Perth Council arcs an environmentally friendly city

The City of Perth has adopted a planning and design document to help guide its development over the next 20 years.
 
The Urban Design Framework (UDF) covers a large range of issues that will influence the physical and social fabric of the city.
 
Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi said the City produced a planning and design tool that provided a graphic interpretation of the City’s visions and strategies.
 
"It helps to ensure that the built environment reflects the community's vision and the Council's strategies and it also underpins an integrated approach to better physical environments," Cr Scaffidi said.
 
"The draft document was released for public comment from February to April and some very constructive feedback was received."
 
There were a number of planning approaches recommended in the UDF, such as overall built form, provision of new parks and public open spaces through to better public transport connections, including a light rail option referred to as the ‘Knowledge Arc’.
 
This would traverse the central city and link Curtin University, the QE2 Medical Centre and the University of Western Australia, Cr Scaffidi said.
 
The City has also agreed to carrying out further detailed investigation of the ‘Knowledge Arc’ concept, including the route to be followed and local considerations that need to be taken into account.
 
One of the main issues raised in the public comment process was the need for a more comprehensive and linked cycle network in the central city.
 
Responding to that feedback, the Council resolved that a cycle plan currently under preparation be completed as a priority, she said.
 
With the adoption of the UDF, consultants undertaking a Plot Ratio and Building Heights Review on behalf of the Council will be able to complete the stage tow report and make recommendations on amendments to the City Planning Scheme to achieve the built form and sustainability objectives of the UDF.
 
Among changes to the draft UDF, as a result of public consultation, were: greater attention to sustainable development issues; greater attention to achieving significant residential growth to stimulate city vitality and threshold for economic diversity; recognition of ongoing discussion with state agencies on aspects of the Council's two-way street program; better integration between the UDF; and the Department of Planning's Capital City Planning Framework.
 
Cr Scaffadi said that implementing the projects detailed in the UDF would help make the city more active and functional and improve its attractiveness as a place to live, visit and do business.
 
"The framework can be used by all planning agencies, developers and the Council to coordinate their projects to achieve the high quality, integrated city that people desire," she said.
 
"The UDF will also be used to support applications for federal and state government funding for infrastructure."

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