of</strong> the Pilbara Plan will likely be<br />

informed by this document.<br />

2.1.3 KARRATHA 2020 VISION AND<br />

COMMUNITY <strong>PLAN</strong><br />

<strong>The</strong> Karratha 2020 Vision and Community Plan<br />

(‘K2020’), prepared by the <strong>Shire</strong> in partnership with the<br />

State Government and industry, assesses Karratha’s<br />

infrastructure and service needs in response to<br />

anticipated future population growth.<br />

<strong>The</strong> document aspirationally identifies shifting Karratha<br />

as principally a resource driven settlement to a<br />

sustainable, economically diverse regional city <strong>of</strong> some<br />

30-50,000 people by 2020.<br />

<strong>The</strong> document categorises these needs around six<br />

themes for which a number <strong>of</strong> initiaves are identified<br />

to address the needs requirements for a growing<br />

population. <strong>The</strong> six themes comprise:<br />

Business, Entrepreneurialism and Economic<br />

Development;<br />

Infrastructure Investment and Transport;<br />

Leadership and Capacity;<br />

Liveability and Lifestyle; Natural Capital; and<br />

Community Health and Wellbeing.<br />

In addition, a number <strong>of</strong> specific major projects to<br />

enhance the town’s liveability, diversify the economy<br />

and assist with meeting the needs <strong>of</strong> major industry<br />

are identified. A list <strong>of</strong> the initiatives are contained in<br />

Appendix C.<br />

This City Centre Master Plan seeks to build upon this<br />

work and incorporate the recommendations contained<br />

within the document at a broad level. Details <strong>of</strong> specific<br />

initiatives will still need to be sought from the K2020<br />

document.<br />

2.1.4 KARRATHA AREA DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY<br />

AND STRUCTURE <strong>PLAN</strong><br />

<strong>The</strong> Karratha Area Development Strategy (KADS) is a<br />

sub-regional land and water use strategy intended to<br />

guide the future development <strong>of</strong> Karratha, its hinterland<br />

and the marine waters and islands over 25 years.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Strategy identifies Karratha as being the focus<br />

<strong>of</strong> major urban expansion with a need to enhance its<br />

regional role through the promotion <strong>of</strong> higher-level<br />

services and facilities, such as secondary and tertiary<br />

education, employment training and health amenities.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Strategy also identifies a need to strengthen<br />

the identity and improve the visual attractiveness <strong>of</strong><br />

Karratha and its setting for residents and tourists.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Strategy incorporates a structure plan for Karratha<br />

which facilitates the expansion <strong>of</strong> the townsite to<br />

accommodate up to 37,000 people, <strong>of</strong> which 20,000<br />

people were able to be accommodated in the existing<br />

and future areas to the north <strong>of</strong> the hills with the<br />

balance in a second settlement south <strong>of</strong> the hills.<br />

Of particular relevance to the Town Centre is the<br />

development <strong>of</strong> the Leisure and Learning Precinct, which<br />

is likely result in the relocation <strong>of</strong> the existing Aquatic<br />

Centre from the town Centre to this precinct.<br />

This City Centre Master Plan seeks to replace the KADS<br />

document and provide the new strategic direction for<br />

the future <strong>of</strong> Karratha’s City Centre as well as inform<br />

the preparation <strong>of</strong> local planning strategies and town<br />

planning schemes.<br />

2.1.5 KARRATHA SETTLEMENT PROFILE<br />

<strong>The</strong> WAPC is currently preparing the Karratha<br />

Settlement Pr<strong>of</strong>ile document. <strong>The</strong> document, which<br />

will provide background and inform the preparation<br />

<strong>of</strong> future strategic planning documents, will outline<br />

Karratha’s settlement pattern in terms <strong>of</strong> its physical,<br />

social, and economic characteristics, identify strengths,<br />

weaknesses, opportunities and challenges facing<br />

Karratha as well as its future role and function.<br />

This document is relevant to the City Centre Master Plan<br />

in that it identifies Karratha’s settlement characteristics<br />

and issues facing its future growth.<br />

This City Centre Master Plan seeks to build upon this<br />

work and validate the information contained within<br />

the document.<br />

2.1.6 KARRATHA PRIMARY TRADE AREA RETAIL &<br />

COMMERCIAL STRATEGY (2009)<br />

<strong>The</strong> Karratha Primary Trade Area Retail & Commercial<br />

Strategy prepared by SGS Economics Pty Ltd for<br />

the then Department for Planning and Infrastructure<br />

analysed existing retail and commercial floorspace<br />

provision for the principle towns within the <strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>Roebourne</strong> as well as identify future floorspace demand<br />

by the year 2020.


CONTEXT AND ANALYSIS<br />

This City Centre Master Plan seeks to build upon this<br />

work and validate the information contained within<br />

the document. Given the scope <strong>of</strong> this document and<br />

given the Strategy growth forecasts extend to 2020 this<br />

strategy may require updating to reflect the specific<br />

floor space requirements for Karratha as a city <strong>of</strong><br />

50,000.<br />

2.1.7 KARRATHA REGIONAL HOTSPOTS LAND<br />

SUPPLY UPDATE (2008)<br />

<strong>The</strong> Karratha Regional Hotspots Land Supply Update<br />

prepared by the WAPC in 2008, provided an overview<br />

<strong>of</strong> land supply within Karratha based on the status <strong>of</strong><br />

major projects and current and anticipated lot creation<br />

activity.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Update identified that land release and housing<br />

supply within Karratha was subject to the following key<br />

challenges:<br />

<strong>The</strong> changing or unknown requirements for<br />

accommodating resource company workforces, and<br />

the split <strong>of</strong> workforces between mine, rail and port<br />

operations;<br />

Access to builders and capacity to construct within<br />

30-month time limit;<br />

Resolution <strong>of</strong> native title negotiations;<br />

Significant water and wastewater infrastructure<br />

upgrades and resolution <strong>of</strong> Aboriginal heritage<br />

negotiations relating to the development <strong>of</strong> land in<br />

Mulataga; and<br />

Ensuring the regional road network can adequately<br />

cater for increased local and regional traffic<br />

(including heavy freight vehicles) movements in a<br />

safe and efficient manner.<br />

<strong>The</strong> document also identified three areas <strong>of</strong> land within<br />

the Town Centre that were suitable for residential and<br />

commercial purposes, including the large area <strong>of</strong> Crown<br />

Land at the northern end <strong>of</strong> the Town Centre, a portion<br />

<strong>of</strong> which is currently earmarked for temporary service<br />

worker accommodation along with a site located on<br />

Balmoral Road adjacent to the existing petrol station.<br />

Upon the adoption <strong>of</strong> the Revitalisation Plan the Growth<br />

Strategy outlined in Volume 2 City Growth Plan will<br />

inform any future land release programmes.<br />

2.1.8 HOUSING STUDY FOR PILBARA TOWNS<br />

(2010) – DRAFT<br />

<strong>The</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Housing and Pilbara Development<br />

Commission are currently preparing a study that<br />

assesses housing market conditions and unmet housing<br />

needs for the main Pilbara towns, including Karratha.<br />

<strong>The</strong> document will highlight a range <strong>of</strong> issues related to<br />

housing in the region including affordability, significantly<br />

increasing property prices, overcrowding, homelessness<br />

and improvised living arrangements. It will also provide<br />

commentary on the shortcomings <strong>of</strong> the housing market<br />

that inhibit the supply <strong>of</strong> housing. It is also expected to<br />

identify current unmet demand for housing from people<br />

already living in the town or those who would move to<br />

Karratha if there was housing available.<br />

This document is relevant to the City Centre masterPlan<br />

in that it will provide a detailed analysis with regards to<br />

the Karratha’s current and future housing needs.<br />

This City Centre Master Plan, together with the<br />

recommendations <strong>of</strong> the Housing Study, should be used<br />

to inform the preparation <strong>of</strong> a Local Housing Strategy.<br />

2.1.9 STRATEGIC <strong>PLAN</strong> (2009-2013)<br />

Strategic Plan 2009-2013 outlines the <strong>Shire</strong>’s<br />

organisational vision as well as objectives, initiatives<br />

and priorities for key goals under the themes <strong>of</strong><br />

Communities; Delivering Services; and Local Economy.<br />

A key priority listed under the Communities<br />

organisational goal is to initiate the Karratha Town<br />

Centre Plan and Karratha Revitalisation Project. This<br />

document responds to this key priority.<br />

Key priorities relevant to the Town Centre identified for<br />

the future planning and sustainable growth <strong>of</strong> Karratha<br />

are contained within Appendix D.<br />

This City Centre Master Plan seeks to build upon this<br />

work and incorporate the recommendations contained<br />

within the document.<br />

2.1.10 SHIRE OF ROEBOURNE TOWN <strong>PLAN</strong>NING<br />

SCHEME NO 8<br />

<strong>The</strong> Scheme, which was gazetted in 2000 and prepared<br />

based on the KADS and associated Townsite Structure<br />

Plan, is technically past the 5 year review date stipulated<br />

by the Planning and Development Act (2005) whereby<br />

Schemes should be reviewed and consolidated.<br />

Notwithstanding this, only 16 amendments have been<br />

considered by the <strong>Shire</strong> in 9 years and only 4 have been<br />

gazetted, which in comparison with other local planning<br />

schemes is relatively few.<br />

As the amendments in Karratha have largely been land<br />

use based, it could be interpreted that either the current<br />

Scheme has served the <strong>Shire</strong> quite well, or the <strong>Shire</strong><br />

simply does not have the resources to progress textual<br />

amendments or completely review the Scheme.<br />

2.0<br />

<strong>The</strong> principal functions <strong>of</strong> the Scheme are to reserve<br />

and zone land and control development on reserved<br />

and zoned land. With regard to Karratha Town Centre<br />

in particular, the Scheme states the following relevant<br />

objectives:<br />

Facilitate the continued growth <strong>of</strong> Karratha as the<br />

regional centre <strong>of</strong> the West Pilbara, in accordance<br />

with the Karratha Townsite Structure Plan (as<br />

amended).<br />

Develop Karratha as the tourist entry for the West<br />

Pilbara built upon and taking into account the levels<br />

<strong>of</strong> commercial travellers associated with resource<br />

developments.<br />

Preserve the key landscape and heritage values <strong>of</strong><br />

the Karratha Hills.<br />

Develop the Town Centre as the civic and commercial<br />

node for Karratha, the <strong>Shire</strong> and the West Pilbara.<br />

Create an identity for the Town Centre through<br />

enhancing the built form and creating an identifiable<br />

central focus and improving legibility.<br />

Develop Tambrey as a district commercial centre that<br />

does not compete with the regional catchment <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Town Centre and its facilities.<br />

Enhance the high level <strong>of</strong> residential amenity within<br />

Karratha in both existing suburbs and the residential<br />

expansion areas.<br />

Encourage residential development that will<br />

accommodate a greater range <strong>of</strong> lifestyles and needs<br />

to reflect the broadening population base.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Scheme is a land use based statutory Scheme<br />

with prescribed zonings and a ‘Use/Class’ table, which<br />

permits, prohibits and provides Council discretion to<br />

approve certain land uses in certain zones depending on<br />

the purpose, intent and objective <strong>of</strong> the zone.<br />

15


16<br />

2.0<br />

<strong>The</strong> alternative to a land use based Scheme is a<br />

more flexible precinct based Scheme such as those<br />

in existence for the City <strong>of</strong> Perth which are more<br />

performance based and provide the regulatory<br />

authorities with greater discretion and flexibility to<br />

determine applications based on their merits and<br />

orderly and proper planning principles. Such Scheme’s<br />

do however, <strong>of</strong>ten require a significant amount <strong>of</strong><br />

supporting policies and guidelines to clearly guide<br />

the development to provide the desired urban design<br />

outcome.<br />

Despite the <strong>Shire</strong>’s Scheme being a land use based<br />

Scheme, the Scheme does provide greater flexibility<br />

in areas set aside for future urban or industrial<br />

development where the actual urban design and land<br />

use is determined based on a structure planning process<br />

referred to in the Scheme as ‘Development Plans’. <strong>The</strong><br />

Scheme sets aside significant land areas for future<br />

urban development based on the recommendation <strong>of</strong><br />

the Karratha Area Development Strategy (KADS) but<br />

does not contemplate the expansion <strong>of</strong> the Town Centre.<br />

Development Plans referred to in the Scheme have,<br />

however, only been used for areas identified for future<br />

urban and industrial development to guide broad<br />

scale land use and subdivision and not for smaller<br />

land parcels such as those in the Town Centre where<br />

Development Plans (referred to in other Schemes as<br />

‘Detailed Area Plans’) could be used as a planning<br />

tool to encourage and require an urban design based<br />

solution on individual sites.<br />

With regard to density, the Scheme generally advocates<br />

a residential density <strong>of</strong> R20 with some pockets <strong>of</strong> higher<br />

R30 density near the Town Centre on a limited amount<br />

<strong>of</strong> scattered pockets throughout the existing urban area.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Scheme also contains a provision, which limits<br />

density in the Town Centre to an upper cap <strong>of</strong> R40,<br />

which today is considered a very low density to permit<br />

and encourage housing diversity and density within a<br />

town centre.<br />

Whilst the Scheme has the fundamentals tools required<br />

to govern and guide development, it is considered that it<br />

could be amended and accompanied by a revised policy<br />

framework where greater flexibility could be provided to<br />

Council that encourages housing diversity, sustainability,<br />

commercial and employment growth, community<br />

development and good urban design outcomes within<br />

the City Centre.<br />

Whilst the Scheme is instrumental in the availability <strong>of</strong><br />

developable land, other technical matters such property,<br />

land assembly and floor space requirements are outlined<br />

in subsequent sections <strong>of</strong> this report.<br />

This City Centre Master Plan seeks to inform the review<br />

and preparation <strong>of</strong> a new planning framework including<br />

a local planning strategy and a new town planning to<br />

enable the development <strong>of</strong> a future City Centre for<br />

50,000 people and beyond. In addition to the Scheme<br />

the <strong>Shire</strong> currently has a suite <strong>of</strong> Planning Policies<br />

prepared and adopted pursuant to the Scheme to guide<br />

development. <strong>The</strong>se will need to be reviewed in light <strong>of</strong><br />

the recommendations <strong>of</strong> this City Centre Master Plan.<br />

2.1.11 KARRATHA OPEN SPACE STRATEGY<br />

<strong>The</strong> Karratha Open Space Strategy, prepared by the<br />

<strong>Shire</strong>, provides a framework for the provision <strong>of</strong> public<br />

open space within Karratha as well as assist Council to<br />

rationalise its open space system within the context <strong>of</strong><br />

overall need, function and operation.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Strategy outlined that several considerations<br />

influence the provision <strong>of</strong> open space in Karratha<br />

relating to climate, drainage and maintenance. <strong>The</strong><br />

provision <strong>of</strong> adequate drainage to accommodate major<br />

storm events is a paramount issue in planning for open<br />

space areas. <strong>The</strong> high temperatures experienced in<br />

the town generally discourage daytime walking/cycling<br />

although these activities do occur in the evenings and<br />

cooler months. As a result <strong>of</strong> these extreme climatic<br />

conditions, maintaining public open space areas is a<br />

significant cost impost on Council.<br />

In terms <strong>of</strong> factors influencing the usage <strong>of</strong> open space,<br />

it is recognised that Karratha serves as a regional<br />

recreation hub for a lot <strong>of</strong> formalised recreational<br />

pursuits. <strong>The</strong>re is a demand for a greater diversity <strong>of</strong><br />

activities with an emphasis on cultural, non-competitive<br />

and passive sport and recreation opportunities to cater<br />

for a significant proportion <strong>of</strong> the population who are<br />

working shift hours and who are unable to engage in<br />

active recreational pursuits on a regular basis.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Strategy identified opportunities for the excision<br />

<strong>of</strong> approximately 19.82ha <strong>of</strong> land from the open space<br />

system across Karratha whilst maintaining the 10%<br />

open space requirement, including 10.5ha <strong>of</strong> land in<br />

Bulgarra, 1.5ha in Pegs Creek, 3.5ha in Millars Well,<br />

4.2ha in Nickol, however there are no land parcels that<br />

were identified within the Town Centre.<br />

This City Centre Master Plan seeks to review and<br />

incorporate the recommendations contained within the<br />

document. Specific reference has been made within the<br />

City Growth Plan Precincts to the key infill sites within<br />

that document.


CONTEXT AND ANALYSIS<br />

2.2 ROLE AND FUNCTION OF THE KARRATHA<br />

TOWN <strong>CENTRE</strong><br />

Karratha is arguably the primary regional centre <strong>of</strong><br />

the West Pilbara region providing a high level <strong>of</strong> retail,<br />

commercial and administrative services and facilities.<br />

As Karratha develops into a regional city <strong>of</strong> 50,000 or<br />

more people, it will be the primary focus for major urban<br />

expansion providing a range <strong>of</strong> residential housing,<br />

shopping, community, recreation, education and health<br />

facilities, whilst incorporating a diverse local economy.<br />

<strong>The</strong> role and function <strong>of</strong> Karratha, as previously<br />

seen by the State, was articulated in State Planning<br />

Strategy prepared by the <strong>Western</strong> Australian Planning<br />

Commission in 1997. <strong>The</strong> Strategy outlined a vision for<br />

the Pilbara region in which the region was to become<br />

a “world leading resource development area focussing on<br />

mineral extraction, petroleum exploration and production<br />

and the primary stages <strong>of</strong> downstream processing. <strong>The</strong><br />

region’s population will grow in the future, fuelled by<br />

specific resource development projects, the sustainable<br />

development <strong>of</strong> Karratha and a more diverse economy. A<br />

growing tourism industry will have developed based upon<br />

the region’s unique natural environment”.<br />

However 13 years on Karratha still faces various<br />

challenges, which typify remote mining based<br />

communities. Challenges such as access to appropriate<br />

and affordable housing, isolation, economic<br />

monoculture, ageing infrastructure, coordinated<br />

infrastructure provision and limited cultural and<br />

recreational opportunities all impact on the growth and<br />

amenity <strong>of</strong> the town. <strong>The</strong>se are <strong>of</strong>ten further exacerbated<br />

by a continued focus on a Fly-In/Fly-Out (FIFO) transient<br />

workforce, which limits the capacity for the community<br />

to reach its potential.<br />

Dampier<br />

DAMPIER ROAD<br />

<br />

Figure 5: District Context<br />

NICKOL BAY<br />

KARRATHA<br />

As Karratha develops into a city , Karratha’s role as the<br />

key regional centre will be reinforced as the diversity <strong>of</strong><br />

its <strong>of</strong>fer increases to meet the demands <strong>of</strong> an increasing<br />

population. Furthermore, a number <strong>of</strong> supporting<br />

complementary district and neighbourhood centres<br />

will be required to effectively provide for needs <strong>of</strong> the<br />

population. <strong>The</strong> town centre currently provides that key<br />

role as the primary hub for the Town and in the context<br />

<strong>of</strong> the greater Karratha Township; the Town Centre is<br />

the primary focus <strong>of</strong> commercial, retail, community,<br />

cultural and administrative facilities. Whilst there is<br />

NORTH WEST COASTAL HIGHWAY<br />

Wickham<br />

a significant centre planned for Tambrey, there are<br />

currently no centres <strong>of</strong> significant calibre that function<br />

in a complementary role to the town centre. <strong>The</strong> future<br />

City Centre will continue as the central focus <strong>of</strong> Karratha<br />

for services and amenities, supported by a greater<br />

variety <strong>of</strong> smaller localised centres.<br />

<strong>Roebourne</strong><br />

Point<br />

Samson<br />

Cossack<br />

2.0<br />

<strong>The</strong> current State Government, in its November 2009<br />

Blueprint for the Pilbara Cities outlines its vision to<br />

transform the region by creating a modern, diverse and<br />

sustainable City at Karratha that is supported by all the<br />

services and facilities enjoyed by other Australian cities.<br />

Many <strong>of</strong> these services and amenities will be provided<br />

within the City Centre.<br />

17


18<br />

2.0<br />

2.3 ECONOMY<br />

<strong>The</strong> economy <strong>of</strong> Karratha and the Pilbara in general has<br />

been well documented in a variety <strong>of</strong> reports and studies<br />

including the Karratha 2020 Vision, the Pilbara Housing<br />

Study and the Karratha Primary Trade Area Retail and<br />

Commercial Study. This analysis does not propose to<br />

reproduce the analysis contained in such reports but<br />

rather focuses on the distribution <strong>of</strong> employment by<br />

category as an indicator <strong>of</strong> the nature <strong>of</strong> the Karratha<br />

economy and as the basis for determining the economic<br />

future <strong>of</strong> the town.<br />

2.3.1 CURRENT SITUATION<br />

A key consideration for the long term development <strong>of</strong><br />

Karratha and the broader SoR is the relationship <strong>of</strong><br />

Karratha as the main population centre (and proposed<br />

Pilbara City) to the other population centres <strong>of</strong> the<br />

<strong>Shire</strong>, namely: Dampier, <strong>Roebourne</strong>, Wickham, Point<br />

Samson and Cossack.<br />

<strong>The</strong> nature and development <strong>of</strong> these centres will<br />

impact upon the development trajectory for Karratha,<br />

particularly if locations such as Dampier are intended<br />

to be recreational / entertainment nodes. From a city<br />

wide activation perspective, the planning and provision<br />

<strong>of</strong> floorspace, for example, in these locations has the<br />

potential to draw some economic and social activity<br />

away from Karratha.<br />

While this analysis is concerned with the revitalisation <strong>of</strong><br />

Karratha and its establishment as a pre-eminent Pilbara<br />

City, it is important to note that Karratha does not sit<br />

in isolation within the <strong>Shire</strong>. Future planning activities<br />

<strong>of</strong> the <strong>Shire</strong> will need to carefully consider the roles<br />

and functions <strong>of</strong> each <strong>of</strong> the centres and determine an<br />

optimal positioning strategy for each centre and the<br />

<strong>Shire</strong> as a whole.<br />

<strong>The</strong> key issues facing revitalisation <strong>of</strong> Karratha and the<br />

establishment <strong>of</strong> a Pilbara City include:<br />

Limited land supply;<br />

Housing availability and affordability;<br />

Cost <strong>of</strong> setting up and operating service sector<br />

businesses;<br />

<strong>The</strong> need to develop a ‘balanced’ regional workforce;<br />

<strong>The</strong> need for a balanced, sustainable economy<br />

beyond the construction stages <strong>of</strong> projects;<br />

<strong>The</strong> need to extend the local industrial and<br />

commercial capability to drive long term population<br />

retention and growth;<br />

<strong>The</strong> need to extend the local economy from<br />

predominantly a production based economy to<br />

a more balanced production / consumption /<br />

knowledge intensive economy; and<br />

<strong>The</strong> need to provide significantly higher levels <strong>of</strong><br />

service and lifestyle amenity to attract and retain a<br />

substantial regional population.<br />

<strong>The</strong> distribution <strong>of</strong> employment in Karratha is heavily<br />

skewed towards export / driver projects and the<br />

associated producer services which account for 57%<br />

<strong>of</strong> all employment. Relative to the average employment<br />

distribution <strong>of</strong> 23 other Australian regional towns and<br />

centres (see Figure 6), Karratha is noticeably lacking in<br />

retail and consumer services employment (27% <strong>of</strong> total<br />

employment as opposed to the average 37%). Based<br />

on a comparison with the average <strong>of</strong> the towns and<br />

communities in the survey, Karratha is over represented<br />

in export / driver and producer services employment<br />

and under represented in retail / consumer services.<br />

Knowledge based employment is on a par with the<br />

average but this does not necessarily suggest that it is<br />

well catered for, rather it reflects the nature <strong>of</strong> regional<br />

economies in Australia. In major Australian regional<br />

centres such as Darwin, Newcastle and Rockhampton<br />

knowledge intensive consumer services employment<br />

typically accounts for 14 to 17% <strong>of</strong> the total residential<br />

workforce, significantly more than the 10% in Karratha.<br />

EXISTING TOWN <strong>CENTRE</strong> ACTIVITY<br />

<strong>The</strong> Karratha Town Centre has a broad range <strong>of</strong> land<br />

uses that are predominantly <strong>of</strong> a retail and commercial<br />

nature. Uses in the Town Centre include the following:<br />

Hotel accommodation<br />

Offices<br />

Retail<br />

Retail building goods<br />

Car parking sites<br />

Church<br />

Showrooms<br />

Residential<br />

Industrial<br />

Specialised properties<br />

Retirement Village<br />

Petrol Stations<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

Figure 6: Distribution <strong>of</strong> Employment Comparison<br />

(Source: Pracsys)


CONTEXT AND ANALYSIS<br />

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS<br />

<strong>The</strong> following table summarises retail uses in <strong>The</strong> SoR<br />

and was produced by SGS Economics in 2009:<br />

Karratha Primary Trade Area Retail Floorspace<br />

Retail<br />

Category<br />

Karratha Karratha Dampier Wickham <strong>Roebourne</strong> Point<br />

Industrial Samson<br />

Supermarkets 8,360 0 1,700 1,800 0 0 11,860<br />

Household<br />

Goods<br />

6,005 0 0 0 0 0 6,005<br />

Other Food 1,351 0 90 240 0 0 1,681<br />

Other retail 6,158 4286 174 100 570 250 11,538<br />

Department<br />

Stores<br />

7,829 0 0 0 780 0 8,609<br />

Hospitality &<br />

Services<br />

4,372 241 120 280 0 950 5,963<br />

Clothing 2,398 0 0 180 0 0 2,578<br />

Total 36,473 4,527 2,084 2,600 1,350 1,200 48,234<br />

Table 4: Karratha Primary Trade Area Retail Floorspace<br />

(Source: SGS Economics & Planning 2009)<br />

<strong>The</strong> above table clearly demonstrates the current<br />

dominance <strong>of</strong> Karratha as a retail destination within the<br />

SoR. Consumers in towns outside <strong>of</strong> Karratha will need<br />

to shop within Karratha to satisfy demand for various<br />

retail category needs or obtain from other locations or<br />

by other means.<br />

Similarly the following table summarises commercial<br />

floorspace usage within the SoR and was produced by<br />

SGS Economics in 2009:<br />

Karratha Primary Trade Area Commercial Floorspace<br />

Category Karratha Karratha Industrial Dampier Wickham <strong>Roebourne</strong><br />

Point<br />

Samson Total<br />

2.0<br />

Commercial 11,852 1,817 515 2,536 564 0 17,284<br />

Government<br />

Community<br />

9,898 1,287 866 548 2,859 0 15,458<br />

Services 4,831 0 970 2,533 4,740 404 13,478<br />

Total 26,581 3,104 2,351 5,617 8,163 404 46,220<br />

Table 5: Karratha Primary Trade Area Commercial Floorspace (Source: SGS Economics & Planning 2009)<br />

<strong>The</strong> Karratha town is clearly the dominant town for the<br />

supply <strong>of</strong> commercial floor space within the SoR.<br />

Figure 7: Distribution <strong>of</strong> floorspace by land use category. (Source: Karratha Retail Commercial Strategy July 2009)<br />

19


20<br />

2.0<br />

<strong>The</strong> predominant commercial type uses in the Town<br />

Centre are retail, commercial and to a lesser extent hotel<br />

type uses.<br />

CURRENT COMMERCIAL MARKET CONDITIONS<br />

Office premises within the Town Centre are<br />

predominantly situated on the streets <strong>of</strong> Hedland Place,<br />

Owen Road, Searipple Road, Welcome Road and Degrey<br />

Place. <strong>The</strong> majority <strong>of</strong> Government <strong>of</strong>fices are situated<br />

on either Welcome Road or Degrey Place. <strong>The</strong> majority<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice buildings are situated on the smaller lots in the<br />

Town Centre. Several are <strong>of</strong> two level construction.<br />

A high level <strong>of</strong> occupancy exists for commercial<br />

premises with only a small number <strong>of</strong> commercial<br />

premises are available for lease including but not limited<br />

to some small <strong>of</strong>fice suites, stand-alone type commercial<br />

premises and the former Karratha Cinema complex. This<br />

is reflected by the fact that there is only one vacant Town<br />

Centre development site for sale at the time <strong>of</strong> writing<br />

this report.<br />

CURRENT RETAIL MARKET CONDITIONS<br />

Retail in the city centre area is dominated by the<br />

Karratha City Shopping Centre, which opened in 1986<br />

and was extended in 1988. It currently comprises a<br />

lettable area <strong>of</strong> approximately 24,000m 2 . <strong>The</strong> centre is<br />

situated on a land area <strong>of</strong> 7.31 Hectares and includes<br />

approximately 1414 car bays. <strong>The</strong> majority <strong>of</strong> car bays<br />

are situated on additional land leased by the Shopping<br />

Centre from the Government to the Shopping Centex,<br />

situated over 4 sites having an area <strong>of</strong> some 2.356<br />

hectares. Such lots are in key locations within the Town<br />

Centre and in particular the largest <strong>of</strong> such 4 lots being<br />

9929m 2 situated on the corner <strong>of</strong> Sharpe Avenue and<br />

Barlow Place. <strong>The</strong> lease over the 4 lots is for a total term<br />

<strong>of</strong> 50 years expiring in 2036.<br />

<strong>The</strong> anchor tenants in the Karratha City Shopping<br />

Centre are Coles, Kmart, Woolworths and Country<br />

Target. Approximately 60 speciality tenancies inclusive<br />

<strong>of</strong> external fast food outlets, compliment the anchor<br />

tenants. Three <strong>of</strong> the larger speciality retailers are<br />

Retravision, Karratha Furniture and Bedding and Red<br />

Dot Stores. <strong>The</strong> Centre is open 7 days per week and <strong>The</strong><br />

Coles and Woolworth’s tenancies trade from 7am – 9pm<br />

7 days per week excluding public holidays where they<br />

trade for 4 hours only.<br />

No premises are available for lease as at April 2010 in<br />

this centre. From discussions with the owners <strong>of</strong> this<br />

centre demand for premises is strong and both the Coles<br />

and Woolworths groups have requested additional area<br />

for expansion.<br />

<strong>The</strong> existing Woolworths and Coles supermarket stores<br />

within the Karratha City Shopping Centre are both in<br />

excess <strong>of</strong> 4,000m 2 . <strong>The</strong> combined turnover <strong>of</strong> these<br />

two supermarkets is understood to substantially exceed<br />

the turnover <strong>of</strong> the turnover <strong>of</strong> Perth Metropolitan<br />

supermarket stores <strong>of</strong> a similar size.<br />

Other major retail premises in the Town Centre include<br />

the Karratha Village Shopping Centre situated on<br />

Sharpe Avenue and opposite the Karratha City Shopping<br />

Centre. Such centre is spread over two strata titled lots<br />

and comprises a total building area <strong>of</strong> approximately<br />

6,164m 2 comprised in 39 premises with an average area<br />

<strong>of</strong> 158m 2 . This centre is well maintained and has an<br />

attractive streetscape.<br />

Several showrooms <strong>of</strong> varying size are situated on<br />

Balmoral Road and several <strong>of</strong> the major banks have<br />

premises situated on Hedland Place in two level<br />

buildings backing onto one <strong>of</strong> the shopping centre car<br />

parks.<br />

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION<br />

Three hotel operators exist within the Town Centre.<br />

Facilities <strong>of</strong>fered on site include bars and restaurants<br />

that are well patronised by guests and other customers<br />

from the general community. <strong>The</strong> demand for such<br />

accommodation within such premises <strong>of</strong>ten exceeds<br />

supply to the extent that customers are <strong>of</strong>ten required<br />

to seek accommodation outside <strong>of</strong> the town centre<br />

into the townsite. Even worse, in some instances hotel<br />

accommodation needs to be secured in adjoining towns<br />

when no hotel accommodation can be secured within<br />

the town.<br />

PROPERTY OWNERSHIP SUMMARY AND USAGE<br />

In summary there are approximately 97 lots within the<br />

town centre <strong>of</strong> which four are strata titled. <strong>The</strong> freehold<br />

ownership spread <strong>of</strong> these lots is demonstrated on the<br />

following chart:<br />

<br />

<br />

Figure 8: Land Ownership within the City Centre<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

MAJOR LAND OWNERSHIP<br />

Major owners in the Town centre are:<br />

<strong>The</strong> State <strong>of</strong> <strong>Western</strong> Australia (which owns several<br />

large parcels <strong>of</strong> vacant land and developed property<br />

spread throughout the town centre including 4<br />

strategically located parcels <strong>of</strong> land in prime<br />

locations.<br />

Centro Properties Group (Karratha City Shopping<br />

Centre, which is situated over several adjoining,<br />

parcels <strong>of</strong> land).<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Roebourne</strong>.<br />

Ringthane Pty Ltd (Karratha International Hotel.)<br />

Owners <strong>of</strong> Strata Plan numbers 22706 and 036427<br />

(Karratha Village Shopping Centre.)<br />

Valtos Pty Ltd (All Seasons Hotel).


CONTEXT AND ANALYSIS<br />

2.3.2 CURRENT <strong>PLAN</strong>NING<br />

With regard to Karratha, the Karratha Primary Trade<br />

Area Retail & Commercial Strategy (2009) projected<br />

a resident population <strong>of</strong> only 14,000 with 1000<br />

FIFO (based on Pilbara Industry Community Council<br />

population projections). Retail floor space was projected<br />

to expand by 20,150m² from 41,000m 2 including<br />

4,527m 2 in industrial areas. This is outlined within the<br />

following table:<br />

Retail Category<br />

Karratha CBD<br />

Retail Category<br />

Karratha CBD (m 2 )<br />

Supermarkets 4,500<br />

Other Food 600<br />

Department Stores 2,500<br />

Clothing 650<br />

Household Goods 5,500<br />

Other Retail 3,900<br />

Hospitality & Services 2,500<br />

Total Increase 20,150<br />

Total Floorspace 61,150<br />

Of these total figures, only 6,550m² <strong>of</strong> the retail<br />

floorspace (which included a 2,500m2 Table 6: Retail Category<br />

(Source: Karratha Retail Commercial Strategy July 2009)<br />

Department<br />

Store) and all <strong>of</strong> the <strong>of</strong>fice floorspace was envisaged to<br />

be accommodated within the Karratha Town Centre with<br />

other retail centres to be established in Nickol (8,100m²<br />

<strong>of</strong> retail floorspace) and the Gap Ridge Bulky Goods<br />

Centre (5,500m²).<br />

<strong>The</strong> strategy outlined a projection for the increase <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>of</strong>fice floorspace by 16,200m² from 26,581m 2 , which is<br />

detailed in the following table:<br />

Office Category Karratha CBD Office Category<br />

Karratha CBD (m 2 )<br />

Commercial or Office 6,300<br />

Government 5,400<br />

Community 4,500<br />

Total Increase 16,200<br />

Total Floorspace 42,781<br />

Table 7: Office Category<br />

(Source: Karratha Retail Commercial Strategy July 2009)<br />

<strong>The</strong> key recommendations <strong>of</strong> the Strategy were to<br />

provide a retail centre at Nickol which included a<br />

supermarket (4,500m 2 ) other food (600m 2 ), other retail<br />

(2,000m 2 ) and hospitality and service areas (1,000m 2 ),<br />

expand the town centre to include another department<br />

store, clothing (650m 2 ), 1,900m 2 <strong>of</strong> other retail,<br />

1,500m 2 <strong>of</strong> hospitality services and 5,500m 2 <strong>of</strong> bulky<br />

goods and Gap Ridge.<br />

COMMERCIAL<br />

KFC restaurant and drive through outlet with frontage<br />

to Sharpe Avenue within the Karratha City Shopping<br />

Centre.<br />

Police Department and Justice Centre on the Corner<br />

<strong>of</strong> Balmoral and Basset Roads.<br />

BULKY GOODS / SHOWROOMS<br />

No new developments have occurred or known to be<br />

planned.<br />

RESIDENTIAL<br />

Structured Sale - Part Lot 553 Corner Searipple &<br />

Warambie Road.<br />

<strong>The</strong> proposed development on this land situated in the<br />

northern part <strong>of</strong> the town centre is for a multi level<br />

mixed-use development <strong>of</strong> predominantly residential<br />

use.<br />

<strong>The</strong> site is situated over two lots with a total area<br />

<strong>of</strong> 13,384m 2 split by a road to be constructed. <strong>The</strong><br />

development may include active retail/commercial floor<br />

uses, a mix <strong>of</strong> residential uses and commercial/retail on<br />

the upper floors, still subject to approval by the SoR as<br />

part <strong>of</strong> DA submission.<br />

SERVICED WORKERS ACCOMMODATION<br />

A serviced workers accommodation site has now been<br />

secured by National Lifestyle Villages who will provide<br />

serviced workers units with 1, 2 and 3 bedroom options.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Site is located on the northern periphery <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Karratha Town Centre, directly north <strong>of</strong> the intersection<br />

<strong>of</strong> Sharpe Avenue with Warambie Road.<br />

As at April 2010 earthworks have commenced on site for<br />

the construction <strong>of</strong> accommodation.<br />

Accommodation will be constructed on a staged basis<br />

over 2 years with the first stage due for delivery in<br />

approximately August 2010.<br />

INDUSTRIAL<br />

No new developments have occurred or are planned.<br />

FLOORSPACE REQUIREMENTS<br />

2.0<br />

In order to consider Karratha retail and <strong>of</strong>fice floor<br />

space requirements and ensuring provision is made<br />

for adequate floor space to be provided as part <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Karratha City Centre Revitalisation, it is necessary to<br />

review existing and projected floorspace usage.<br />

Pracsys and SGS Economics & Planning (“SGS”) have<br />

both undertaken analysis <strong>of</strong> these market sectors.<br />

Pracsys advised that with regard to the planning for<br />

Karratha floorspace over time and, particularly out<br />

to year 2041 approximately, based on an anticipated<br />

population <strong>of</strong> 50,000, there are a number <strong>of</strong> variables<br />

over and above resident population that can influence<br />

demand for floorspace, particularly retail floorspace<br />

including:<br />

<strong>The</strong> nature and extent <strong>of</strong> the tourism sector and<br />

visitor base to Karratha. This sector is extremely<br />

underdeveloped and it is difficult to estimate what<br />

this might be in 30 years<br />

<strong>The</strong> extent <strong>of</strong> the FIFO population<br />

<strong>The</strong> extent to which Karratha as a major regional<br />

population centre will act as an attractor for Pilbara<br />

residents in general<br />

<strong>The</strong> extent <strong>of</strong> expenditure leakage, which is partly<br />

a function <strong>of</strong> the range <strong>of</strong> retail, commercial and<br />

institutional services on <strong>of</strong>fer in Karratha.<br />

Pracsys estimates <strong>of</strong> floorspace are approximations only<br />

and it is important to note that Pracsys does not have<br />

the capacity in its current scope <strong>of</strong> work to reproduce<br />

the depth <strong>of</strong> analysis contained in the dedicated<br />

Karratha Primary Trade Area Retail and Commercial<br />

Strategy produced for the Department <strong>of</strong> Planning (then<br />

DPI) in July 2009 by SGS Economics & Planning.<br />

21


22<br />

2.0<br />

<strong>The</strong> SGS report estimated the current supply <strong>of</strong> retail<br />

floorspace in Karratha across all categories at 41,000m 2<br />

<strong>of</strong> gross lettable floor area (GLFA) and 29,684m 2 <strong>of</strong><br />

commercial/<strong>of</strong>fice floorspace across commercial,<br />

government and institutional uses. <strong>The</strong> report further<br />

suggests that by 2020, at a residential population <strong>of</strong><br />

22,795 and FIFO workforce <strong>of</strong> 2,400 that there will be<br />

demand for an additional 20,150m 2 <strong>of</strong> retail across all<br />

categories and 16,200m 2 <strong>of</strong> commercial / <strong>of</strong>fice space.<br />

This would mean the provision <strong>of</strong> a total retail floorspace<br />

<strong>of</strong> 61,500m 2 and 45,884m 2 <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice / commercial.<br />

Pracsys high order estimates <strong>of</strong> retail floorspace suggest<br />

that for a population <strong>of</strong> 50,000, and assuming arole<br />

as a major regional population centre, Karratha may<br />

require something in the order <strong>of</strong> 123,444m 2 <strong>of</strong> total<br />

retail floorspace including 54,715m 2 <strong>of</strong> convenience<br />

retail, 55,711 <strong>of</strong> comparison retail and approximately<br />

13,000m 2 <strong>of</strong> café /restaurant / fast food floorspace.<br />

Based on the above data between 2009 and 2041 an<br />

additional 82,444m 2 <strong>of</strong> retail floorspace will need to be<br />

provided and for commercial / <strong>of</strong>fice floorspace across<br />

commercial, government and institutional uses an<br />

additional 33,316m 2 <strong>of</strong> floorspace.<br />

In terms <strong>of</strong> other Planning Land Use Categories (PLUC)<br />

Pracsys anticipated a requirement for around 63,000m 2<br />

<strong>of</strong> general <strong>of</strong>fice / commercial space floorspace,<br />

134,135m 2 <strong>of</strong> health, welfare and community<br />

service floorspace and approximately 89,000m 2 <strong>of</strong><br />

entertainment / recreational / cultural floorspace.<br />

It should be noted that the floorspace estimates are<br />

exactly that; they do not include provision for areas<br />

such as car parking, landscaping, set backs and the<br />

like. At 2006 the existing floorspace <strong>of</strong> health, welfare<br />

and community service floorspace is approximately<br />

16,131m 2 and for entertainment / recreational / cultural<br />

floorspace 31,355m 2 . Based on these amounts between<br />

2009 and 2041 an additional 118,004m 2 <strong>of</strong> health,<br />

welfare and community service floorspace will need to<br />

be provided and for entertainment/recreational/ cultural<br />

floorspace an additional 57,645m 2 . It should be noted<br />

that the indicated floorspace are estimates only, and are<br />

based on benchmark floorspace provision in a range <strong>of</strong><br />

Australian regional centres. Pracsys estimates are based<br />

on 2006 census employment data and cross-referenced<br />

against the known current provision <strong>of</strong> floor space in<br />

Karratha according to PLUC. Floor space projections are<br />

based on an average per square metre <strong>of</strong> floor space<br />

per employees and incorporate employment estimates<br />

based on aspirational population targets.<br />

This methodology is a top down approach and diverges<br />

from the methodology employed in the Karratha Retail<br />

and Commercial Strategy.<br />

It is important to note that the demand for floorspace<br />

other than retail is driven more by the commercial and<br />

strategic service delivery and resourcing decisions<br />

<strong>of</strong> business, companies, government agencies and<br />

institutions than population effects. <strong>The</strong>se estimates<br />

are not intended as prescriptive but rather a general<br />

indication <strong>of</strong> possible demand for different types <strong>of</strong><br />

floorspace based on scenario modelling. All growth in<br />

floorspace should occur in line with population growth<br />

and managed in its distribution.<br />

<strong>The</strong> following table summarises the stand-alone Karratha<br />

floor space data.<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

Figure 9: Retail and Commercial Floor Space<br />

(Source: 2020 estimate by SGS Economics & Planning)<br />

Note: Assumes a residential population <strong>of</strong> 22,795 and Fly in Fly<br />

Out population <strong>of</strong> 2,400.<br />

A summary <strong>of</strong> the above floorspace estimates for<br />

Karratha can be demonstrated as in the following<br />

chart below.<br />

Figure 10: Floor Space <strong>of</strong> All Categories<br />

(Source: Pracsys)<br />

Notes: 1. <strong>The</strong> assumption has been made that Health Welfare<br />

& Community & Entertainment, Recreational & Cultural <strong>of</strong>fice<br />

space did not increase between 2006 and 2009. 2. Based<br />

on high order population estimate <strong>of</strong> 50,000


CONTEXT AND ANALYSIS<br />

2.3.3 KEY DRIVERS AND PRESSURES<br />

KARRATHA FUTURE EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

Figure 11: Current and Projected Employment Levels by Employment Category<br />

(Source: Pracsys)<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

RETAIL / CONSUMER SERVICES<br />

Retail jobs have high transaction intensity and are driven<br />

by the needs <strong>of</strong> the local population. Retail tenancies<br />

must locate in close proximity to their consumer<br />

catchment, to facilitate the purchase <strong>of</strong> retail goods<br />

on a frequent basis. This can be daily or weekly for<br />

convenience goods such as groceries and newspapers,<br />

or less frequently for comparison goods such as clothing<br />

and home wares. Retail is generally concentrated<br />

within centres with a supermarket anchor, to maximise<br />

transactions and reduce the number <strong>of</strong> consumer<br />

trips required.<br />

Consumer services also have a high transaction<br />

frequency and must locate in close proximity to their<br />

customer base in order to deal directly with them. Like<br />

retail tenancies, consumer services <strong>of</strong>ten locate in<br />

centres to minimise trip generation and benefit from<br />

convenience good attractors. Consumer services can<br />

include real estate agents, travel agents, shoe repair, dry<br />

cleaning services and beauty salons.<br />

Retail and consumer services may also include some<br />

areas <strong>of</strong> local, state and federal government services<br />

such as police, education, health, community services<br />

and the like. <strong>The</strong>se are services that are delivered<br />

primarily in relation to population driven demand. <strong>The</strong>re<br />

is some overlap with areas <strong>of</strong> knowledge intensive areas<br />

<strong>of</strong> employment such as those referred to below.<br />

LOCALISED ECONOMIC ACTIVATION<br />

Economic activation <strong>of</strong> a place is determined by the<br />

frequency and concentration <strong>of</strong> transactions that occur<br />

there. <strong>The</strong> people present at any place at any point in<br />

time constitute the ‘users’ <strong>of</strong> the place. <strong>The</strong> users can<br />

be characterised as residents, visitors or local workers.<br />

<strong>The</strong> population and expenditure base <strong>of</strong> each group<br />

forms the economic base <strong>of</strong> the place and drives the<br />

commercial vitality <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice and retail tenants.<br />

2.0<br />

Activating Karratha will involve linking visitor and<br />

commuter attractors to core activity precincts;<br />

concentrating retail tenancies to encourage life and<br />

vibrancy; maximising possible modes <strong>of</strong> transport for<br />

easy access; and minimising access routes to channel<br />

traffic past shop fronts.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re are six principles <strong>of</strong> place activation that have<br />

been developed into a coherent framework to apply to<br />

urban renewal projects. <strong>The</strong>se principles are outlined<br />

below.<br />

1. Purpose <strong>of</strong> Place:<br />

Address the question – what does this place<br />

represent to its target user population (residents,<br />

workers, visitors)?<br />

Successful places usually emanate from a single<br />

point, so establish a core precinct, while the<br />

periphery will take care <strong>of</strong> itself;<br />

Enhance land economics by using design to<br />

maximise frequency and concentration <strong>of</strong><br />

transactions.<br />

2. Access – Arrival Points:<br />

Decisions about access begin 1 – 3km from the<br />

place.<br />

Do not allow transport networks to bypass the place<br />

– does the design funnel people and traffic into the<br />

core?<br />

Congestion and mix <strong>of</strong> transport nodes is good.<br />

Arrive at the ‘’front door’ <strong>of</strong> the place, not around the<br />

back.<br />

23


24<br />

2.0<br />

3. Origins – Car Parking and Transport Nodes:<br />

Parking is the driver <strong>of</strong> pedestrian movement;<br />

Strategic distribution <strong>of</strong> car parks and transport<br />

nodes will maximise pedestrian movement;<br />

− Location is more important than numbers; and<br />

− Space the car parks around the centre;<br />

Street parking is important (for commercial areas);<br />

− Charge no fees; and<br />

− Relax time limits.<br />

4. Exposure – Pedestrian Movement:<br />

Economic activation is driven by frequency and<br />

concentration <strong>of</strong> transactions.<br />

Channel movements;<br />

− Concentrate transactions by pushing people past<br />

as many shop windows as possible; and<br />

− Rents and sales are directly related to pedestrian<br />

traffic;<br />

Minimise possible routes from origin to destination<br />

points (e.g.: car park to main attraction), as<br />

architectural “permeability” is not always a good<br />

thing.<br />

5. Destinations – Major attractions<br />

Identify main destination – what will bring users into<br />

the core?<br />

Assess user behaviour;<br />

− Number <strong>of</strong> visits; and<br />

− Timing <strong>of</strong> visits (time <strong>of</strong> day, seasonality);<br />

Give major destinations special treatment;<br />

− Understand what they need; and<br />

− Build centre around them<br />

Amplify the impact <strong>of</strong> attractions by creating support<br />

amenity and infrastructure to maximise frequency,<br />

length <strong>of</strong> stay and expenditure.<br />

6. Control – Strategic Sites<br />

Tenure control is vital for overall development<br />

success – which sites (supporting what uses) must<br />

stay in public ownership;<br />

Identify active frontages and take control <strong>of</strong> key sites;<br />

Corner sites drive uses on either side;<br />

Not all areas in a place need to be active – be<br />

selective; and<br />

Have a plan and stick to it.<br />

Residents and businesses will be attracted by the<br />

level <strong>of</strong> amenity that the Karratha precincts provide.<br />

Perceptions <strong>of</strong> amenity vary between and within user<br />

groups. Residents will be attracted to the precinct for<br />

many <strong>of</strong> the reasons cited above.<br />

Prospective commercial / <strong>of</strong>fice and business tenants<br />

however will have a different perspective on what<br />

amenity suggests. <strong>The</strong> convenience <strong>of</strong> close proximity to<br />

a train station is one aspect <strong>of</strong> amenity but it is difficult<br />

to gauge how important it may be relative to other<br />

factors such as:<br />

Affordability, particularly relative to other locations<br />

within the city;<br />

Aesthetic amenity (access to views, recreational<br />

areas, waterfront etc);<br />

Clustering <strong>of</strong> like-minded industries and businesses;<br />

<strong>The</strong> extent <strong>of</strong> supporting services and infrastructure;<br />

Importance <strong>of</strong> access to supply chains; and<br />

Proximity to civic functions.<br />

2.3.4 KEY IMPLICATIONS<br />

Based on above short fall estimates over the next<br />

11 years to year 2020 the retail shortfall is 1,831m 2<br />

average per annum. In the short term this shortfall could<br />

be met in part by developments proposed at the 9.97<br />

hectare Tambrey Neighbourhood Shopping Centre and<br />

Mixed-use site and at part Lot 553 corner Searipple and<br />

Warambie Roads and the release <strong>of</strong> development sites in<br />

the Town Centre.<br />

<strong>The</strong> commercial / <strong>of</strong>fice space short fall estimate <strong>of</strong><br />

1,472m 2 per annum over the next 11 years to 2020<br />

could in the short term be easily accommodated in<br />

whole or part by the release <strong>of</strong> development sites in<br />

the Town Centre. Alternatively proposed developments<br />

such as at the Tambrey Neighbourhood Shopping Centre<br />

and mixed-use site; part lot 553 corner Cripple and<br />

Warambie Roads and the release <strong>of</strong> development sites in<br />

the Town Centre could assist in meeting the shortfall.<br />

On the basis that all retail and <strong>of</strong>fice space shortfall<br />

requirements were to be met via development in the<br />

town centre as part <strong>of</strong> the Karratha Town Centre<br />

Revitalisation plan, the following development scenario<br />

demonstrates the approximate amount <strong>of</strong> development<br />

land needed to meet demand:<br />

Assumptions:<br />

50% <strong>of</strong> site coverage for buildings.<br />

5 Storey heights.<br />

<strong>The</strong> total land required to meet all retail and <strong>of</strong>fice space<br />

projections at 2020 and 2041 respectively, would be<br />

as follows:<br />

2020 -10,703m2 <strong>of</strong> development land needed.<br />

2041 - 20,896m 2 <strong>of</strong> development land needed.<br />

If all retail premises shortfall space requirements were<br />

to be developed on ground floor premises only then<br />

the following would apply adopting the above 50% site<br />

coverage ratio:<br />

2020 - 40,300m2 <strong>of</strong> development land needed.<br />

2041 – 164,888m 2 <strong>of</strong> development land needed.<br />

2.3.5 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES<br />

Economy Goal<br />

A robust, diversified local economy that effectively<br />

services the needs <strong>of</strong> local and regional industry<br />

and population.<br />

Project objectives have been developed which responds<br />

to meeting the aspirational economic goal, by<br />

addressing the needs <strong>of</strong> current state <strong>of</strong> the economy<br />

and the driving forces and pressures that will affect<br />

economic outcomes in the future, and how the economy<br />

goal is achieved. <strong>The</strong>se project objectives are:<br />

Improved local business capability to service<br />

established industry sectors;<br />

Optimised local employment distribution to meet the<br />

requirements <strong>of</strong> industry and population;<br />

Increased local business and industry diversity;<br />

Enhanced local business investment and<br />

entrepreneurial activity; and<br />

Activated and accessible retail and commercial<br />

destinations.


CONTEXT AND ANALYSIS<br />

2.4 COMMUNITY<br />

2.4.1 CURRENT SITUATION<br />

HISTORY<br />

Part <strong>of</strong> a region that has been home to the Ngarluma<br />

and Yindjibarndi people for many generations,<br />

Karratha is in the centre <strong>of</strong> land traditionally owned<br />

by the Jaburara tribe, now extinct. <strong>The</strong> town’s name<br />

can be translated as ‘good country’ and comes from<br />

that <strong>of</strong> a pastoral station established in 1866, from<br />

which land was reclaimed for joint government-private<br />

sector township development in 1968-1969. From its<br />

beginnings as a purpose-built worker’s colony, Karratha’s<br />

growth has been inextricably linked with the expansion<br />

<strong>of</strong> the resources industry. <strong>The</strong> town was gazetted in<br />

1969 and is now the largest centre in the Pilbara.<br />

DEMOGRAPHICS<br />

Overview<br />

Karratha is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>Western</strong> Australia’s major regional<br />

centres, and a hub for mining and gas operations in<br />

the North West. At the time <strong>of</strong> the Australian Bureau<br />

<strong>of</strong> Statistics’ national census in 2006, it was home<br />

to 11,728 people, equating to 71% <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>Roebourne</strong>’s population and 29% <strong>of</strong> the Pilbara region’s<br />

population. Population increase over the previous five<br />

years was 9.3%. <strong>The</strong> <strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Roebourne</strong>’s estimate <strong>of</strong><br />

its 2009 population was 13,000, with a further 2,000<br />

fly-in, fly-out workers.<br />

At present, significant demographic characteristics <strong>of</strong><br />

the Karratha population include:<br />

High levels <strong>of</strong> resident turnover and transience,<br />

mostly due to people accessing work in the town<br />

while still maintaining a “home base” elsewhere, with<br />

plans to return there in future years, and also an<br />

increased proportion <strong>of</strong> FIFO workers;<br />

A lower proportion <strong>of</strong> young people (10-19 years)<br />

and older people (50 plus years) compared to the<br />

state average;<br />

A high cost <strong>of</strong> living, with major factors being the<br />

high cost <strong>of</strong> housing and price escalation when<br />

goods are transported to the region;<br />

A high median weekly household income <strong>of</strong> $2,078<br />

– double that <strong>of</strong> regional <strong>Western</strong> Australia more<br />

broadly ($1,005) and the Perth metropolitan area<br />

($1,086) – but significant income disparities within<br />

the community; and<br />

A low proportion <strong>of</strong> owner-occupiers (37%)<br />

compared to regional <strong>Western</strong> Australia (66%) and<br />

Perth (73%).<br />

Age Structure<br />

When planning for the provision <strong>of</strong> housing, community<br />

facilities and services it is important to consider the<br />

relatively high proportion <strong>of</strong> young families that current<br />

reside within the town. This pr<strong>of</strong>ile is likely to continue<br />

in the shorter term as the town continues to grow via a<br />

resource led economy. However if the City is to have a<br />

more “normalised” demographic pr<strong>of</strong>ile then efforts will<br />

need to be made to encourage great numbers <strong>of</strong> youth<br />

(ages 10 – 19 years) and Seniors (50 years and over) to<br />

reside in the City.<br />

<strong>The</strong> current (2006) age structure <strong>of</strong> residents in<br />

Karratha is shown in Figure 12. Key points to note<br />

include:<br />

Karratha has a similar population age structure<br />

compared to the Pilbara.<br />

In comparison to regional WA and the Perth<br />

metropolitan area Karratha has a:<br />

− High proportion <strong>of</strong> people aged 0-9 years, 20-<br />

29, 30-39 years and 40-49 years;<br />

− Low proportion <strong>of</strong> people aged 50 plus years;<br />

and<br />

− Similar proportion <strong>of</strong> young people aged<br />

10-19 years.<br />

Figure 12: Age Structure, (Source: ABS Census 2006)<br />

Ethnicity and Birthplace<br />

Community development planning needs to consider<br />

the ethnicity and cultural background <strong>of</strong> the community<br />

and take steps to seek positive community integration<br />

<strong>of</strong> people from various cultures. <strong>The</strong> degree <strong>of</strong> ethnic<br />

diversity is likely to increase in Karratha as overseas<br />

migrants are sought as skilled labour to supply the<br />

resource sector growth needs.<br />

An overview <strong>of</strong> the current ethnic status within Karratha<br />

reveals:<br />

69.7% <strong>of</strong> Karratha residents are born in Australia, <strong>of</strong><br />

which 6.3% are Indigenous;<br />

77.5% Karratha residents are Australian citizens;<br />

80.2% speak English only; and<br />

<strong>The</strong> top countries for both ethnicity and birthplace<br />

(excluding Australia) are England (3.8%), New<br />

Zealand (3.7%), Philippines (0.9%), India (0.8%)<br />

and South Africa (0.8%).<br />

2.0<br />

Demographic data also reveals that Karratha has a:<br />

Slightly higher proportion <strong>of</strong> Australia citizens<br />

compared to the Pilbara and regional WA;<br />

Lower proportion <strong>of</strong> Indigenous residents compared<br />

to the Pilbara and regional WA;<br />

Higher proportion <strong>of</strong> residents that only speak<br />

English compared to the Pilbara, but a lower<br />

proportion compared to regional WA; and<br />

Similar pr<strong>of</strong>ile <strong>of</strong> birth countries compared to the<br />

Pilbara.<br />

<strong>The</strong> following tables provide an overview <strong>of</strong> community<br />

ethnicity in Karratha:<br />

Karratha Pilbara Regional<br />

WA<br />

Perth<br />

Metro<br />

Australian<br />

Citizen<br />

77.5% 74.8% 76.0% 82.7%<br />

Indigenous 6.3% 13.7% 7.3% 1.5%<br />

Speak<br />

English Only<br />

80.2% 72.7% 87.2% 79.9%<br />

Table 8: Ethnicity (Source: ABS Census, 2006)<br />

Karratha Pilbara Regional<br />

WA<br />

Perth<br />

Metro<br />

Australia 69.7% 67.2% 76.0% 61.5%<br />

England 3.8% 3.3% 6.1% 9.9%<br />

New Zealand 3.7% 4.0% 2.4% 2.4%<br />

Philippines 0.9% 0.7% 0.3% 0.4%<br />

India 0.8% 0.5% 0.2% 1.0%<br />

South Africa 0.8% 0.8% 0.6% 1.3%<br />

Table 9: Countries <strong>of</strong> Birth (Source: ABS Census, 2006)<br />

25


26<br />

2.0<br />

Household Structure and Dwellings<br />

<strong>The</strong> spatial planning <strong>of</strong> Karratha and in particular the<br />

provision <strong>of</strong> housing and community facilities needs<br />

to consider the typical household structures that exist<br />

within the Karratha community. <strong>The</strong> existing pr<strong>of</strong>ile <strong>of</strong><br />

household structures are likely to continue in the shorter<br />

term as the town continues to grow via a resource<br />

led economy. However if the City is to have a more<br />

“normalised” household pr<strong>of</strong>ile then there will need to<br />

be a greater number <strong>of</strong> permanent single residents. This<br />

may eventuate if there is transference <strong>of</strong> some fly in fly<br />

out workers to more permanent residential status.<br />

<strong>The</strong> demographic data reveals that in Karratha half<br />

<strong>of</strong> all households (51%) are families with children,<br />

over one quarter (28%) are couples without children,<br />

17% are lone person households, 4% are group/share<br />

households and 1% are other families (Figure 13). This<br />

is a very similar pr<strong>of</strong>ile to the whole <strong>of</strong> the Pilbara.<br />

In comparison to regional WA and the Perth<br />

metropolitan area Karratha has a:<br />

higher proportion <strong>of</strong> families with children; and<br />

lower proportion <strong>of</strong> lone person households.<br />

<strong>The</strong> average household size in Karratha is 2.8 persons;<br />

in comparison it is 2.9 persons in the Pilbara, 2.6<br />

persons in regional WA and 2.5 in the Perth metropolitan<br />

area.<br />

In Karratha 66% <strong>of</strong> all dwellings are separate houses,<br />

19% are semi-detached/row/terrace houses or<br />

townhouses, 4% are flats, units and apartments and<br />

12% are other dwellings. In comparison to the Pilbara,<br />

regional WA and the Perth metropolitan area,<br />

Karratha has a:<br />

lower proportion <strong>of</strong> separate houses;<br />

higher proportion <strong>of</strong> semi-detached/row/terrace<br />

or townhouses; and<br />

higher proportion <strong>of</strong> other dwellings.<br />

Figure 13: Household Structure (Source: ABS Census, 2006)<br />

Figure 14: Dwelling Types (Source: ABC Census, 2006)


CONTEXT AND ANALYSIS<br />

POPULATION MOVEMENT<br />

Karratha is a highly transient community. Only 29%<br />

<strong>of</strong> people surveyed by the <strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Roebourne</strong> in 2008<br />

indicated that they intend to stay more than ten years,<br />

38% indicated they intended to stay in the <strong>Shire</strong> for up<br />

to five years, 13% intend to stay between six to nine<br />

years, and 22% were unsure <strong>of</strong> their intensions.<br />

INCOME<br />

<strong>The</strong> median weekly household income in Karratha is<br />

$2,078; this is double regional WA ($1,005) and the<br />

Perth metropolitan area ($1,086) and slightly higher<br />

than the Pilbara overall ($1,969).<br />

EDUCATION<br />

In Karratha 48% <strong>of</strong> people attending an education<br />

institution are at primary school, 25% are attending<br />

secondary school, 9% are at pre-primary school, 16%<br />

are undertaking further education and 2% are attending<br />

other education institutions. This pr<strong>of</strong>ile is very similar<br />

to the Pilbara and regional WA. Of the residents in<br />

Karratha who have a post school qualification the<br />

majority hold a certificate (59%), 22% hold a bachelor<br />

degree, 14% hold an advanced diploma, 3% hold a<br />

graduate diploma and graduate certificate and 3%<br />

hold a post graduate degree. This is a similar pr<strong>of</strong>ile<br />

compared to the Pilbara and regional WA. In Perth a<br />

higher proportion <strong>of</strong> residents hold a bachelor degree<br />

and post graduate degree.<br />

EMPLOYMENT<br />

Karratha has a total labour force <strong>of</strong> just over 6,000<br />

people, <strong>of</strong> whom 72% are employed full-time, 17%<br />

are employed part-time, 8% are employed in another<br />

capacity and 2% are unemployed. Further to this<br />

approximately 1,100 people aged over 15 years (or<br />

the equivalent <strong>of</strong> 16%) in Karratha are not in the<br />

labour force.<br />

<strong>The</strong> labour force in Karratha has a similar make up to<br />

the Pilbara overall, however, in comparison to regional<br />

WA and the Perth metropolitan area, Karratha has a:<br />

Higher proportion <strong>of</strong> people employed full-time.<br />

Lower proportion <strong>of</strong> people employed part-time.<br />

Lower proportion <strong>of</strong> people not in the labour force<br />

(34% in regional WA and 33% in Perth).<br />

Just over half <strong>of</strong> all employed residents in Karratha<br />

are white collar workers (52%); with the remaining<br />

being blue collar workers (48%). This is the opposite<br />

<strong>of</strong> the Pilbara, with 53% being blue collar workers<br />

and 47% being white collar workers. This difference<br />

is understandable given that Karratha is the service<br />

centre for the <strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Roebourne</strong> (one <strong>of</strong> four local<br />

governments in the Pilbara).<br />

Perth and regional WA have a higher proportion <strong>of</strong><br />

white collar workers compared to Karratha and a lower<br />

proportion <strong>of</strong> blue collar workers.<br />

<strong>The</strong> top five industries <strong>of</strong> employment <strong>of</strong> residents in<br />

Karratha are:<br />

1. Metal ore mining (8.0%).<br />

2. School education (5.4%).<br />

3. Oil and gas extraction (5.4%).<br />

4. Heavy and civil engineering<br />

construction (3.8%).<br />

5. Building installation services (3.0%).<br />

HOUSING MARKET<br />

<strong>The</strong> housing market in Karratha is very different to that<br />

<strong>of</strong> Cities such as Perth. <strong>The</strong>re is a high proportion <strong>of</strong><br />

rental properties (62%); 37% are owner occupied and<br />

1% are classified as ‘other’. This is very similar to the<br />

rest <strong>of</strong> the Pilbara, however, very different from regional<br />

WA and the Perth metropolitan area where the majority<br />

<strong>of</strong> properties are owner occupied (66% in regional WA<br />

and 73% in Perth). <strong>The</strong> high proportion <strong>of</strong> rental in<br />

Karratha and the Pilbara is probably due to the provision<br />

<strong>of</strong> housing for resource sector and government services<br />

workers by their employers.<br />

In Karratha 25% <strong>of</strong> all rentals are through a real estate<br />

agent, 22% are state housing authority rentals and the<br />

majority 53% are other rentals. This is similar to both<br />

the Pilbara and regional WA; however, the Pilbara has a<br />

higher proportion <strong>of</strong> other rentals (64%). Between the<br />

June and September quarters in 2009 the average rental<br />

cost <strong>of</strong> three and four bedroom properties has increase<br />

by approximately $200 per week.<br />

Figure 15: Average House Settlement Price and Sales Karratha (2004 – 2009)<br />

2.0<br />

<strong>The</strong>re is a distinct lack <strong>of</strong> diversity in housing types in<br />

Karratha with many single people having to share larger<br />

housing. <strong>The</strong>re is a definite lack <strong>of</strong> housing available<br />

in, or close to, the town centre, which impacts on the<br />

activation <strong>of</strong> the area. <strong>The</strong>re are limited opportunities<br />

for transient workers or those residents who only require<br />

smaller accommodation types to access appropriate<br />

housing close to their work location and at a cost that is<br />

affordable.<br />

<strong>The</strong> high cost <strong>of</strong> housing impacts across all aspects<br />

<strong>of</strong> the community including attraction and retention<br />

<strong>of</strong> staff, cost <strong>of</strong> living and a barrier to small business<br />

development.<br />

Figure 15 below shows the trend <strong>of</strong> average house<br />

settlement price and sales in Karratha. As the number<br />

<strong>of</strong> sales has decreased the price has increased.<br />

27


28<br />

2.0<br />

TOWN <strong>CENTRE</strong> COMMUNITY FACILITIES (CURRENT)<br />

<strong>The</strong> predominant use <strong>of</strong> the town centre currently is<br />

for shopping, with the existing indoor shopping centre<br />

dominating the town centre area. <strong>The</strong>re is a range<br />

<strong>of</strong> other commercial and government services that<br />

residents access in the town centre including - banks,<br />

fast food shops, hotels, service stations, speciality<br />

shops, medical services, car yards, furniture shops and<br />

government agencies.<br />

Many <strong>of</strong> Karratha’s town centre facilities fall short in<br />

regards to contemporary design and struggle to meet<br />

current community needs.<br />

<strong>The</strong> current spatial design <strong>of</strong> the town centre is<br />

dysfunctional with a distinct lack <strong>of</strong> public open space<br />

or community facilities. This leads to people driving in<br />

and driving out <strong>of</strong> the town centre for single purposes<br />

such as shopping, rather than visiting the town centre<br />

for more <strong>of</strong> a social experience. <strong>The</strong>re currently are no<br />

defined precincts within the town centre to maximise<br />

collocation <strong>of</strong> similar enterprises and there is little or no<br />

street or town centre space activation.<br />

<strong>The</strong> following table (Table 10) provides a review <strong>of</strong><br />

community facilities that exist within the town centre.<br />

Facility Condition Details<br />

Aquatic centre Becoming dated and in<br />

need <strong>of</strong> refurbishment or<br />

relocation<br />

Has water play elements<br />

Well positioned in centre <strong>of</strong> town<br />

Plans have been prepared for redevelopment and possible movement to the<br />

new “Learning and Leisure” precinct.<br />

Lotteries House In good condition Collocation <strong>of</strong> government and non Government agencies<br />

Catholic Church Church in good condition.<br />

Aged Care<br />

Facility<br />

St Pauls<br />

Primary School<br />

Provision <strong>of</strong> housing for<br />

Church Minister an issue.<br />

Centre in reasonable<br />

condition<br />

School is on the fringe <strong>of</strong><br />

the town centre.<br />

School in good condition<br />

Cinema Cinema closed recently<br />

due to lack <strong>of</strong> business.<br />

Table 10: Town Centre Community Facilities (Current)<br />

May be potential reused for other community purposes (e.g. developed into a<br />

youth centre) if the needs <strong>of</strong> agencies grow and require a large facility<br />

Roman Catholic Church.<br />

Opportunity for site to be relocated for new facilities to be developed and land<br />

redeveloped<br />

School being upgraded with funds from Federal Government’s Building the<br />

Education Revolution funding.<br />

Opportunity to upgrade school oval and open space to interlink with city<br />

centre and create potential community use in out <strong>of</strong> school hours<br />

Site for sale. Likely to be used for other purposes.


CONTEXT AND ANALYSIS<br />

COMMUNITY GROUPS AND SERVICES (CURRENT)<br />

Community services are stretched in Karratha and are<br />

struggling to meet current demands. Further pressure<br />

will be brought to bear on these services (particularly<br />

Non Government services), unless proactive approaches<br />

are made to support these organisations.<br />

<strong>The</strong> provision <strong>of</strong> community services is significantly<br />

impacted on by a number <strong>of</strong> factors including:<br />

High cost <strong>of</strong> living – difficulty in attracting and<br />

retaining staff, particularly Non Government<br />

Organisations without housing;<br />

Lack <strong>of</strong> differential resourcing within agencies that<br />

recognise the complexities <strong>of</strong> living in the Pilbara;<br />

High turnover <strong>of</strong> staff – impacting on continuity <strong>of</strong><br />

services;<br />

Shift work and rosters that impact on civic or<br />

community engagement; and<br />

Lower levels <strong>of</strong> volunteerism due to shift work and<br />

other factors.<br />

LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Roebourne</strong> <strong>of</strong>fices and chambers are<br />

currently located within the town centre. <strong>The</strong> <strong>Shire</strong> has<br />

six main service areas:<br />

Community development.<br />

Building.<br />

Environmental health.<br />

Rangers<br />

Planning<br />

Technical<br />

GOVERNMENT AND NON GOVERNMENT SERVICES<br />

<strong>The</strong>re are 28 government (local, state and federal)<br />

agencies listed as providing services in Karratha and<br />

there are 19 non-Government Service Agencies.<br />

A number <strong>of</strong> these agencies are located within the town<br />

centre. However the <strong>of</strong>fices are in differing locations<br />

across the town and not in one precinct.<br />

COMMUNITY GROUPS AND CLUBS<br />

<strong>The</strong> provision <strong>of</strong> community groups and associations<br />

is dominated by sporting and recreation clubs, which<br />

provide the main avenue for social engagement, through<br />

engagement in healthy activity. <strong>The</strong>re is limited choice<br />

outside <strong>of</strong> sport in regards to community <strong>of</strong>ferings.<br />

<strong>The</strong>se clubs and organisations currently operate in<br />

facilities outside <strong>of</strong> the town centre.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re are currently 62 sporting clubs registered in town<br />

for both adults and children. <strong>The</strong>re are also eight (8)<br />

recreation based clubs, seven (7) community based<br />

associations or organisations; three (3) playgroups; two<br />

(2) arts and crafts groups; two (2) army cadets and<br />

reserves groups and only one (1) registered cultural<br />

group<br />

KARRATHA CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY EVENTS<br />

<strong>The</strong> number <strong>of</strong> community events in Karratha is limited<br />

and is significantly less than a Pilbara Town with a<br />

similar population such as Port Hedland.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re are currently no significant events that are<br />

conducted within the town centre such as<br />

street festivals.<br />

<strong>The</strong> opportunity exists to conduct more community<br />

events that take advantage <strong>of</strong> the good weather and<br />

create a new sense <strong>of</strong> community excitement about<br />

the development <strong>of</strong> Karratha. <strong>The</strong> <strong>Shire</strong> could review<br />

its staff structure to develop an expanded events team<br />

within the <strong>Shire</strong> that is supported by Industry that<br />

provides a range <strong>of</strong> events for youth, families and the<br />

broader community.<br />

2.4.2 CURRENT <strong>PLAN</strong>NING<br />

SHIRE OF ROEBOURNE<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Roebourne</strong> has identified a range <strong>of</strong><br />

community initiatives to be implemented in Karratha<br />

from 2009 – 2013 in supporting the development <strong>of</strong><br />

community facilities and services. Those <strong>of</strong> relevance to<br />

the development <strong>of</strong> the City Centre include:<br />

Increasing the attractiveness <strong>of</strong> the streetscape<br />

amenity and foster pride in maintaining a higher<br />

standard <strong>of</strong> the upkeep <strong>of</strong> homes, businesses and<br />

public space throughout the <strong>Shire</strong>.<br />

Providing development ready site(s), in conjunction<br />

with LandCorp and other agencies to enable the<br />

development <strong>of</strong> a lifestyle village(s) or other forms <strong>of</strong><br />

housing suitable for, retirees<br />

Enhancing the sense <strong>of</strong> community by coordinating a<br />

range <strong>of</strong> community events and activities.<br />

Encouraging engagement <strong>of</strong> transient workers in<br />

community/sporting activities.<br />

Developing youth programs and a plan to improve<br />

youth program and service delivery. Including:<br />

− Participating in the “Communities for Children”<br />

strategy in the implementation <strong>of</strong> the mobile<br />

youth hub partnership.<br />

− Coordinate Youth Advisory Council<br />

2.0<br />

− Developing annual program <strong>of</strong> youth events and<br />

activities.<br />

− Progressing the identification <strong>of</strong> a site within the<br />

Karratha Town Centre for the development <strong>of</strong> a<br />

Youth Centre.<br />

Develop a community consultation and engagement<br />

policy and program, external communication policy<br />

and <strong>Shire</strong> website.<br />

Develop strategies and actions to address anti social<br />

behaviour, graffiti and litter, in partnership with the<br />

community and key stakeholders.<br />

Improve in parks and gardens including:<br />

− Completing an Asset Management Strategy.<br />

− Completing a significant program for<br />

refurbishment <strong>of</strong> major sports fields.<br />

Improvement <strong>of</strong> recreational and community facilities<br />

including:<br />

− Developing an Asset Management Strategy for<br />

<strong>Shire</strong> buildings.<br />

− Investigating the implementation <strong>of</strong> a<br />

community infrastructure contributions policy to<br />

be applied through the development application<br />

process.<br />

− Completing concept design and management<br />

planning for the Karratha Learning and Leisure<br />

Precinct.<br />

− Developing and implement permanent shade<br />

structures to <strong>Shire</strong> playgrounds.<br />

29


30<br />

2.0<br />

Improvement in Child Care services and family<br />

liaison including:<br />

− Continuing to facilitate the early learning<br />

specialist scholarship scheme.<br />

− Continue to promote family day care schemes.<br />

Enhanced Family Liaison and provision <strong>of</strong> community<br />

events including:<br />

− Partnering with the Communities for Children<br />

initiative in the delivery <strong>of</strong> the Community<br />

Strategic Plan.<br />

− Actively participating in the Communities for<br />

Children Consortium.<br />

− Formalising partnerships with Karratha<br />

community House<br />

− Continuing to provide annual and community<br />

funding to support a variety <strong>of</strong> family liaison<br />

initiatives.<br />

− Working in partnership with all stakeholders to<br />

provide an annual calendar <strong>of</strong> community events<br />

and activities.<br />

− Formalising the Community Consultation policy.<br />

Tourism:<br />

− Assisting both Karratha and <strong>Roebourne</strong> Visitor<br />

Centres in the implementation <strong>of</strong> their business<br />

and strategic plans.<br />

− Working in partnership with Australia’s North<br />

West Tourism to increase awareness through<br />

marketing West Pilbara as a tourist destination.<br />

− Evaluating tourism opportunities.<br />

Continue to work with State Government and other<br />

non-government agencies to optimise and improve<br />

Health Services within our communities. Including:<br />

− Actively lobbying and supporting WA Country<br />

Health Services.<br />

− Participating in the reviewing <strong>of</strong><br />

medical services.<br />

2.4.3 KEY DRIVERS AND PRESSURES<br />

Although Karratha has both natural and economic<br />

attractions, recent literature on the community points to<br />

a high level <strong>of</strong> dissatisfaction with the level <strong>of</strong> provision<br />

<strong>of</strong> services, facilities and amenities. This is particularly<br />

evident in the current town centre, which is uninviting,<br />

lacks vibrancy and is pedestrian unfriendly.<br />

<strong>The</strong> issues and concerns relating to the Karratha town<br />

centre have their genesis in the initial developmental<br />

years <strong>of</strong> the town, when the town was established<br />

without a view <strong>of</strong> permanence and sustainability. It<br />

appears that over time the planning <strong>of</strong> facilities, roads<br />

and services have been ad-hoc and based more on<br />

expediency to meet a current need, rather than proper<br />

planning that takes into consideration the need to cater<br />

for future town growth.<br />

<strong>The</strong> current design <strong>of</strong> the town centre is dysfunctional.<br />

<strong>The</strong> layout <strong>of</strong> facilities, roads, parking and other<br />

amenities provides an uninviting and hot environment<br />

where there is a distinct lack <strong>of</strong> legibility to accessing<br />

the town centre. All areas <strong>of</strong> the town centre are<br />

dominated by vehicular traffic, have little or no<br />

landscaping or open space, and are dominated by many<br />

unsightly buildings. As a result the town centre’s design<br />

actively works against positive community interaction<br />

and socialisation.<br />

Growth in the resource industry and associated projects<br />

will increase pressure on facilities, services and<br />

amenities in the town centre, so effective planning for<br />

growth includes the need to urgently address the issues<br />

related to the town centre.<br />

2.4.4 KEY IMPLICATIONS<br />

<strong>The</strong> identification <strong>of</strong> specific challenges and implications<br />

faced by Karratha consequent to its growth into a city<br />

is akin to understanding an ecosystem. Aspects <strong>of</strong> that<br />

‘ecosystem’ are currently under stress, and analysis<br />

<strong>of</strong> existing pressures and imbalances is essential. <strong>The</strong><br />

implications <strong>of</strong> expansion include increased pressures,<br />

and alteration <strong>of</strong> balances. Concomitant with challenges<br />

are opportunities, and Karratha’s future as a vital city<br />

<strong>of</strong> the north hinges on the extent to which change is<br />

managed and healthy balances achieved.<br />

<strong>The</strong> following challenges have been identified in relation<br />

to the spatial, visual and facility characteristics <strong>of</strong> the<br />

current town centre:<br />

Lack <strong>of</strong> places for socialising such as town squares,<br />

community facilities, cafes and restaurants.<br />

High cost <strong>of</strong> living, predominantly due to housing<br />

and accommodation pressure, combined with the<br />

high cost <strong>of</strong> goods, which have to be transported<br />

from larger centres. This impacts on the viability <strong>of</strong><br />

businesses in the town centre.<br />

Lack <strong>of</strong> streetscape articulation, with no identifiable<br />

‘town centre’ (e.g. town square) or entry to the<br />

town centre.<br />

Poor signage and directions to the town centre.<br />

Dominance <strong>of</strong> cars and car parking over pedestrians<br />

and pedestrian access ways.<br />

Hot conditions, due to lack <strong>of</strong> shade and street<br />

scaping in a hot climate – leading to an increased<br />

use <strong>of</strong> cars<br />

Lack <strong>of</strong> active edges to buildings, requiring all<br />

activity to happen within buildings and not on streets<br />

or in open spaces. This is particularly the case for<br />

the large indoor shopping centre.<br />

Limited permeability or safe routes for pedestrians<br />

and cyclists, particularly in the areas around the<br />

Karratha Shopping Centre<br />

Poor traffic management due to road layout.<br />

Unsightly and ageing built form.<br />

Lack <strong>of</strong> accommodation in the town centre,<br />

particularly for higher density housing, which<br />

impacts on the diversity <strong>of</strong> housing, house pricing<br />

and a lack <strong>of</strong> vibrancy in the town centre.<br />

Unsafe town centre design, with the current town<br />

layout not reflecting “designing out crime” principles.<br />

This is evident in poor lighting, lack <strong>of</strong> passive<br />

surveillance, poor sight lines, pedestrian unfriendly<br />

road and path designs and a lack <strong>of</strong> town centre<br />

activation through activities and events.<br />

Concern that current town centre facilities will not<br />

cope with any anticipated population growth<br />

in Newman.<br />

A historical <strong>of</strong> a lack <strong>of</strong> community engagement in<br />

the development <strong>of</strong> the town centre<br />

Lack <strong>of</strong> access to the town centre through<br />

public transport.<br />

Lack <strong>of</strong> facilities or amenities within the town centre<br />

to cater for tourists. This includes no parking for<br />

larger vehicles and a lack <strong>of</strong> retail and<br />

hospitality services.


CONTEXT AND ANALYSIS<br />

Lack <strong>of</strong> spaces and activities for children and youth<br />

Limited reflection or celebration <strong>of</strong> Indigenous or<br />

Non Indigenous heritage in town centre facilities or<br />

activities, including a lack <strong>of</strong> engagement <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Aboriginal community in the town centre.<br />

Limited integration <strong>of</strong> fly in fly out (FIFO) workers<br />

into using or living in the town centre.<br />

While there are existing challenges, which have<br />

implications for ongoing planning for the development<br />

<strong>of</strong> Karratha into a City, there is a range <strong>of</strong> opportunities<br />

that can be realised that render the challenges as not<br />

being insurmountable. Through analysis <strong>of</strong> Karratha’s<br />

existing social context, the following opportunities have<br />

been identified in relation to the development <strong>of</strong> the<br />

City Centre:<br />

Nurturing a sense <strong>of</strong> community ownership, with<br />

opportunities for social engagement through the<br />

development <strong>of</strong> connected, activated and well<br />

managed places that act as destination points for all<br />

sectors <strong>of</strong> the community;<br />

Creating a holistic approach to developing and<br />

governing the City Centre.<br />

Developing a collective Karratha identity and<br />

acknowledging and celebrating cultural heritage, in<br />

the city centre (e.g. through the creation <strong>of</strong> public<br />

art; interpretive trails and entries to the town centre<br />

that articulate distinctiveness and pride);<br />

Planning for arts and cultural facilities such as<br />

an outdoor music space, a visual art gallery and<br />

improved performance art spaces;<br />

Enhancing community health and well being through<br />

the provision <strong>of</strong> public open spaces such as town<br />

squares; activated streets and community facilities<br />

such as a community centre and youth centre.<br />

Cultivating meaningful partnerships and networks<br />

between City Centre stakeholders, including business<br />

owners; government agencies, <strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Roebourne</strong><br />

and community groups;<br />

Developing, upgrading and activating community<br />

spaces and facilities;<br />

Working to improve affordability, equity and<br />

accessibility within the City Centre through the<br />

provision <strong>of</strong> a variety <strong>of</strong> high density living, including<br />

shop top accommodation;<br />

Encouraging civic responsibility through the<br />

involvement <strong>of</strong> non government organisations<br />

and volunteer hubs/clubs that can operate out <strong>of</strong><br />

community facilities in the town centre;<br />

Designing and activating community facilities,<br />

amenities and meeting places in the town centre so<br />

that they are pedestrian friendly; safe and secure;<br />

and provide more shade/shelter options.<br />

2.4.5 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES<br />

Community Goal<br />

Communities that are safe, healthy, and enjoyable<br />

places to live and work; <strong>of</strong>fer cultural, educational,<br />

recreational opportunities; provide appropriate<br />

housing, services and amenities; foster active<br />

local citizenship.<br />

Project objectives have been developed which responds<br />

to meeting the aspirational community goal, by<br />

addressing the needs <strong>of</strong> current state <strong>of</strong> the community<br />

which responds to the current needs and the driving<br />

forces and pressures that will impact the community<br />

outcomes in the future, and how the community goal is<br />

achieved. <strong>The</strong>se objectives are:<br />

Provision <strong>of</strong> a full range <strong>of</strong> community services<br />

and facilities.<br />

Affordable accommodation and living.<br />

Community cohesion, vitality and involvement.<br />

Strong cross-cultural relationships.<br />

Acknowledgement <strong>of</strong> cultural heritage through built<br />

form, public art, community art and community<br />

activities.<br />

Good access to work, services and amenities.<br />

Community participation in goal setting and decisionmaking<br />

processes.<br />

Integration <strong>of</strong> workforce with local community.<br />

2.0<br />

31


32<br />

2.0<br />

2.5 ENVIRONMENT<br />

2.5.1 CURRENT SITUATION<br />

CLIMATE<br />

Karratha lies in the West Pilbara region <strong>of</strong> <strong>Western</strong><br />

Australia, a region that experiences an arid-tropical<br />

climate with two distinct seasons: a hot summer<br />

(October to April) and a mild winter (May to September).<br />

<strong>The</strong> average yearly evaporation exceeds rainfall by<br />

as much as 2500 mm per year. Seasonally low and<br />

unreliable rainfall, together with high temperatures<br />

and high diurnal temperature variations are also<br />

characteristic climatic features. Karratha averages more<br />

than 10 hours <strong>of</strong> sunshine per day, with a mean annual<br />

maximum temperature <strong>of</strong> 32.3C and a mean annual<br />

minimum temperature <strong>of</strong> 20.7C.<br />

Winds in the Karratha area are characterised by<br />

the seasonal dominance <strong>of</strong> easterlies in winter and<br />

westerlies in summer. Average wind speeds in both<br />

seasons vary from 10 km/hr to 20 km/hr and sustained<br />

periods <strong>of</strong> winds to 35 km/hr can occur, particularly<br />

in winter. <strong>The</strong> strongest winds, in excess <strong>of</strong> 300 km/hr,<br />

occur in association with tropical cyclones.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Pilbara coast has one <strong>of</strong> the highest frequencies<br />

in Australia, averaging one event every two years. <strong>The</strong><br />

typical cyclone season runs from mid-December to the<br />

end <strong>of</strong> April, peaking in February. During the tropical<br />

cyclone season coastal areas, including Karratha, can<br />

be subject to storm surge and inundation, which can be<br />

exacerbated with coinciding high tides.<br />

<br />

<br />

Calm 1%<br />

Figure 16: 9am Prevailling wind (Source: BoM)<br />

<br />

<br />

Calm *<br />

Figure 17: 3pm Prevailing wind (Source: BoM)<br />

N<br />

NW NE<br />

W<br />

E<br />

N CALM km/h<br />

CALM<br />

>= 10 and < 20<br />

>= 30 and < 40<br />

>= 0 and < 10<br />

>= 20 and < 30<br />

>= 40<br />

SW SE<br />

S<br />

30%<br />

20%<br />

10%<br />

N<br />

NW NE<br />

W<br />

E<br />

N CALM km/h<br />

CALM<br />

>= 10 and < 20<br />

>= 30 and < 40<br />

>= 0 and < 10<br />

>= 20 and < 30<br />

>= 40<br />

SW SE<br />

S<br />

10%<br />

20%<br />

30%<br />

Figure 18: Mean minimum temperature (Source: BoM)<br />

Figure 19: Mean maximum temperature (Source: BoM)<br />

Figure 20: Mean rainfall (Source: BoM)<br />

Date Time Refraction Azimuth Altitude<br />

21/06/2009 09:00:00 00o02’03” 49o32’36” 25o18’28” 21/06/2009 12:00:00 00o00’57” 4o43’14” 45o43’11” 21/06/2009 14:00:00 00o01’40” 315o24’35” 30o13’24” 21/12/2009 09:00:00 00o00’36” 102o44’40” 45o58’46” 21/12/2009 12:00:00 00o00’04” 138o21’42” 86o19’56” 21/12/2009 15:00:00 00o00’47” 257o55’54” 50o49’47” Table 11: Sun angles (Source: UDLA)


CONTEXT AND ANALYSIS<br />

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT<br />

Existing information indicates the presence <strong>of</strong> a<br />

moderate to high Acid Sulphate Soils risk area to<br />

the north <strong>of</strong> the town centre. Acid Sulphate soils in<br />

this region are present as four main soil types, which<br />

constitute the Karratha Townsite. <strong>The</strong>y are abbreviated<br />

as Qpc, Qps, Qa, Qp and are described below with their<br />

corresponding native vegetation types:<br />

Qpc – Brown cracking clay (gilgai) overlying bedrock<br />

(and/or caicrete). <strong>The</strong> unit is mainly silty clay, which<br />

develops areas <strong>of</strong> “gilgai” (crabholes). <strong>The</strong>se Qpc soils<br />

are self mulching, which under undisturbed conditions<br />

protects them from water loss and the concentration<br />

<strong>of</strong> salts at the surface. Dominated by Neverfail Grass<br />

(Eragrostis setifolia) with the drainage lines consisting<br />

mainly <strong>of</strong> Wandarrie Grass (Eriachne spp), which tends<br />

to favour the depressions and lower drainage lines.<br />

Pockets <strong>of</strong> Snakewood (Acacia xiphophylla) and other<br />

Acacia spp occurs further inland.<br />

Qps – Red, brown, stony, medium textured colluvial soils<br />

overlying calcrete or bedrock. It is mainly clayey silt with<br />

variable proportions <strong>of</strong> sand and gravel. This soil unit<br />

is usually covered with S<strong>of</strong>t Spinifex (Triodia pungens),<br />

Ribbon Grass (Chrysopogon fallax), and an upper storey<br />

<strong>of</strong> Kanji (Acacia pyritolia).<br />

Qa – Narrow alluvial deposits confined to the creek<br />

systems. Generally associated with Coolibah (Eucalyptus<br />

coolabah) and Riverine Wattle (Acacia coriacea) and a<br />

variable layer <strong>of</strong> other Acacia spp. Also comprises the<br />

introduced Buffel Grass (Cenchrus ciliaris).<br />

Qp – Consists <strong>of</strong> calcareous coastal dunes.1 On the<br />

seaward slope <strong>of</strong> the foredune, grasses (e.g. Whiteochloa<br />

airoides) usually dominate and are gradually replaced<br />

by S<strong>of</strong>t Spinifex (Triodia pungens) landwards. <strong>The</strong><br />

introduced species Buffel Grass (Cenchrus ciliaris)<br />

1 A Study <strong>of</strong> Alternative Sites for Equestrian/Hobby Farm Development in the<br />

Karratha Area. B. Kok. July 1984.<br />

and Kapok Bush (Aerva javanica) may replace the native<br />

species in disturbed situations. Stunted specimens <strong>of</strong><br />

Riverine Wattle (Acacia coriacea) may also be found on<br />

the coastal dunes. 2<br />

Most <strong>of</strong> the coastal plain is covered by the Qpc and Qps<br />

units and occasionally bisected by the Qa unit near the<br />

creek lines. <strong>The</strong> Qpc (clayey) soil allows salt build-up<br />

due to poor permeability whereas the Qps (silty) soils,<br />

with a higher permeability, are leached by rainwater and<br />

recharge more readily. 3<br />

Soil tests indicate that the soil does not require special<br />

treatment to sustain any ‘normal temperate’ or<br />

‘tropical’ plants. 4<br />

No Declared Rare Flora or Threatened Ecological<br />

Communities are recorded in the town centre.<br />

DESCRIBING THE ENVIRONMENT<br />

Physical Environment<br />

2 A Study <strong>of</strong> Alternative Sites for Equestrian/Hobby Farm Development in the<br />

Karratha Area. B. Kok. July 1984.<br />

3 Karratha Area Development Strategy. <strong>Western</strong> Australian Planning<br />

Commission. April 1998.<br />

4 ibid.<br />

Quaternary (1.8 Ma – Present) marine or estuarine<br />

sediments, predominantly confined to coastal lowlands<br />

(elevations generally below 5 m AHD). Within these<br />

sediments, the majority <strong>of</strong> soils that present an<br />

environmental risk are generally confined to Holocene<br />

aged material (


34<br />

2.0<br />

2.5.2 CURRENT <strong>PLAN</strong>NING<br />

COASTAL VULNERABILITY<br />

Available surge information was reviewed to provide an<br />

initial and approximate estimate <strong>of</strong> extreme water levels<br />

to be considered for development along the Karratha<br />

coastline. This figure is based on the storm surge level<br />

<strong>of</strong> 6.3 m AHD established by the Bureau <strong>of</strong> Meteorology<br />

and predictions <strong>of</strong> possible sea level rise <strong>of</strong> 1.1 m by<br />

2100 by the Commonwealth Department <strong>of</strong> Climate<br />

Change.<br />

Until the results <strong>of</strong> a more detailed assessment are<br />

available, the City Centre Master Plan has adopted 7.7m<br />

AHD as an interim figure for high water level events.<br />

Further study is required to better understand the<br />

potential effects on extreme water and event levels on<br />

Karratha in order to develop site-specific adaptation and<br />

mitigation strategies for coastal and inland development.<br />

This should also make specific reference to the Karratha<br />

City Centre.<br />

2.5.3 KEY DRIVERS AND PRESSURES<br />

Population increase, industrial and commercial growth,<br />

and associated increases in transport, energy and<br />

water use are the key driving forces affecting the natural<br />

environment in the Pilbara generally and Karratha<br />

specifically.<br />

<strong>The</strong>se drivers exert direct pressures on the environment,<br />

which can be divided into three main types: (i) excessive<br />

use <strong>of</strong> environmental resources, (ii) changes in land<br />

use, and (iii) emissions (<strong>of</strong> chemicals, waste, radiation,<br />

noise) to air, water and soil.<br />

<strong>The</strong> effects <strong>of</strong> climate change are particularly relevant<br />

to the Pilbara, given the potential for sea level rise in<br />

coastal locations and increased frequency <strong>of</strong> intense<br />

cyclonic activity.<br />

2.5.4 KEY FINDINGS AND IMPLICATIONS<br />

<strong>The</strong> key environmental challenges for the Karratha city<br />

centre in accommodating an increased population<br />

include:<br />

Exposure <strong>of</strong> unknown potential or actual acid<br />

generating soils resulting from ground-disturbing<br />

activities associated with land development;<br />

Drainage and flooding associated with natural<br />

drainage paths that run either adjacent to or through<br />

the city centre;<br />

<strong>The</strong> implications for storm surge combined with sea<br />

level rise on city centre development.<br />

2.5.5 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES<br />

Environment Goal Local, regional and global ecosystems<br />

in which landform, habitat and biodiversity are<br />

retained and that provide natural provisioning, regulating<br />

and cultural services.<br />

Project objectives have been developed which responds<br />

to meeting the aspirational environmental goal, by<br />

addressing the needs <strong>of</strong> current state and the driving<br />

forces and pressures that will affect environmental<br />

outcomes in the future, and how the environment goal is<br />

achieved. <strong>The</strong>se project objectives are:<br />

Protection <strong>of</strong> significant natural landform;<br />

Protection <strong>of</strong> significant native vegetation and<br />

habitat;<br />

Prevention <strong>of</strong> pollution and erosion from stormwater;<br />

Retention <strong>of</strong> predevelopment water balance;<br />

Reduced nett per capita carbon emissions;<br />

Minimal waste to landfill;<br />

Best practice recovery and reuse <strong>of</strong> materials;<br />

High levels <strong>of</strong> air quality; and<br />

Acceptable noise levels.


CONTEXT AND ANALYSIS<br />

2.6 BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC REALM<br />

This sections outlines key elements <strong>of</strong> the physical<br />

and non-physical attributes <strong>of</strong> built environment<br />

and public realm. <strong>The</strong> analysis has been divided<br />

into four basic urban design elements: Connection,<br />

Activity, Built Form and Public Realm, which have<br />

been reflected in later stages <strong>of</strong> the report to enable<br />

comparisons to be drawn between the current and<br />

future situation in a consistent manner.<br />

2.0<br />

35


36<br />

2.0<br />

2.6.1 CURRENT SITUATION<br />

CONNECTION<br />

Poor accessibility, confusing orientation and difficulty in<br />

finding the way around are key issues within Karratha’s<br />

town centre. Ability to find the way around the town<br />

centre is problematic in two ways. Firstly, entry from<br />

Dampier Road is unclear and confusing. Secondly, the<br />

shopping or community ‘heart’ is difficult and unintuitive<br />

to locate, with a disappointing sense <strong>of</strong> arrival.<br />

Movement in the town centre is presently reliant on<br />

knowledge <strong>of</strong> routes rather than the ability to intuitively<br />

find the way towards the heart or the various activities<br />

that occur within it.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re is little distinction between car parks, access<br />

ways and gazetted roads within the Town Centre. This<br />

is particularly characteristic <strong>of</strong> the main shopping area<br />

bounded by Warambie Road, Hedland place, Welcome<br />

Road and Sharpe Avenue. Compounding this issue, east<br />

west passage across this area is limited to:<br />

an internalised private mall;<br />

car parks and roads surrounding the shopping<br />

centre; and<br />

informal access way north <strong>of</strong> the shopping centre,<br />

which is only accessible to pedestrians, although<br />

carries little pedestrian amenity.<br />

With limited permeability and little evidence <strong>of</strong><br />

interrelationships occurring between uses within this<br />

area, car parking is the main unifying element in this<br />

area. Furthermore, connection to the surrounding<br />

residential districts is also limited with access primarily<br />

from Dampier Road, Balmoral Road or Searipple Road.<br />

<strong>The</strong> town centre is dominated by cars and<br />

car parking.<br />

Buildings are generally separated from<br />

street by car parks.<br />

Poor pedestrian accessibility with low<br />

quality footpaths and low levels <strong>of</strong> shading.<br />

Balmoral Rd<br />

Location <strong>of</strong> Town Centre is unclear with<br />

Searipple<br />

little for people to do or see.<br />

Rd<br />

Balmoral Rd<br />

Warambie Rd<br />

Warambie Rd<br />

Dampier Rd<br />

Figure 21: Poor structure within the Town Centre limits is<br />

confusing and lacks permeability. <strong>The</strong> movement system is<br />

illogical in many areas and difficult to interpret in terms <strong>of</strong> its<br />

hierarchy.<br />

Dampier Rd<br />

Figure 23: East west connection through the town centre is<br />

limited to peripheral roads such (Dampier Road and Warambie<br />

Road) and Welcome Road, all <strong>of</strong> which are <strong>of</strong> poor pedestrian<br />

quality.<br />

Searipple Rd<br />

Searipple Rd<br />

Balmoral Rd<br />

Balmoral Rd<br />

Warambie Rd<br />

Warambie Rd<br />

Dampier Rd<br />

Dampier Rd<br />

Figure 22: Finding the centre <strong>of</strong> Town is difficult and<br />

disappointing upon arrival. <strong>The</strong> geographical centre is generally<br />

three turns form a major road.<br />

Figure 24: Large street blocks encourage sprawled<br />

development forms that provide a limited relationship with the<br />

public realm and low permeability.<br />

Searipple Rd


CONTEXT AND ANALYSIS<br />

ACTIVITY<br />

Balmoral Rd<br />

Warambie Rd<br />

Dampier Rd<br />

Figure 25: <strong>The</strong>re is a large amount <strong>of</strong> inactive street frontage<br />

(blue) in the Town Centre compared to active or interesting<br />

frontage (red).<br />

Activities within the existing Centre are generally<br />

interspersed, favouring vehicle movement rather<br />

than integration for a quality pedestrian experience<br />

hampering the sense <strong>of</strong> progression through the<br />

town centre for both pedestrian and vehicle traffic.<br />

Poor connectivity between land uses in the town<br />

centre in conjunction with an uninteresting pedestrian<br />

environment and a hot and arid climate, customers tend<br />

to drive between each <strong>of</strong> these areas further contributing<br />

to the need for more parking and adversely impacting on<br />

the aesthetics <strong>of</strong> the Town Centre.<br />

Searipple Rd<br />

Vast separation distances exsits between<br />

activities due to large unshaded car parks<br />

Predominance <strong>of</strong> internalised shopping<br />

mall style development<br />

<strong>The</strong> Karratha Town Centre suffers from a lack <strong>of</strong><br />

precinct-based agglomeration <strong>of</strong> land uses, with<br />

anecdotal accounts suggesting that the primary basis for<br />

the choice in location <strong>of</strong> business is availability rather<br />

than suitability <strong>of</strong> premises or land. This is particularly<br />

evident in the dispersal <strong>of</strong> complementary land uses<br />

such as restaurants, cafes, taverns and bars that would<br />

otherwise co-locate to form a town heart. Land uses<br />

within the Town are arranged as large cells <strong>of</strong> land with<br />

limited formal structure in which buildings are generally<br />

surrounded by unshaded car parking, evident within the<br />

area <strong>of</strong> land bounded by Welcome Road, Searipple Road,<br />

Hedland Place, Warambie Road and Sharpe Avenue,<br />

which is the focal point <strong>of</strong> activity within the Centre.<br />

<strong>The</strong> limited diversity in built form does not adequately<br />

provide for the specific needs <strong>of</strong> many businesses. <strong>The</strong><br />

limited supply <strong>of</strong> premises further compounds this<br />

situation. A town centre survey undertaken in November<br />

2009 highlighted examples such as the mixing <strong>of</strong> uses<br />

such as restaurants and vehicle service and sales within<br />

the Town Centre, which is evident <strong>of</strong> the effects <strong>of</strong> these<br />

pressures within the Town Centre.<br />

Lack <strong>of</strong> suiable premeses for<br />

many activities.<br />

<strong>The</strong> most significant development in terms <strong>of</strong> scale in<br />

the Karratha Town Centre is Centro’s Karratha shopping<br />

centre containing Coles, Target Country, Kmart and<br />

over 60 smaller specialty tenancies in an internalised<br />

shopping mall type development. <strong>The</strong> centre, with a floor<br />

space in excess <strong>of</strong> 24,000m 2 , takes up approximately<br />

8 hectares <strong>of</strong> land on the northeast corner <strong>of</strong> Welcome<br />

Road and Sharpe Avenue, including the extensive car<br />

parks adjacent to the Shopping Centre.<br />

Located at the southern end <strong>of</strong> town centre are a<br />

number <strong>of</strong> civic and community uses such as the <strong>Shire</strong><br />

<strong>of</strong>fices and the Catholic Church and a significant area<br />

<strong>of</strong> underdeveloped land adjacent to the northern side <strong>of</strong><br />

Dampier Road. On the western edge <strong>of</strong> town abutting<br />

Balmoral Road, there are a number <strong>of</strong> low intensity<br />

support/service/retail business such as a car yard,<br />

service station and showrooms such as Harvey Norman.<br />

<strong>The</strong> northern portion <strong>of</strong> Town Centre is largely currently<br />

vacant, but a significant portion has been earmarked<br />

for 100 service worker accommodation units, whilst two<br />

mixed-use lots will also be provided to abut Warambie<br />

Road adjacent to this site.<br />

Limited synergy between<br />

various activities<br />

2.0<br />

Retail uses are generally focused within an enclosed<br />

shopping centre, with a focus on franchise-style<br />

shopping with no existing provision <strong>of</strong> a well-executed<br />

main street. Whilst there are a number <strong>of</strong> restaurants,<br />

bars and taverns within the Karratha Town Centre, these<br />

are generally located within resort or campus-style<br />

developments rather than along street frontages.<br />

A prevalence <strong>of</strong> franchise style takeaway, delivery and<br />

‘drive thru’ foods is also evident, rather than a diverse<br />

range <strong>of</strong> independent hospitality based alternatives.<br />

Office uses such as banks and government agencies are<br />

generally located towards the east <strong>of</strong> the Town Centre<br />

between the Centro Shopping Centre and Searipple<br />

Road and within more recent developments on Degrey<br />

Place. Civic uses such as the <strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Roebourne</strong> <strong>of</strong>fices,<br />

St Paul’s Church, the Karratha Licensing Centre and<br />

Karratha Magistrates Court are then all situated towards<br />

the southern end <strong>of</strong> the Town Centre between Dampier<br />

and Welcome Roads.<br />

37


38<br />

2.0<br />

Balmoral Rd<br />

Warambie Rd<br />

Dampier Rd<br />

Figure 26: Buildings are generally setback from the street and<br />

surrounded by car parking.<br />

BUILT FORM<br />

Assessment <strong>of</strong> built form throughout the town centre<br />

indicates a predominance <strong>of</strong> shed-like structures that<br />

have a poor relationship with the street. Buildings are<br />

generally set well back from the street as required by<br />

current Council policies, with car parking provided<br />

within close proximity to buildings, usually separating<br />

the building from the street edge. <strong>The</strong> absence <strong>of</strong><br />

quality landscaping in most instances results in a<br />

wider streetscape and inhospitable business frontage.<br />

Buildings are generally one or two storeys with a<br />

harsh interface with the public realm through the<br />

poorly considered location <strong>of</strong> doors and windows and<br />

safety protection measures for cyclone events. This is<br />

compounded by large expanses <strong>of</strong> hot unshaded asphalt<br />

surfaces, resulting in an inhospitable public realm with a<br />

lack <strong>of</strong> streetscape interest and comfort for pedestrians.<br />

Searipple Rd<br />

High incidence <strong>of</strong> blank facades High incidence <strong>of</strong> placeless buildings Poor Relationship between buildings and<br />

public realm<br />

Buildings generally have a temporary ‘interim’ feel and<br />

there is a prevalence <strong>of</strong> rational construction methods<br />

<strong>of</strong> poor visual quality. Apart from newer buildings<br />

such as the <strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong>fices and the recently constructed<br />

Police Station, there is little consideration for climate<br />

responsive design principles or potential for reuse <strong>of</strong><br />

buildings over time. Contrary to contemporary best<br />

practice, there is no evidence <strong>of</strong> mixed-use development<br />

or the inclusion <strong>of</strong> residential uses within the<br />

Town Centre.<br />

Most significantly, few buildings in Karratha exhibit a<br />

Karratha style or local identity, with the great majority<br />

<strong>of</strong> buildings throughout the Town Centre characterised<br />

as placeless and utilitarian. Buildings in the Karratha<br />

town centre are generally reliant on mechanical air<br />

conditioning systems rather than the employment <strong>of</strong><br />

climate responsive design elements, which is contrary to<br />

best practice.<br />

Few examples <strong>of</strong> buildings that provide a<br />

sense <strong>of</strong> place


CONTEXT AND ANALYSIS<br />

Balmoral Rd<br />

Warambie Rd<br />

Dampier Rd<br />

Figure 27: Minimal distribution <strong>of</strong> public open space in the<br />

existing Town Centre.<br />

PUBLIC REALM<br />

<strong>The</strong> town centre is characterised by a poor quality<br />

pedestrian environment. Currently, the public realm is<br />

dominated by isolated building structures sitting amid<br />

expanses <strong>of</strong> unshaded asphalt car parking, is lacking<br />

in footpaths, street trees, and signage and is deficient<br />

in outdoor places that promote community interaction<br />

or leisure opportunities. <strong>The</strong> poorly designed public<br />

domain <strong>of</strong>fers little competition to air-conditioned<br />

private spaces. This results in a Town Centre that <strong>of</strong>fers<br />

little opportunity for outdoor civic oriented activities<br />

to occur within the public domain with any degree <strong>of</strong><br />

comfort or amenity that would otherwise provide a sense<br />

<strong>of</strong> attraction to outdoor public places.<br />

Within the town centre, buildings generally have a<br />

poor relationship with the street, where large setbacks<br />

and car parks separate retail activities from the street<br />

edge. <strong>The</strong> existing undefined and inactive street system<br />

increases illegibility, whilst expansive car parks result in<br />

a hot, unshaded and inhospitable public realm, which is<br />

not conducive to community interaction and public life.<br />

Searipple Rd<br />

Vast unshaded car park associated with<br />

main mall<br />

Large unshaded distances between<br />

opposite sides <strong>of</strong> Sharpe Avenue<br />

Large building setbacks and car parks generally form the<br />

street frontage and pedestrians crossing streets must<br />

broach wide, <strong>of</strong>ten hot, unshaded spaces. Combined<br />

with the internalisation <strong>of</strong> commerce and retail activity,<br />

the pedestrian environment in Karratha is a place<br />

to avoid.<br />

Large expanses <strong>of</strong> blank building facades contribute to<br />

a dull, arduous, and <strong>of</strong>ten harsh town centre experience.<br />

This provides little comfort or amenity for pedestrians<br />

within the streetscape. Instead, the focus <strong>of</strong> activity is<br />

the mall, which is not conducive to the creation <strong>of</strong> a<br />

vibrant and democratic public realm. At night, following<br />

the close <strong>of</strong> the mall, town centre activity is limited to<br />

takeaway food chain outlets, the bottle shop, restaurant,<br />

and introspective campus-style hotels.<br />

Public spaces in Karratha tend to focus primarily on the<br />

provision <strong>of</strong> sporting grounds for the pursuit <strong>of</strong> active<br />

recreational opportunities. While sporting is a very<br />

popular pastime in Karratha, there is a discrepancy in<br />

the availability <strong>of</strong> comfortable spaces suitable for more<br />

passive recreation such as a plazas or intimate shady<br />

public places, providing limited opportunity for meeting<br />

places or for public gathering.<br />

Landscape associated with Karratha Village<br />

with singular high quality specimen tree –<br />

Poinciana<br />

<strong>The</strong> absence from the town centre <strong>of</strong> s<strong>of</strong>t landscape,<br />

shade, pedestrian pavements, and pedestrian<br />

amenity, accompanied by blank building facades and<br />

uninteresting built forms results in an alien and harsh<br />

town centre experience and reinforces the current<br />

preference for use <strong>of</strong> the internalised, non-public ‘mall’.<br />

An audit <strong>of</strong> the current ‘s<strong>of</strong>t’ landscape within the town<br />

centre comprises a list <strong>of</strong> trees and palms in variable<br />

conditions. <strong>The</strong>re are several examples <strong>of</strong> high quality<br />

tropical trees and palms particularly the Poinciana<br />

variety (Delonix regia) within the town centre, but very<br />

few native specimens.<br />

Examples <strong>of</strong> high quality specimen trees and palms<br />

generally occur in isolation or within private properties<br />

(e.g. palm plantings associated with the All Seasons<br />

Hotel). As a result, the consistent shade and vertical<br />

relief within the public realm is minimal, however, the<br />

adaptation <strong>of</strong> trees to the Karratha climate is evident<br />

and is encouraging for future public realm<br />

landscape design.<br />

2.0<br />

<strong>The</strong>re are also many marginal tree specimens (eg. along<br />

the medians <strong>of</strong> Sharpe Avenue), which detract from<br />

the few high quality specimens within the town centre.<br />

Ground coverage and shrub bed development is very<br />

poor to nonexistent with the exception <strong>of</strong> the landscape<br />

associated with the Karratha Village complex. While this<br />

shrub planting does have structure, it inhibits the use <strong>of</strong><br />

this open space for pedestrians due to its location.<br />

Drainage lines are a key feature <strong>of</strong> the Town Centre and<br />

are underutilised in their potential as public places.<br />

<strong>The</strong> two drainage corridors (creek lines) to the west <strong>of</strong><br />

Sharpe Avenue within the Town Centre have areas <strong>of</strong> high<br />

quality native vegetation (southern corridor sections)<br />

indigenous to the waterways <strong>of</strong> the West Pilbara. Other<br />

areas have been cleared and channelised (northern<br />

corridor sections) and are now dominated by weeds. At<br />

present, these creek lines address the purely utilitarian<br />

drainage requirements <strong>of</strong> the area and currently there<br />

has been no attempt to incorporate them into the<br />

environmental, cultural, social, or recreational amenities<br />

<strong>of</strong> the town centre.<br />

39


40<br />

2.0<br />

High quality riparian fringing vegetation <strong>of</strong> the southern<br />

drainage corridor area – Town Centre<br />

Cleared and channelised northern drainage corridor –<br />

Town Centre (Source. UDLA)<br />

Specific opportunities identified within the town centre<br />

public realm include the potential to:<br />

foster current community interest in the ongoing<br />

design process <strong>of</strong> the town centre;<br />

develop a direct pedestrian access route from the<br />

town centre (as well as strong visual link) to the<br />

Salt Shakers Lookout / water tanks (This location<br />

provides a good overview <strong>of</strong> the town centre and<br />

marks the beginning <strong>of</strong> the Jaburara Heritage Trail<br />

<strong>of</strong>fering opportunities to bring focus to the cultural<br />

and natural heritage <strong>of</strong> the town);<br />

rehabilitate the creek lines adjacent the town<br />

centre and thereby restore their potential to provide<br />

ecological, recreational, cultural and educational<br />

significance to the town centre;<br />

contrast the natural landscape <strong>of</strong> the creek lines with<br />

the new urban nature <strong>of</strong> the Main Street and other<br />

town centre streets;<br />

Figure 28: Knitting the Town Centre together with its<br />

surrounding population and features is a key opportunity for<br />

the enhancement <strong>of</strong> the public realm.<br />

include existing, isolated high quality trees into the<br />

new public realm plan; and<br />

capture views to the Hills along north/south oriented<br />

streets.<br />

Specific challenges in the Town Centre include:<br />

Overcoming the harsh effect hot summer climate<br />

within the public realm to provide outdoor space that<br />

is attractive even during the hottest months<br />

Providing sufficient shade through landscaping<br />

elements such as trees and shade structures<br />

Improving the balance between vehicle and<br />

pedestrian orientated public spaces and providing<br />

a greater variety <strong>of</strong> pedestrian places, amenity and<br />

connections<br />

Utilising vacant sites to accommodate community<br />

and cultural services and facilities;<br />

Figure 29: <strong>The</strong> visual connection to the surrounding<br />

environment such as the Karratha Hills has the potential to<br />

enhance Karratha’s ‘Sense <strong>of</strong> Place’.<br />

Promoting passive surveillance <strong>of</strong> public spaces<br />

through building design and greater activity within<br />

the public realm;<br />

Providing a comfortable and viable outdoor<br />

alternative to complement the private internalised<br />

shopping mall.<br />

Providing a coordinated approach to the development<br />

<strong>of</strong> quality public areas,<br />

Enhance drainage corridors as nature promenades<br />

providing for a variety <strong>of</strong> outdoor activities and<br />

pedestrian connections.<br />

Figure 30: Existing drainage networks may be further<br />

developed into an amenity for the town.


CONTEXT AND ANALYSIS<br />

2.6.2 CURRENT <strong>PLAN</strong>NING<br />

A small number <strong>of</strong> projects and planning initiatives are<br />

currently being undertaken in the town centre, however,<br />

it is important to note that the majority <strong>of</strong> these are in<br />

response to the pressures currently experienced within<br />

the town centre such as high living costs and policy that<br />

is inhibitive to the development <strong>of</strong> a quality pedestrianbased<br />

urban environment.<br />

LEISURE LEARNING PRECINCT<br />

Whilst the Leisure and Learning Precinct is planned for<br />

a site outside <strong>of</strong> the Town Centre, the proposal for this<br />

facility includes aquatic facilities, which may result in the<br />

relocation <strong>of</strong> existing Aquatic Centre on Sharpe Avenue.<br />

Whilst this matter has yet to be resolved by the <strong>Shire</strong>,<br />

should relocation occur, this will make available the large<br />

strategically located land parcel at the northern end <strong>of</strong><br />

Sharpe Avenue.<br />

SERVICE WORKERS ACCOMMODATION<br />

LandCorp is currently committed to providing 100<br />

residential units for service workers to ease housing<br />

pressure for low-income workers, who find it difficult<br />

to compete with highly paid mining workers for<br />

accommodation, located at the north eastern end <strong>of</strong><br />

Warambie Road. Whilst the majority <strong>of</strong> the site will<br />

contain accommodation, for the remainder <strong>of</strong> the site<br />

area, two mixed-use sites abutting Warambie Road are<br />

also proposed.<br />

Whilst the project will assist in addressing pressure<br />

points in accommodation, the service workers<br />

accommodation is not considered an appropriate<br />

long-term use for the Town Centre but will provide a<br />

substantial land bank to accommodate substantial<br />

projects commensurate with a diversified city centre.<br />

TOWN <strong>CENTRE</strong> SCHEME AMENDMENT<br />

A scheme amendment is currently under the<br />

consideration <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Roebourne</strong> to establish<br />

a more desirable planning framework for the Karratha<br />

Town Centre. This will enable development forms<br />

commensurate <strong>of</strong> a City Centre with active street<br />

frontages and better relationship between buildings and<br />

the public realm. <strong>The</strong> amendment will encourage mixeduse<br />

development and greater diversity within the City<br />

Centre.<br />

It should be noted that the purpose <strong>of</strong> this is<br />

amendment is to relieve existing pressures that currently<br />

inhibit development forms that are consistent with<br />

contemporary best practice in the short term. It is<br />

anticipated that the Karratha City <strong>of</strong> the North Plan will<br />

inform a broader review <strong>of</strong> the Scheme in due course.<br />

TOWN <strong>CENTRE</strong> POLICY<br />

A Town Centre Policy is also under the consideration<br />

<strong>of</strong> the <strong>Shire</strong> to provide detailed guidance for<br />

development within the town centre. <strong>The</strong> policy focuses<br />

on establishing a precinct based approach to activity<br />

within the town centre and will encourage improved<br />

interrelationships between activities.<br />

2.6.3 KEY DRIVERS AND PRESSURES<br />

Based on the current situation, the key drivers and<br />

pressures associated with the Karratha town centre are<br />

outlined as follows:<br />

Mixed-use development is not currently listed as a<br />

permitted use within the Town Centre. Amendment<br />

to the existing scheme and policy framework will<br />

be required;Promoting mixed-use development in<br />

a format that does not compromise the street level<br />

business environment purely residential development<br />

should be avoided;<br />

Large expanses <strong>of</strong> car parking resulting from<br />

unintegrated land use patterns through inability<br />

for complementary uses to share parking need to<br />

be addressed through comprehensive car parking<br />

strategy and review <strong>of</strong> car parking standards<br />

throughout the City Centre;<br />

Single houses (one dwelling on a lot) or grouped<br />

dwelling (more than one dwelling but side by side)<br />

are not considered to represent the level <strong>of</strong> intensity<br />

required in a City Centre <strong>of</strong> 50,000+ people, which<br />

may have an impact on the location <strong>of</strong> existing<br />

residential uses such as the aged persons dwellings<br />

and service worker accommodation in the medium to<br />

long term.<br />

Amendment to the Scheme will be required to shift<br />

current development paradigms <strong>of</strong> large areas <strong>of</strong><br />

single land uses top achieve nil or reduced setbacks;<br />

awnings or shade structures over footpaths; active<br />

uses on the ground floor with surveillance; screened<br />

parking; short term on-street parking and quality<br />

landscaping <strong>of</strong> road and drainage reserves to<br />

enhance the Karratha Town Centre;<br />

2.0<br />

In amending the planning framework for the Karratha<br />

Town Centre, it is noted that other Town Centre zones<br />

in <strong>Roebourne</strong>, Wickham, Dampier and Point Samson<br />

that also have a Town Centre Zone would also be<br />

affected if changes to the Town Centre provisions<br />

were proposed.<br />

2.6.4 KEY IMPLICATIONS<br />

<strong>The</strong> car dominated illegible streetscapes and<br />

inhospitable character <strong>of</strong> Karratha’s Town Centre is<br />

largely reflective <strong>of</strong> the current <strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Roebourne</strong><br />

planning framework for the Karratha Town Centre,<br />

where density is capped under the Scheme at a<br />

maximum <strong>of</strong> R40 and policies require car parking to be<br />

between the building and the street; and limit site cover<br />

to a maximum <strong>of</strong> 70% and limit plot ratio to a maximum<br />

<strong>of</strong> 2.0. <strong>The</strong>se controls limit the potential <strong>of</strong> development<br />

in the existing Town Centre zone, thus inhibiting ‘main<br />

street’ type development from occurring, which is<br />

focussed on enhancing the public domain to create<br />

clearly legible streets, active streetscapes, connectivity,<br />

enhanced pedestrian environments, safety and security.<br />

Built form within the Town Centre also does not<br />

presently cater for mixed-use development or the<br />

inclusion <strong>of</strong> residential uses, which is contrary to<br />

contemporary best practice. Multiple Dwellings (one<br />

dwelling located above, or partially above, another<br />

dwelling) are currently classed as an ‘SA’ use in a Town<br />

Centre Zone under the Scheme which is a use that is not<br />

permitted unless Council grants planning approval after<br />

advertising the proposal.<br />

41


42<br />

2.0<br />

CONNECTION<br />

Poor structure within the Town Centre where<br />

buildings are disconnected form the street edge<br />

and surrounded by large expanses <strong>of</strong> unshaded car<br />

parking<br />

Poor pedestrian amenity, where lack <strong>of</strong> pedestrian<br />

infrastructure is compounded by large areas <strong>of</strong> hot<br />

unshaded asphalt<br />

Poor sense <strong>of</strong> arrival from Dampier Road, which is<br />

unclear and confusing.<br />

Movement throughout the Town Centre is unintuitive<br />

and relies on knowledge rather than an intuitive<br />

understanding.<br />

<strong>The</strong> shopping centre and lack <strong>of</strong> connections inhibit<br />

east west passage through the Town Centre.<br />

ACTIVITY<br />

A lack <strong>of</strong> precinct-based agglomeration <strong>of</strong> land<br />

uses within the Town Centre, which is evident in the<br />

dispersal <strong>of</strong> complementary land uses.<br />

Limited diversity, efficiency and vibrancy <strong>of</strong> activity<br />

within the Town Centre and the dominance <strong>of</strong><br />

franchise type land uses<br />

Limited integration between land uses reducing<br />

the potential for synergies to occur between<br />

complementary activities.<br />

Limited provision <strong>of</strong> residential type uses in the Town<br />

Centre with no vertical mixed-use development<br />

BUILT FORM<br />

Buildings lack design quality and a sense <strong>of</strong><br />

permanence.<br />

Few buildings in the town centre exhibit a Karratha<br />

style or local identity<br />

Little consideration for climatic design principles<br />

resulting in excessive reliance on air conditioning<br />

Large expanses <strong>of</strong> blank facades, limited relationship<br />

with the public realm, contributing to a dull, arduous<br />

and harsh town centre experience.<br />

Limited diversity and inappropriate residential for<br />

provisions for a City Centre environment<br />

PUBLIC REALM<br />

Poor quality pedestrian environment with a lack <strong>of</strong><br />

footpaths, street trees, and signage, and outdoor<br />

places that discourage community interaction or<br />

leisure opportunities.<br />

Harsh and inhospitable public realm due to expansive<br />

unshaded car parks and paved surfaces resulting in a<br />

hot and inhospitable public realm.<br />

Undefined and inactive street system adds to a sense<br />

<strong>of</strong> illegibility and inactivity on street networks.<br />

Lack <strong>of</strong> comfortable spaces such as plazas or<br />

intimate shady public places provide limited<br />

opportunities for meeting places or for public<br />

gathering.<br />

<strong>The</strong> absence <strong>of</strong> s<strong>of</strong>t landscape in the town centre and<br />

shade trees in streets and public places.<br />

Drainage lines are a key feature <strong>of</strong> the Town Centre<br />

and are underutilised as public places.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re is lack <strong>of</strong> inclusive and culturally relevant<br />

public places.<br />

2.6.5 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES<br />

Built Environment & Public Realm Goal<br />

An urban form that reflects the intrinsic qualities <strong>of</strong><br />

the site context, characteristics and relationships and<br />

complements the natural environment; with centres that<br />

are vibrant, dynamic, diverse and functional.<br />

Project objectives have been developed which respond<br />

to the current state <strong>of</strong> the built environment and<br />

public realm and the driving forces and pressures<br />

that will affect achieving the desired future outcomes<br />

and realising the goal. <strong>The</strong> objectives for the built<br />

environment and public realm are:<br />

Increased net development density.<br />

A place based response that reflects the climate,<br />

context and site.<br />

Management strategies for climate change and<br />

natural disasters.<br />

An integration <strong>of</strong> uses that achieves functionality,<br />

efficiency and compatibility.<br />

Connectivity at local, district and regional scale.<br />

A network and hierarchy <strong>of</strong> streets and public spaces<br />

that provides permeability and legibility.<br />

An integrated movement network that ensures the<br />

safe movement <strong>of</strong> pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles.<br />

A diverse mix <strong>of</strong> uses, buildings and housing types.<br />

High quality well designed buildings that reflect the<br />

site context.<br />

A variety <strong>of</strong> well defined open spaces.<br />

An accessible and legible city centre destination.


CONTEXT AND ANALYSIS<br />

2.7 INFRASTRUCTURE<br />

2.7.1 CURRENT SITUATION<br />

INFRASTRUCTURE<br />

Physical Development<br />

Earthworks<br />

<strong>The</strong> ground conditions in Karratha are typically a layer<br />

<strong>of</strong> rocky gravelly clayey material overlaying rock at depth<br />

<strong>of</strong> approximately 1 to 2 m below ground surface level.<br />

<strong>The</strong> depth to rock beneath the surface tends to decrease<br />

as the location gets closer to the hills.<br />

Existing development earthworks levels have been driven<br />

by balancing major design requirements <strong>of</strong>:<br />

Lot elevations and road levels being sufficient to<br />

allow for major storm event flood routing<br />

Quantity <strong>of</strong> imported fill material being minimized<br />

Depth <strong>of</strong> services excavation in rock being minimized<br />

Typically the development <strong>of</strong> the existing townsite has<br />

progressively required the importation <strong>of</strong> significant<br />

quantities <strong>of</strong> imported fill materials. Fill material for<br />

bulk earthworks has generally been sourced from local<br />

cut to fill and borrow pits about the townsite. Current<br />

development rates are exhausting current sources, which<br />

are constrained in size by the layer depth <strong>of</strong> suitable<br />

material and extraction lease areas. <strong>The</strong> expansion <strong>of</strong><br />

extraction lease areas is constrained by their location in<br />

areas adjacent to crown land subject to Native Title and<br />

Heritage constraints.<br />

<strong>The</strong> clay content <strong>of</strong> the typical soils in Karratha exhibit<br />

varying degrees <strong>of</strong> shrink – swell characteristics, that<br />

are catered for within the structural detailing <strong>of</strong> building<br />

footings and structural elements. This combined with<br />

the cyclonic wind loads results in substantial additional<br />

building costs. <strong>The</strong> subsurface rock potentially provides<br />

a sound substrate for piled footings typically required for<br />

multi storey development.<br />

As outlined in Section 2.5.2 a minimum lot level <strong>of</strong> RL<br />

7.7m AHD has been adopted for the City Growth Plan<br />

in relation to storm surge and global warming sea level<br />

rise. <strong>The</strong> northern sector <strong>of</strong> the City Centre Masterplan<br />

area will particularly require substantial fill to achieve<br />

adequate occupation levels.<br />

Stormwater<br />

Karratha is located in a region subject to intense rainfall<br />

associated with severe tropical cyclones. This together<br />

with the high soil clay content results in extreme storm<br />

water run<strong>of</strong>f flow rates occurring during rainfall.<br />

To accommodate the high storm water flow rates<br />

individual property levels are typically graded to direct<br />

stormwater towards the adjacent roadways, which in<br />

turn by open gutter flow convey flow to appropriately<br />

positioned open drains and creek lines. Piped drainage<br />

systems typically do not have sufficient capacity to<br />

convey the required flow rates. <strong>The</strong> current town centre<br />

includes large sealed pavement areas, which do not have<br />

direct connection to the nearby open drains, resulting<br />

in significant sheet flow over car park and pavement<br />

surfaces. Increased amenity during storm events <strong>of</strong> a<br />

minor nature may be achieved by the installation <strong>of</strong> box<br />

culverts below surface level to convey flows directly to<br />

drainage corridors.<br />

Large areas <strong>of</strong> vacant land exist about drainage lines<br />

through the current Karratha town centre. Drainage<br />

design for the townsite has occurred on a part-by-part<br />

basis utilising conventional drainage design methods<br />

outlined in Australian Rainfall and Run<strong>of</strong>f, current at the<br />

time <strong>of</strong> design. Significant advances in drainage design<br />

methods utilizing two dimensional drainage modeling<br />

have occurred since then, which would potentially allow<br />

optimization <strong>of</strong> drainage requirements.<br />

Existing low points in road pavements discharge overland<br />

stormwater flow to drainage lines and depressions in<br />

vacant land. Future development <strong>of</strong> vacant parcels <strong>of</strong><br />

land requires the accommodation <strong>of</strong> existing natural<br />

and constructed flood routes. Subject to confirmation<br />

<strong>of</strong> stormwater drainage flow capacities by drainage<br />

modeling, potential exists for the minor rerouting <strong>of</strong><br />

some drains through the proposed City Centre Precinct<br />

to optimize land use.<br />

Our preliminary examination <strong>of</strong> the existing town centre<br />

precinct indicates that the current road and drainage<br />

layout does not appropriately cater for the conveyance<br />

<strong>of</strong> larger 1 in 100 year ARI storm events in accordance<br />

with current standards. <strong>The</strong> future configuration <strong>of</strong><br />

Sharpe Avenue will require particular attention to ensure<br />

conveyance <strong>of</strong> larger storm events.<br />

During periods <strong>of</strong> high rainfall, <strong>of</strong>ten associated with<br />

cyclonic events, there are areas within Karratha that are<br />

prone to inundation and flooding. <strong>The</strong>re is currently<br />

significant conjecture as to the adopted minimum<br />

development level in relation to building approvals and<br />

evacuation <strong>of</strong> low lying areas during significant storm<br />

events, as policies and development levels have<br />

evolved over time.<br />

Service Utilities<br />

2.0<br />

Power<br />

Horizon Power is the operator <strong>of</strong> the Pilbara Power<br />

Supply Grid. This grid is partially interconnected by<br />

high voltage power transmissions lines owned by both<br />

Horizon Power and mining companies.<br />

Ultimately Horizon Power is planning to create a high<br />

voltage ring main grid about the Pilbara, with a separate<br />

generation facility in Port Hedland to create a redundant<br />

network that could accommodate the potential<br />

disruption <strong>of</strong> supply from one <strong>of</strong> its sources due to the<br />

impact <strong>of</strong> tropical cyclones.<br />

Horizon Power’s current power grid electricity supply<br />

from Rio Tinto Iron Ore power generation facilities<br />

will shortly cease. In March 2010 Horizon Power will<br />

commence commissioning a new gas fired power station<br />

(2 x 43MW turbines) located at its Stovehill Road Depot<br />

Site. This power generation facility has been designed to<br />

be modular for future expansion as required.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Karratha townsite and town centre power high<br />

voltage supply scheme is a 11kV network <strong>of</strong> a<br />

combination <strong>of</strong> underground and overhead power cables<br />

fed from zone substations located on Millstream Road in<br />

Bulgarra and Dampier Highway in Millars Well.<br />

<strong>The</strong> localities <strong>of</strong> Bulgarra, Pegs Creek, Millars Well<br />

and the majority <strong>of</strong> Nickol together with the Karratha<br />

Industrial Estate are currently serviced by overhead<br />

power lines.<br />

Currently the majority <strong>of</strong> 11kV high voltage overhead<br />

and underground feeder cables about the townsite are<br />

at capacity. <strong>The</strong> majority <strong>of</strong> power supply requests<br />

currently require the installation <strong>of</strong> new feeder cables<br />

back to the existing zone substations.<br />

43


44<br />

2.0<br />

In order to substantially increase the high voltage power<br />

supply network within the townsite Horizon Power has<br />

secured funding to upgrade the network to 22kV. This<br />

will effectively double the capacity <strong>of</strong> the high voltage<br />

cable infrastructure about the townsite.<br />

Upgrading the high voltage network to 22kV will enable<br />

the existing zone substations in Bulgarra and Millars<br />

Well to provide adequate power for some time into<br />

future without the need for a new zone substation. It<br />

is critical that design <strong>of</strong> the new 22kV underground<br />

power network includes spare capacity within feeder<br />

cable installation to allow for the substantial additional<br />

power load that will result from increased development<br />

density proposed by the City Centre Masterplan. Failure<br />

to provide substantial spare capacity at the time <strong>of</strong> the<br />

22kV network installation could result in significant<br />

unnecessary excavation adjacent to live services and<br />

reinstatement being required.<br />

Existing high voltage overhead power transmissions lines<br />

are located along Dampier Highway linking the Bulgarra<br />

and Pegs Creek zone substations to the existing Stovehill<br />

Road switchyard. While not impossible to relocate, the<br />

retention <strong>of</strong> existing power transmission line routes<br />

about the perimeter <strong>of</strong> the townsite is preferable due to<br />

the cost implications <strong>of</strong> relocation.<br />

Water<br />

<strong>The</strong> Karratha gravity water supply scheme sources bulk<br />

potable water from the Water Corporation’s West Pilbara<br />

Water Supply Scheme.<br />

<strong>The</strong> West Pilbara Water Supply Scheme water supply<br />

scheme relies on surface water collection via the Harding<br />

Dam and groundwater extraction from the Millstream<br />

aquifer. Both <strong>of</strong> these sources <strong>of</strong> water have significant<br />

constraints. <strong>The</strong> Harding Dam relies<br />

on rainfall associated with tropical cyclones to refill,<br />

which by nature is spasmodic in occurrence. <strong>The</strong><br />

Millstream aquifer has pumping limits in order to<br />

preserve the environmental integrity <strong>of</strong> it location.<br />

<strong>The</strong> current proposed developments for Karratha will<br />

effectively utilize the remaining bulk water supply<br />

and reticulation capacity available for the Karratha<br />

Townsite in the near future. <strong>The</strong> Water Corporation<br />

and Department <strong>of</strong> Water are currently working on a<br />

strategy for the augmentation <strong>of</strong> Karratha (and the<br />

West Pilbara’s) water supply. <strong>The</strong> Water Corporation has<br />

indicated they anticipate the current bulk water supply<br />

source to be at capacity by 2013, subject to adequate<br />

cyclonic related rainfall.<br />

As the quantity <strong>of</strong> water available from surface water<br />

collection (i.e. Harding Dam) and groundwater aquifers<br />

(i.e. Millstream) are finite, it is inevitable that alternative<br />

sources will be required. <strong>The</strong> future sources <strong>of</strong> water<br />

should be from a combination <strong>of</strong> the most sustainable<br />

sources available. This may include wastewater recycling<br />

and desalination.<br />

Development <strong>of</strong> a new water supply source will require<br />

significant capital investment in the near future to<br />

accommodate the projected population growth in the<br />

West Pilbara region.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Karratha Townsite water supply is a gravity scheme<br />

fed from Tank Number 3, a 25 megalitre tank at a top<br />

water level <strong>of</strong> RL65.6 AHD, located within the hills<br />

behind Rosemary Road. Distribution water mains from<br />

the supply tank feed water reticulation mains, which<br />

service each property within the townsite.<br />

<strong>The</strong> elevation <strong>of</strong> the gravity supply tank provides the<br />

energy for the water reticulation pipe work pressure.<br />

This limits the maximum lot development level to be in<br />

the order <strong>of</strong> RL28m AHD to allow for adequate water<br />

pressure. It is anticipated that medium rise building<br />

proposed in the City Centre Masterplan will require ro<strong>of</strong><br />

top fire and potable water storage and<br />

pumping facilities.<br />

<strong>The</strong> existing Karratha town centre area is serviced<br />

by asbestos cement water reticulation mains with<br />

diameters <strong>of</strong> either DN100 or DN150. This reticulation<br />

network would require significant upgrade if substantial<br />

development or density increases were to occur. It is<br />

likely that a full pipe upgrade to allow for the required<br />

flow rate would be required back to a gravity<br />

supply tank.<br />

Currently the twin steel 9 Megalitre tanks at a top<br />

water level <strong>of</strong> RL65.7, located on the hill adjacent to<br />

Millstream Road and Karratha Road, South <strong>of</strong> the town<br />

centre are not operational. <strong>The</strong> Water Corporation is<br />

currently examining the recommissioning <strong>of</strong> these tanks<br />

to alleviate the water storage constraints to the town<br />

water supply scheme. Redevelopment <strong>of</strong> these tanks is<br />

constrained as they are considered to have European<br />

heritage values.<br />

Water usage in accordance with sustainability best<br />

practice needs to be mandated. Significant opportunities<br />

exist for future developments to be serviced by a third<br />

pipe reticulating recycled treated wastewater down to<br />

the individual property level.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re exists significant opportunity to utilize re-use<br />

water for the irrigation <strong>of</strong> POS areas, which currently<br />

utilize scheme water. A number <strong>of</strong> other industrial and<br />

construction uses for recycled water in lieu <strong>of</strong> potable<br />

water potentially exist.<br />

Currently residential scheme water usage in the West<br />

Pilbara only comprises 35% <strong>of</strong> scheme water usage,<br />

with the balance mainly used by industry. Opportunity<br />

obviously exists for industry to utilize scheme water<br />

more appropriately and free up potable water for<br />

residential consumption.<br />

Sewer<br />

<strong>The</strong> treatment and disposal <strong>of</strong> wastewater in the Pilbara<br />

Region is typically undertaken by the Water Corporation<br />

on a catchment basis within each townsite.<br />

<strong>The</strong> prevailing weather conditions allow for relatively<br />

cheap treatment by means <strong>of</strong> evaporation and oxidation<br />

ponds. This treatment however produces effluent <strong>of</strong> low<br />

quality that can only currently be reused for municipal<br />

purposes under strict operating conditions. Opportunity<br />

exists for far more extensive reuse in accordance with<br />

Health Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>Western</strong> Australia guidelines, if a<br />

higher quality <strong>of</strong> treatment was to occur.<br />

<strong>The</strong> disposal <strong>of</strong> sewerage in Karratha is facilitated by<br />

a gravity sewer reticulation pipe network connecting<br />

to six different wastewater pumping stations, typically<br />

located along Balmoral Road and Searipple Road, on the<br />

northern extremity <strong>of</strong> the existing townsite.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Karratha town centre wastewater gravitates and<br />

is pumped to Karratha Wastewater Pumping Station<br />

Number 1 located on Searipple Road, which discharges<br />

via a sewer pressure main to Karratha Wastewater<br />

Treatment Plant No 1 located between Bulgarra and the<br />

Karratha Industrial Estate.<br />

<strong>The</strong> sewer treatment plant consists <strong>of</strong> a series <strong>of</strong><br />

oxidation ponds that rely on evaporation and discharge<br />

to effluent reuse facilities for the disposal <strong>of</strong> sewerage.


CONTEXT AND ANALYSIS<br />

Karratha Wastewater Treatment Plant No 1 currently has<br />

an inflow <strong>of</strong> 1850kL/day with a treatment capacity <strong>of</strong><br />

3000kL/day. However it cannot readily accept further<br />

flow until its treated wastewater reuse capacity, which<br />

is already exceeded, is upgraded. Further physical<br />

expansion <strong>of</strong> the facility is limited by topography.<br />

Intensification <strong>of</strong> residential density within the townsite<br />

would require upgrade works to existing sewer pumping<br />

stations and pressure mains to accommodate the<br />

required flows. <strong>The</strong> substantial increase in density<br />

proposed by the City Centre Masterplan (subject to a<br />

sewer planning design review) would suggest that a<br />

new dedicated sewer pumping station and pressure<br />

main for wastewater disposal would be warranted. This<br />

potentially then provides opportunity for increased sewer<br />

flow from Bulgarra to discharge via Wastewater Pumping<br />

Station No 1 without substantial upgrade. <strong>The</strong> new road<br />

configuration proposed by the City Centre Masterplan<br />

provides the opportunity for the installation <strong>of</strong> larger<br />

diameter gravity sewers to accommodate increased<br />

sewer flows.<br />

Wastewater is currently recycled by the <strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>Roebourne</strong> for large recreation areas, however this<br />

scheme is in need <strong>of</strong> significant upgrade works.<br />

A number <strong>of</strong> other irrigated public open spaces<br />

are currently fed from scheme water, which with<br />

augmentation could utilize recycled wastewater.<br />

Opportunity exists to increase the capacity <strong>of</strong> treatment<br />

process by treating wastewater and recycling via a third<br />

pipe reticulation scheme within new development areas.<br />

Telecommunications<br />

Telstra’s Karratha telecommunications exchange and<br />

communications tower is located on Balmoral Road,<br />

between Welcome Road and Morse Court. An extensive<br />

network <strong>of</strong> optic fibre and copper cable connect to the<br />

telephone exchange and radiate about the townsite, with<br />

major cables typically located on the local connector<br />

and distributor roads. Currently hard wired data<br />

transmission available at a household level is based on<br />

Telstra’s ASDL technology.<br />

It is essential that the City Centre Masterplan<br />

accommodates the telecommunications exchange and<br />

the existing cable routes in Balmoral adjacent to the<br />

site. Optic fibre and copper cables can be relocated at<br />

significant expense, however it is preferable to retain the<br />

existing road reserve boundaries where possible.<br />

Gas<br />

Despite being located in a region that provides a<br />

significant proportion <strong>of</strong> <strong>Western</strong> Australia’s domestic<br />

gas supply, Pilbara towns are not provided with a<br />

reticulated gas supply network. As heating is not<br />

required in winter and solar hot water systems are quite<br />

functional, the base load demand for a reticulated gas<br />

supply is relatively small compared to Southern areas <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>Western</strong> Australia.<br />

A servicing plan outlining the location <strong>of</strong> existing utilities<br />

is provided within Appendix H.<br />

2.0<br />

45


46<br />

2.0<br />

TRANSPORT AND MOVEMENT<br />

Road Network<br />

Karratha town centre is generally bounded by Balmoral<br />

Road and Searipple Road to the west and east, and by<br />

Warambie Road and Dampier Road to the north and<br />

south. It entails an additional east-west link (Welcome<br />

Road) and a north-south link connecting Warambie Road<br />

and Welcome Road.<br />

Prior to this study there were no available traffic<br />

count data for the town centre roads; therefore, as<br />

approximation, indicative daily volumes were derived<br />

from the traffic count surveys undertaken at major town<br />

centre intersections. Afternoon peak hour data was<br />

factored up to estimate the total daily traffic for these<br />

roads (refer Table 12).<br />

Town centre road Date<br />

Table 12: Estimated traffic volumes for key Karratha town centre roads<br />

Some capacity constraints were identified for<br />

Welcome and Warambie Roads, particularly during the<br />

afternoon peak period. This issue was observed at the<br />

intersections <strong>of</strong> these roads with Balmoral Road and the<br />

intersection <strong>of</strong> Welcome Road with Klenk Street during<br />

the traffic survey and Karratha site tour.<br />

With respect to Balmoral Road/Warambie Road<br />

intersection (single lane roundabout standard) it was<br />

observed that, during afternoon peak hour, vehicle<br />

queuing was extensive and reached up to nine vehicles<br />

on certain approaches.<br />

<strong>The</strong> internal Karratha town centre zone can generally<br />

be characterized as poorly planned, poorly accessible,<br />

convoluted and illegible road system with limited westeast<br />

connections and poor circulation around the<br />

Average<br />

weekday<br />

traffic<br />

HV %<br />

Welcome Rd (East <strong>of</strong> Balmoral Rd) Nov 2009 6,700 N/A<br />

Sharpe Ave (North <strong>of</strong> Welcome Rd) Nov 2009 4,000 N/A<br />

Warambie Rd (central section) Nov 2009 6,700 N/A<br />

centrally located Centro Karratha Shopping Centre. <strong>The</strong>re<br />

is a general sense that parking dominates the entire<br />

town centre zone and that poor legibility, circulation and<br />

permeability within this zone effectively severs northsouth<br />

and east-west connectivity adding pressure to the<br />

road system surrounding the central zone.<br />

Some <strong>of</strong> the most obvious town centre issues are<br />

illustrated in the following figures:<br />

Figure 32: Klenk Street: one <strong>of</strong> the central<br />

Karratha town centre streets (vast parking<br />

areas on both sides <strong>of</strong> the road)<br />

Figure 35: Sharp Avenue: Angled parking<br />

combined with wide carriageway and narrow<br />

pedestrian paths<br />

Figure 33: Vast unmarked and underutilised<br />

parking areas<br />

Figure 36: Staggered/roundabout intersection<br />

with substandard central dome<br />

Figure 31: Unsightly entry statement to the<br />

town centre zone: Balmoral Road/ Welcome Rd<br />

intersection<br />

Figure 34: Poor intersection geometry and<br />

legibility at Headland Place/Klenk Street/<br />

Searipple Road intersection<br />

Figure 37: Traffic congestion at Balmoral<br />

Road/Warambie Road intersection


CONTEXT AND ANALYSIS<br />

Parking<br />

One <strong>of</strong> the main features <strong>of</strong> the Karratha town centre is<br />

the vast, centrally located, parking areas (particularly<br />

around the shopping mall), which are typically<br />

underutilised. <strong>The</strong>re are currently over 2,000 parking<br />

bays available within the town centre zone alone. Where<br />

bays are actually line marked on site they have been<br />

counted directly but in unmarked areas an estimation<br />

<strong>of</strong> the potential capacity with line marking has been<br />

undertaken on site.<br />

A parking survey was undertaken for this study on<br />

Friday 19 December and Saturday 20 December 2009.<br />

Figures 91 and 92 contained within Appendix E show<br />

the maximum parking occupancy as a percentage <strong>of</strong><br />

the number <strong>of</strong> spaces available in each parking zone on<br />

each day. Note that these are the maximum occupancy<br />

observed in each zone individually, not all at the same<br />

time <strong>of</strong> day.<br />

<strong>The</strong>se parking surveys showed that the highest overall<br />

parking occupancy across the whole town centre was<br />

55% on Friday (12AM-1PM) and 53% on Saturday (1PM-<br />

2PM). <strong>The</strong> main shopping centre car parks (966 spaces<br />

including disabled and loading zones) are up to 73% full<br />

on Friday and up to 85% full on Saturday.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re is a significant amount <strong>of</strong> spare parking capacity<br />

in the surrounding parts <strong>of</strong> the town centre zone at<br />

all times. Most <strong>of</strong> this spare parking currently has<br />

poor accessibility from the central part <strong>of</strong> the town<br />

centre. Current parking usage is strongly dominated<br />

by the tendency to park in the car park closest to the<br />

destination. Few people were observed walking to<br />

multiple destinations or from more distant car parks to<br />

the shopping centre. This is probably because drivers<br />

can always anticipate that empty bays will be available<br />

in their car park <strong>of</strong> choice. Future improved accessibility<br />

to spare parking capacity is unlikely to change this<br />

trend, so the more distant spare capacity is only likely to<br />

be used during periods <strong>of</strong> exceptionally high demand.<br />

Pedestrian And Cyclist Facilities<br />

<strong>The</strong> pedestrian network within the Karratha town centre<br />

is fragmented, incomplete and lacks natural or artificial<br />

shade. Essentially, substandard existing pedestrian<br />

path network (no tactile paving, no ramps and rails,<br />

no line marking, etc.), poor east-west and north-south<br />

connection and circulation around the shopping mall are<br />

potential reasons for underutilisation.<br />

<strong>The</strong> issues identified for the pedestrian facilities can<br />

generally be applied to the cyclist facilities as well. A<br />

review <strong>of</strong> the existing cyclist facilities revealed general<br />

lack <strong>of</strong> bicycle paths, substandard width <strong>of</strong> existing DUP<br />

network (1.2m – 1.5m) and lack <strong>of</strong> end-<strong>of</strong>-trip facilities.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re are no on-road cycling lanes and the majority<br />

<strong>of</strong> key Karratha town centre roads can commonly be<br />

characterised as poor road–riding environments. Lack<br />

<strong>of</strong> green shaded cycling routes is also a major deterrent<br />

<strong>of</strong> bicycle use for both recreational and commuting<br />

purposes. Refer Figure 88 within Appendix E for detailed<br />

existing Karratha town centre pedestrian and cyclist<br />

network map.<br />

2.7.2 CURRENT <strong>PLAN</strong>NING<br />

INFRASTRUCTURE<br />

Physical Development<br />

Identification and progression <strong>of</strong> approvals to allow<br />

extraction <strong>of</strong> fill material for future borrow pits is<br />

currently being undertaken by interested parties.<br />

Encouragement <strong>of</strong> further fill source development to<br />

provide a competitive economic supply should<br />

be encouraged.<br />

Stormwater<br />

Future development plans will require appropriate space<br />

for integration <strong>of</strong> storm water conveyance channels/<br />

swales to cater for large storm event flows. <strong>The</strong><br />

landscape treatment <strong>of</strong> the drainage facilities to suit the<br />

proposed urban form provides opportunity to provide a<br />

higher amenity locality.<br />

In order to optimize the use <strong>of</strong> spare land within<br />

existing drainage corridors and confirm potential<br />

drain relocations, it is recommend that detailed two<br />

dimensional drainage modeling be undertaken to<br />

accurately determine the extent <strong>of</strong> land free to be<br />

developed and appropriate property development levels.<br />

For future development <strong>of</strong> the City Centre it is critical<br />

to maintain low points in road pavements discharging<br />

overland flow to drainage lines and depressions in vacant<br />

land. Development <strong>of</strong> vacant parcels <strong>of</strong> land requires the<br />

accommodation <strong>of</strong> existing natural flood routes or the<br />

creation <strong>of</strong> constructed large storm event<br />

conveyance corridors.<br />

Earthworks<br />

<strong>The</strong> areas generally identified for future development Service Utilities<br />

in Karratha have typically similar ground conditions.<br />

<strong>The</strong> hills adjacent to the townsite generally consist Power<br />

<strong>of</strong> subsurface rock extending to the surface that is Horizon Power has secured funding for the Karratha<br />

extremely difficult to excavate. It is critical for future component <strong>of</strong> the Pilbara Underground Power Project,<br />

development to be sympathetic to the natural falls <strong>of</strong> the including upgrading <strong>of</strong> the high voltage distribution<br />

landform to allow ease <strong>of</strong> flood routing and minimize network to 22kV. Design services are currently<br />

excavation depth <strong>of</strong> services in rock.<br />

being procured, with an anticipated programme <strong>of</strong><br />

construction works commencing in July 2010 and<br />

completion planned for December 2011. It is critical<br />

that the design <strong>of</strong> the new 22kV power distribution<br />

2.0<br />

network includes design provision for the significant<br />

extra power loads that will result from increased<br />

population density and commercial density within the<br />

proposed City Centre.<br />

It is suggested that design <strong>of</strong> the new underground<br />

power networks incorporates the use <strong>of</strong> smart meters<br />

to allow for the future integration <strong>of</strong> renewable energy<br />

sources at an individual lot level. Subject to appropriate<br />

technology and particularly cyclonic structural integrity,<br />

significant opportunity exists for photoelectric cells or<br />

wind turbines to provide power generation augmentation.<br />

Provision <strong>of</strong> appropriately sized easements to<br />

restrict development immediately about existing high<br />

voltage power transmission lines traversing proposed<br />

development areas will be required as<br />

development occurs.<br />

Future upgrade <strong>of</strong> the Stovehill Road Power Station to<br />

combined cycle operation provides for increased future<br />

sustainable energy options.<br />

Water<br />

<strong>The</strong> Water Corporation is currently undertaking a review<br />

<strong>of</strong> bulk water supply planning for the West Pilbara<br />

Water Supply Scheme. While subject to detailed design<br />

and approvals the current medium term strategy for<br />

augmentation <strong>of</strong> bulk water supply is to construct a<br />

desalination plant on Burrup Peninsula. It is intended to<br />

co locate this facility with the existing desalination plant,<br />

allowing for use <strong>of</strong> the existing seawater connection<br />

pipelines.<br />

Construction <strong>of</strong> a desalination plant on Burrup<br />

Peninsula would result in the need for construction <strong>of</strong> a<br />

new water distribution main to convey water to Karratha<br />

and surrounding towns beyond. <strong>The</strong> currently planned<br />

Dampier Highway upgrade by Main Roads WA provides<br />

opportunity to a secure a pipeline route integrated<br />

within the road design.<br />

47


48<br />

2.0<br />

In the short term while the desalination plant planning,<br />

design and construction occur, the Water Corporation is<br />

undertaking water efficiency planning to identify more<br />

appropriate use <strong>of</strong> the available resource. This may<br />

include increased reuse <strong>of</strong> wastewater for<br />

non-potable uses.<br />

A full water supply scheme planning review <strong>of</strong> Karratha’s<br />

water supply distribution network incorporating the City<br />

Growth Plan and City Centre Masterplan is required by<br />

the Water Corporation to confirm the extent <strong>of</strong> tank and<br />

pipework upgrades required about the townsite. While<br />

this planning review is yet to be undertaken we expect<br />

that the review would consider recommissioning existing<br />

water Tank Numbers 1 and 2, upgrading <strong>of</strong> pipework<br />

about the City Centre and Bulgarra, increase <strong>of</strong> Tank<br />

Number 3 capacity and potentially a new tank adjacent<br />

to Mulataga.<br />

Sewer<br />

<strong>The</strong> Water Corporation is currently undertaking a<br />

planning review <strong>of</strong> wastewater treatment in Karratha<br />

to accommodate the large recent increase in sewer<br />

flows. A full planning review <strong>of</strong> wastewater conveyance<br />

and treatment incorporating the City Growth Plan and<br />

City Centre Masterplan is required to define the extent<br />

<strong>of</strong> gravity sewer, pumping station, pressure main and<br />

treatment capacity upgrade works required. Sewer<br />

treatment upgrade to current standards such as reverse<br />

osmosis potentially provides a significant alternative<br />

source <strong>of</strong> non-potable water. Design and construction <strong>of</strong><br />

an upgraded town wastewater reuse scheme is required<br />

to dispose <strong>of</strong> wastewater and provide a valuable<br />

resource for amenity enhancement.<br />

Telecommunications<br />

In order to improve wireless data connection speeds,<br />

Telstra are currently constructing further wireless<br />

communications base stations in Karratha, near high<br />

density accommodation facilities, which will assist in<br />

increasing data transmission speeds. <strong>The</strong> currently<br />

National Broadband Network scheme provides<br />

opportunity for Karratha to significantly upgrade<br />

telecommunications data speeds to 100 Megabits per<br />

second utilizing fibre to node technology. <strong>The</strong> provision<br />

<strong>of</strong> trenches for the Pilbara Underground Power Scheme<br />

provides the opportunity for the efficient provision <strong>of</strong><br />

additional conduits required for the National Broadband<br />

Network by trench sharing and coordination with<br />

Horizon Power.<br />

Transport and Movement<br />

<strong>The</strong> existing road network in Karratha operates<br />

satisfactorily with current traffic levels; however, some<br />

elements <strong>of</strong> the network are presently experiencing<br />

capacity constraints and are therefore being upgraded.<br />

Anticipated town centre expansion and redevelopment,<br />

including anticipated population and traffic growth,<br />

necessitate transport network redesign including major<br />

upgrades to provide infrastructure support in future.<br />

Certain minor upgrades are currently being carried out<br />

while others are still in the planning stage.<br />

One <strong>of</strong> the major road network upgrades, which is still<br />

in the planning stage, is the Balmoral Road-Searipple<br />

Road (Northern Bypass) link. This bypass would directly<br />

connect Balmoral Road (eastern section) with Searipple<br />

Road (western section) bypassing the town centre<br />

along the northern perimeter. This bypass is likely to<br />

relieve traffic congestion and improve permeability to<br />

the north <strong>of</strong> the town centre. <strong>The</strong> exact alignment and<br />

construction timeframe <strong>of</strong> this bypass is not<br />

yet confirmed.<br />

2.7.3 KEY DRIVERS AND PRESSURES<br />

INFRASTRUCTURE<br />

Population increase, industrial growth and associated<br />

increases in transport, energy and water use are the<br />

key driver forces affecting infrastructure capacity in<br />

the Pilbara generally and Karratha specifically. Large<br />

temporary construction workforce accommodation<br />

facilities place high peak load demands on infrastructure<br />

while not always being allowed for in overall population<br />

related infrastructure capacity allowances.<br />

<strong>The</strong>se drivers exert direct pressures on the<br />

infrastructure, which was previously designed with a<br />

smaller population growth capacity allowance.<br />

TRANSPORT AND MOVEMENT<br />

Projected Karratha population growth coupled with<br />

anticipated town expansion that is driven by surge in<br />

economic activity in the Pilbara region are key factors<br />

contributing to the anticipated future pressure on the<br />

existing transport infrastructure. <strong>The</strong>se pressures would<br />

exacerbate the identified limitations <strong>of</strong> the existing town<br />

centre transport network and facilities.<br />

2.7.4 KEY IMPLICATIONS<br />

INFRASTRUCTURE<br />

<strong>The</strong> key infrastructure challenges for Karratha in<br />

accommodating an increased population include:<br />

Identification and licensing <strong>of</strong> borrow pits to<br />

provide fill material required for development;<br />

Two dimensional drainage modelling <strong>of</strong> the existing<br />

townsite to optimise land take for drainage and to<br />

provide detailed development level guidance;<br />

<strong>The</strong> definition <strong>of</strong> minimum development levels from<br />

storm surge combined with sea level rise on coastal<br />

and inland development.<br />

Implementation <strong>of</strong> underground power 22kV scheme<br />

to accommodate future power loads in accordance<br />

with the City Growth Plan and City<br />

Centre Masterplan;<br />

Design <strong>of</strong> underground power scheme to allow for<br />

individual property level renewable energy input;<br />

Design and construction <strong>of</strong> a new bulk water source<br />

(desalination plant) as soon as practical;<br />

Implementation <strong>of</strong> water efficiency measures to<br />

allow development in short term while bulk water<br />

augmentation occurs. Unless this occurs further<br />

development is not possible;<br />

Review <strong>of</strong> town water supply scheme to define<br />

upgrades to suit City Growth Plan and City Centre<br />

Masterplan;<br />

Dampier Highway upgrade works to include corridor<br />

for Burrup Peninsula to Karratha Water Distribution<br />

Main installation;<br />

Review <strong>of</strong> town sewer scheme to define upgrades to<br />

suit City Growth Plan and City Centre Masterplan<br />

and to identify immediate works to allow for current<br />

growth considering modern sewer treatment options<br />

Design and implement upgraded town wastewater<br />

reuse scheme; and<br />

Implementation <strong>of</strong> the National Broadband Network<br />

to the entire Karratha townsite.


CONTEXT AND ANALYSIS<br />

TRANSPORT AND MOVEMENT<br />

<strong>The</strong> results <strong>of</strong> the Karratha town centre transport<br />

network assessment, coupled with the site observations,<br />

confirms that the existing road network is generally<br />

sufficient to cater for the present level <strong>of</strong> traffic<br />

activity in the town centre zone. Occasional road and<br />

intersection capacity constraints are noted but are<br />

typically restricted to peak daily traffic activity periods.<br />

<strong>The</strong> gateway intersections to the town centre presently<br />

operate satisfactorily with occasional delays<br />

and vehicle queuing.<br />

However, key implications <strong>of</strong> the inherited, poorly<br />

planned town centre road network are identified<br />

as follows:<br />

Poor east-west and north-south connectivity;<br />

Poor permeability and legibility, particularly around<br />

the Centro Karratha Shopping Mall area;<br />

Poor connectivity <strong>of</strong> the town centre with the rest <strong>of</strong><br />

the Karratha townsite;<br />

Vast, under-utilised parking areas within the central<br />

zone;<br />

Fragmented and incomplete pedestrian network with<br />

limited facilities;<br />

Fragmented, incomplete and sub-standard cyclist<br />

network with limited or no facilities;<br />

No pedestrian or cyclist friendly environment within<br />

the town centre zone; and<br />

<strong>The</strong> existing transport network within the town centre<br />

zone would have to undergo complete overhaul<br />

and redesign in order to support anticipated future<br />

expansion and traffic growth.<br />

2.7.5 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES<br />

Infrastructure and Resources<br />

Economically efficient infrastructure for industry and<br />

households designed for efficient use <strong>of</strong> energy, water,<br />

materials and transport.<br />

Project objectives have been developed which responds<br />

to meeting the aspirational goal, by addressing the<br />

needs <strong>of</strong> current state <strong>of</strong> infrastructure and the driving<br />

forces and pressures that will affect achieving the<br />

desired future outcomes and realising the goal. <strong>The</strong><br />

objectives for infrastructure are:<br />

Best practice per capita water consumption.<br />

Energy efficient built form.<br />

Energy efficient lighting, equipment and appliances.<br />

Best practice materials efficiency.<br />

Effective and well utilised public transport.<br />

2.0<br />

49


50<br />

2.0<br />

2.8 STRENGTHENING KARRATHA’S<br />

SENSE OF PLACE<br />

Gaining an understanding <strong>of</strong> the character <strong>of</strong> an area or<br />

the meaning ascribed to it involves a process <strong>of</strong> peeling<br />

away layers to reveal the natural and cultural features<br />

that hold significance. <strong>The</strong> sense <strong>of</strong> place for an area is<br />

difficult to define, and the process is <strong>of</strong>ten ongoing as<br />

change occurs. However, through context analysis and<br />

the consultation with the community and stakeholders<br />

carried out to date, a number <strong>of</strong> key attributes have<br />

emerged:<br />

Indigenous culture and heritage, and a large number<br />

<strong>of</strong> significant sites throughout Karratha;<br />

Resources sector history and status <strong>of</strong> the area as<br />

the “engine room <strong>of</strong> the nation”;<br />

Role as a major resources hub within the global<br />

economy;<br />

Relaxed, outdoor lifestyle, <strong>of</strong>fering sporting, boating<br />

and camping opportunities;<br />

Arid landscape and harsh climatic conditions,<br />

including high heat for much <strong>of</strong> the year and cyclonic<br />

events;<br />

More moderate temperatures in the evenings and<br />

during the wet season;<br />

Tributaries and drainage corroders that run through<br />

the town;<br />

Prominence and integrity <strong>of</strong> Karratha Hills;<br />

Close proximity but limited access to Nickol Bay;<br />

Views from Karratha across Nickol Bay to the Burrup<br />

Peninsula;<br />

Strong local arts and culture community;<br />

Long distances from other major centres;<br />

Mediocre and dilapidated Town Centre; and<br />

<strong>The</strong> public realm is <strong>of</strong>ten sparse and forbidding.<br />

<strong>The</strong>se attributes will be addressed through the City<br />

Growth Plan:<br />

ECONOMY<br />

Reflect Karratha’s resources sector history and status<br />

as the “engine room <strong>of</strong> the nation”;<br />

Qualities that befit Karratha’s role as a major<br />

resources hub, and its position in the global<br />

economy; and<br />

Development, training and jobs in areas that facilitate<br />

engagement with local experiences, such as local<br />

arts and crafts, recreation and tourism.<br />

COMMUNITY<br />

An improved understanding <strong>of</strong> the local Indigenous<br />

culture and heritage, and the traditional custodian’s<br />

appreciation <strong>of</strong> the landscape;<br />

Build on Karratha’s unique relaxed, outdoor lifestyle<br />

and easy access to the ‘great outdoors’; and<br />

Identify opportunities for public display and<br />

celebration <strong>of</strong> local art and culture, and social<br />

activities that contribute to community cohesion.<br />

ENVIRONMENT<br />

Take advantage <strong>of</strong> times when it is cooler, such as in<br />

the evening and during winter months;<br />

Protect and enhance <strong>of</strong> tributaries into Nickol Bay;<br />

Maintaining the prominence and integrity <strong>of</strong> key<br />

landscape features including the Karratha Hills and<br />

Nickol Bay, whilst balancing the need for improved<br />

access; and<br />

Take advantage <strong>of</strong> the topography to enhance views<br />

<strong>of</strong> the landscape.<br />

BUILT ENVIRONMENT<br />

Maintain the orientation <strong>of</strong> the Karratha townsite, in<br />

parallel to the Karratha Hills;<br />

Use <strong>of</strong> colours, textures and topography that reflect<br />

the Karratha landscape;<br />

Achieve view corridors to the Karratha Hills, Nickol<br />

Bay and the Burrup Peninsula;<br />

Greening <strong>of</strong> Karratha through enhancement <strong>of</strong><br />

tributaries and drainage corridors, with shade trees,<br />

primarily with local species;<br />

Development that facilitates connection to the<br />

Karratha Hills and Nickol Bay;<br />

Encourage higher quality development, that reflects<br />

Karratha’s status and long term future; and<br />

Respond to the influence <strong>of</strong> the environment and<br />

culture <strong>of</strong> the region in the design <strong>of</strong> the public<br />

realm, to create a unique Karratha style:<br />

− Natural topography;<br />

− Energy and water efficiency;<br />

− Renewable energy; and<br />

− Breezeways.<br />

INFRASTRUCTURE<br />

Water efficiency and re-use;<br />

Renewable energy; and<br />

Improved connectivity throughout Karratha


CONTEXT AND ANALYSIS<br />

SENSE OF PLACE<br />

2.0<br />

51


<strong>CITY</strong> <strong>CENTRE</strong> <strong>MASTER</strong> <strong>PLAN</strong><br />

KARRATHA <strong>CITY</strong> OF THE NORTH<br />

VOLUME 3 - PART 3.0


54<br />

PROJECT MANAGERS - LANDCORP<br />

Susan Oosthuizen – Project Director<br />

Ryan Victa – Project Manager<br />

SHIRE OF ROEBOURNE<br />

Nicole Lockwood – <strong>Shire</strong> President<br />

Collene Longmore – Chief Executive Officer<br />

Joel Gajic – A/Executive Manager Development Services<br />

Simon Kot – Executive Manager Community Services<br />

Troy Davis – Executive Manager Technical Services<br />

SoR Peer Review - Mark Casserly <strong>of</strong> CCS Strategic Management<br />

Consultant Planner - Mike Allen <strong>of</strong> Mike Allen Planning<br />

CONSULTANT TEAM<br />

Town Planning and Urban Design – TPG Town Planning and Urban Design<br />

Community and Consultation – Creating Communities<br />

Economics - Pracsys<br />

Traffic – Transcore<br />

Engineering – Wood & Grieve<br />

Landscape Architecture – UDLA<br />

Environment/Sustainability – GHD<br />

Peer Review - Brian Curtis Pty Ltd<br />

Property Consultants – State Property Advisory<br />

For further details and information contact: <strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Roebourne</strong><br />

<strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Roebourne</strong> Administration | Lot 1083 | Welcome Road | PO Box 219 | Karratha | WA 6714 | P 08 9186 8555 | F 08 9185 1626 | E sor@roebourne.wa.gov.au


3 PROJECT GOALS AND<br />

OBJECTIVES<br />

3.1 FUTURE KARRATHA <strong>CITY</strong> <strong>CENTRE</strong> – GOALS<br />

AND OBJECTIVES<br />

As noted in Section 1.3.1, Aspirational Goals were<br />

developed that describe the desired characteristics <strong>of</strong><br />

a sustainable Karratha. <strong>The</strong>se Goals represent a higherorder<br />

aim to which the project is intended to contribute<br />

– they are statements <strong>of</strong> longer-term intent.<br />

More specific Project Objectives have been devised to<br />

guide the development <strong>of</strong> effective strategies for the<br />

evolution <strong>of</strong> Karratha into a City <strong>of</strong> the North, ultimately<br />

with the characteristics described in the Goals. <strong>The</strong><br />

objectives derive from the context analysis outlined in<br />

the previous section, and aim to be a description <strong>of</strong><br />

an overall desired achievement involving a process <strong>of</strong><br />

change from the present to the desired.<br />

While mainly reflecting each <strong>of</strong> the Goal domains <strong>of</strong><br />

Economy, Community, Environment, Built Environment &<br />

Public Realm and Infrastructure, many <strong>of</strong> the objectives<br />

apply to more than one domain.<br />

Settlements as Systems<br />

City <strong>of</strong> the North Goals & Objectives<br />

Figure 38: Settlements as Systems<br />

SOCIETY HUMAN SETTLEMENTS ECOSYSTEMS<br />

Community Environment<br />

Built Environment &<br />

Public Realm<br />

Economy Infrastructure & Resources<br />

3.0<br />

55


56<br />

3.0<br />

Aspirational Goal Project Objectives<br />

Economy<br />

A robust, diversified local<br />

economy that effectively<br />

services the needs <strong>of</strong> local<br />

and regional industry and<br />

population<br />

Community<br />

Communities that are safe,<br />

healthy, and enjoyable<br />

places to live and work;<br />

<strong>of</strong>fer cultural, educational,<br />

recreational opportunities;<br />

provide appropriate housing,<br />

services and amenities; foster<br />

active local citizenship.<br />

Environment<br />

Local, regional and global<br />

eco-systems in which<br />

landform, habitat and<br />

biodiversity are retained<br />

and that provide natural<br />

provisioning, regulating and<br />

cultural services<br />

Improved local business capability to service established industry sectors<br />

Optimised local employment distribution to meet the requirements <strong>of</strong> industry and<br />

population<br />

Increased local business, industry and employment diversity<br />

Enhanced local business investment and entrepreneurial activity<br />

Activated and accessible retail and commercial destinations<br />

Provision <strong>of</strong> a full range <strong>of</strong> community services and facilities<br />

Affordable accommodation and living<br />

Community cohesion, vitality and involvement<br />

Strong cross cultural relationships<br />

Acknowledgement <strong>of</strong> cultural heritage through built form, public art, community art<br />

and community activities<br />

Good access to work, services and amenities<br />

Community participation in goal setting and decision-making processes<br />

Integration <strong>of</strong> workforce with local community<br />

Protection <strong>of</strong> significant natural landform<br />

Protection <strong>of</strong> significant native vegetation and habitat<br />

Prevention <strong>of</strong> pollution and erosion from stormwater<br />

Retention <strong>of</strong> predevelopment water balance<br />

Reduced net per capita carbon emissions<br />

Minimal waste to landfill<br />

Best practice recovery and reuse <strong>of</strong> materials<br />

High levels <strong>of</strong> air quality<br />

Acceptable noise levels<br />

Table 13: Goals and Objectives<br />

Note: Each <strong>of</strong> the specific strategies set out in the following sections have been devised to respond to one or more <strong>of</strong> the above Goals<br />

and Objectives.<br />

Aspirational Goal Project Objectives<br />

Infrastructure & Resources Best practice per capita water consumption<br />

Economically efficient<br />

Energy efficient built form<br />

infrastructure for industry Energy efficient lighting, equipment and appliances<br />

and households designed for<br />

efficient use <strong>of</strong> energy, water, Best practice materials efficiency<br />

materials and transport<br />

Effective and well utilised public transport<br />

Built Environment and Public Increased net development density<br />

Realm<br />

A place based response that reflects the climate, context and site<br />

An urban form that reflects Management strategies for climate change and natural disasters<br />

the intrinsic qualities <strong>of</strong> the<br />

site context, characteristics An integration <strong>of</strong> uses that achieves functionality, efficiency and compatibility<br />

and relationships and<br />

Connectivity at local, district and regional scale<br />

complements the natural<br />

environment; with centres A network and hierarchy <strong>of</strong> streets and public spaces that provides permeability and<br />

that are vibrant, dynamic, legibility<br />

diverse and functional<br />

A integrated movement network that ensures the safe movement <strong>of</strong> pedestrians,<br />

cyclists and vehicles<br />

A diverse mix <strong>of</strong> uses, buildings and housing types<br />

High quality well designed buildings that reflect the site context<br />

A variety <strong>of</strong> well defined open spaces<br />

An accessible and legible city centre destination<br />

Table 13: Goals and Objectives (Continued)<br />

Note: Each <strong>of</strong> the specific strategies set out in the following sections have been devised to respond to one or more <strong>of</strong> the above Goals<br />

and Objectives.


3.2 <strong>CITY</strong> <strong>CENTRE</strong> <strong>PLAN</strong>NING PRINCIPLES<br />

3.2.1 PRINCIPLES OF A GREAT <strong>CITY</strong> <strong>CENTRE</strong><br />

Creating a vibrant City Centre for Karratha is placemaking<br />

process that promotes a variety <strong>of</strong> residential,<br />

retail commercial, civic and community amenities.<br />

Encompassing high quality architecture and landscaping<br />

and incorporating place responsive design elements<br />

will promote a balance between the needs <strong>of</strong> both<br />

pedestrians and vehicular traffic and promoting an<br />

attractive urban from that will encourage inclusiveness,<br />

participation and interaction. Moving away from a cardominated<br />

environment and incorporating walkable<br />

main streets will promote a sense <strong>of</strong> vibrancy, safety and<br />

community cohesion and establishing a City Centre that<br />

is compact, connected and conducive.<br />

Focusing on the upon the quality <strong>of</strong> the public realm and<br />

the inclusion <strong>of</strong> higher density residential and mixeduse<br />

development will promote an intensive and multifunctional<br />

urban environment. A variety <strong>of</strong> residential<br />

dwellings will <strong>of</strong>fer choice and diversity on housing<br />

opportunities for a wide demographic, whilst providing<br />

the critical residential mass that will contribute to a<br />

lively public realm. <strong>The</strong> density and scale <strong>of</strong> mixeduse<br />

development will provide for after hours activity,<br />

supporting the local business economy and providing<br />

passive surveillance and improved safety. <strong>The</strong> intent<br />

is to provide attractive streetscapes that reinforce the<br />

functions and amenity <strong>of</strong> a street and are sensitive to<br />

the built form, urban landscape and environmental<br />

conditions <strong>of</strong> the locality to promote a sense <strong>of</strong> place<br />

and reinforce local identity.<br />

A number <strong>of</strong> guiding urban design and planning<br />

principles have been developed in line with the view<br />

to creating a vibrant City Centre. <strong>The</strong> principles were<br />

drawn from an analysis <strong>of</strong> cities around the world, which<br />

were considered to demonstrate good city design and<br />

which exhibited similar locational, physical and climatic<br />

challenges to Karratha. <strong>The</strong>se principles are responsive<br />

Intergrating Uses<br />

City Square and a vibrant street culture will contrast with<br />

to Karratha’s regional context and importantly, the<br />

project’s aspiration goals and objectives for each <strong>of</strong><br />

the sustainability framework elements <strong>of</strong> economy;<br />

community; environment; built environment and public<br />

realm; and Infrastructure & Resources.<br />

In developing the City Growth Plan, a number <strong>of</strong> City<br />

Planning Principles have been applied. Similarly, these<br />

principles have been used as a basis for guiding the<br />

design <strong>of</strong> the City Centre master plan. However, given<br />

Integrating Karratha’s<br />

disparate land uses is<br />

essential to ensuring greater<br />

accessibility to services and<br />

amenities throughout the<br />

town centre improving the<br />

vitality and connection within<br />

the community. Through the introduction <strong>of</strong> mixeduse<br />

development and enhanced interconnected street<br />

networks into the City Centre, neighbourhood centres<br />

the existing tarmac dominated town centre, providing a<br />

new communal ‘backyard’ for residents, the community<br />

and visitors. Apartments, town houses and shop-top<br />

housing will add a cosmopolitan element to Karratha,<br />

whilst easing pressure on the housing supply. <strong>The</strong><br />

Karratha City Centre will provide greater possibilities<br />

for living, not only to cater for the needs and desires <strong>of</strong><br />

the existing population, but also for the future residents<br />

who have yet to be enticed northward to enjoy Karratha’s<br />

unique lifestyle.<br />

the City Centre is comprised <strong>of</strong> a range <strong>of</strong> different and tourist related nodes, Karratha will develop as an<br />

elements, these principles have been adapted to be attractive place with an intensity that provides for a<br />

specific to the City Centre and are summarised<br />

as follows<br />

Creating Good Structure<br />

Integration, good connection,<br />

accessibility and permeability<br />

are key aspects <strong>of</strong> a good<br />

structure that will enable the<br />

City Centre to grow and adapt to<br />

meet the evolving needs <strong>of</strong> the<br />

community. A rational movement<br />

variety <strong>of</strong> accessible amenities within close proximity to<br />

each other. Through increased levels <strong>of</strong> activity, intensity<br />

and interest, residents from a variety <strong>of</strong> backgrounds,<br />

including FIFO workers, will be encouraged to visit the<br />

City Centre on a more regular basis promoting greater<br />

social cohesion within the community and adding to<br />

the threshold population supporting a larger number <strong>of</strong><br />

facilities and amenities. An interesting and diverse range<br />

<strong>of</strong> shops, fresh food produce markets, small businesses<br />

and a wide variety <strong>of</strong> restaurants and cafes will enhance<br />

a sense <strong>of</strong> place and vibrancy.<br />

Linking Attractions<br />

A variety <strong>of</strong> interconnected<br />

destinations evokes curiosity<br />

and provides a sense <strong>of</strong><br />

discovery – creating an<br />

interesting place for residents,<br />

workers and visitors. Integration<br />

<strong>of</strong> activities with streets<br />

and civic spaces, will not only provide interesting<br />

destinations, but also creates an enticing journey.<br />

This will allow users <strong>of</strong> the centre to engage in multi<br />

network with more opportunities to traverse the City<br />

purpose trips, reinforcing the role <strong>of</strong> the City Centre as<br />

Centre on shaded streets with increased permeability<br />

Providing Diversity<br />

a key reducing vehicle use and encouraging community<br />

will assist in establishing greater ease for people to<br />

As a future ‘City <strong>of</strong> the North’<br />

interaction.<br />

walk and orient their way around the City Centre.<br />

significant steps are currently<br />

Transforming the existing street system into a series <strong>of</strong><br />

public places that provide a variety <strong>of</strong> urban experiences<br />

such as Civic Plazas will encourage more community<br />

interaction with the use <strong>of</strong> re-landscaped drainage<br />

lines creating a balance between the urban and natural<br />

environmental experiences.<br />

being undertaken to transform<br />

Karratha from its humble<br />

beginnings as a mining camp<br />

to a vibrant international<br />

destination. Karratha can <strong>of</strong>fer a<br />

unique lifestyle. Balancing work life with an abundance<br />

<strong>of</strong> leisure opportunities, which, as Karratha grows and<br />

diversifies, will continue to play a role in the Karratha<br />

lifestyle. A variety <strong>of</strong> living and lifestyle opportunities<br />

will underpin the diversification <strong>of</strong> Karratha. At its heart,<br />

a vibrant mixed-use City Centre will celebrate a rich<br />

cultural heritage and landscape. Cool shady streets, a<br />

Delivering Accessibility<br />

A City Centre that promotes<br />

and encourages the use <strong>of</strong><br />

active transport options such<br />

as walking and cycling is a step<br />

towards greater health and<br />

vitality, whist assisting to create<br />

a vibrant street culture. An<br />

interesting and dynamic town centre with a comfortable,<br />

interesting and attractive public realm will encourage<br />

people out <strong>of</strong> their cars into streets, providing more<br />

opportunities for interaction, the development <strong>of</strong> social<br />

3.0<br />

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58<br />

3.0<br />

bonds and stronger community ownership and pride.<br />

An Active Playful City<br />

Establishing a well-defined street network is critical to<br />

Creating a variety <strong>of</strong> public<br />

creating a more attractive pedestrian environment, a<br />

places and spaces that<br />

more intuitive movement network and a more equitable<br />

provide for a diverse range<br />

balance between pedestrian and vehicle movement.<br />

<strong>of</strong> community activities<br />

is essential to optimising<br />

Responsive to Climate<br />

recreational benefits and<br />

amenity for the local<br />

Innovative architecture that<br />

community and visitors bringing the place to life.<br />

shields people from heat and the<br />

Formal and informal sports, meeting with friends and<br />

elements within the public realm<br />

family time are important activities for which well<br />

will be a significant contrast to<br />

designed and adequately provided parks and gardens<br />

the existing design inefficiencies<br />

in Karratha can play a role. Alternatives to the existing<br />

and the effect <strong>of</strong> heat gain within<br />

sports grounds such as the creation <strong>of</strong> a Civic Square<br />

the City Centre. Up until now,<br />

or water playground will enable the community not only<br />

urban design has addressed climate as a problem rather<br />

to engage in the sports that are such an important part<br />

than an opportunity, resulting in placeless architecture<br />

<strong>of</strong> the Karratha lifestyle, but also to have access to the<br />

and an uninspiring public realm. As Karratha matures<br />

type <strong>of</strong> places that enable people to meet, enjoy a shady<br />

to become a city, the time has come to establish a<br />

spot with friends, have a c<strong>of</strong>fee and watch the day to day<br />

local identity through climate responsive and place-<br />

activity <strong>of</strong> the City.<br />

based design utilising a design rationale that uses one<br />

challenge to solve another and focuses on nourishment<br />

<strong>of</strong> the land rather than depletion.<br />

Sustainable & Replenishing<br />

Creating a sustainable city<br />

Culturally Identifiable<br />

will involve a strategy <strong>of</strong><br />

replenishment to identify needs<br />

An inclusive City is one where<br />

within the City Centre and<br />

people from all walks <strong>of</strong> life and<br />

seek solutions with multiple<br />

cultural background can feel a<br />

benefits to meet the evolving<br />

sense <strong>of</strong> connection. <strong>The</strong> City<br />

challenges <strong>of</strong> the Karratha<br />

Centre should be a welcoming<br />

environment. With contrasting elements <strong>of</strong> extreme<br />

place for Karratha’s broad<br />

heat and flooding rain, protection from excess heat and<br />

cultural community through<br />

managing the flow <strong>of</strong> water are two key climate related<br />

participation and a design response that reflects both<br />

challenges in Karratha. With vistas extending between<br />

the needs and aspirations <strong>of</strong> both indigenous and non-<br />

the Karratha Hills and the Burrup Peninsula, reference<br />

indigenous community.<br />

to the local landscape is a defining aspect <strong>of</strong> Karratha’s<br />

local identity and sense <strong>of</strong> place. Maintaining a visual<br />

connection to landscape within the City Centre and<br />

place based design are two essential components <strong>of</strong><br />

a place that is reflective <strong>of</strong> and responsive to the local<br />

environment. Utilising the flow <strong>of</strong> water through the<br />

town centre as an asset, allowing it to add value the<br />

urban environment and landscape as it flows from the<br />

Hills into Nickol Bay will be a significant shift in the<br />

approach to water management. Climate responsive<br />

design principles will underpin the development <strong>of</strong> built<br />

from within the City Centre, providing buildings that keep<br />

the heat out and reduce reliance on air-conditioning and<br />

energy inputs. Distinctive design based on sustainability<br />

outcomes will assist in defining a local identity for<br />

Karratha City Centre.<br />

Intergrated & Timeless<br />

Integrating uses through<br />

mixed-use development is<br />

aimed towards promoting<br />

an efficient consolidated<br />

and multi-functional urban<br />

environment by combining a<br />

number <strong>of</strong> compatible land uses.<br />

Management <strong>of</strong> multiple land uses within a singular<br />

development is also an important factor to ensure<br />

compatibility within land use patterns whilst providing<br />

the opportunity for the City Centre to adapt to meet<br />

evolving needs over time. Providing a greater residential<br />

focus, mixed-use development is an ideal development<br />

format that provides for activation to support the<br />

diversification <strong>of</strong> the local business economy to cement<br />

Karratha’s long-term sustainability.


<strong>CITY</strong> <strong>CENTRE</strong> <strong>MASTER</strong> <strong>PLAN</strong><br />

KARRATHA <strong>CITY</strong> OF THE NORTH<br />

VOLUME 3 - PART 4.0


60<br />

PROJECT MANAGERS - LANDCORP<br />

Susan Oosthuizen – Project Director<br />

Ryan Victa – Project Manager<br />

SHIRE OF ROEBOURNE<br />

Nicole Lockwood – <strong>Shire</strong> President<br />

Collene Longmore – Chief Executive Officer<br />

Joel Gajic – A/Executive Manager Development Services<br />

Simon Kot – Executive Manager Community Services<br />

Troy Davis – Executive Manager Technical Services<br />

SoR Peer Review - Mark Casserly <strong>of</strong> CCS Strategic Management<br />

Consultant Planner - Mike Allen <strong>of</strong> Mike Allen Planning<br />

CONSULTANT TEAM<br />

Town Planning and Urban Design – TPG Town Planning and Urban Design<br />

Community and Consultation – Creating Communities<br />

Economics - Pracsys<br />

Traffic – Transcore<br />

Engineering – Wood & Grieve<br />

Landscape Architecture – UDLA<br />

Environment/Sustainability – GHD<br />

Peer Review - Brian Curtis Pty Ltd<br />

Property Consultants – State Property Advisory<br />

For further details and information contact: <strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Roebourne</strong><br />

<strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Roebourne</strong> Administration | Lot 1083 | Welcome Road | PO Box 219 | Karratha | WA 6714 | P 08 9186 8555 | F 08 9185 1626 | E sor@roebourne.wa.gov.au


4 AN INTEGRATED STRATEGY<br />

<strong>The</strong> City Centre Master Plan, including its precincts<br />

recommends a way forward to develop a City Centre<br />

commensurate with a population <strong>of</strong> 50,000 people.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Plan is based upon known context analysis,<br />

opportunities and constraints. In some cases<br />

assumptions have had to be made to deliver this plan<br />

and these have been identified in the precinct sections<br />

<strong>of</strong> this report.<br />

This plan should be considered in this context as the<br />

potential upper limit to growth and development in most<br />

cases. It is anticipated that as a result <strong>of</strong> more detailed<br />

planning such as preparation <strong>of</strong> development plans<br />

(structure plans), policy development and additional<br />

strategy work, refined estimates for growth will evolve.<br />

Notwithstanding this, the intent for the City Centre<br />

Master Plan should always drive development decisions<br />

in the first instance, with implications affecting the<br />

overall growth objectives being analysed and<br />

clearly articulated.<br />

This Strategy seeks to build upon the sustainability<br />

framework and establish city centre design and planning<br />

principles for the development <strong>of</strong> a vibrant and active<br />

City Centre. It complements and extends upon the<br />

current strategic direction identified in the documents<br />

outlined in Section 2 <strong>of</strong> this report.<br />

If Karratha is to become a liveable City, one that<br />

demonstrates economic diversity, a healthy local<br />

community and productive resource sector important<br />

factors to address are demographic balance,<br />

affordability, high quality amenity, and sustainability.<br />

A successful balance will result in a place <strong>of</strong> choice in<br />

which to work, visit, grow up, and raise families and<br />

age gracefully.<br />

Accordingly, Karratha’s Centre should be transformed<br />

from a place for just consumption into a thriving City<br />

Centre providing a diverse range <strong>of</strong> lifestyle choices for<br />

the community. <strong>The</strong> City Centre can be host to a variety<br />

<strong>of</strong> residential, retail, commercial, civic and community<br />

amenities. A Civic Square and a variety <strong>of</strong> public places<br />

will provide a multitude <strong>of</strong> opportunities for social<br />

interaction to sit, enjoy a c<strong>of</strong>fee, beer or wine, whilst<br />

watching the world go by. High quality architecture and<br />

an attractive and conducive streetscape will transform<br />

Karratha’s landscape from a space for cars and searing<br />

hot tarmac, to a place for people.<br />

Defined streetscapes with buildings facing and<br />

shading the streets, streetscape enhancement and the<br />

establishment <strong>of</strong> new connections will assist in way<br />

finding, enabling intuitive movement within the City<br />

Centre. New connections designed to reduce the size <strong>of</strong><br />

street blocks, enhanced drainage corridors and street<br />

trees will increase permeability and accessibility within<br />

the centre assisting in microclimate control, reducing<br />

the ‘heat sink’ that currently exists within the Centre.<br />

Whilst there are challenges to be overcome with respect<br />

to land ownership, the establishment <strong>of</strong> an key east west<br />

link to the north <strong>of</strong> the shopping centre will provide a<br />

key connection from either side <strong>of</strong> the shopping centre,<br />

thus reducing pressure <strong>of</strong> the surrounding road network<br />

and providing a public transport route through the town.<br />

Quality architecture with active frontages and an<br />

interesting, comfortable and attractive public realm will<br />

transform Karratha from a collection <strong>of</strong> introspective<br />

land uses into an integrated mixed-use destination.<br />

Combined with the use <strong>of</strong> high quality materials and<br />

timeless design principles, the urban experience<br />

Karratha will be embodied with a sense <strong>of</strong> permanence<br />

and vitality. It is only in recent years that the strength<br />

<strong>of</strong> the resource industry in the region has been widely<br />

acknowledged.<br />

4.0<br />

Moving away from the previous approach <strong>of</strong> providing<br />

temporary solutions to Karratha’s and establishing a<br />

sense <strong>of</strong> permanence and adaptability is essential to<br />

the creating a place to which people feel a sense <strong>of</strong><br />

belonging and civic pride.<br />

Variety is an essential ingredient <strong>of</strong> quality places.<br />

Providing for a diverse population is intrinsically linked<br />

to inclusion that is effective not only on a design<br />

level, but will be a key consideration throughout the<br />

implementation process. Whilst diversity in the town<br />

centre extends to variety in both the manifestation<br />

<strong>of</strong> land use and the availability <strong>of</strong> amenities, it also<br />

extends to the needs <strong>of</strong> a rapidly diversifying population,<br />

establishing social inclusion as a key consideration for<br />

Karratha’s future. <strong>The</strong> celebration <strong>of</strong> indigenous culture<br />

and the integration <strong>of</strong> the temporary and FIFO workforce<br />

by attracting and encouraging participation will play a<br />

significant role in healing the social divisions that have<br />

occurred within in the community to create a place that<br />

welcomes people from <strong>of</strong> all walks <strong>of</strong> life.<br />

Creating such a place will not be borne out <strong>of</strong> a<br />

business as usual approach. Achieving the long term<br />

vision will require a multitude <strong>of</strong> innovatiivce and<br />

strategically guided interim interventions aligned closely<br />

to the aspirations, goals and values <strong>of</strong> the Karratha<br />

Revitalisation Project.<br />

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62<br />

4.0<br />

4.1 DIVERSIFYING THE ECONOMY<br />

4.1.1 KARRATHA FLOORPSACE<br />

With regard to the planning for Karratha floorspace over<br />

time, particularly out to about 2041 and an anticipated<br />

population <strong>of</strong> 50,000, there are a number <strong>of</strong> variables<br />

over and above resident population that can influence<br />

demand for floorspace, particularly retail floorspace<br />

including:<br />

<strong>The</strong> extent <strong>of</strong> the FIFO population<br />

<strong>The</strong> extent to which Karratha as a major regional<br />

population centre will act as an attractor for Pilbara<br />

residents in general<br />

<strong>The</strong> extent <strong>of</strong> expenditure leakage, which is partly<br />

a function <strong>of</strong> the range <strong>of</strong> retail, commercial and<br />

institutional services on <strong>of</strong>fer in Karratha.<br />

<strong>The</strong> nature and extent <strong>of</strong> the tourism sector<br />

and visitor base to Karratha. This sector is extremely<br />

underdeveloped and it is difficult to estimate what this<br />

might be 30 years hence<br />

<strong>The</strong> Karratha Primary Trade Area Retail and Commercial<br />

Strategy produced for the Department <strong>of</strong> Planning (then<br />

DPI) in July 2009 by SGS. estimated the current supply<br />

<strong>of</strong> retail floorspace in Karratha across all categories<br />

at 41,000m 2 <strong>of</strong> gross lettable floor area (GLFA) and<br />

29,684m 2 <strong>of</strong> commercial / <strong>of</strong>fice floorspace across<br />

commercial, government and institutional uses. <strong>The</strong><br />

report further suggests that by 2020, at a residential<br />

population <strong>of</strong> 22,795 and FIFO workforce <strong>of</strong> 2,400<br />

that there will be demand for an additional 20,150m 2<br />

<strong>of</strong> retail across all categories and 16,200m 2 <strong>of</strong><br />

commercial/ <strong>of</strong>fice space. This would mean the provision<br />

<strong>of</strong> a total retail floorspace <strong>of</strong> 61,500m 2 and 45,884m 2<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice/ commercial.<br />

Pracsys high order estimates <strong>of</strong> retail floorspace<br />

suggest that for a population <strong>of</strong> 50,000, and assuming a<br />

role as a major regional population centre, Karratha may<br />

require something in the order <strong>of</strong> 123,444m 2 <strong>of</strong> total<br />

retail floorspace including 54,715m 2 <strong>of</strong> convenience<br />

retail, 55,711 <strong>of</strong> comparison retail and approximately<br />

13,000m 2 <strong>of</strong> café/ restaurant/ fast food floorspace.<br />

In terms <strong>of</strong> other PLUC categories we anticipate a<br />

requirement for around 63,000m 2 <strong>of</strong> general <strong>of</strong>fice /<br />

commercial space floorspace, 134,135m 2 <strong>of</strong> health,<br />

welfare and community service space floorspace<br />

and perhaps around 89,000m 2 <strong>of</strong> entertainment /<br />

recreational / cultural floorspace. It should be noted<br />

that the floorspace estimates are exactly that; they do<br />

not include provision for areas such as car parking,<br />

landscaping, set backs and the like.<br />

It is important to note that the demand for floorspace<br />

other than retail is driven less by population effects than<br />

it is by the commercial and strategic service delivery<br />

and resourcing decisions <strong>of</strong> business, companies,<br />

government agencies and institutions. <strong>The</strong>se estimates<br />

are not intended as prescriptive but rather a general<br />

indication <strong>of</strong> possible demand for different types <strong>of</strong><br />

floorspace based on scenario modelling.<br />

Of key importance to the effective development,<br />

activation and functioning <strong>of</strong> the City Centre is the need<br />

to limit the timing and scale <strong>of</strong> retail and commercial<br />

development in the neighbourhood centres to a level<br />

that does not undermine the activity centre status <strong>of</strong> the<br />

City Centre. Neighbourhood centres should be focused<br />

on meeting the general and convenience retail needs<br />

<strong>of</strong> the population rather than competing with the City<br />

Centre in <strong>of</strong>fering a full spread <strong>of</strong> retail and commercial<br />

<strong>of</strong>ferings. To allow large neighbourhood centres would<br />

disperse economic activity thoughout the town at the<br />

expense <strong>of</strong> an activated City Centre. <strong>The</strong> ultimate size <strong>of</strong><br />

retail floorspace in these neighbourhood centres should<br />

not exceed about 8,000m 2 at a population <strong>of</strong> 50,000.<br />

8,000m 2 is suggested as a longer-term upper range<br />

figure rather than what should be built in the short term.<br />

Neighbourhood centres in this regard should be kept<br />

to around 3,000 to 4,000 metres with the potential to<br />

double that over the longer term.<br />

4.2 DEVELOPING KARRATHA’S <strong>CITY</strong> <strong>CENTRE</strong><br />

FOR THE COMMUNITY<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Western</strong> Australian Government and the SoR<br />

recognise the importance <strong>of</strong> delivering sustainable<br />

solutions to Karratha – solutions which not only mitigate<br />

current issues but also cater for significant future<br />

population growth. <strong>The</strong> challenge is to go beyond<br />

the delivery <strong>of</strong> physical infrastructure to provide the<br />

residents <strong>of</strong> Karratha with the community infrastructure<br />

they need, leading to opportunities for a quality <strong>of</strong><br />

life that is commensurate with expectations <strong>of</strong> a<br />

major regional centre. Supporting the development<br />

<strong>of</strong> a healthy, safe and vibrant community will ensure<br />

that Karratha continues to grow as an engine room in<br />

<strong>Western</strong> Australia’s resource-driven economy.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Karratha revitalisation project <strong>of</strong>fers an exciting<br />

opportunity to move beyond past dialogues and utilise<br />

a community-focused, cross-sector approach to the<br />

reinvigoration <strong>of</strong> Karratha’s spatial, social and economic<br />

environs. <strong>The</strong> approach being taken by project partners<br />

is characterised by strategically targeted interventions<br />

that address current concerns and issues, while also<br />

realising untapped potentials.<br />

4.2.1 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT APPROACH<br />

<strong>The</strong> creation <strong>of</strong> built form and physical infrastructure<br />

involves complex planning, significant investment,<br />

careful engineering and solid construction. It<br />

necessitates a common vision, partnerships and<br />

integrated action. <strong>The</strong> creation <strong>of</strong> community is no<br />

less exacting, and Karratha’s destiny as a “City <strong>of</strong> the<br />

North” gives rise to an obligation to similarly embrace<br />

a common vision, shared values, partnerships and the<br />

cohesive delivery <strong>of</strong> programs.<br />

<strong>The</strong> community development approach in this City<br />

Centre Plan looks at both the physical structures and<br />

the social dynamics <strong>of</strong> the City Centre as it evolves. <strong>The</strong><br />

approach is specific to the local context and provides the<br />

social planning response to the challenges, opportunities<br />

and needs that were identified during community and<br />

stakeholder engagement and throughout the project<br />

planning process.<br />

A key focus <strong>of</strong> the strategies presented in this plan is<br />

aimed at effectively activating the City Centre’s places<br />

and spaces. <strong>The</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> community activation<br />

strategies in establishing and maximising utilisation<br />

patterns and nurturing <strong>of</strong> social capital in City Centres<br />

is <strong>of</strong>ten underestimated. Place is an ‘enabler’ but the<br />

most successful and interesting places result from<br />

both place creation and community activation – not<br />

dependent on a single enabler but instead an armoury<br />

<strong>of</strong> initiatives that stimulate people to interact, build<br />

relationships, establish networks and create a sense <strong>of</strong><br />

local pride, identity and direction.<br />

In an activated place people are connected to each other,<br />

and to the location, in socially and culturally meaningful<br />

ways. In such places, the connections people make are<br />

deep, creating a sense <strong>of</strong> belonging and acceptance,<br />

which translates into ownership and a desire to<br />

contribute. <strong>The</strong>se connections are <strong>of</strong>ten what makes a<br />

place distinctive – and can focus around family, culture,<br />

heritage, environment and community.<br />

This type <strong>of</strong> connection to place typically evolves<br />

over time through shared experiences such as street<br />

events, parades, festivals, holidays, customs and other<br />

activities, which bind the community together. Common<br />

experiences and rituals in a community help create a<br />

shared identity, which both enshrines and expresses<br />

shared values. <strong>The</strong>y can also help in welcoming<br />

newcomers to become a part <strong>of</strong> that shared identity.


In contemporary <strong>Western</strong> society this type <strong>of</strong> connection<br />

to place seldom evolves naturally. It generally requires<br />

a planned approach, which builds on the values,<br />

aspirations and distinctiveness <strong>of</strong> communities. This<br />

may include collaborative planning with communities<br />

and the development <strong>of</strong> strategies in social planning<br />

documentation. It also requires mechanisms to ensure<br />

continuity in the delivery <strong>of</strong> events and activities, as well<br />

as capacity building to empower communities to play an<br />

active part in its realisation.<br />

4.2.2 SOCIAL DIMENSIONS OF A VIBRANT <strong>CITY</strong> <strong>CENTRE</strong><br />

Urban design, including the careful planning <strong>of</strong> built<br />

form, traffic flow, pedestrian connections and so<br />

on – can result in the creation <strong>of</strong> a pleasing physical<br />

environment. <strong>The</strong> essence <strong>of</strong> a vibrant City Centre<br />

however, is to be found in the social dimension. Some<br />

City Centres have a significant ‘buzz’ yet have developed<br />

with minimal or even bad planning, while other places<br />

have failed to make the transition from magnificence on<br />

the drafting table to life at street level.<br />

A pleasing social environment shapes experience and<br />

perception <strong>of</strong> the physical environment. <strong>The</strong>refore a City<br />

Centre must be a ‘people place’ that reflects the values<br />

<strong>of</strong> a community and a shared sense <strong>of</strong> belonging and<br />

wellbeing.<br />

<strong>The</strong> ‘Four Layers <strong>of</strong> Place’ concept (developed by<br />

Creating Communities Australia Pty Ltd) can usefully be<br />

applied to the development <strong>of</strong> a successful City Centre.<br />

This concept indicates how ‘layering’ is required to<br />

maximise the potential <strong>of</strong> a place.<br />

First Layer: Venue.<br />

Streets, footpaths, parks, city squares, piazzas, cultural<br />

facilities and so on can all be components <strong>of</strong> the venue<br />

or physical environments that can together be labelled<br />

place. Traditional approaches to place and facility<br />

creation focus on the provision <strong>of</strong> the material and<br />

reflect a ‘build it and they will come’ approach.<br />

Second Layer: Managed Venue.<br />

A second layer <strong>of</strong> place can be achieved through the<br />

establishment <strong>of</strong> a planning mechanism or management<br />

model to increase the appeal <strong>of</strong> the physical venue.<br />

Economic development plans, for example, can also be<br />

developed to benefit enterprise in City Centres.<br />

Third Layer: Activated Space.<br />

This layer adds sophistication to the management<br />

<strong>of</strong> place so that full activation occurs through public<br />

events, activities and programs. Through the presence<br />

and engagement <strong>of</strong> a broad range <strong>of</strong> demographic<br />

groups, a City Centre can become a very lively space.<br />

Fourth Layer: Sense <strong>of</strong> Place – A Connected Place.<br />

<strong>The</strong> essential elements <strong>of</strong> the fourth layer are that it is<br />

a place where people are connected to each other and<br />

to the place. <strong>The</strong>y are places <strong>of</strong> meaning where the<br />

connection is deep and create a sense <strong>of</strong> belonging and<br />

acceptance, which is translated into ownership and a<br />

desire to contribute.<br />

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4.2.3 ACTIVATION PRINCIPLES FOR CREATING A VIBRANT<br />

<strong>CITY</strong> <strong>CENTRE</strong> IN KARRATHA<br />

Creating Communities Australia Pty Ltd has developed<br />

the CTC 11 model (City – Town- Centre 11 ©Creating<br />

Communities Pty Ltd 2010), which describes the key<br />

principles that need to be considered in the development<br />

<strong>of</strong> a vibrant, attractive and functional City Centre.<br />

If these principles are used as a foundation for seizing<br />

upon the evident opportunities that exist in Karratha,<br />

success will be achieved in revitalising the current<br />

Karratha town centre into a great City Centre. <strong>The</strong>se<br />

principles are described below in reference to the<br />

development <strong>of</strong> the Karratha City Centre.<br />

1. Maximise investment and economic return.<br />

For businesses to flourish a holistic approach to City<br />

Centre development in Karratha is required to ensure<br />

that the return on business’ investment is high. This<br />

will in turn attract other businesses to the City Centre<br />

and result in a greater diversity <strong>of</strong> services. <strong>The</strong> key<br />

is to develop sustainable income-generating activities<br />

that help to fund additional City Centre functions and<br />

activities.<br />

2. Well-managed and maintained community assets.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Karratha City Centre requires a much higher<br />

standard <strong>of</strong> amenity and facilities than is currently the<br />

case. By setting a high expectation for the standard <strong>of</strong><br />

built form structures by providing a program <strong>of</strong> regular<br />

maintenance and upgrade, it displays an ongoing<br />

commitment to creating an attractive environment<br />

that draws people to the centre. <strong>The</strong>re needs to be an<br />

expectation and commitment by all property owners,<br />

leaseholders and local government to set and maintain<br />

these high standards.<br />

3. Integrated City Centre activities and spaces.<br />

Vibrant and lively City Centres provide a high quality<br />

<strong>of</strong> amenity in the public realm with spaces and places<br />

for recreation, civic engagement, retail, entertainment,<br />

leisure, tourism and community services. Karratha<br />

requires the development <strong>of</strong> places in the City Centre<br />

to cater for the diverse needs <strong>of</strong> residents, businesses<br />

and visitors. <strong>The</strong>se places provide the venue for<br />

activities that will encourage and invite people <strong>of</strong> all<br />

ages, genders and cultures to use the City Centre.<br />

4. Foster community identity.<br />

<strong>The</strong> best City Centres are seen as the “beating heart”<br />

and community hub for the broader city. To attract<br />

people to the core <strong>of</strong> the city, there needs to be range<br />

<strong>of</strong> opportunities <strong>of</strong> retail, civic, community services<br />

and socialisation that represent the unique character <strong>of</strong><br />

Karratha and the Pilbara. Karratha has the opportunity<br />

to develop a City Centre that celebrates both the longterm<br />

Indigenous heritage and the more recent resource<br />

sector based heritage. Through effective spatial design,<br />

built form and cultural and civic activation, the City<br />

Centre can reflect the local character and aspirations<br />

<strong>of</strong> the community, which in turn fosters community<br />

identity and pride.<br />

5. A partnership approach.<br />

<strong>The</strong> development <strong>of</strong> a great City Centre in Karratha<br />

is not the province <strong>of</strong> one particular stakeholder. It<br />

requires a collaborative and committed approach that<br />

involves stakeholders from across the public, private<br />

and community sectors. This approach will work to<br />

support and promote a common vision for how the<br />

Karratha City Centre can be developed into a thriving<br />

social and economic hub.<br />

6. Access & legibility.<br />

For people to utilise the services and social opportunities<br />

on <strong>of</strong>fer in a great City Centre, they need to be able to<br />

access them easily. This is currently not the case in the<br />

Karratha City Centre, which lacks legibility and is difficult<br />

to access, particularly as a pedestrian. <strong>The</strong> improved<br />

provision <strong>of</strong> pedestrian friendly and well connected<br />

access ways, as well as having attractive and interesting<br />

streetscapes, will be crucial to attracting people to the<br />

Karratha City Centre.<br />

7. A safe and secure environment.<br />

Safety and security is essential to people feeling<br />

comfortable when regularly visiting a City Centre. <strong>The</strong><br />

Karratha City Centre will benefit from a focused approach<br />

to designing out crime principles including the provision<br />

<strong>of</strong> better lighting, increased passive surveillance through<br />

residential development, improved sight lines, and<br />

street activation through activities and events. By also<br />

addressing traffic management and taking a proactive<br />

approach to partnering with police, there will be greater<br />

enthusiasm and increased confidence in the Karratha<br />

community to access and use the City Centre.<br />

8. Governance and management.<br />

A governance and management strategy for the<br />

Karratha City Centre is essential to create a vibrant,<br />

distinctive and commercially sustainable precinct.<br />

<strong>The</strong> idea <strong>of</strong> efficiently managing and marketing the<br />

precinct through a coordinated process and structure<br />

will facilitate the effective delivery and implementation<br />

<strong>of</strong> the City Centre plans, strategies and initiatives. Such<br />

a mechanism could involve the <strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Roebourne</strong>,<br />

property owners, tenants, government agencies and the<br />

local community to work in partnership for the collective<br />

benefit <strong>of</strong> the City Centre precinct. An overarching<br />

governance model involving cross sector collaboration<br />

allows for the provision <strong>of</strong> enhanced services in the core<br />

areas <strong>of</strong> management <strong>of</strong> community/public assets;<br />

prevention and remediation; marketing and branding;<br />

and business development.<br />

9. Marketing and branding.<br />

A proactive approach to the promotion, branding<br />

and marketing <strong>of</strong> the City Centre will result in<br />

people becoming more aware <strong>of</strong> new opportunities,<br />

developments and attractions in the centre. Effective<br />

promotion and marketing will maximise the Karratha<br />

City Centre as an attractive location for residents and<br />

visitors and will in turn foster future development.<br />

10. Activation.<br />

<strong>The</strong> best City Centres are diverse, active, vibrant and<br />

lively places that exude vitality and atmosphere. To<br />

create this atmosphere in the Karratha City Centre it<br />

requires a planned approach to activating the spaces<br />

with events, activities and socialising opportunities.<br />

Effective City Centre activation provides opportunities<br />

for the community to participate in community and<br />

cultural activities that aim to foster an intrinsic<br />

connection to the places and spaces <strong>of</strong> the City Centre.<br />

11. Business development.<br />

Nothing impacts more negatively on the feel <strong>of</strong> a City<br />

Centre than seeing vacant shops and <strong>of</strong>fices.<br />

Successful City Centre management in Karratha will<br />

focus strongly on stimulating grass-roots business<br />

and enterprise development and develop an assertive<br />

approach to advocacy and representation for all<br />

commercial operators and business tenants through<br />

alliances with stakeholders such as the Karratha<br />

Chamber <strong>of</strong> Commerce and Industry.


4.3 RESPONDING TO ENVIRONMENT<br />

4.3.1 ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS<br />

A number <strong>of</strong> environment related issues have been<br />

identified that will require further investigation prior to<br />

the delivery phase <strong>of</strong> the City Centre Master Plan.<br />

a) Undertake a coastal risk assessment for the Karratha<br />

region that includes the potential impacts from<br />

storm surge and climatically-induced sea level rise,<br />

a qualitative risk assessment <strong>of</strong> the likelihood and<br />

consequences <strong>of</strong> sea level rise and storm surge on<br />

the Karratha area and Karratha City Centre, and the<br />

identification <strong>of</strong> adaptation and mitigation strategies<br />

for both coastal and inland development.<br />

b) In accordance with Better Urban Water Management<br />

a Local Water Management Strategy (LWMS) should<br />

be developed for the Karratha City Centre that<br />

aligns with a District Water Management Strategy<br />

developed for all <strong>of</strong> Karratha.<br />

It is recommended that the LWMS be developed as early<br />

as possible in the planning phase <strong>of</strong> the City Centre<br />

master plan to maximise the opportunities for delivering<br />

long-term sustainable integrated water outcomes.<br />

4.3.2 ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENTS<br />

It is recommended that the following additional<br />

assessments be undertaken prior to commencing any<br />

construction or ground disturbing activities associated<br />

with delivery <strong>of</strong> the City Centre Master Plan to ensure<br />

minimal impact on the immediate and surrounding area:<br />

Undertake preliminary Acid Sulphate Soils<br />

investigations <strong>of</strong> proposed development areas to<br />

assess for the presence <strong>of</strong> acid generating soils.<br />

Undertake a Flora and Vegetation survey for any<br />

areas within the City Centre that require the clearing<br />

<strong>of</strong> native vegetation.<br />

Undertake a fauna survey for any areas within<br />

the City Centre that require the clearing <strong>of</strong> native<br />

vegetation to assess the potential presence <strong>of</strong> any<br />

native fauna and to assess the fauna habitat.<br />

4.3.3 MANAGEMENT ACTIONS<br />

<strong>The</strong> following section provides recommended<br />

management actions required to mitigate or minimise<br />

any impacts associated with the delivery <strong>of</strong> the City<br />

Centre Master Plan.<br />

Specific Management Plans may need to be prepared<br />

and submitted for approval by relevant authorities for<br />

the following issues:<br />

− Topsoil management and rehabilitation <strong>of</strong><br />

disturbed areas.<br />

− Vegetation and flora.<br />

− Weed invasion and control management.<br />

− Fauna habitat and habitat linkages.<br />

− Acid Sulphate Soils.<br />

− Coastal and inland erosion.<br />

− Dust suppression and management.<br />

A Noise Management Plan will need to be prepared<br />

for any proposed construction works and submit for<br />

approval by relevant authorities.<br />

4.3.4 LICENCE AND APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS<br />

<strong>The</strong> following Commonwealth and <strong>Western</strong> Australian<br />

State Government licences and/or approvals may be<br />

required in order to deliver certain aspects <strong>of</strong> the<br />

City Centre Master Plan. It must be noted that the<br />

timeframes for obtaining a licence or approval can <strong>of</strong>ten<br />

be lengthy and as such prior planning and more detailed<br />

assessments should be sought as early as practicable.<br />

Subject to the findings <strong>of</strong> any environmental<br />

assessment required for the delivery <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Revitalisation Plan may need to be referred to the<br />

Department <strong>of</strong> Environment, Water, Heritage and Art<br />

under the Environmental Protection Biodiversity and<br />

Conservation Act 1999.<br />

In the event that the project requires the clearing <strong>of</strong><br />

native vegetation the Department <strong>of</strong> Environment<br />

and Conservation will need to be consulted in order<br />

to obtain a clearing permit under the Environmental<br />

Protection (Clearing <strong>of</strong> Native Vegetation)<br />

Regulations 2004, if the project is not assessed by<br />

the Environmental Protection Authority.<br />

Under the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914<br />

a Bed and Banks licence will be required from the<br />

Department <strong>of</strong> Water should construction activities<br />

disturb the bed and banks <strong>of</strong> any river, creek or<br />

drainage channel within the town centre.<br />

Under the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914<br />

a dewatering licence will be required from the<br />

Department <strong>of</strong> Water if dewatering activities are<br />

required during construction activities within the<br />

town centre.<br />

A 26D licence for the construction <strong>of</strong> bores and a 5C<br />

licence to abstract groundwater will be required from<br />

the Department <strong>of</strong> Water should groundwater be<br />

required for construction purposes.<br />

4.0<br />

4.4 A SPATIAL GROWTH <strong>PLAN</strong> FOR KARRATHA<br />

4.4.1 <strong>CITY</strong> <strong>PLAN</strong>NING PRINCIPLES<br />

PRINCIPLES OF A GREAT <strong>CITY</strong><br />

This section details a number <strong>of</strong> guiding urban design<br />

and planning principles, which were developed by the<br />

project team to guide the design and development <strong>of</strong><br />

the City Growth Plan. <strong>The</strong> principles were drawn from<br />

an analysis <strong>of</strong> cities around the world which were<br />

considered to demonstrate good city design and which<br />

exhibited similar locational, physical and climatic<br />

challenges to Karratha.<br />

<strong>The</strong> principles, which are detailed in the following<br />

sections, comprise:<br />

1. Developing Diversity;<br />

2. A City <strong>of</strong> Excellence;<br />

3. A Healthy City;<br />

4. Walkable and Connected;<br />

5. An Active and Playful City;<br />

6. An Affordable City;<br />

7. Sustainable and Replenishing; and<br />

8. Integrated and Conducive.<br />

<strong>The</strong>se principles are responsive to Karratha’s regional<br />

context and importantly, the project’s Aspirational Goals<br />

and Objectives for each <strong>of</strong> the Sustainability Framework<br />

elements <strong>of</strong> Economy; Community; Environment<br />

Infrastructure & Resources; and Built Environment.<br />

Details <strong>of</strong> the underlying principles are provided within<br />

Volume 2 – City Wide Growth Plan.<br />

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4.4.2 GROWTH <strong>PLAN</strong> PRECINCTS<br />

<strong>The</strong> City Growth Plan identifies several neighbourhood<br />

precincts which have been established to encapsulate<br />

the desired urban character for a particular urban area<br />

based on the predominant land uses, urban structure,<br />

built form and public realm amenity. <strong>The</strong> precincts,<br />

which include new urban growth areas as well as<br />

existing urban areas, are identified in Figure 39:<br />

<strong>The</strong> City Growth Plan document outlines visions and<br />

strategies for each <strong>of</strong> the precincts illustrated within<br />

Figure 40. Each precinct is defined by its key attributes<br />

and proposed development characteristics and<br />

requirements including:<br />

Existing provision <strong>of</strong> facilities;<br />

Current and future development projects and<br />

programmes identified within the precinct<br />

(e.g: K2020 and SoR Open Space Strategy<br />

recommendations);<br />

Proposed land uses, dwelling and density mix;<br />

Key infrastructure requirements;<br />

Staging;<br />

Assumptions/further studies required; and<br />

Planning actions required.<br />

This City Centre Masterplan provides a detailed outline<br />

<strong>of</strong> the context, visions and intervention strategies<br />

intended for Precinct 9: City Centre.<br />

Further details <strong>of</strong> the proposed strategies for the growth<br />

<strong>of</strong> Karratha are provided within Volume 2 – City Wide<br />

Growth Plan.<br />

Figure 39: City Growth Plan Precincts


4.5 <strong>CITY</strong> <strong>CENTRE</strong> <strong>MASTER</strong> <strong>PLAN</strong><br />

<strong>The</strong> City Centre Master Plan outlines the vision for the<br />

future <strong>of</strong> the Karratha City Centre. It describes a future<br />

City Centre with a distinctive community and civic feel<br />

consisting <strong>of</strong> civic spaces, shaded streets, shopping<br />

and café strips, residential apartments to provide a<br />

platform for a diverse range <strong>of</strong> commercial, civic, retail<br />

and cultural amenities.<br />

With the Karratha Hills as a backdrop, the City Centre<br />

master plan heralds a renaissance, which will see<br />

the existing Karratha Town centre transform from<br />

a collections <strong>of</strong> sheds and desolate car parks into<br />

a diverse and attractive city centre. A sustainable<br />

response to its location and climate, the City Centre<br />

Master Plan will strengthen vibrancy and vitality to<br />

assist Karratha to earn its rightful place as a City <strong>of</strong><br />

the North.<br />

Figure 40: City Centre Masterplan Source: TPG Town Planning and Urban Design<br />

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4.5.1 KEY ELEMENTS OF <strong>CITY</strong> <strong>CENTRE</strong> <strong>MASTER</strong> <strong>PLAN</strong><br />

Figure 41: Sharpe Avenue as the key main street with its Grande Square supported by a Nature Promenade. This diagram also shows a<br />

pedestrian connection to potential new residential areas to the north <strong>of</strong> the City Centre.<br />

(Source: TPG Town Planning and Urban Design)<br />

Figure 42: New east west public transit based routes connecting to the surrounding residential areas.<br />

(Source: TPG Town Planning and Urban Design)


Figure 43: Strong connections to the Karratha Hills and surrounding Landscape has been achieved through extension <strong>of</strong> Sharpe Avenue as a<br />

key vista.<br />

(Source: TPG Town Planning and Urban Design)<br />

4.0<br />

Figure 44: A variety <strong>of</strong> civic spaces and public parks will be provided within the City Centre encouraging a wide variety <strong>of</strong> passive and active<br />

recreational activities.<br />

(Source: TPG Town Planning and Urban Design)<br />

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Figure 45: City Centre Masterplan<br />

(Source: TPG Town Planning and Urban Design)<br />

CONNECTION<br />

ACTIVITY<br />

BUILT FORM<br />

PUBLIC REALM


CONNECTION ACTIVITY BUILT FORM PUBLIC REALM<br />

1. Sharpe Avenue reinforced as city main street with direct<br />

link to Dampier Road (after retirement village relocated).<br />

2. Karratha Road linked to Welcome Road to provide direct<br />

city access.<br />

3. Klenk Street realigned as secondary main street fronting<br />

Centro Shopping Centre and linked to Searipple Road.<br />

4. Karratha Terrace - new east west main street with public<br />

transport (bus in the short term) and safe pedestrian<br />

and cycle environment with traffic calming and at key<br />

activity nodes.<br />

5. Morse Court relocated, if possible, to create a direct link<br />

street across city running behind Lotteries House.<br />

6. Sharpe Avenue connection to City-north Boulevard.<br />

7. Welcome Road realigned to connect directly to Balmoral<br />

Road.<br />

8. Old Welcome Road connected from Sharpe Avenue to<br />

Pegs Creek.<br />

9. Balmoral Road calmed as urban boulevard with <strong>of</strong>f peak<br />

parking and realigned at Dampier Road, to improve<br />

traffic management.<br />

10. Searipple Road landscaped and calmed as urban<br />

boulevard with <strong>of</strong>f peak parking.<br />

11. Warambie Road traffic calmed.<br />

12. City-North Boulevard – new urban boulevard link road<br />

between Balmoral Avenue and Searipple Road.<br />

13. Crane Street – New link between Balmoral Road and<br />

Crane Circle.<br />

14. <strong>The</strong> Esplanade – Edge <strong>of</strong> city avenue including<br />

promenades and pavilions.<br />

15. Bus, caravan and large vehicle layover areas on Degrey<br />

Place with access <strong>of</strong>f Searipple Road.<br />

16. Dampier Road designed to carry high volumes on a<br />

traffic calmed Boulevard. Future bypass links required.<br />

1. Civic buildings framing the entry to the City Centre. May<br />

include grand hall for urban University, community use<br />

and cyclone shelter.<br />

2. Consolidation and redevelopment <strong>of</strong> government<br />

buildings to create a civic and town centre <strong>of</strong>fice zone.<br />

3. Proposed in-city tourist information centre.<br />

4. Existing <strong>of</strong>fice area intensified with <strong>of</strong>fice, retail and<br />

residential area around historical well park.<br />

5. Core and secondary city centre retail zone in mixed-use<br />

buildings.<br />

6. Core City Centre redevelopment zone including non-core<br />

retail, commercial and residential.<br />

7. Street front fashion and high-end retail area fronting<br />

future link (Karratha Terrace).<br />

8. Future Youth Centre in Lotteries House when current<br />

uses relocated.<br />

9. Iconic sunset cafes, restaurants and bars around an<br />

urban plaza, which may include cooling water features.<br />

10. Major new commercial, <strong>of</strong>fice precinct with potential for<br />

government uses.<br />

11. Hotel or commercial use developed on drainage line.<br />

Redirect drainage to green link.<br />

12. Potential for retirement villas on redundant drainage and<br />

open areas.<br />

13. Potential for ‘natural’ amphitheatre for performances.<br />

14. Lookout and art and Pilbara Gumala cultural centre on<br />

Karratha Hills with performance studio, interactive and<br />

interpretive centre, cafes and links to heritage trails.<br />

15. Potential location for gallery or indigenous cultural<br />

centre.<br />

1. High quality three and four storey development<br />

consisting mostly <strong>of</strong> commercial uses with a strong<br />

street presence but well shaded and dynamic facades.<br />

2. Consolidated retail areas with large floor plate retail<br />

outlets behind street fronted development.<br />

3. Enhanced Sharpe Avenue and new ‘Karratha Terrace’<br />

main streets with overhead shading screens, tree<br />

planting and urban furniture.<br />

4. New Public/ Private multi level public car park stations<br />

to serve city uses with retail and commercial uses on the<br />

ground floor and to upper floor to street frontages.<br />

5. Semi enclosed, semi private retail lanes through to the<br />

existing Centro Shopping Centre.<br />

6. Planned Warambie Road apartments with landmark<br />

residential towers on a low rise street fronted base.<br />

7. Medium density street-fronted residential development<br />

replacing short-term key workers villas.<br />

8. Medium rise coastal and resort style hotel, service<br />

workers development on public plazas with landscape<br />

views.<br />

9. Urbanised (Mixed-use) large format retail and fast food<br />

development with 2-storey appearance and managed<br />

use <strong>of</strong> signage.<br />

10. Mixed-use street fronted buildings with balconies and<br />

terrace and rear lot parking.<br />

11. Affordable and key worker low-rise apartment<br />

development on new public transport route.<br />

12. Church site with infill development set back from<br />

church.<br />

13. Coordinated redevelopment <strong>of</strong> aging Department <strong>of</strong><br />

Housing and Rio Tinto housing into modern group<br />

housing villas and multiple dwellings.<br />

14. Low-rise residential development with home based<br />

business ground floors facing areas <strong>of</strong> moderate<br />

commercial exposure.<br />

4.0<br />

1. Karratha Green Link: Linear recreation and circulation<br />

link through City.<br />

2. City Park – Urbanised native planted park with water<br />

features, running creek and cool-<strong>of</strong>f ponds play space<br />

and small events facilities.<br />

3. Memorial gardens enhanced expanded with building<br />

forecourt converted to a public plaza.<br />

4. Grand Square – A large public square under a grove<br />

<strong>of</strong> palms with an edge <strong>of</strong> canopy trees. Square will<br />

accommodate a kids water play area and night and<br />

weekend markets. <strong>The</strong> square will contain a mix <strong>of</strong> hard<br />

and s<strong>of</strong>t landscape elements.<br />

5. <strong>The</strong> Quarter – A tight urban intersection surrounded by<br />

cinemas, cafes, youth hostels and apartments creating<br />

the nightlife focus <strong>of</strong> the City. A smaller civic square is<br />

located to the north <strong>of</strong> this area.<br />

6. Klenk Plaza at end <strong>of</strong> Klenk Street as an urban space<br />

with Karratha City landmark feature.<br />

7. Upgraded school grounds to provide an eastern side<br />

<strong>of</strong> the City greenspace and civic domain-style park and<br />

improved study sports areas.<br />

8. Landscape upgrade to drainage area possibly<br />

integrating a community farm gardens.<br />

9. Drainage area upgrades as a native creek with<br />

temporary billabongs and small lawn areas.<br />

10. Nickol Bay Park or Beach – A significant landscape and<br />

recreational feature, which may include an arid park<br />

or landscape feature or possibly a semi permanent<br />

billabong.<br />

11. Jetty over marshes or water or spring tided filled ponds,<br />

to a lookout tower. May also include a link to <strong>The</strong> Links<br />

golf course estate.<br />

12. Landscape sanctuary at base <strong>of</strong> Karratha Hills with<br />

start to Jaburara Heritage Trail.<br />

13. Intensified Karratha Hills protection zone.<br />

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72<br />

4.0<br />

4.5.2 CONNECTION<br />

Key findings identified the following issues that<br />

have resulted in design response outlined within<br />

this section:<br />

Poor structure within the Town Centre where buildings<br />

are disconnected form the street edge and surrounded<br />

by large expanses <strong>of</strong> unshaded car parking<br />

Poor pedestrian amenity, where lack <strong>of</strong> pedestrian<br />

infrastructure is compounded by large areas <strong>of</strong> hot<br />

unshaded asphalt<br />

Poor sense <strong>of</strong> arrival from Dampier Road, which is<br />

unclear and confusing.<br />

Movement throughout the Town Centre is unintuitive<br />

and relies on knowledge rather than an intuitive<br />

understanding.<br />

<strong>The</strong> shopping centre and lack <strong>of</strong> connections inhibit east<br />

west passage through the Town Centre.<br />

Figure 46: ‘<strong>The</strong> Quarter’ Entertainment Precinct - Intersection <strong>of</strong> Sharpe Avenue - East West Link. ‘<strong>The</strong><br />

Quarter’ is the principal entertainment precinct <strong>of</strong> Karratha, providing an assortment <strong>of</strong> restaurants,<br />

cafés bars and pubs.<br />

Figure 48: Sharpe Avenue (looking north towards Grande Square). Sharpe Avenue will be the central<br />

spine <strong>of</strong> Karratha, linking a variety <strong>of</strong> activities and destinations. Perforated canopies and street trees<br />

will provide the necessary climate control for the activation <strong>of</strong> the street to become a vibrant place for<br />

community activity.<br />

Figure 47: Civic Courtyard (internal space inside perimeter block development -may be a deck over<br />

internal parking). Minimal street setbacks provide the opportunity for car parking and open space to be<br />

provided at the rear <strong>of</strong> development, providing useable semi private open space and car parking that is<br />

concealed from the street.<br />

Figure 49: Grand Square – Central palm court <strong>of</strong> Murchison Palms. <strong>The</strong> Grande Square is the key civic<br />

plaza in the Karratha City Centre and the heart <strong>of</strong> the City Centre and its community. Cultural events,<br />

weekend markets and water features will elevate Karratha’s vitality and attractiveness to visitors.


Warambie Rd<br />

Balmoral Rd<br />

Dampier Rd<br />

Figure 50: An improved structure with a rational street network that<br />

promotes legibility and permeability.<br />

Clear distinction between the vehicle and<br />

pedestrian realm<br />

Searipple Rd<br />

A fairer balance between pedestrian and vehicle<br />

movement<br />

Balmoral Rd<br />

Warambie Rd<br />

Dampier Rd<br />

Figure 51: Providing a heart to the City Centre that is easier to find<br />

from the surrounding road connections.<br />

Searipple Rd<br />

Warambie Rd<br />

A series <strong>of</strong> interconnected destinations Curbside car parking<br />

Balmoral Rd<br />

Dampier Rd<br />

Figure 52: Improved east west connection where additional<br />

connections and a public transport route takes pressure <strong>of</strong>f existing<br />

road connections such as Warambie Road. (Source TPG Town Planning<br />

and Urban Design)<br />

Searipple Rd<br />

Balmoral Rd<br />

Warambie Rd<br />

Dampier Rd<br />

4.0<br />

Figure 53: A finer grain through reduced street block sizes make<br />

navigation through the City easy whilst increasing the potential for<br />

activity at the street edge. (Source TPG Town Planning and Urban<br />

Design)<br />

Searipple Rd<br />

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4.0<br />

DESIGN RESPONSE<br />

Structuring Approach<br />

Commercial, entertainment and retail activity within the<br />

City Centre is framed by four boulevards: Dampier Road<br />

to the south; Searipple Road to the east; Balmoral Road<br />

to the west; and the northern Searipple-Balmoral link to<br />

the north. To the north <strong>of</strong> the latter, a lower order road<br />

intended as a slow speed esplanade, is provided as a<br />

more conducive pedestrian oriented promenade with an<br />

outlook towards the Burrup Peninsula.<br />

A number <strong>of</strong> organising elements within the City<br />

Centre have been designed to assist with orientation<br />

in and around the City Centre. <strong>The</strong> most important<br />

and prominent <strong>of</strong> these is Sharpe Avenue, which is the<br />

main street spine and visual reference axis between the<br />

Karratha Hills and the Burrup Peninsula. Sharpe Avenue<br />

acts as the unifying element to all east west linkages<br />

throughout the Centre and provides a direct connection<br />

to both Dampier Road and the northern Searipple-<br />

Balmoral Link, enhancing the ability for intuitive<br />

movement to occur within the City Centre both for both<br />

pedestrian and vehicle movement.<br />

A new east west connection, to the south <strong>of</strong> the traffic<br />

calmed Warambie Road, traverses the City Centre and is<br />

intended as a primary public transport route and traffic<br />

calmed pedestrian-oriented Terrace. Two significant<br />

drainage corridors cross the City Centre in a northerly<br />

direction, enhanced with landscaping to provide shaded<br />

pedestrian oriented ‘Nature Promenades’ through the<br />

City Centre, the easternmost <strong>of</strong> which interlinks with<br />

Sharpe Avenue. An additional link has also been provided<br />

into the City Centre by connecting Klenk Street and<br />

Karratha Road, which is the key arrival point from the<br />

North West Coastal Highway.<br />

As a key node <strong>of</strong> intensity, the scale <strong>of</strong> built form within<br />

the Karratha City Centre will reflect its local and regional<br />

importance, where taller buildings should be focused<br />

along key streets, major gateways and crossroads,<br />

promoting a strong civic presence. Reinforcing the<br />

prominence <strong>of</strong> street corners through architectural<br />

detail will assist in establishing an attractive public<br />

realm whilst providing landmarks for navigation and<br />

orientation purposes. Buildings should be iconic and<br />

monumental at key gateways such as Sharpe Avenue<br />

and Klenk Street, whilst fine grain buildings with a<br />

high degree <strong>of</strong> visual articulation will be encouraged<br />

throughout the City Centre. As the key gateway, the<br />

corner <strong>of</strong> Dampier Road and Sharpe Avenue is the<br />

intended site for the future <strong>Shire</strong> Administration Offices.<br />

<strong>The</strong> key objective is to establish an efficient, safe and<br />

more comfortable balance between pedestrian, cyclist<br />

and vehicle-based transport modes. In order to improve<br />

this integration, the impact <strong>of</strong> barriers to pedestrian<br />

movement should be minimised, without compromising<br />

the efficiency <strong>of</strong> traffic movement, vehicle access<br />

and car parking. <strong>The</strong> shift toward main street style<br />

development will result in the need for parking to be<br />

provided at the street edge, supported by some onsite<br />

and multi-deck car parks sleeved with active uses at<br />

ground level.<br />

Landscaping elements such as street trees, bicycle<br />

storage facilities, public seating will promote comfort<br />

for pedestrians, whilst also encouraging the use <strong>of</strong><br />

alternative modes <strong>of</strong> transport. Promoting active<br />

facades with continuous awnings will also provide the<br />

level <strong>of</strong> pedestrian comfort to attract people into the<br />

public realm. Appropriate lighting, sufficient levels <strong>of</strong><br />

passive surveillance and quality signage will also assist<br />

in establishing an attractive public realm, an improved<br />

sense <strong>of</strong> safety, whilst assisting users <strong>of</strong> the City Centre<br />

to find their way around more easily.


Establishing a clear role and hierarchy for each street<br />

will assist in improving legibility and achieving high<br />

quality street networks that respond to the needs <strong>of</strong> all<br />

users. Providing series <strong>of</strong> interconnected destinations<br />

such as plazas and landmarks not only provide an<br />

interesting experience for pedestrians, these element<br />

also assist in creating a more legible and controlled<br />

vehicle movement, consistent with safe passage and<br />

movement within a City Centre.<br />

Main Street<br />

Compared to the existing internalised shopping mall,<br />

main streets provide better urban streetscape amenity,<br />

encourage the creation <strong>of</strong> a public realm that is<br />

conducive to high levels <strong>of</strong> activity and interaction and<br />

promote community ownership and cultural identity.<br />

<strong>The</strong>y also support activity outside <strong>of</strong> normal business<br />

hours and the creation <strong>of</strong> mixed-use development<br />

providing opportunities for residential living with an<br />

outlook over the street, which in turn provides for a<br />

safer street environment through passive surveillance.<br />

Smaller tenancies fronting main streets also not only<br />

add to the vibrancy and level <strong>of</strong> interest, they provide<br />

more employment opportunities and have much<br />

better capacity than a conventional enclosed mall to<br />

incrementally evolve and adapt to changing economic<br />

and social conditions over time. More intensive<br />

development and an enhanced public domain also<br />

encourage pedestrian and cycling, whilst also supporting<br />

the provision and use <strong>of</strong> public transport.<br />

‘Main Street’ type development is focussed on<br />

enhancing the public domain to create clearly legible<br />

streets, active streetscapes, connectivity, enhanced<br />

pedestrian environments, safety and security. This is<br />

achieved by measures such as nil or reduced setbacks;<br />

awnings or shade structures over footpaths; active uses<br />

on the ground floor; passive surveillance; screened<br />

parking; short term on-street parking and quality<br />

landscaping <strong>of</strong> footpaths, road and drainage reserves.<br />

All <strong>of</strong> these measures will enhance the Karratha Town<br />

Centre and reflect an urban form commensurate <strong>of</strong> a<br />

City <strong>of</strong> the North for 50,000 people and beyond.<br />

Finding the Way Around<br />

Good legibility within an urban environment is the<br />

degree to which people can orientate themselves and<br />

find their way around. Legibility is supported by the<br />

visual clues that exist within a place, which assist people<br />

to ‘read’ and move intuitively around a City Centre<br />

without fear <strong>of</strong> becoming confused or lost. <strong>The</strong> following<br />

factors contribute to this being achieved:<br />

Clarity <strong>of</strong> Structure: A rational pattern <strong>of</strong> movement,<br />

where relationships between streets and paths should<br />

be clearly evident throughout the City Centre. A visible<br />

hierarchy will promote clarity <strong>of</strong> movement, whilst<br />

a permeable and rational structure will increase the<br />

understanding <strong>of</strong> the City Centre layout.<br />

Landmarks and Vistas: Distinctive building elements,<br />

landscaping features and reference to the natural<br />

environment are important referencing cues to assist<br />

with orientation, providing visual reminders linking<br />

nodes and destinations.<br />

Character and Role: Areas and districts within the City<br />

Centre may contain unifying or distinguishing character<br />

or landscaping elements, which sets one precinct apart<br />

from other precincts within the Town Centre in terms <strong>of</strong><br />

both its appearance and role. This promotes recognition<br />

and accentuates the sense <strong>of</strong> arrival to a variety <strong>of</strong><br />

destinations throughout the City Centre.<br />

Clear Edges and Definition: Clear edges assist people to<br />

read the distinction between ‘here’ and ‘there’. Edges <strong>of</strong><br />

buildings, parks, streets and clear boundaries <strong>of</strong> the City<br />

Centre provide clarity to the pathways between activities<br />

and destinations, whilst also providing clear demarcation<br />

between the public and private realm.<br />

<strong>The</strong> quality <strong>of</strong> building frontages affects the<br />

perception <strong>of</strong> streetscape quality, and the nature <strong>of</strong><br />

exchange between the interior <strong>of</strong> the building and<br />

public spaces enhances surveillance and perceptions<br />

<strong>of</strong> safety. Pedestrian comfort, visual interest and<br />

the safety <strong>of</strong> the street environment are the key<br />

factors associated with streetscape. <strong>The</strong> following<br />

elements require consideration to ensure that quality<br />

streetscapes are achieved:<br />

Quality architecture that promotes a high degree <strong>of</strong><br />

shading and visual interest to the public realm;<br />

Development that fronts onto the street with minimal<br />

or zero setbacks;<br />

Car parking that is sleeved behind buildings with<br />

active uses to the street front;<br />

Continuity <strong>of</strong> active shopfronts and avoidance <strong>of</strong><br />

blank walls facing the street or public realm;<br />

Creative window displays rather than the use <strong>of</strong><br />

window signage;<br />

Continuous awnings over footpaths for<br />

pedestrian comfort;<br />

<strong>The</strong> provision <strong>of</strong> living spaces and balconies to the<br />

front <strong>of</strong> the street to provide passive surveillance <strong>of</strong><br />

the street for buildings containing residential uses;<br />

Larger scale development to be focused along high<br />

volume routes and larger development sites;<br />

4.0<br />

Human scaled development along lower volume<br />

pedestrian oriented streets; and<br />

Land use efficiency with mixed-use development<br />

encouraged to reduce the visual and impact <strong>of</strong><br />

car parking.<br />

Key Design Elements:<br />

Moving away from current paradigms and<br />

successfully introducing main street based<br />

commercial activity and mixed-use development<br />

into the town centre is essential to providing a more<br />

efficient and diverse town centre that promotes<br />

activity at the street edge.<br />

Establishing a fairer balance between pedestrian and<br />

vehicle movement to provide safe, comfortable and<br />

attractive linkages between destinations and between<br />

pedestrian and vehicle movement to establish a more<br />

comfortable and attractive public realm.<br />

Promoting a greater sense <strong>of</strong> arrival into the City<br />

Centre and creating a ‘town heart’.<br />

Ease <strong>of</strong> orientation through the creation <strong>of</strong> clearly<br />

legible pedestrian and vehicle movement networks<br />

and improved City Centre structure with a variety <strong>of</strong><br />

destinations with distinctive character supported by<br />

landmark elements for improved navigation.<br />

New main street/public transport link north <strong>of</strong><br />

shopping centre; traffic calming <strong>of</strong> Warambie<br />

Road; and new northern link between Searipple and<br />

Balmoral Roads.<br />

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76<br />

4.0<br />

4.5.3 ACTIVITY<br />

Key findings identified the following issues that have<br />

resulted in design response outlined within<br />

this section:<br />

A lack <strong>of</strong> precinct-based agglomeration <strong>of</strong> land<br />

uses within the Town Centre, which is evident in the<br />

dispersal <strong>of</strong> complementary land uses.<br />

Limited diversity, efficiency and vibrancy <strong>of</strong> activity<br />

within the Town Centre and the dominance <strong>of</strong><br />

franchise type land uses<br />

Limited integration between land uses reducing<br />

the potential for synergies to occur between<br />

complementary activities.<br />

Limited provision <strong>of</strong> residential type uses in the Town<br />

Centre with no vertical mixed-use development<br />

DESIGN RESPONSE<br />

Promoting diversity, functionality, efficiency and<br />

vibrancy will be a significant factor that will enable the<br />

transformation <strong>of</strong> Karratha’s existing centre from is<br />

current state to an active and vibrant City Centre.<br />

Shifting current paradigms that favour vehicle traffic<br />

movement over street based pedestrian activity is<br />

essential to creating an attractive, inclusive and<br />

interesting City Centre. This will require a process to<br />

overcome existing barriers to main street development<br />

and shift the expectations <strong>of</strong> the population to evolve<br />

from vehicle dominated town centre to a main street<br />

model that is suited to Karratha’s location and climate.<br />

At present, the existing shopping centre <strong>of</strong>fers a<br />

comfortable interior, which, in contrast to the outdoors,<br />

may be preferable. However, creating a public realm that<br />

is also attractive with appropriate microclimate control<br />

is a significant challenge to provide a competitive edge<br />

to air-conditioned spaces and a greater variety <strong>of</strong> choice.<br />

Building upon existing strengths by defining precincts<br />

based on both character and function will assist<br />

in establishing a rationale for the inclusion <strong>of</strong> a<br />

greater variety <strong>of</strong> built form outcomes to support<br />

the diversification <strong>of</strong> the economy over time whilst<br />

minimising potential for land use related conflict<br />

to occur.<br />

Vertical mixed-use development will promote the<br />

development <strong>of</strong> a robust and adaptable City Centre<br />

designed to meet the evolving needs <strong>of</strong> a growing<br />

population. Enabling greater land use efficiency with<br />

multilevel activities on a single land parcel will be a<br />

valuable alternative to the single uses and expansive car<br />

parks that currently exist on land parcels throughout the<br />

Town Centre.<br />

Introducing medium and high density mixed and<br />

residential land uses is crucial to promoting affordability<br />

and accessibility within Karratha. A commercial interface<br />

at ground level will provide for vibrancy, interest and<br />

activity, whilst residential uses on upper level will result<br />

in a higher population within the Town Centre promoting<br />

increased activity and vitality.<br />

Key Design Elements:<br />

Promoting mutually beneficial relationships by<br />

through precinct planning supported by a number <strong>of</strong><br />

Character Areas.<br />

Providing a diverse range <strong>of</strong> commercial, retail, civic,<br />

cultural and recreational opportunities within the<br />

City Centre Providing a viable and complementary<br />

alternative to internalised mall retail provisions.<br />

Promoting mixed-use formats that promote compact,<br />

accessible and integrated urban form.<br />

Introducing medium and high density residential<br />

uses to provide housing in areas <strong>of</strong> high amenity<br />

such as the City Centre.<br />

Places for non shopping related activities<br />

Mixed-use development to promote<br />

interconnection, safety and vibrancy.<br />

Balmoral Rd<br />

Wa<br />

ra<br />

mb<br />

ie<br />

Rd<br />

Da<br />

mp<br />

ie<br />

r Rd<br />

Figure 54: Active street frontages, interesting facades and the<br />

avoidance <strong>of</strong> blank walls will be a key feature throughout the City<br />

Centre. (Source TPG Town Planning and Urban Design)<br />

- Red represents highly active frontage<br />

- Orange represents active and articulated frontage<br />

- Blue represents service frontage<br />

Searipple Rd<br />

A return to main street design principles to<br />

enable activity during cooler evening hours


4.5.4 BUILT FORM<br />

Key findings identified the following issues that have<br />

resulted in design response outlined within<br />

this section:<br />

Buildings lack design quality and a sense <strong>of</strong><br />

permanence.<br />

Few buildings in the town centre exhibit a Karratha<br />

style or local identity<br />

Little consideration for climatic design principles<br />

resulting in excessive reliance on air conditioning<br />

Large expanses <strong>of</strong> blank facades, limiting<br />

relationship with the public realm, contributing to a<br />

dull, arduous and harsh town centre experience.<br />

Limited diversity and inappropriate residential for<br />

provisions for a City Centre environment.<br />

DESIGN RESPONSE<br />

Quality Design and Architecture<br />

<strong>The</strong> City Centre masterplan is aimed towards promoting<br />

an intensive, consolidated and multi-functional urban<br />

environment that will comprise quality architecture<br />

and landscape design to promote and interactive and<br />

sustainable urban from. <strong>The</strong> masterplan will provide<br />

a framework for the evolution from a fragmented cardominated<br />

urban form to a compact and integrated<br />

mixed-use City Centre. Built form should maximise<br />

activation and surveillance <strong>of</strong> the adjacent streets, civic<br />

spaces and parks through the use <strong>of</strong> design elements<br />

such as active ground floor uses, major openings,<br />

entrances, windows, balconies and terraces. Buildings<br />

facing the street should provide for a variety <strong>of</strong> uses,<br />

combined to ensure the protection <strong>of</strong> amenity <strong>of</strong> all<br />

users. Appropriate lighting to promote safety within City<br />

Centre is also a key consideration for all buildings and<br />

public places.<br />

To facilitate the evolution <strong>of</strong> a consolidated City Centre<br />

and to promote land use efficiency, a general minimum<br />

height <strong>of</strong> 2 storeys and a maximum <strong>of</strong> 4 storeys will<br />

apply, however some sites may contain taller buildings,<br />

where only residential uses should be permitted above<br />

the fourth floor. Heights within the City Centre have been<br />

determined to provide a range <strong>of</strong> benefits, such<br />

as providing:<br />

Sufficient commercial, retail and residential floor<br />

space within the City Centre to facilitate the<br />

development <strong>of</strong> a functional centre for a city <strong>of</strong><br />

50,000 people or more;<br />

Opportunity for each land parcel to be developed to<br />

its optimal potential whilst still being appropriate to<br />

the character, streetscape and setting applicable to<br />

each precinct in the City Centre; and<br />

Shading to the streets without the imposition <strong>of</strong><br />

excess building bulk dominating the experience at<br />

street level.<br />

Whilst some high-rise development may occur within<br />

the City Centre, the form that this should take is<br />

for the lower, podium levels to provide active street<br />

frontages, providing an active interface with the street<br />

and an interesting and active streetscape experience<br />

without overwhelming the public domain, but acting to<br />

provide shade to streets and plazas. Sites that propose<br />

development above 4 storeys should meet a range <strong>of</strong><br />

criteria to ensure that the additional height does not<br />

impede the ability for a consolidated Town Centre to<br />

develop. Taller buildings would generally be focused at<br />

the northern most area <strong>of</strong> the City Centre, along the<br />

Balmoral-Searipple Link and key locations on Sharpe<br />

Avenue.<br />

<strong>The</strong> delivery <strong>of</strong> quality buildings is a key factor in a place<br />

making process as they enhance a sense <strong>of</strong> place along<br />

with fostering community ownership and civic pride.<br />

Establishing a local vernacular that is unique to Karratha<br />

will be a significant step towards creating an inclusive<br />

City Centre that reflects its location and its people.<br />

Establishing a built form that is unique to Karratha will<br />

require guidance to develop alternatives to predominant<br />

shed like built form outcomes that currently exist. <strong>The</strong><br />

challenge will be to develop appropriate design controls<br />

that provide sufficient balance between rigour and<br />

flexibility, whilst effectively communicating the desired<br />

palette <strong>of</strong> materials along with the application <strong>of</strong><br />

style, sustainability elements and overall design intent.<br />

Ensuring that design controls are developed that can<br />

be applied to a variety <strong>of</strong> built form typologies, and<br />

are suitable and adaptable to market conditions and<br />

demands will promote consistency in built from and<br />

contribute to the establishment <strong>of</strong> a strong sense <strong>of</strong><br />

place and<br />

local identity.<br />

Delivery <strong>of</strong> the type <strong>of</strong> built from envisaged for the<br />

City Centre will also require coordinated partnerships<br />

between business sector (building companies), private<br />

developers and government (Local and State) to achieve<br />

the City Centre vision. A substantial commitment to<br />

investment by the State government is necessary to<br />

provide the private sector and lending institutions with<br />

confidence, thus providing the conditions to attract<br />

private sector investment.<br />

Promoting connection with the<br />

outdoors and shaded alfresco areas<br />

Tall landmark buildings in the City<br />

A Karratha Vernacular<br />

Balmoral Rd<br />

Warambie Rd<br />

Shading and ventilation to the edge<br />

<strong>of</strong> buildings promoting connection<br />

with the outdoors<br />

Dampier Rd<br />

4.0<br />

Figure 55 : Buildings are designed with minimal street setbacks<br />

with car parking located in streets and concealed behind buildings<br />

to promote greater activity at the street edge and improve aesthetic<br />

appeal. (Source TPG Town Planning and Urban Design)<br />

Searipple Rd<br />

Sustainability to be a key element<br />

in defining the local Karratha Style<br />

77


78<br />

4.0<br />

<strong>The</strong> origin <strong>of</strong> Karratha as a mining town was predicated<br />

on a number <strong>of</strong> needs to ensure that a supply <strong>of</strong> skilled<br />

labour to service resource related activities could be<br />

adequately accommodated within a relatively short<br />

timeframe, and with little regard for the long-term future<br />

<strong>of</strong> the settlement. <strong>The</strong>refore, the existing character<br />

<strong>of</strong> the Town Centre is largely defined by construction<br />

techniques that responded to the primary need to<br />

provide a labour force, rather than the need to create<br />

a vibrant and interesting place, which has remained an<br />

acceptable rationale for development in Karratha’s town<br />

centre for over 40 years. As such, Karratha’s vernacular<br />

sense is a placeless reflection <strong>of</strong> utilitarian and rational<br />

construction methods.<br />

<strong>The</strong> term ‘vernacular’ is <strong>of</strong>ten referred to as a historical<br />

precedent. Whilst this is partly true, the vernacular<br />

refers also to methods <strong>of</strong> construction using resources<br />

that are available on a local level, and the creation<br />

<strong>of</strong> a form that addresses localised needs. Vernacular<br />

architecture generally evolves over time to reflect the<br />

environmental, cultural and historical context in which<br />

it exists. As a relatively new place, Karratha is at a<br />

pivotal point where lessons from past construction<br />

can now be culminated into some aspirations for a<br />

sustainable future that truly reflects the local identity.<br />

Given the remoteness <strong>of</strong> Karratha to suppliers <strong>of</strong><br />

construction materials, construction has generally<br />

favoured the use lightweight materials, which are<br />

easier and cheaper to transport. Such materials also<br />

carry a low thermal mass that is a suitable material for<br />

hot arid environments. Due to a poor execution <strong>of</strong> the<br />

use <strong>of</strong> these materials, ‘temporary’ shed like nature<br />

<strong>of</strong> buildings evident throughout Karratha inhibits the<br />

establishment <strong>of</strong> local identity and a sense <strong>of</strong> place<br />

that is relevant to the place and local community.<br />

Karratha is now a significant hub for resource investment<br />

and delivery to worldwide markets, cementing its longterm<br />

future as a world leader in the resource industry.<br />

<strong>The</strong>refore, the long term sustainability and the longterm<br />

survival <strong>of</strong> Karratha is a significant attribute in<br />

developing a Karratha vernacular. To attract people to<br />

live in Karratha on a permanent basis it is important to<br />

provide a place where people want to live. Built form and<br />

places that that are reflective <strong>of</strong> local aspirations and<br />

cultural values will contribute to a place that has its own<br />

unique identity.<br />

On another level, the permanence <strong>of</strong> Karratha cannot be<br />

considered exclusively to matters relating to the City’s<br />

long-term sustainability and impact on locally available<br />

resources. Promoting efficient and reduced resource<br />

consumption through climate and environmentally<br />

responsive design is essential.<br />

<strong>The</strong> manner in which a building is used by its occupants<br />

carries a significant influence on building forms. Given<br />

that the majority <strong>of</strong> Karratha’s future population has yet<br />

to arrive or reside in Karratha, the needs <strong>of</strong> the future<br />

population has yet to be defined. Although projections<br />

are made within this document with regard to some <strong>of</strong><br />

the broader needs <strong>of</strong> those populations, the ability for<br />

Karratha to transition and evolve through its period <strong>of</strong><br />

growth and beyond is a key consideration. Establishing<br />

robust and adaptable built form and urban spaces will<br />

ensure that building can accommodate the needs <strong>of</strong><br />

an evolving population over a long period <strong>of</strong> time with<br />

minimal modification.<br />

<strong>The</strong>refore, the following four key elements have been<br />

identified as a means <strong>of</strong> establishing a Karratha<br />

vernacular and built form that reflects local and<br />

regional values:<br />

Permanence<br />

Sense <strong>of</strong> Place<br />

Environmental Responsiveness<br />

Adaptability<br />

Breezways Shading and ventilation<br />

Detatched eaves to<br />

Wide eaves and<br />

Well protected outdoor areas for<br />

promote ventilation<br />

shaded verandahs<br />

public uses<br />

Drought/ flood<br />

tolerant landscaping<br />

Wide eaves to the east and west<br />

sides <strong>of</strong> buildings<br />

Articulated facades with<br />

shade awnings<br />

Colonnades to protect from<br />

the heat and heavy rainfall<br />

Design guidelines will be the key to the delivery <strong>of</strong><br />

a Karratha Style. This section outlines some <strong>of</strong> the<br />

design elements and values that will be central to the<br />

development <strong>of</strong> design guidelines for built form and the<br />

public realm within Karratha.<br />

Bold shade structures<br />

<strong>The</strong> use <strong>of</strong> locally available<br />

materials<br />

Minimaisaiton <strong>of</strong> window area<br />

to the east and west sides <strong>of</strong><br />

buildings


<strong>The</strong> following table provides an outline <strong>of</strong> design<br />

elements and principles, which should be addressed<br />

in the development <strong>of</strong> built form or design guidelines<br />

within the Karratha City Centre.<br />

DESIGN OBJECTIVES DESIGN ELEMENTS AND VALUES<br />

Permanence Durable materials and construction Local stone elements to balance the use <strong>of</strong> lightweight materials.<br />

Quality design Clear articulation <strong>of</strong> facades and entrances;<br />

Quality design that promotes visual interest; and<br />

High level <strong>of</strong> articulation in the built form through employing measures including: materials; projections; recesses, balconies; awnings; major openings; entrances; and<br />

ro<strong>of</strong> forms.<br />

Strong relationship to street and public realm Facades that promote interaction between the public and private realm through large openings to the street and balconies;<br />

Nil street setbacks to promote a strong relationship to the street;<br />

A sense <strong>of</strong> architectural prominence at the corner <strong>of</strong> key intersections to provide visual gateway elements to the Town Centre and its street network; and<br />

Key intersections <strong>of</strong> Sharpe Avenue and the northern edge <strong>of</strong> the City being celebrated as key gateways through landmark architectural forms including tall buildings.<br />

Adaptability <strong>of</strong> built form Ceiling heights that enable buildings to adapt to a variety <strong>of</strong> uses;<br />

Mixed-use compact core including a mix <strong>of</strong> street-oriented high-amenity residential and commercial developments<br />

Sense <strong>of</strong> Place High quality architectural design Design elements and forms that promote visual interest, architectural articulation and sustainable outcomes.<br />

Continuous streetscape rhythm and character Avoiding blank walls fronting public spaces.<br />

Harmonious, safe and attractive environment Continuity <strong>of</strong> active shop fronts to ensure the activation <strong>of</strong> the street frontages with retail, commercial, civic and entertainment based development to the street edge<br />

with commercial or residential usage on upper floors<br />

Place responsive design Retain and conserve heritage buildings and other items having heritage value within the town centre; and<br />

Provide sufficient shading to major openings<br />

Cultural diversity and inclusion Cultural diversity to be reflected in the design <strong>of</strong> the public realm;<br />

Public art initiatives to reflect local cultural values and promote inclusion <strong>of</strong> a wide community participation;<br />

Community facilities that provide for a wide variety <strong>of</strong> cultural needs; and<br />

Acknowledgement <strong>of</strong> cultural heritage in built form, public art, community art and community activities.<br />

Locally available materials or materials that are reflective <strong>of</strong> Karratha <strong>The</strong> use <strong>of</strong> local stone in conjunction lightweight materials.<br />

Environmental<br />

Responsiveness<br />

Taking advantage <strong>of</strong> local assets and environmental opportunities Maximise the potential for vistas/ views to key locational assets such as Karratha Hills and Burrup Peninsula.<br />

Climate responsive design Continuous awnings over shop fronts for pedestrian comfort;<br />

Tree planting to maximise shade cover <strong>of</strong> streets – trees that form a large canopy should be favoured in the City Centre<br />

Energy Efficiency Sufficient shading to all windows entrances and major openings; and<br />

Breezeways to promote cross ventilation <strong>of</strong> internal spaces.<br />

Water conservation elements Water wise landscaping.<br />

Adaptability Adaptable architectural design Mixed-use development promoting a variety mixed commercial and residential uses, where commercial is to be the predominant focus ground level, whilst residential<br />

to be mainly provided on upper levels; and<br />

Ceiling to floor heights should be <strong>of</strong> sufficient height to enable transition over time to accommodate a variety <strong>of</strong> uses, particularly for any temporary residential uses<br />

on ground level.<br />

Flexible design controls Design controls that can be adapted to address evolving market forces including allowing for tall buildings in landmark locations.<br />

Table 14:Design Elements and Principles<br />

4.0<br />

79


80<br />

4.0<br />

Whilst the above is an outline <strong>of</strong> the overarching<br />

matters that contribute to the development <strong>of</strong> a local<br />

style for Karratha, it is recommended that prior to the<br />

development <strong>of</strong> any built form design guidelines or<br />

policy that seeks to guide matters relating to built from<br />

structure and style, that a design symposium be held in<br />

conjunction with the community and key stakeholders.<br />

This will ensure that future built form is responsive to<br />

the local community, climate and evolving<br />

economic conditions.<br />

Climate Responsive Design<br />

Establishing a sustainable future for Karratha relates<br />

to a number <strong>of</strong> social, environmental and economic<br />

factors, the balance <strong>of</strong> which tell a story not only <strong>of</strong><br />

Karratha’s environmental footprint, but also <strong>of</strong> its longterm<br />

survival. <strong>The</strong> role Karratha’s town centre has thus<br />

far been closely related to resource-based activities<br />

within the region and to the consumer needs <strong>of</strong> the local<br />

and district population. Diversification <strong>of</strong> the economy<br />

to reduce dependence on mining related activities is<br />

therefore a key to Karratha’s long-term sustainability. It<br />

is essential that the infrastructure within the City Centre<br />

is able to cater for such diversification.<br />

Climate responsive design is aimed at ensuring<br />

development within the City Centre uses natural<br />

microclimate design to maximise natural climate<br />

control. <strong>The</strong> term may be applied to any aspect <strong>of</strong> the<br />

design process, and has been considered within the<br />

master planning, and relates to lot layout, the design<br />

<strong>of</strong> built form and public realm.<br />

In summary key aims are to:<br />

Maximise liveability through access to natural light,<br />

natural ventilation and natural climate control;<br />

Sustain and increase thermal comfort for occupants<br />

<strong>of</strong> buildings and users <strong>of</strong> the public realm;<br />

Reduce the need for mechanised, energy dependent<br />

air-conditioning devices; and<br />

Preserve and enhance the relationship between<br />

internal and external living areas along with the<br />

relationship between the public and private realm.<br />

Appropriately designed built form and urban spaces<br />

have the ability to mitigate or prevent the effects<br />

<strong>of</strong> excessive solar gain and reduce reliance on airconditioning<br />

during hotter months. This can be achieved<br />

through the utilisation <strong>of</strong> design principles such as the<br />

minimisation <strong>of</strong> east and facing windows along with the<br />

use <strong>of</strong> wide solar shading devices to prevent solar gain,<br />

whilst also providing shelter from heavy rainfall.<br />

Climate responsive principles are also relevant to<br />

establishing a comfortable and attractive public realm<br />

that is functional and enjoyable regardless <strong>of</strong> climatic<br />

extremes. Trading existing expanses <strong>of</strong> unshaded car<br />

parking and tarmac surfaces for tree-lined streets,<br />

shaded footpaths and gathering spaces will provide a<br />

welcome relief for users and visitors to the City Centre.<br />

<strong>The</strong> City Centre Master Plan proposes the upgrade<br />

<strong>of</strong> the key drainage reserves that currently bisect the<br />

town centre as underutilised open space. Whilst it is<br />

important for these reserves to perform their intended<br />

function, high quality landscape treatments will<br />

transform the reserves into key garden links through the<br />

town centre. By encouraging development to front these<br />

links, the drainage reserves become part <strong>of</strong> the city<br />

rather treating drainage as a problem to be hidden away.


Activation <strong>of</strong> the Public Realm<br />

Facilitating development within the City Centre in a<br />

manner that promotes land use efficiency, vitality and<br />

local amenity is essential to the Karratha’s long-term<br />

sustainability. Mixed-use development that includes<br />

an active ground level commercial interface and high<br />

quality architecture will improve streetscape quality,<br />

reinforce key landmarks and intersections, provided it is<br />

constructed to a scale that is appropriate and responsive<br />

to the nature and character <strong>of</strong> its location, provide for<br />

after hours activity and support the local<br />

business economy.<br />

<strong>The</strong> intent is not only to provide a residential focus to<br />

development but also to provide a range <strong>of</strong> employment<br />

and service opportunities in a mixed-use format for the<br />

benefit <strong>of</strong> residents, visitors and the local community.<br />

Promoting built form with active street frontages and<br />

commercial tenancies at street level will provide a<br />

significant step forward in the activation <strong>of</strong> the<br />

public realm.<br />

Providing attractive public spaces that cater for a variety<br />

<strong>of</strong> active and passive recreational experiences will have<br />

a positive impact on the quality and efficiency <strong>of</strong> the<br />

public realm, encouraging its use for a wider variety<br />

<strong>of</strong> purposes. <strong>The</strong> treatment <strong>of</strong> the street environment<br />

and public open spaces will provide variety and interest<br />

to visitors and residents alike, with quality paving<br />

treatments, public art and a quality interface between<br />

built form and the public realm, helping to define the<br />

distinct identity and purpose <strong>of</strong> each space.<br />

Comfort for pedestrians in response to climatic extremes<br />

is a key consideration for the design <strong>of</strong> the public realm<br />

within the City Centre and therefore shading provides<br />

a key role in providing a comfortable and attractive<br />

City Centre. <strong>The</strong> following figures demonstrate the<br />

importance <strong>of</strong> good urban design and landscaping in<br />

the shading <strong>of</strong> urban environments in hot arid climates.<br />

As new development occurs, built form will be designed<br />

to reinforce the edge <strong>of</strong> the street and public space.<br />

Providing quality architectural form and surveillance over<br />

these spaces will contribute to the quality and safety <strong>of</strong><br />

the public realm. From an urban design perspective, the<br />

street will become the principal means <strong>of</strong> integration for<br />

activities within the City Centre, providing an equitable<br />

balance between pedestrians, private vehicles and public<br />

transport in a safe and efficient manner.<br />

Housing Diversity<br />

Providing a variety <strong>of</strong> housing types to provide<br />

accommodation for a mix <strong>of</strong> household types, incomes<br />

and backgrounds contributes to diversity and will ensure<br />

development <strong>of</strong> a vibrant and sustainable community<br />

within the Karratha City Centre. Given that the majority<br />

<strong>of</strong> Karratha’s projected population <strong>of</strong> 50,000 people<br />

has yet to arrive in Karratha, it is also important that the<br />

provision <strong>of</strong> greater dwelling choice that can respond to<br />

the needs <strong>of</strong> the community by providing development<br />

typologies and sizes that respond to a diverse and<br />

evolving demographic.<br />

4.0<br />

Key Design Elements:<br />

Achieving quality outcomes and a sense <strong>of</strong><br />

permanence within the built environment through<br />

design controls that provide sufficient balance<br />

between rigour and flexibility that apply to a variety<br />

<strong>of</strong> building types and market conditions.<br />

Develop a strong vernacular identity to reinforce<br />

Karratha’s sense <strong>of</strong> place, through a place-based<br />

response to design <strong>of</strong> buildings and the public realm.<br />

Introduction <strong>of</strong> design controls that promote climate<br />

responsive design as a key element in the identity<br />

and sense <strong>of</strong> place for Karratha.<br />

Promotion <strong>of</strong> active facades and street oriented<br />

commercial activity, where buildings provide shade<br />

structures to the public realm for pedestrian comfort<br />

and climate control.<br />

A wider variety <strong>of</strong> medium and high density housing<br />

types and short stay accommodation within the City<br />

Centre to complement the existing dwelling makeup<br />

<strong>of</strong> Karratha.<br />

Figure 56: Shade Study Existing Town Centre – 20 March 9am Figure 57: Shade Study Existing Town Centre – 20 March 4pm<br />

Figure 58: Shade Study Proposed City Centre – 20 March 9am Figure 59: Shade Study Proposed City Centre – 20 March 4pm<br />

81


82<br />

4.0<br />

4.5.5 PUBLIC REALM<br />

Key findings identified the following issues that have<br />

resulted in design response outlined within this section:<br />

Poor quality pedestrian environment with a lack <strong>of</strong><br />

footpaths, street trees, signage and outdoor places<br />

that promote community interaction or leisure<br />

opportunities.<br />

Harsh and inhospitable public realm due to expansive<br />

unshaded car parks and paved surfaces and absence<br />

<strong>of</strong> s<strong>of</strong>t landscape and shade trees result in a hot and<br />

inhospitable public realm.<br />

Undefined and inactive street system adds to a sense<br />

<strong>of</strong> illegibility and inactivity on street networks.<br />

Lack <strong>of</strong> comfortable spaces such as plazas or<br />

smaller shady public places provide limited<br />

opportunities for meeting places or for public<br />

gathering.<br />

Drainage lines are a key feature <strong>of</strong> the Town Centre<br />

and are underutilised as public places.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re is lack <strong>of</strong> inclusive and culturally relevant<br />

public places.<br />

Balmoral Rd<br />

Warambie Rd<br />

Dampier Rd<br />

Figure 60: A greater variety <strong>of</strong> parks and civic spaces is proposed<br />

throughout the City Centre.<br />

(Source: TPG Town Planning and Urban Design)<br />

Searipple Rd


LANDSCAPE <strong>PLAN</strong><br />

<strong>The</strong> key challenges in developing a vibrant public realm<br />

in Karratha’s town centre are driven by the social needs<br />

<strong>of</strong> communities to interact and express themselves<br />

within places that are culturally relevant and inclusive.<br />

Town centres are the heart <strong>of</strong> communities and<br />

surrounding businesses are the foundation for ensuring<br />

this vitality where people meet, eat, are entertained,<br />

shop and engage in business related activities. Popular<br />

town centres act as hubs for culture and creativity and<br />

by developing both the physical and social environments.<br />

With this key objective, the community will also build<br />

confidence and pride in their town.<br />

In the physical sense, developing a sustainable town<br />

centre public realm for Karratha relies on establishing a<br />

collective vision that identifies and expresses its unique<br />

character arising from: its indigenous heritage and<br />

culture; its importance as a large West Pilbara town;<br />

the contribution and uniqueness <strong>of</strong> its surrounding<br />

towns; its unique landscape; and its role as a significant<br />

resource hub. Based on a place-based response to<br />

these elements the expression <strong>of</strong> character will become<br />

a part <strong>of</strong> the essence <strong>of</strong> the City Centre as the new<br />

public realm emerges with its own valid identity and<br />

sense <strong>of</strong> place. Subject to detailed survey works being<br />

undertaken, some notable examples <strong>of</strong> significant trees<br />

exist within the Town Centre, which may be suitable for<br />

retention, a particular example being the fig tree (Ficus<br />

spp.) located within the swimming pool complex.<br />

By initiating quality changes in the public realm<br />

through an integrated plan, it is likely that this process<br />

will stimulate a change in community attitudes and<br />

habits which are also essential to bring about a town<br />

renaissance. Community support is paramount to<br />

sustaining the ongoing process <strong>of</strong> developing a new<br />

public realm and the initial changes and projects<br />

undertaken must reinforce the perception <strong>of</strong> positive<br />

change. As the current state <strong>of</strong> the public realm in<br />

Karratha is poor in most respects, the revitalisation <strong>of</strong><br />

the town centre will produce dramatic face changes.<br />

Karratha residents <strong>of</strong> all ages must feel connected and<br />

drawn to their new town centre environment by providing<br />

a wealth <strong>of</strong> variety, interest and activities in a setting<br />

they are proud to share with tourists and visitors. By<br />

undertaking major programmes such as street tree<br />

planting and the rehabilitation <strong>of</strong> the degraded creek<br />

lines within the town centre a sense permanence and<br />

consideration for future generations will be established<br />

that builds community wealth.<br />

<strong>The</strong> City Centre Master Plan proposes a diverse public<br />

realm with a variety <strong>of</strong> types, roles and textures. Overall<br />

the area <strong>of</strong> civic squares and public open space will<br />

ultimately total approximately 18%, far in excess <strong>of</strong> the<br />

areas stipulated in government policy.<br />

Vibrant Squares and Civic Spaces Shade structures Fostering local identity and sense A variety <strong>of</strong> open space options<br />

Figure 61: City Centre Public Realm Concept Plan<br />

<strong>of</strong> place<br />

(Source: UDLA)<br />

Note - Indicated location <strong>of</strong> Youth<br />

Centre is one <strong>of</strong> several options.<br />

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84<br />

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Figure 62: Karratha Town Centre public realm design principles<br />

(Source UDLA)<br />

PEDESTRIAN REALM<br />

<strong>The</strong> premise <strong>of</strong> new pedestrian plan for Karratha’s City<br />

Centre will be focussed around three new<br />

important features:<br />

Main Street (Sharpe Avenue);<br />

Nature Promenade; and<br />

Nickol Bay Park.<br />

<strong>The</strong>se three public realm ‘arms’ <strong>of</strong> the town connect<br />

in a triangular configuration and embrace different<br />

urban and landscape characters. Nickol Bay Park forms<br />

the ‘finale’ at the northern end <strong>of</strong> the town centre<br />

development and ties the Sharpe Avenue main street and<br />

‘Nature Promenade’ together <strong>of</strong>fering a wide range <strong>of</strong><br />

family oriented facilities and recreational /<br />

education opportunities.<br />

<strong>The</strong> contrast between the Main Street and the more<br />

‘natural’, Nature Promenade and Nickol Bay Park, will<br />

be accentuated in their detail design, particularly in<br />

regard to:<br />

paving materials<br />

the design <strong>of</strong> shade structures<br />

lighting<br />

street furniture<br />

public amenities<br />

Other internal streets throughout the City Centre will<br />

have a contemporary urban character with appealing,<br />

highly integrated pedestrian pavements, seating,<br />

lighting, detailed ‘interest’ features, interpretative<br />

information and, most importantly, closely spaced<br />

avenues <strong>of</strong> native shade trees. Street trees in the City<br />

Centre will showcase native tree species associated with<br />

the Pilbara and, where space permits, gardens will be<br />

highlighted with swathes and bands <strong>of</strong> unique Pilbara<br />

shrubs and grasses. <strong>The</strong> exceptions to this theme are<br />

the new East/ West Road and Main Street (previously<br />

Sharpe Avenue), which will include exotic tree species<br />

to highlight and contrast the significance <strong>of</strong> these<br />

two streets.<br />

MAJOR PUBLIC REALM COMPONENTS OF THE TOWN <strong>CENTRE</strong><br />

<strong>The</strong> Main Street<br />

<strong>The</strong> Main Street (currently called Sharpe Avenue) will<br />

be extended in both directions and form the ‘urban<br />

heart’ <strong>of</strong> Karratha. It will be urban in nature and<br />

have a high level <strong>of</strong> amenity incorporating elements<br />

such as squares, informal and formal events spaces,<br />

community and public artwork, water features, minor<br />

water play elements, alfresco dining and outdoor cafe<br />

opportunities, shaded walkways, extensive lighting,<br />

market day courts, and dense shade canopies consisting<br />

<strong>of</strong> exotic street trees planted in strong avenues. This<br />

diversity <strong>of</strong> amenity and a flexible design <strong>of</strong> spaces<br />

will allow all age groups to participate in creating a<br />

vibrant City Centre. Lighting is a particularly important<br />

element <strong>of</strong> the public realm Main Street design to allow<br />

activities to be extended into the evening when outdoor<br />

temperatures are highly conducive to pedestrian use.<br />

<strong>The</strong> southern end <strong>of</strong> the Main Street is dominated by<br />

retail and commercial activity and will be narrowed<br />

by incorporating further retail and commercial street<br />

frontage development into the street and allow better<br />

shade potential and cross connectivity for pedestrians.<br />

<strong>The</strong> present dominance <strong>of</strong> parking areas will also be<br />

reduced and parking located in areas at the rear <strong>of</strong> the<br />

major retail sites. <strong>The</strong> present landscaped plaza


area adjoining Karratha Village and Sharpe Avenue will<br />

form the heart <strong>of</strong> the new retail/commercial precinct.<br />

This area will be converted into a plaza with interactive<br />

water features, artwork, and extensive forms <strong>of</strong> seating<br />

creating a forecourt to the main shopping centre on<br />

the opposite side <strong>of</strong> the street. It will have multiple and<br />

flexible spaces to allow such activities as alfresco dining<br />

and cafe activity, Sunday markets, performances, water<br />

play opportunities, and general social meeting places.<br />

(edge <strong>of</strong> city)<br />

Figure 63: Proposed typical section(s) through the main street<br />

(Source. UDLA)<br />

<strong>The</strong> northern end <strong>of</strong> the Main Street will be widened to<br />

include a tree planted median and to reflect the different<br />

residential nature <strong>of</strong> this end <strong>of</strong> the street. It will narrow<br />

as it moves south to the predominantly retail precinct.<br />

<strong>The</strong> street trees here will eventually form an enclosed<br />

canopy over the street and covered seating bays will<br />

be integrated at regular intervals, aided by lighting for<br />

security purposes.<br />

Figure 64: Main street concept<br />

(Source. UDLA)<br />

East - West Bus, Cycleway and<br />

Jogging Link<br />

Main Street<br />

Town Square<br />

Exotic Trees<br />

Shopping Centre (Existing Mall)<br />

Junction Square (Connecting Main Street<br />

with Nature Promenande)<br />

Nature Promenade and Sculpture Park<br />

Sculptures<br />

Realigned Welcome Road<br />

Local Endemic Trees<br />

Sculptures<br />

Dampier Road Main Street Entry<br />

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4.0<br />

<br />

Eucalyptus camaldulensis var.Obtusa – Red River Gum (to 40m) Eucalyptus torquata – Coral Gum (to 10m) Corymbia terminalis – Desert Bloodwood (to 18m)<br />

Eucalyptus vitrix – <strong>Western</strong> Coolibah (to 12m) Eucalyptus coolibah – Coolibah (to 20m)<br />

Melaleuca dealbata – Silver Leafed Paperbark (to 15m)<br />

<br />

Ficus hillii – Hill’s Ficus (to 15m) Peltophorum pterocarpum – Yellow Flame Tree (to 20m)


Table 15: Exotic Tree Species<br />

EXOTIC TREE SPECIES<br />

Code Scientific Name Common Name Height Spread/ Description Flower Soils and Habitat Uses<br />

DRE Delonix regia Poinciana, Royal<br />

Poinciana<br />

5-Dec Large spreading tree,<br />

Endemic to Madagascar<br />

FHI Ficus Hillii Hill’s Fig Oct-15 3-5m, Queensland<br />

native,<br />

PPT Peltophorum<br />

pterocarpum<br />

Yellow Flame Tree 15–25 Deciduous Tree, native<br />

to tropical southeastern<br />

Asia<br />

TPA Tabebuia palmeri Pink Trumpet Tree 15 10m, South American<br />

species, deciduous or<br />

semi-deciduous<br />

TTI Tipuana tipu Yellow Jacaranda, Pride<br />

<strong>of</strong> Bolivia, Tipu Tree<br />

15 5m, Fast growing<br />

spreading shade<br />

tree, semi-evergreen,<br />

Originating from South<br />

America<br />

Scarlet, orange, red tropical or near-tropical<br />

climate, but can<br />

tolerate drought and<br />

salty conditions<br />

Insignificant fast growing in pilbara,<br />

requires well drained<br />

soils but tolerates a<br />

variety<br />

Ornamental, dense<br />

shade tree<br />

Ornamental, dense<br />

shade tree, bird<br />

attracting<br />

Yellow Flowers Ornamental<br />

large clusters <strong>of</strong> very<br />

pale pink to pink frilly<br />

flowers<br />

White Sandy Loam to Clay<br />

Loam. Tolerates heat<br />

and humidity<br />

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4.0<br />

Figure 65: Proposed typical section through the ‘Nature Promenade’. (Source: UDLA)<br />

Figure 66: Major Landscape Components - Nature Promenade<br />

Footpath<br />

Interpretive Signange<br />

East - West Bus, Cycleway and Jogging Link<br />

Interpretive Signage<br />

Local Endemic Vegetation<br />

Drainage/Seasonal Creek Line<br />

Junction Square (Adjoining Main Street)<br />

Sculptures<br />

<strong>The</strong> Nature Promenade<br />

<strong>The</strong> Nature Promenade will focus on the landscape<br />

associated with the seasonal waterways <strong>of</strong> the Pilbara,<br />

the white trunked Coolabah Eucalypts, Eucalyptus<br />

coolabah and Corymbia hamersleyanna and grasses<br />

such as Wandarrie Grass (Eriachne spp).<br />

<strong>The</strong> Nature Promenade is currently a seasonal drainage<br />

course with some areas <strong>of</strong> good quality, intact native<br />

landscape along its unlined banks. Other areas <strong>of</strong><br />

the drainage course are highly degraded or cleared<br />

and channelised with some rubbish infestation.<br />

This watercourse will be rehabilitated and a wide<br />

‘promenade’ path meandering along its banks installed<br />

on the town centre side <strong>of</strong> the seasonal watercourse<br />

with seating alcoves, sculpture, ambient s<strong>of</strong>t lighting<br />

(as opposed to the stronger and more urban forms in<br />

the Main Street), pedestrian bridge connections, and<br />

cycleway rest areas at nodal points. <strong>The</strong> watercourse<br />

highlights one <strong>of</strong> the most under recognised amenities<br />

existing within Karratha and provides great opportunity<br />

to celebrate this element. <strong>The</strong> existing developments<br />

such as the restaurant and medical facility, which front<br />

the Promenade, may be encouraged to create stronger<br />

visual links to this recreational/movement corridor. New<br />

development on both sides <strong>of</strong> the creek line should be<br />

designed to overlook this linear park with balconies,<br />

terraces, and open fencing. This will provide good<br />

passive surveillance along the Promenade and<br />

attractive views <strong>of</strong> the creek bed for the surrounding<br />

tenants and residents.<br />

Nickol Bay Park<br />

<strong>The</strong> Park sits at the northern end <strong>of</strong> town adjacent<br />

to the broad coastal salt marshes <strong>of</strong> the Bay. <strong>The</strong><br />

park is intended to be a visual terminus to the long<br />

Main Street corridor and a subtle transition from the<br />

developed areas <strong>of</strong> town back to the natural ecological<br />

elements <strong>of</strong> Nickol Bay. <strong>The</strong> park will feature elements<br />

such as elevated boardwalks, sitting and viewing areas,<br />

interpretational signage, and elevated lookouts. <strong>The</strong><br />

seasonal flow <strong>of</strong> water from the creek adjacent the<br />

Nature Promenade can be diverted along the park’s<br />

northern frontage and elevated boardwalks will be<br />

constructed to weave between the creek line and<br />

marshes. At times <strong>of</strong> heavy inundation the creek will<br />

overflow northwards onto the adjoining marshes. An<br />

interpretative signage trail could provide information<br />

regarding the important ecological significance <strong>of</strong> this<br />

landscape feature and the adjoining coastal areas.<br />

<strong>The</strong> park will be accessed from the adjoining road via<br />

regularly placed pedestrian access paths. Pedestrian<br />

entry paths to the park will cross a span <strong>of</strong> Pilbara<br />

landscape, which will showcase native Pilbara plants<br />

and provide strong seasonal interest particularly during<br />

the spring wildflower period. <strong>The</strong>se plantings will then<br />

subtly transition back to the native flora <strong>of</strong> this location<br />

with the boardwalk as a final definitive boundary to the<br />

developed garden areas.<br />

East/West Bus Link<br />

<strong>The</strong> new, centrally located East /West Road forges<br />

through both the Nature Promenade and Main Street<br />

creating important junctions at their intersections. This<br />

street will carry the new bus service and destination<br />

cycleway/jogging path and link all Karratha suburbs to<br />

the Town Centre. Its bus stops will be the main arrival<br />

and exit point for Karratha bus users and visitors<br />

and will be associated with shaded bus shelters and<br />

information bays. Cyclists will be encouraged to park<br />

their bikes at these points in a series <strong>of</strong> shaded bike<br />

rack areas. Within the Town Centre this road will be<br />

treated as a ‘shared way’ using uniform materials across<br />

both the road surface and pedestrian areas with less<br />

formal definition (such as kerbing) between pedestrian<br />

and vehicular realms. Street trees and placement <strong>of</strong><br />

street furniture will establish a sense <strong>of</strong> demarcation<br />

between pedestrian and vehicle ways to promote<br />

fairness, safety and comfort along streets.


Footpath and Cycle Path Connections<br />

<strong>The</strong> proposed footpath and cycle path network was<br />

developed in cooperation with the town planning<br />

consultants for this project in order to develop<br />

an integrated network that would incorporate all<br />

architectural/town planning and transport requirements<br />

at the same time. <strong>The</strong> Karratha Revitalisation Project<br />

also aims to retr<strong>of</strong>it missing footpath sections<br />

throughout the existing townsite, as well as continue<br />

to provide a comprehensive network <strong>of</strong> pedestrian and<br />

cyclist routes in new areas, in accordance with Liveable<br />

Neighbourhoods guidelines. <strong>The</strong> proposal outlines a<br />

comprehensive pedestrian and cyclist system, which<br />

integrates into the redesigned town centre road system<br />

and <strong>of</strong>fers a clearly defined and legible network with<br />

ease <strong>of</strong> access to all town centre zones.<br />

Community Gardens<br />

Community gardens are most <strong>of</strong>ten instigated and<br />

managed by the community and therefore need to be<br />

located close to residential precincts. Three sites have<br />

been selected in the overall township for community<br />

gardens, one central to the western ‘wing’ <strong>of</strong> Karratha,<br />

another to the east and the third, close to the town<br />

centre in Pegs Creek along the drainage course (creek<br />

line) accessed from the realigned Welcome Road and<br />

southern ‘loop’ <strong>of</strong> Frinderstein Way. Facilities will vary<br />

according to each community’s interests but may<br />

include: an environmentally sensitive and self sustaining<br />

structure (which would include storerooms, <strong>of</strong>fices and<br />

meeting/demonstration rooms), common gardens, water<br />

storage and water recycling tanks, individual garden<br />

allotments, bin storage, greenhouses, demonstration<br />

gardens, shop areas and, truck/service access.<br />

Figure 67: Nature Promenade (Source: UDLA)<br />

Figure 68: Nickol Bay Park (Source: UDLA)<br />

Interpretive Signage<br />

Figure 69: Proposed Community Garden and Possible Ecology Centre<br />

(Source: UDLA)<br />

4.0<br />

Proposed Ecology Centre<br />

East - West Bus, Cycleway and<br />

Jogging Link<br />

Existing Lawn Areas<br />

Community Gardens<br />