Residents in some of Mandurah’s most affluent areas have urged City councillors to close off public pedestrian access near their waterfront homes.
Home owners argue creating resident-only access to a publicly accessible waterside walk way will help protect their safety, property and to deter anti-social behaviour.
The issue was aired at a City of Mandurah council meeting on Tuesday night.
According to Wateredge Strata Company representative Andrew Drummond an easement near Endeavour Island, Wannanup had attracted unwanted visitors near homes and private jetties.
Statements by a San Marco Quays, Halls Head’s strata council chairman Glen Miller echoed those concerns.
According to Mr Miller, San Marco Quays had experienced a recent spike in anti-social behaviour including a recent case where a “clearly intoxicated” man was heard yelling in close proximity to homes.
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Mr Drummond and Mr Miller plead their case to the councillors during the allocated deputation time in the meeting.
During discussions about the Wannanup easement, mayor Rhys Williams was required to leave the room due a proximity interest because he currently lives in the area.
After discussing the issues councillors voted unanimously in favour of the recommendations, however the recommendations will only get the green-light if endorsed at their next formal meeting on February 27.
San Marco Quays, Halls Head
In September 2017, councillors approved public consultation in relation to the use of a public access easement contained within the property boundary of Lot 190.
Following the consultation process, nine written submissions were received, together with 128 online surveys being completed.
Overwhelmingly submissions favoured an option to modify the easement so that only residents and external parties who require access to the jetty area were able to access the area.
In a report prepared by the City’s sustainable development director Tony Free recommendations suggested that councillors vote to suspend public access to the easement area until further notice.
Another recommendation was that City officers or its agents would be able to access the easement for maintenance and repairs to all relevant crown land including seawalls, groynes, and foreshore area.
Any lock installed on gates will have to be a City’s lock, with the key to gates being provided to any party having a right of access through the easement.
The costs of the surrender and replacement easement will be the responsibility of the owners of The Quays Mandurah.
Village Mews, Wannanup
In Wannanup, the easement in question runs in-between homes allowing access to the water edge from the tavern side and rear of the waterfront properties.
The request from the Watersedge Strata Company arose from the approval of a tavern at Lot 1301 Port Quays.
According to the officer’s report the tavern hasn’t opened, it isn’t likely to based on a recent liquor licence refusal.
Regardless of the tavern’s situation residents continue to seek the closure of the easement as they hold fears that the premises could attract anti-social behaviour.
In the past, the area has been subject to vandalism, trespass and theft issues.
The company’s request includes the installation of lockable gates for strata complex residents.
For more information on the topic visit the City of Mandurah’s website.