The WA Planning Commission (WAPC) has caught the ire of Mandurah Quay residents after it approved a subdivision in the area despite the City council not supporting the proposal.
With the land identified as a 'strategic tourism location', a residential development wasn't the preferred outcome for the area and was considered inconsistent with the intent of the 'tourist' zone.
In the absence of a plan outlining the tourist development opportunities on the site, council informed WAPC it wouldn't endorse the subdivision in May 2019.
It has been a battle between Mandurah Quay residents, the City of Mandurah, developers Gemplanet, and WAPC since the residential development was approved in August 2020.
After residents wrote a letter to WAPC, a meeting with Liberal leader and Dawesville MP Zak Kirkup was held on Thursday.
Mandurah Quay Homeowners Association representatives attended to air their frustrations with many saying the approved subdivision didn't align with the zoning of the land.
What's happened here has exploited this opportunity and this space.
- Zak Kirkup
"We are representing 380 homes," representative John Stacey said.
"The planning commission can override the City of Mandurah, which it did but it didn't take into account the local residents views here or the views of the City.
"It's beautiful here - I can't believe they are going to put houses here and very small houses at that."
Cliff Brown, who is also a part of the association, said he had sent a letter to WAPC looking for answers.
"We have sent an application to the ombudsman, which we haven't had a response back yet - it's been a couple of weeks now," he said.
"The ombudsman asked what remedy you seek well we said reverse the decision."
According to an officer, the City have also expressed disappointment and have sought clarity as to how the decision was arrived at in light of the ignoring of the 'tourist' zoning.
"What's happened here has exploited this opportunity and this space," Mr Kirkup said.
"Putting another apartment block in here with three stories and very narrow houses all the way through is only being done in the interest of the developer and not being done in the interest of the community.
"I will work with the committee to see whatever decision here is reversed."
Mr Kirkup also made mention of the Liberal's planning policy, which would see an overhaul of the planning system in WA.
"Right across WA what we are seeing time and time again is communities being cut out of the conversation about what's happening in their own backyard," he said.
"What we want to see is making sure community has input into a fairer planning system, and that there is a proper and independent oversight mechanism to make sure the decisions being made are the right ones."
