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p5 said:Tunnel vision doubted
By CHRIS ROBINSON
A 2.5KM tunnel joining Mitchell Freeway with Jon Sanders Drive is part of the long-term transport plan for the Stirling City Centre project, according to a new report.
A Metropolitan Scheme Amendment report, which was released last month, outlines the Stirling City Centre Alliance's preferred long-term transport solution for the area, encompassing the suburbs of Stirling, In-naloo, Osborne Park, Woodlands, and Churchlands.
Stirling Mayor David Boothman said he had doubts over the viability of a tunnel for the area.
"I don't think it would ever be needed," he said.
"I think people who live in that area would be against it, and I would hope we could come up with solutions that would preclude having to do anything of that nature."
The transport plan was drafted collaboratively by a number of bodies including the City of Stirling, Main Roads, WA Planning Commission (WAPC), and community and industry stakeholders.
In the short-term, the amendment proposes the rezoning of Stephenson Reserve to City Centre zone, which would allow for the construction of a four-lane road along the Stephenson Highway route.
The amendment will be subject to community feedback and all levels of government.
Stirling Alliance project director Nanette Pitts said the plan was designed to cater for long-term regional transport flow while also addressing traffic concerns in the local area.
"The Long-Term Transport Solution will form part of the final structure plan for the area,
which will be released later in the year," she said.
"The plan includes provision for a tunnel under the City, which could connect the future Stephenson Highway south of the City to the Mitchell Freeway.
"The public will have an opportunity to comment on the structure plan when it is released."
Ms Pitts said while the plan reflected the views of the Alliance, it had not been endorsed by the City of Stirling.
p6 said:City unites on vision for centre
THE City of Stirling's Festival of Ideas community forum began last week, with the public having their say on the new Stirling City Centre project.
The forum involved a series of workshops and discussion sessions aimed at stimulating community and local business feedback on all aspects of the project.
German landscape architect Herbert Dreiseitl was a special guest at the festival, sharing his knowledge of innovative water management approaches for the new centre.
Mr Dreiseitl said he was pleased to have a chance to help shape the future of the area.
"It is a great opportunity for a city to create its future with local and international experts, but even more by integrating the public and stakeholders to create a common vision for the future," he said.
He said one of the main focuses of the forum was integrating the environment into the city's design.
"The city centre needs to reconnect with the environment, by better water management, attractive open space integrated with water systems, and pedestrian and bike connections," he said.
p6 said:Frustration at red tape
STIRLING Mayor David Booth-man has expressed his frustration at restrictions preventing local governments from taking action on businesses of community concern.
Speaking about the recent examples of the Bikini Girls massage parlour in Innaloo and Scarborough's derelict Surfside building, Cr Boothman said the City's authority was limited.
"We do get hampered by the processes of legislation and regulations that we have to comply with," he said.
"There are rules and regulations to control activities that happen in communities, and you would like to be able to deal with them quickly and efficiently.
"It concerns you sometimes when people start criticising the council for not taking action, but we are subject to laws of the State and have got to make sure what we do is justified and gets the proper result.
"We're not an enforcement agency like the police, where we can forcibly close places."
His comments come in the wake of the closure of the Bikini Girls parlour, which was able to operate for two months without council approval before ceasing operations a fortnight ago .
Cr Boothman admitted the drawn-out situation was "not good for local residents" and Council was looking at ways to be able to deal with similar situations more effectively.
"I'll speak with our compliance officers and look at local governments across Australia and see if there is a better way we can resolve issues and sort things out more efficiently," he said.