Western Australian Planning Minister, Donna Faragher said boundary changes to accommodate road extensions in the Perth suburb of Scarborough Beach will not go ahead until alternatives options have been investigated.
Ms Faragher said she asked the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority to look into alternatives to the road extensions before the boundary amendment progressed further.
The proposed road extensions are now subject to further 12-18 months of planning and design.
The Scarborough redevelopment is being funded by the state government ($46 million) and the City of Stirling ($27.4 million).
The proposed extensions are part of the Scarborough Master Plan, that was approved by the City of Stirling in June 2015, and were included in response to community feedback for improved access to the beachfront.
They form part of a second phase of redevelopment and have no impact on the work currently revitalising the Scarborough foreshore.
“Extending The Esplanade north and south would create additional entry and exit points into and out of Scarborough Beach, reducing congestion and increasing amenity and accessibility of the foreshore area,” the Ms Faragher said.
“However, it is subject to further planning and detailed design work as well as construction and environmental approvals which must take place first, all of which involve consultation with the City of Stirling, relevant environmental agencies and the local community.
“I also established a Scarborough Redevelopment Community Advisory Group earlier this year. This group is the formal channel for the community to raise concerns and provide feedback on the proposed road extensions, including alternate option analysis.
“We will continue to work collaboratively with the City of Stirling and the community advisory group and should alternate options be identified that align with the Scarborough Master Plan and fit within the approved project budget, I will give them careful consideration.”
Mrs Faragher said the forward works component of the $73.4 million Scarborough foreshore redevelopment was now complete and the state government expected to appoint a head contractor in the coming weeks.
“As we move into the peak summer period, there are a number of events planned for Scarborough Beach which will keep visitors entertained while works are underway.
“The grass on Sunset Hill is taking hold and the space will open next month,” Ms Faragher said.
