Town of Bassendean: Minutes
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TOWN of BASSENDEAN
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING OF ELECTORS
(Local Government Act 1995)
HELD IN THE BASSENDEAN COMMUNITY HALL,
48 OLD PERTH ROAD, BASSENDEAN
ON TUESDAY 12 MAY 2009, AT 7.00PM
Her Worship the Mayor, Cr Tina Klein opened the meeting at 7.00pm and welcomed all those in attendance.
The Mayor introduced all Councillors and Officers of the Town and welcomed Mr Martin Whitely, MLA.
1.0 ATTENDANCES & APOLOGIES
Councillors
Her Worship the Mayor, Cr Tina Klein
Cr John Gangell, Deputy Mayor
Cr Anne Brinkworth
Cr Michelle Stubbs
Cr Lynda Butler
Cr Sam Piantadosi
Cr Gerry Pule
Cr John Cox
Cr Don Yates
Officers
Mr Bob Jarvis CEO
Mr Graeme Haggart Director Community Development
Mr Brian Reed Manager Development Services
Mrs Cathy Muraszko Minutes Secretary
Public
Approximately 54 members of the public were in attendance.
Press
1 member of the press was in attendance.
Apologies
Nil
2.0 SPECIAL BUSINESS
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss all matters related to the immediate and long-term future of the Cyril Jackson School Campus, buildings, recreational centre, grounds and adjoining areas that may be involved in any use and/or redevelopment of the site.
The Mayor expressed her view that it had been unfortunate that many Bassendean residents had not been adequately informed about the first public meeting at Ashfield Soccer Club to discuss the Ashfield Precinct Plan, due to the boundaries set in the Plan, and this meeting had been convened to give all residents the opportunity to have their say. In addition, in recognition of this oversight, the deadline for submissions had been extended from 4 May 2009 to 25 May 2009, and the Mayor strongly urged all those present to make a submission, reminding the community that they own the project and that neither State or Local Government wished to proceed with changes that are strongly opposed by the community.
The Mayor further advised that verbal advice had been received today from the Department of Education and Training that whilst it would support the movement of the current senior campus to an urban development, it intended to retain the current site for the purposes of a high school in the area.
The Mayor called for questions and comments from the public.
Member of Community – No name and address provided
MOC queried whether there had been a letterbox drop in Bassendean with regard to tonight’s meeting as she had only been made aware of it through the local paper and a flyer at IGA.
The Mayor advised that a flyer had been distributed for the first public meeting at the Ashfield Soccer Club, but only in the Ashfield area, the boundaries of which were outlined in the Precinct Plan.
Steve Williams, 26 Chapman Street, Bassendean
Mr Williams expressed concern at the possible intention of the Precinct Plan to resume some of the houses on the side of the boundary. He advised that the Department of Planning and Infrastructure has confirmed that a mistake has been made with the plans, which indicates that his property does not exist. He further expressed concern at his belief that the proposed development of the CJ site had been hidden within the Ashfield Precinct Plan and strongly suggested a direct discussion with residents in this regard.
The Mayor confirmed that both Council and State Government did not have anything to do with hiding the proposed development and strongly suggested that Mr Williams make a submission.
Brian Proudfoot, 117 Hamilton Street, Bassendean
Mr Proudfoot strongly urged Council against any intention to introduce multiple level dwellings into Bassendean and expressed concern about an increase in public housing in the area.
The Mayor advised that high density does not necessarily mean high rise, however, it is possible that some apartments could be built, but not exceeding three levels. Bassendean is ten minutes from the CBD. Units and townhouses are a thing of the future and Bassendean must continue to grow. The intention would be to increase private dwellings and not public housing.
The CEO cautioned the community, advising that whilst the Department of Education and Training has made verbal comments in relation to retaining the land for the purpose of a high school, if residents continue to be concerned, they must make a submission.
Simon Burke, 45 Geraldine Street, Bassendean
Mr Burke expressed concern at the lack of an environmental impact study and traffic management study and asked what steps Council took before it gave the proposal its approval for the DPI to proceed.
The Mayor advised that Council has only endorsed the Plan going out to the public for community consultation. The proposal contained in the Plan is yet to be endorsed by Council.
The Manager Development Services advised that an environmental impact study would be conducted if the Plan was supported by the community and in turn endorsed by Council. He further added that it would be unusual for a site as large as Cyril Jackson not to have a traffic assessment carried out as part of the proposal.
Mr Burke further expressed his concern that given the current economic climate, only the parts of the Plan that will raise money will be completed.
The Mayor strongly urged Mr Burke to express his concerns in a submission.
Peter Gilberthorpe, 6 Woolcock Court, Ashfield
Mr Gilberthorpe expressed concern at the State Government allocating a large amount of money to Governor Stirling High School, which is his view has insufficient room to expand.
Mr Gilberthorpe further expressed the view that moving Guildford Road was a pointless exercise as it is the bridge that causes traffic congestion.
Rachel Taylor, 43 Chapman Street, Bassendean
Ms Taylor queried whether it is proposed to move the railway bridge and expressed concern as she is a regular user of the bridge.
The Mayor advised that whilst she cannot confirm whether this will happen, if CJ Campus is to be relocated and the station moved, there is a possibility that the bridge may be moved.
Ms Taylor asked why she has not been allowed to subdivide her property, when the proposed redevelopment will be zoned at R60, and whether the zoning for the rest of Bassendean is going to be revised. She expressed her opposition to high density living stating that lower density living was the reason she chose to move to Bassendean.
The Manager Development Services advised that the document indicates R60 on the CJ site, R60 on the existing houses in between CJ and Guildford Road and densities generally in the Ashfield area will range from R40-R100, but these are just proposals.
The Manager Development Services added that the Plan is silent on the bridge, however, there will still be a walk through from the CJ site to get to the station.
Ken Moore, 57 Iolanthe Street, Bassendean
Mr Moore expressed concern at the lack of an environmental impact study and the significant trees and wildlife that would be affected if the Plan was to proceed.
Mr Moore further expressed concern at who is going to pay for the Plan and the traffic problems it will cause in having 6 intersections within a 1km stretch.
Daniel Versache, 62 Eileen Street, Bassendean
Mr Versache expressed concern at the increased volume of cars as a result of the Plan. He has small children and stressed the fact that once open space is lost, it is not recoverable. He further expressed opposition to high density housing stating that this is the reason why he chose to live in Bassendean.
Member of Community – No name and address provided
MOC queried who produced the map.
The Mayor advised that the Planning Consultants had produced the map for and on behalf of the State Government.
MOC asked why high density housing was being considered when the previous high density housing near Eden Hill had been bulldozed because it didn’t work. Traffic flow is what is needed, not an additional 5 intersections. The introduction of more shops means the requirement for more parking, more cars and more pollution. MOC wished to retain Bassendean as the only country type town within 10 kms of the CBD.
The Mayor that the previous high density housing referred to was actually located in Lockridge.
Ivan Slouch, 11 Ashfield Parade
Mr Slouch queried who had come up with the idea and whether it was the Town of Bassendean?
The Mayor advised that the proposal had started as the Transit Oriented Development Study (TOD). Mr Martin Whitely had taken Minister Allanah McTierrnan on a tour of Ashfield following the volume of complaints received from residents. The Minister agreed to redevelop the area and furnished the Town with funds to conduct a consultancy.
Mr Slouch asked if the Plan proposed to sink the railway line or raise the roads.
The Mayor confirmed that it has been advised that it is too costly to sink the railway line.
Gary Butler, 20 Haig Street, Ashfield
Mr Butler suggested that there was a lot of hysteria currently surrounding the future of the CJ campus site. He advised that he had spoken to DPI which advised that the development proposes to build a more upmarket estate comprising 360 units on a 10 acre lot with CJ Senior Campus being relocated, and it is planned to retain the trees.
Mr Martin Whitely, MLA, Member for Bassendean
Mr Whitely reiterated the Mayor’s comments that it is unfortunate that people in Bassendean just north of Cyril Jackson were not included in the letterbox drop.
It is obvious through both community meetings that the loss of the Cyril Jackson playing fields is not what the community wants. Whilst wanting to move the CJ Campus to another site, the Department of Education and Training has indicated a desire to retain the land for a high school. Mr Whitely acknowledged that this advice is only verbal, however, undertook to obtain clarification from the Department, which he believes will relieve a lot of angst within the community.
The Plan is under consideration because the suburb was not reaching its potential and a high level of anti-social behaviour was present. The decision made was to go to the people and he congratulated Council on being responsible in adopting the process to look at the future of this suburb.
The Mayor drew the community’s attention to the Summary Document as provided at tonight’s meeting and suggested that this be read in conjunction with the Plan to explain the proposal further.
Ivan Slouch, 11 Ashfield Parade
Mr Slouch queried the availability of submission forms at tonight’s meeting.
A member of the community advised that she had plenty to distribute following the meeting.
Lloyd Martin, 91 Kathleen Street, Bassendean
Mr Martin congratulated Council for taking the initiative to look at cleaning up Ashfield.
Mr Martin expressed concern that should the Department of Education and Training change its mind and sell the land, the redevelopment may attract a quality of housing that is not desirable and asked what influences Council can have on this matter.
The Manager Development Services referred to Item 10.2.4 of the Summary which reads:
- Built Form (page 36)
The following actions are required in relation to the built form in the precinct:
Design guidelines need to be developed for the specific area of redevelopment in the precinct (Cyril Jackson site, Colstoun Road, land surrounding Ashfield Reserve, Pearson Street) to ensure the highest quality and consistency of development in these key strategic locations.
The Mayor further advised that if the land is owned by State Government, Council has no influence on the level of public housing there.
Carol Joseph, Cyril Street, Bassendean
Ms Joseph asked whether the Town would be putting in a submission based on the community feedback following the two public meetings.
The Mayor advised that the Town will be putting in a submission following receipt of the public submissions and will take all public feedback into consideration.
Ms Joseph expressed concern that due to the allowable ratio of public housing, that there is a possibility of an increased Homeswest presence if the housing density is increased.
The Manager Development Services advised that the Ministry of Housing would reduce its presence in the area without an incentive through increased density.
Member of Community – No name and address provided
MOC expressed concern at the possibility of graffiti and loitering which has happened in other areas where buildings have been knocked down.
MOC further queried the ownership of the land at Cyril Jackson.
The Mayor confirmed that the Cyril Jackson site is vested in the Department of Education by the Crown.
Member of Community – No name and address provided
Whilst acknowledging that it is not a Council issue, MOC referred to the 10 homes built opposite for students and asked if they are going to move the school why were these built?
The Mayor agreed that this is not a Council issue.
Kevin Moore, 57 Iolanthe Street, Bassendean
Mr Moore asked what Council could do to ensure that the percentage of owner occupied properties is kept at a high level, if the development proceeds.
The Manager Development Services assured the meeting that there is a general commitment from the Department of Housing not to increase its presence in Ashfield. It is not possible, however, for Council to legislate in this regard.
John Sutherland, 33 Anzac Terrace, Bassendean
Mr Sutherland requested that Officers provide a layman’s clarification of the various housing densities.
Whilst the Manager Development Services was unable to quote the various densities without documentation, it was advised by a member of the public that R60 is based on R1 = 10,000 square metre block.
Ian Farmer, 64 Iolanthe Street, Bassendean
Mr Farmer queried why the 800m radius was taken from the old Ashfield Station and not the new station.
The Manager Development Services advised that the initial study started with an area of 800m from the existing railway station and one of the proposals was the possible relocation of the train station.
The CEO reiterated that if there are concerns about moving the station, which was purely an idea from the original public meeting, and submissions clearly state this, it will not be relocated.
Mr Farmer further suggested that the map provided was not accurate as if it was, it would show that Tonkin Highway be relocated to make way for the development.
The Manager Development Services advised that an overpass/underpass over Tonkin Highway could be a possibility.
Anna Cohen, 45 Geraldine Street, Bassendean
Ms Cohen thanked Council and the DPI for allowing Bassendean residents to convene this meeting and also for extending the submission cut-off date to enable these residents to provide a submission.
Ms Cohen strongly urged Council to include the views of the local residents in its submission and highlighted the importance of securing the Town’s future, particularly for the children.
Ms Cohen further asked how confirmation of the verbal advice from the Department of Education and Training would be relayed to residents.
Mr Whitely MLA advised that he will endeavour to do a letterbox drop.
Following receipt of confirmation, the Mayor advised that Council will advertise it in the local paper.
Grace Lane, 19 Chapman Street, Bassendean
Miss Lane advised that she and her friends enjoy playing in the public open space at the site and was concerned at the increase in traffic that a development would bring. She requested that Council consider this when making any decisions in this regard.
Claire Holmes, 93B Kathleen Street, Bassendean
Ms Holmes expressed concern that by increasing the volume of housing in the CJ precinct, there may be a need to open up some of the roads in the area currently operating as cul-de-sacs. She further queried the likelihood of extending Collier Road over the railway line to join up with Shackleton Street.
The Manager Development Services advised that there is no mention of extending Collier Road in the Plan. In modern planning, cul-de-sacs are usually frowned upon, so there is a possibility that this may happen.
Ms Holmes asked how the DPI plan to answer any questions the public may submit via their submissions.
Whilst the Mayor was unsure of the DPI’s intention, she assured the residents that they would come back to the community with a Final Plan.
Carol Joseph, Cyril Street, Bassendean
Ms Joseph queried if Fisher Street is planned to be opened up.
The Manager Development Services advised that it will be linked to the housing development, however, if the proposal does not proceed the need would be questioned.
Member of Community, Name and Address not provided
MOC queried if there was any way Council can ask the Department of Education and Training formally what its intentions are, given that its verbal advice to retain the land for a future high school will have a huge impact on the people of Bassendean.
The Mayor and Management Development Services advised that the advice was only received this afternoon and that written confirmation is likely to be forthcoming as a matter of course.
Anna Cohen, 45 Geraldine Street, Bassendean
Ms Cohen put the following motion should the Department of Education and Training decide not to retain the land.
The Mayor advised that Council is not bound by recommendations from the public coming out of this meeting.
MOTION – ITEM 2.0
SME – 1/05/09 MOVED Ms Cohen, Seconded Mr Gilberthorpe, that this meeting strongly recommends that extensive public discussion be undertaken to the satisfaction of all stakeholders before the Council votes on any future proposals that involve the immediate and long term future of the Cyril Jackson Senior Campus, buildings, recreational centre, grounds and adjoining areas that may be involved in any use and/or redevelopment of the site.
CARRIED
Mr John Sutherland, 33 Anzac Terrace, Bassendean
Mr Sutherland advised that he had only heard the motion verbally and was not entirely sure what it means. He referred to the Salvation Army group trying to organise a major basketball development at CJ and if it proceeds, asked whether the Council and Salvation Army have to come back to the community to speak about this.
The Mayor advised that this is the intent of the motion.
Ian Farmer, 64 Iolanthe Street, Bassendean
Mr Farmer queried how Council proposed to acquire some of the adjoining land for the redevelopment.
The Manager Development Services advised that the study is still looking at potential amendments to Town Planning Schemes. There is no intention of the Council or the State Government to resume land to make the proposal work.
Mr Farmer also referred to the proposed roundabout and referred to a flooding problem in that area.
The CEO reiterated that these are indicative plans only and if and when they reach the final stage, a traffic study would be undertaken.
Peter Gilberthorpe, Ashfield
Mr Gilberthorpe referred to the proposal to move the Ashfield Railway Station, which will provide a desired 1.6km between railway stations, however, there is not 1.6km between Bassendean, Success and Guildford and he does not believe this is a relevant argument for moving it.
Noel Merrit, 34 Dorothy Street, Ashfield
Mr Merrit expressed concern at the standard of the PA system.
The Mayor advised that a new system is in the budget forecast.
3.0 CLOSURE
The Mayor thanked the members of the public for their attendance and valued input and further highlighted the importance of making a submission before 25 May 2009.
Members of the public were invited to partake of light refreshments.
There being no further business, Her Worship the Mayor closed the meeting, the time being 8.25pm.
