Plans to make significant changes to the Mandurah Ocean Marina precinct, including altering parking requirements and commercial dining opportunities, have been put on hold after several public submissions against the proposals were received.
The recently advertised modifications to the Mandurah Ocean Marina Structure Plan, brought several submissions to councillor’s attention.
The plan outlined the area’s zoning district to discretionary use, meaning proposed changes to businesses in the marina will have to be negotiated with local government.
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Several submissions argued against changes to the plan including a response from the Strzelecki Group, headed by Greg Poland.
The group disputed the proposals and suggested council reconsider or alter the plan before its approval. Their main concern was the proposal to remove the ‘tavern’ land use in the area, arguing the removal would impact tourism to Dolphin Quays.
However, Mandurah mayor Rhys Williams said the changes were established in a hope to draw more people to the area, boosting prosperity and growth.
“We want activity in the marina,” Mr Williams said.
“We just want to negotiate on a case by case basis because we want to get a good outcome. I suspect that as we work through with the Strzelecki Group in terms of their proposals we will get solutions.”
He said they was a lot of complexities around the changes and consultation was essential.
In order to fully consider the submissions and their suggestions, council endorsed recommendations to allow city officers to provide a report to the Western Australian Planning Commission.
While Mr Williams commented on the matter ahead of council’s endorsement at their March 27 meeting, he didn’t vote on the recommendations, declaring he had an impartiality interest to the agenda item due to receiving mayoral election campaign donations from an “applicant”.
To view the full report visit the City of Mandurah’s website and view the minutes and agendas from their March meetings.
