Home

Community feedback sought on West End changes

Sam JonesNorth West Telegraph
Town of Port Hedland commissioner Fred Riebeling, who was presented with a companion of the Order of Australia medal recently.
Camera IconTown of Port Hedland commissioner Fred Riebeling, who was presented with a companion of the Order of Australia medal recently.

The Hedland community has been invited to give feedback on the future of the West End and various land use conflicts in the area.

The West End Improvement Scheme No. 1 was released for public comment last week and, if approved, will replace the Town’s Local Planning Scheme as the statutory land use planning instrument over the West End district.

Among the provisions set out in the proposal are powers for the Western Australian Planning Commission to determine development applications, prepare improvement scheme policies, structure plans and local development plans.

The plan grants certainty for port expansion and helps facilitate the long term economic growth of Hedland and the region.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Town of Port Hedland commissioner Fred Riebeling encouraged businesses, community group and residents to have their say on the draft scheme.

“The draft West End Improvement Scheme No.1 advances the planning, development and use of land west of Taplin Street, acting on long held dust management concerns,” he said.

“This has been a long running historical issue, with community concerns regarding dust levels leading to a need to restrict population growth and prohibit sensitive land uses.

“In October 2018, the State Government supported the Port Hedland Dust Management Taskforce's recommendations to take a whole of government approach in the West End district.”

Despite reports from other media outlets which claimed if implemented the scheme would see 400 properties no longer be able to remain as residential homes, Mr Riebeling said that was not the case.

“To be clear, the houses within the defined area would be non-compliant, they would be able to remain as residential homes, however the expansion or rebuilding of the premises for residential purposes would not be allowed,” he said.

More details and reactions will be in next week’s paper.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails