Master Plan Information Sessions May 2009

Port Bouvard Ltd once again invited all ratepayers within the Gidgegannup and Morangup areas (1400 in total) to attend a series of information sessions in early May 2009, in order to view and comment on the proposed Master Plan design for the town site.

90 attendees from 70 households attended the sessions, where a number of speakers presented relevant information about the Master Plan including:

Chrystal King

Cardno
Environmental assessments conducted to date

view video (25.8MB)

George Hajigabriel

Greg Rowe and Associates
Proposed Master Plan design for the Gidgegannup town site

view video (53.19MB)

Simon Youngleson

Simon Youngleson Architects
Proposed built form vision for Gidgegannup

view video (35.14MB)

Dr Matt Benson

Geografia
Economic development strategy

view video (6.32MB)

Josh Byrne

Josh Byrne and Associates
Sustainability framework for Gidgegannup

view video (24.32MB)

Overall the response to the Master Plan was very positive with attendees indicating the following on their feedback forms:

  • 85% felt that their opinions had been listened to by the project team

  • 84% felt they were able to voice their opinions openly

  • 75% felt that Port Bouvard Ltd had been thorough with its research and studies in creating the Master Plan

  • 75% felt that the increased amenities such as a private school and village centre would be of benefit to the Gidgegannup community

  • 93% felt that the information session was worthwhile

The majority of attendees also felt that the proposed Master Plan would meet the future needs of the Gidgegannup community.

A series of questions were raised during the information session and these, with the corresponding responses can be viewed by clicking here.

At the end of the presentations, attendees were asked to identify the positive points of the plan, and the most common responses included:

  • The rural ambience of the design and the allocation of 23% Public Open Space in comparison to the norm (10%)

  • The fact that identified wetlands were contained in the Public Open Spaces and hence protected

  • Diversity in development and housing choices – especially for seniors

  • The fact that the sustainability framework had been part of the initial planning for the town site and not retrofitted at the end

  • The Primary School receiving additional land with the realignment of Bunning Road 50 m to the East, which would permit for parking and kiss and ride

  • Port Bouvard Ltd’s proactive communication/engagement with the community

  • The potential for positive interaction with the community in the village centre

  • Increased services to the area and that residents won’t need to go to Midland

  • Being at the forefront of environmental efficiency

  • Transition of lot sizes from the 5ha existing rural properties through to the town centre which had answered community concern

  • Walkability for the local community to schools and the village/town centre

Areas that residents felt there would be need for refinement:

  • Look at traffic management and public transport – especially with Toodyay Road being the town centre

  • Try and have a good cross section of recreational facilities

  • Management of feral animals

  • Light pollution and the impact on rural lots

  • Water and sewerage connections – especially for those that were self sufficient

  • Fire management – especially in areas that retained a high degree of bushland

  • Clear guidelines on control and accessibility for community to the playing fields at local schools

  • Port Bouvard Ltd to manage the development from start to finish ensuring the plan is adhered to

  • Bridle paths to connect in a circuit

  • Increase the size of lots – especially on the buffer to Gidgedales

What’s next?

An information pack has been sent to all households which will outline the proposed Master Plan as well as the set of questions and answers.

Residents will also be asked to provide further feedback on the plan including areas they believe are positive and areas that would, in their opinion, need further refinement.

This will help Port Bouvard Ltd to take into consideration the community’s thoughts in conjunction with other key stakeholders such as State and Local Government, before making any further amendments.

If you would like any further information about the proposed Master Plan for the Gidgegannup town site then either contact Samantha Reece at SMR on 9429 8804 or visit our display stand at the Gidgegannup Small Farm Field Day on 7 June.