newsletters

To: 'council@nedlands.wa.gov.au'
Cc: 'austcan@bigpond.net.au'
Subject: Timeline for Dalkeith Redevelopment plan

Dear Mr. Foster

I will be making a submission on the concept plan this week but in the interim wanted to mention this particular point as I believe Council is discussing the timeline tomorrow -Tuesday

Thank you for making your Officers available for information and clarification on the Existing Concept plan. Although Craig Shepherd was very helpful in clarifying the meaning for me concerning the future process on page one towards the bottom of the page re Council’s “ frequently asked questions “I did want to bring together a few suggestions for your further consideration

The current period to February 15 is very short ,given that many residents did not receive notification of the proposal until late December . Many were away on holidays in January. Therefore the quality of the input will be affected because we have not had adequate time to consider all the ramifications . In my own case I have found it quite a challenge to come to grips with the issues in a few weeks –and I do not fully appreciate all the ramifications still.

What the Government and Council have initiated here is extremely far reaching and will affect Dalkeith precinct forever . Therefore, whatever time is needed to get it right for the residents now and in the future needs to ( within reason ) be allowed for . I do not think the process should or needs to be rushed. The process may be able to be completed properly in 2008.Do we know at this stage -- but for something as profound as this would it matter really if it was not finalized and the legal processes completed until mid 2009. The Council can satisfy the Government /Planning Commission it is now dealing with the matter in a consultative and business like approach ,much work is being done and things are moving ahead .

I am still uneasy that Council sees the process benefiting through having the next plan (as I understand it ) forming part of a “ formal scheme”( with EPA being involved ) for a 3 month discussion period .This process enables the residents to communicate with Councillors only and not also being able to obtain information on the revised plan with officers in Nedlands Administration . I may have misunderstood this point but if it means residents are denied obtaining information or seeking clarification from Administration this process is not helpful to the residents because Councillors cannot be expected to have the same detailed technical knowledge of these plans as Administration .

This leads to the suggestion that a second concept plan be released in March/April for” further informal” feedback” say for 2 months ( including public meetings held by Council for residents ) before Council moves into the formal process.

It will be helpful also if you can issue a timeline which shows a tabulation of Council’s future process/action and alongside each one is printed the completion date

Thank you for your consideration of the above

Yours sincerely

John Kollosche – Edna Road Dalkeith

11 February 2008

Cc the Mayor