Annual Report 2008-2009 - Department of Transport

Urban Development Program
In 2008, the Department completed a comprehensive review of the
Metropolitan Development Program (MDP) in association with state
government planning, environmental and infrastructure agencies. It
examined ways to deliver more strategic and consistent approaches
to the planning of land for development and the coordination of urban
infrastructure.
The Western Australian Planning Commission endorsed the review
recommendations, which included taking a 20-year outlook for land
development, increasing the profile of structure plans in coordinating land
for development, and encompassing residential, commercial and industrial
land planning. The review also indicated the need for a stronger focus on
infill and redevelopment in line with strategic planning policies.
In 2009–10, the Urban Development Program will replace the MDP and
encompass the Country Land Development Program and the Industrial Land
Development Program. The Urban Growth Monitor published in June 2009
was the first release of information under the Urban Development Program.
www.planning.wa.gov.au
Pedestrian access ways
The Department has drafted two new guidelines relating to pedestrian access
ways: Procedure for the Closure of Pedestrian Access Ways and Reducing Crime
and Antisocial Behaviour in Pedestrian Access Ways. These were released for
public comment, which closed in June 2009.
The guidelines respond to community concerns about property damage, antisocial
behaviour, drug abuse and burglaries associated with pedestrian access
ways, and the resultant ongoing requests to local governments for the closure
of pedestrian access ways on security and amenity grounds.
The new guidelines propose a new, simplified procedure for the closure of
pedestrian access ways, and outline approaches for applying ‘designing out
crime’ techniques to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the access ways.
It is expected that the guidelines will be finalised in August 2009.
Procedure for closure: www.planning.wa.gov.au/Plans+and+policies
Reducing crime: www.planning.wa.gov.au/Plans+and+policies
Public Spaces & Public Life Perth 2009
In September 2008, the Department and the City of Perth jointly commissioned
urban designer Jan Gehl to review and update his 1994 study into public
spaces and public life in the Perth central area. The results were published
in the report Public Spaces & Public Life Perth 2009 in May 2009.
The new study found that progress had been made towards the city
centre becoming more attractive and vibrant, through a better pedestrian
environment and public transport, but more needed to be done to achieve its
potential. The report’s recommendations include development as a mixeduse
city, connecting the city to the river and Kings Park, developing the
waterfront, bringing in more residents and students for a diverse and vibrant
24-hour city, improving the bicycle network and expanding the city centre.
The report also provides a useful comparison with other Australian and
overseas cities where similar studies have been undertaken. It is intended
to serve as a reference for government agencies, planning professionals
and others to assist discussion and agreement on directions for Perth city.
*This activity also relates to Goal 3.
www.planning.wa.gov.au/Plans+and+policies
Goal 2
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