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Cockburn coast draft district structure plan
PEER REVIEW REPORT

Contents
Executive Summary....................................................................................................3
1.0 Background ......................................................................................................5
2.0 Process..............................................................................................................5
3.0 Peer Review Workshop 1- 29 August 2007..............................................6
Table 3.1: Performance Targets and Measures ..................................................................9
4.0 Peer Review Workshop 2 - 10 September 2007 ...................................17
4.1 Discussion and Emerging Themes.............................................................18
4.2 Key Issues Raised by the Peer Review Panel ........................................18
4.3 Thank you.........................................................................................................20
4.4 Next Steps........................................................................................................20
2

Executive Summary
The Cockburn coast district structure plan peer review on the 29 August and
10 September 2007 and was chaired by Brian Curtis, Planning Consultant and
Dr. Mike Mouritz, Executive Director of the Urban Innovation directorate at the
Department for Planning and Infrastructure.
The purpose of the peer review was to critique the draft Cockburn coast
district structure plan and provide input on the project objectives and
methodology, design principles and the implementation framework.
The peer review panel consisted of planning and urban design consultants,
the Western Australian Government Architect, Department for Planning and
Infrastructure planners and the Mayor of Fremantle.
Day 1, 29 August 2007 of the peer review was an information session
providing the panel with a background and context presentation detailing the
key elements of the district structure plan vision, policy and socio-economic
context, transport, sustainability and urban design objectives.
The peer review panel provided the project team with their initial impressions
of the district structure plan report. A summary of the key discussion points is
set out below:
What are the positives
Credible attempt to create a urban setting on the coast
Support key density targets
Recognition of the potential of the project area
Fits well into the regional context
Respect existing context
Reflects positively on Network City policy initiative
Opportunity through architecture design to open up density debate
What are the Challenges
Too ambitious
The development needs to be carefully staged and allowed to evolve over
time otherwise the economics of the project are at risk.
Scale of the commercial and retail at the town centre (South Fremantle
power station) may not be viable especially in light of the commercial
development at Port Coogee.
Improving the local road, built form and commercial integration with Port
Coogee.
Establish redevelopment principles that frame the future use of the South
Fremantle power station with an emphasis on public access and facilities.
Explore more uses for the South Fremantle power station, for example a
centre for the local film industry.
3

Ensure a holistic approach to the project through establishing a ‘quality
assurance team’ (similar approach undertaken in regeneration projects in
the United Kingdom) which reviews structure plans, landscape and built
form proposals throughout the life of the project.
Exploring alternative strategies for housing affordability and whether the
market can support the proposed housing mix to enable diversity of
people.
Each member of the Peer Review panel was provided with a draft version of
the Cockburn coast district structure plan and a feedback sheet. The feedback
sheet deliberately sort comment on the following:
The development and methodology of the plan; and
Urban design elements of the district structure plan
Day 2, 10 September 2007 focused upon the following:
Collecting feedback on the draft district structure plan;
Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the district structure plan; and
Identify potential solutions to any weaknesses / issues.
From the discussion it was recognised by the Panel that they felt there was a
need to further consider:
1. The merits of the proposed urban form, urban design and placemaking,
and the role of the power station precinct as an activity centre in particular
2. The need for the proposals to be considered in their wider context,
especially in relation to the interface with adjoining developments, the
coastal setting, and open space network
3. Infrastructure options, road network, transit costs and delivery issues
4. Implementation issues such as commercial viability, housing affordability,
and staging
The Department for Planning and Infrastructure and the project consultant
team subsequently reviewed the peer review panel’s feedback comments and
accordingly have undertaken various modifications to the Cockburn coast
district structure plan report and plan. Table 4.5 summarises key issues
raised, and the Department for Planning and Infrastructure’s changes to the
draft district structure plan.
4

Cockburn coast district structure plan peer review
1.0 Background
On the 29 August and 10 September 2007, the Department for Planning and
Infrastructure invited a multidisciplinary panel of experts from planning, urban
design, architecture and local government to participate in a workshop to
review and critique the draft Cockburn coast district structure plan and provide
input on the project objectives and methodology, design principles and the
implementation framework.
The Peer Review deliberately sought to increase the robustness of the draft
district structure plan and promote higher standards in urban design and
development of the Cockburn coast through the interrogation of the draft
district structure plan report and associated investigations. The purpose of the
Peer Review is primarily to provide constructive feedback to the project
management and consultant team on the strengths and weaknesses of the
district structure plan and the underlying planning, urban design and
sustainability assumptions.
2.0 Process
The Cockburn coast draft district structure plan Peer Review was held on the
29 August and 10 September 2007 and was facilitated by Brian Curtis,
planning consultant and Dr. Mike Mouritz, Executive Director of Urban
Innovation at the Department for Planning and Infrastructure.
The Peer Review Panel included the following participants:
Table 1.1: Peer review panel participants
Jane Greenwell
Ruth Durack
Geoffrey London
Barbara Pederson
Mike Allen
Ray Davy
Peter Tagliaferri
Mike Moloney
Mike Mouritz
Duncan Foster
Brian Curtis
Ray Haeren
John Syme
Department for Planning and Infrastructure
Urban Design Centre of Western Australia
Government Architect
Department for Planning and Infrastructure
Department for Planning and Infrastructure
Planning Consultant
Mayor – City of Fremantle
Landcorp
Department for Planning and Infrastructure
WorleyParsons
Planning Consultant and Facilitator
Taylor Burrell Barnett
Syme Marmion & Company
The aim was to provide in the first workshop a full briefing from the consultant
team on the approach taken and methodology adopted in the preparation of
the draft district structure plan. The key issues were highlighted and the draft
district structure plan was circulated, and initial comments sought. Participants
5

were invited to review the document and record their views on a feedback
sheet.
At the second workshop there was discussion on the issues identified, and
participants were encouraged to identify any fatal flaws or possible actions
that could be taken to address the issues raised.
3.0 Peer Review Workshop 1- 29 August 2007
Brian Curtis welcomed and thanked the Peer Review panel for agreeing to
participate in the Cockburn coast district structure plan review. Dr. Mike
Mouritz, as Chairman of the Cockburn Coast Steering Committee was
introduced to provide the panel with a background and context presentation
detailing the district structure plan vision, objectives and policy context.
A series of presentations followed.
Dr. Mike Mouritz, Executive Director of Urban Innovations – Department
for Planning and Infrastructure
This presentation included the following:
Outlining the district structure plan vision statement
“To create a vibrant, landmark destination that is connected, integrated,
diverse and accessible.”
Acknowledging the project challenges and opportunities including:
- Planning uncertainty for landowners;
- Competing aspirations
- Contaminated Sites
- Connections and Access
- Freight rail reserve
- Fragmented land ownership
- South Fremantle Power Station
- South Fremantle switchyard terminal
- Indigenous and European heritage sites
- Catalytic project for State and local government
Explaining the policy and planning context specifically outlining the
Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) and Government
direction with regards to:
- Network City Policy
- State Sustainability Strategy
- Making the most of this unique coastal urban infill opportunity
- Establishing a long term development framework for change
6

Noting the review undertaken of case studies of waterfront developments
at Newcastle, Geelong, Manly and Fremantle with an emphasis on the
following key characteristics:
- Movement and access
- Subdivision pattern
- Built form and massing heights
- Land use
- Public realm
- Active street frontages
Highlighting the key lessons learnt from this case study review including:
- Grid fashion street layout allow for greater permeability, legibility and
compatibility for future use.
- Discourage illegible road network and subdivision patterns that limit
public access to the beach.
- Building which are too high can overshadow public spaces, monopolise
views of the beach and have a negative effect on the pedestrians at
street level.
- Discourage architecture that is unsympathetic to important landmark
heritage buildings.
- Discourage inappropriate locations for high rise developments.
- The mix of land uses in these examples has been an economic
attractor to the areas, creating a destination to undertake daily tasks
and for leisure.
- Activation of the waterfront has occurred through provision for large
open spaces (for leisure uses). This should be taken into account in the
structure plan stage of any waterfront development.
- Civic, cultural and landmark buildings within such a centre will add to
the appeal of a waterfront node as both a local and regional attractor
- Less emphasis on the movement of cars and more on the movement of
pedestrians and cyclists.
- Enable ease of movement from one community to another.
- Provide effective connections and interchange opportunities between
all forms of transport and cyclists and pedestrians.
- Ensure public transport networks efficiently serve their catchments and
destinations.
- Provide long-distance cycle and pedestrian routes that offer good
continuity.
- Active street fronts onto the public domain.
- Active street fronts in key locations of high pedestrian movement and
good connections to transport routes.
Describing the changes that have occurred in the North Coogee area from
the 1960’s onwards and the range of development and planning proposals
including the 1988 Coogee Master Plan and the 2005 Vision for the
Cockburn coast dialogue, pointing out at the Vision for the Cockburn coast
7

dialogue there was overwhelming support from landowners, stakeholders
and the community to see the North Coogee area redeveloped.
John Syme, Director - Syme Marmion and Company
John presented a slideshow on the regional context and the sustainability
framework. His presentation included the following key points:
Regional context overview:
The Cockburn coast is a premium coastal location
Predicted demographics more like Mosman Park / Cottesloe residents
than Cockburn i.e.
- Wealthier
- Older
- Fewer children
- More in professional service jobs
Affordable housing and tenure mix required to aid social balance
Jobs in immediate region include:
- high proportion of blue collar and semi skilled white collar;
- low proportion of professional service jobs.
There is increased capacity within the draft district structure plan area for
tourism, business and service industry opportunities.
Close access to employment is an essential for sustainability.
John Syme noted the need to develop a diversity of housing types throughout
the Cockburn coast project area and that there were core planning challenges
facing the project including:
- Promoting sustainable urban development through land efficiency
- Promoting transit oriented developments, with an emphasis on density
and housing diversity around public transit nodes and areas of activity
- Achieving social progress, which recognises the needs of everyone
- Using natural resources prudently
The presentation reviewed the performance targets and measures relating to
the regional impacts, infrastructure, broad land use and densities.
8

Table 3.1: Performance Targets and Measures
Society
Economy
Population Approximately 10 800 people
Housing stock Approximately 5200 dwellings
Minimum 3 per cent separate houses
Minimum 22 per cent terrace
Minimum 33 per cent low-rise apartments
Minimum 31 per cent high-rise apartments
Minimum 20 per cent affordable housing
Minimum 20 per cent adaptable buildings
15 per cent of homes need to be 'family
homes'
Employment profile Estimated working population 6900
Employment
sufficiency
self
Minimum 40 per cent (approx. 2800 jobs)
Preferred 60 per cent (approx. 3800 jobs)
Environment
Resources
recycling
Energy efficiency
Alternate forms of
transport
20 per cent waste reduction (against per
capita average)
20 per cent wastewater reuse
30 per cent reduction in scheme water
consumption (against per capita average)
75 per cent dwellings with solar orientation
75 per cent dwellings with cross flow
ventilation
30 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas
emissions (against per capita average)
60 per cent dwellings to be within 800 metres
of public transit
Sustainability framework overview:
The Peer Review participants were also advised that the Cockburn coast
Reference Group and Steering Committee established a series of
Sustainability Principles to guide structure planning process. These themes
and principles have set the parameters for sustainable redevelopment.
The final Cockburn Coast Sustainability Principles are:
1. Tell the story of the Cockburn Coast through the identification,
management and promotion of significant sites that contribute to the areas
cultural heritage and to build on these unique features to provide a sense
of place;
2. Demonstrate innovation in the development of Cockburn Coast, through
the application of best practice technologies and design;
3. Demonstrate a range of affordable housing strategies;
4. Promote efficient use of resources, land and infrastructure;
5. Encourage development that is commercially feasible, attractive to the
market and to the wider community;
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6. Ensure diversity of land uses to facilitate locally based employment,
providing services that are appropriate to the needs of the local and wider
community;
7. Demonstrate best practice, responsible environmental management,
facilitating remediation and rehabilitation;
8. Provide opportunities for the use of alternative transport modes, through
the provision of quality transport, cycling and pedestrian infrastructure
combined with an interconnected urban design;
9. Capitalise on the exceptional natural assets of the Cockburn Coast
through improvement, enhancement and provision of greater access to the
local environment;
10. Demonstrate efficient land use and transport in the district structure plan
through the application of transit oriented design principles; and
11. Engage the community in the planning, design and development of
Cockburn Coast, instilling a sense of ownership and ensuring equitable
outcomes.
A sustainability framework has therefore been prepared to take account of the
sustainability requirements. A sustainability assessment tool was developed
out of the framework, which will ensure implementation of the principles
through a series of strategies. Development proposals and programs can then
be measured by the tool to facilitate triple bottom line benefits through all
stages of structure planning and subdivision. In the future agencies and the
community will also be able to assess and monitor the sustainable
performance of the project and its component parts. The diagram below
shows the key steps in the preparation of the framework and the electronic
assessment tool.
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Figure 1: Sustainability framework
Duncan Foster, Senior Transport and Land Use Planner – Worley
Parsons
Duncan presented transport analysis particularly focusing on the public
transport and road network challenges.
Public Transport
It was emphasised in order for the draft district structure plan to be a true
transit oriented development it is critical that an efficient public transport
system is extended through the project area providing a strong connection to
the wider regional public transport network and Fremantle.
Two key features of the public transport network have been determined
through this study:
1. Alignment; and
2. Mode.
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Discussion of Mode Options:
Heavy rail is not a suitable option for the following reasons:
Heavy rail is typically for high speed long distance travel
Difficult and expensive option to implement through Fremantle
Light rail is a potential option for the long term, however the following was
acknowledged:
Isolated system in Perth
Limited benefits over a bus rapid transit mode
Bus Rapid Transit is the preferred option
Greatest flexibility
Reduced capital investment cost in comparison to light rail and heavy rail
Still a ‘high profile’ system
Provides developer and land owner confidence
Alignment option discussion:
Two basic principles:
1. A northern terminus at Fremantle Station; and
2. A southern terminus within the study area that allows the service to be
extended south or east in the future.
The two alignment options were detailed:
Option 1 utilised Hampton Road and continues the dedication of bus lanes
along Cockburn Road.
Option 2 is a coastal connection which utilises the railway reservation and
South Terrace acknowledging that there is no existing transit priority
infrastructure on South Terrace.
Option 1 is the preferred alignment option
It provides the most direct link to Fremantle;
It is not possible to construct an alternative transit corridor within the
railway reserve;
This option increases an already strong argument for transit priority on
Hampton Road;
Benefits are wider than just Cockburn coast draft district structure plan
area with existing bus services able to utilise the transit corridor; and
High profile statement on the importance of public transport in this corridor.
12

Road network:
The road network presentation commenced with a review of the key north –
south, east – west road network and the uncertainty of planning and building
of the Roe Highway (stage 8) and the deletion of the Fremantle Eastern
Bypass road reserve.
The impact of the Cockburn coast development on the road network was
outlined as follows:
The Coast area will generate approx 25,000 trips per day.
The majority of these (85 per cent) are to external locations.
The Cockburn Coast development will increase congestion on existing
roads – the challenge is to manage this congestion and develop the most
balanced transport outcome.
The changes to traffic volumes was discussed as follows:
Cockburn Road will carry local traffic (9 000 vehicles per day).
Cockburn Coast Drive will carry regional traffic (17,000 – 21,000 vehicles
per day).
Volumes on some existing roads will increase, however, the Cockburn
coast development contributes less than 10 per cent of the traffic increase
on road network.
It was emphasised that the crucial road network link was Hampton Road /
Cockburn Road. Hampton Road (north of Rockingham Road) is projected to
carry approximately 35,000 vehicles per day in 2031 (MRWA Regional
Operations Model). Noting less than 5 per cent of this traffic is generated from
the Cockburn coast project area. Currently it is carrying around 30,000 vpd.
Hampton Road has already been described as a bottleneck in the road
system, particularly between Rockingham Road and Douro Road where the
planned intersections of major regional roads feed through traffic into
Hampton Road. This is summarised as follows:
2 lanes
Cockburn Road
4 lanes
Rockingham Road
4 lanes (planned)
Rockingham -
Fremantle Highway
10 lanes feeding into
4 (Hampton Road)
The issue of Hampton Road is a crucial element to determining the traffic
impact of the draft district structure plan.
Duncan detailed the road traffic modelling methodology and analysis.
Hampton road was modelled under three scenarios:
1. Two lanes for general traffic and two dedicated transit lanes (kerbside
lanes)
2. Four lanes for general traffic and two dedicated transit lanes (kerbside
lanes)
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3. Four lanes for general traffic only – no special provision for public transport
The modelling results predict Hampton Road to be congested, regardless of
whether the DSP area is developed or not. Paramics modelling undertaken for
Scenario 1 (2 lanes for general traffic plus kerbside transit lanes) without any
draft district structure plan traffic predicts volumes of 32,500 vpd by 2031.
The reallocation of existing kerb side lanes was discussed in the context of
the above ROM and Paramics road network modelling analysis, and
examining the scenario if reallocation of existing kerb side lanes were to
occur.
The conclusion drawn was as follows:
‘Do Nothing’ is not an option
Due to PTA’s limited budget for bus priority infrastructure the acquisition of
land and the construction of priority transit lanes is unlikely to occur within
the timeframe necessary. This approach typically results in failure to
achieve any priority for public transport with these projects being ‘placed in
the too hard basket’ in favour of other more readily achievable projects.
In order to achieve priority for buses on Hampton Road in the short term, it
may be most appropriate to reallocate the existing kerbside lanes. This
approach would take advantage of moderate existing congestion levels
and would have the following benefits:
- It would allow priority lanes to be constructed in the short term with
moderate impact on existing traffic;
- They will encourage the use of transit to access Fremantle from the
southern suburbs;
- Regional traffic will be encouraged to take alternative routes to
Fremantle, avoiding Hampton Road (potentially removing the need for
future expansion of this road);
- Existing bus services will benefit immediately from creation of the
lanes; and
- It does not preclude the construction of additional capacity on
Hampton Road in the future.
The proposed road network was detailed as follows:
Cockburn Coast Drive
- Regional/through traffic
- Maintain a reserve for ultimate dual carriageway (4 lanes)
Cockburn Road
- Local/Traffic with destinations within the DSP Area
- 2 general traffic lanes
- 2 transit lanes
Internal Roads
- Highly connected, permeable network
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- Dispersion of local traffic
Ray Haeren, Senior Associate - Taylor Burrell Barnett Town Planning
Consultants
Ray presented the planning context and the key elements of the draft district
structure plan and implementation options.
The draft district structure plan:
A site analysis was present listing the opportunities and constraints of the
project area, highlighting the road network, Indigenous and European heritage
sites, external planning activities (South Beach, Port Coogee and South
Fremantle landfill), existing land uses (industrial uses, switchyard site, 132 kV
power line corridor), topography and an outline of environmental issues
(contamination, foreshore reserve and Beeliar Regional Park management,
integrated water management and noise and vibration).
The evolution of the draft district structure plan in partnership with a
landowner and community reference group was detailed.
The components of the Cockburn coast vision was discussed as follows:
Land Use Vision
- Urban Coastal mix of business and housing
- Vibrant and complementary to Fremantle
Open Space Vision
- Ridgeline backdrop and Range of Coastal settings
- Linear parks and discrete urban places
Sustainability Vision
- Rainwater harvesting and re-use
- Low Energy Building form
- Public Transport focus
- Identity and interaction
The following key draft district structure plan design elements were explained
in detail:
Planning precinct and architecture built form guidelines;
Transport / Movement (bus rapid transit and pedestrian);
Mixed use / Mixed business;
Coastal nodes;
Activity centres;
Open space;
South Fremantle power station site;
Switchyard terminal;
Foreshore connections; and
Residential mix.
15

Ray Haeren and John Syme presented to the Peer Review panel a
preliminary investigation of the South Fremantle power station by heritage
architect Philip McAllister detailing the heritage principles.
Implementation options:
Ray Haeren summarised the two proposed implementation options as follows:
Redevelopment Authority
- New legislation required
- Establish authority: wider metropolitan, or site specific
- Redevelopment scheme
- Excluded from MRS and TPS provisions once new scheme in place
- Noting the WAPC can proceed with MRS amendment anyway, should
new legislation be delayed
Development Scheme (Is this what you mean)
- Rezoning under MRS to Urban (except for Regional Roads & Open
Space)
- Rezoning under local scheme to Development Zone
- Referral to authorities Determination by Council and WAPC
Local Structure Plans
Local structure plans must:
- Be prepared over an entire Precinct
- Be based on framework of the district structure plan
- Provide detail on local movement network and public realm
- Establish building height and form requirements
- Allocate local open space and local servicing
- Be completed and endorsed prior to development or subdivision
Group discussion and questions
There was a discussion of the issues raised, and initial impressions sought
based on what was presented. A summary of the key discussion points is set
out below:
What are the positives
Credible attempt to create a urban setting on the coast
Support key density targets
Recognition of the potential of the project area
Fits well into the regional context
Respect existing context
Reflects positively on Network City policy initiative
Opportunity through architecture design to open up density debate
16

What are the Challenges
Too ambitious
The development needs to be carefully staged and allowed to evolve over
time otherwise the economics of the project are at risk.
Scale of the commercial and retail at the town centre (South Fremantle
power station) may not be viable especially in light of the commercial
development at Port Coogee.
Improving the local road, built form and commercial integration with Port
Coogee.
Establish redevelopment principles that frame the future use of the South
Fremantle power station with an emphasis on public access and facilities.
Explore more uses for the South Fremantle power station, for example a
centre for the local film industry.
Ensure a holistic approach to the project through establishing a ‘quality
assurance team’ (similar approach undertaken in regeneration projects in
the United Kingdom) which reviews structure plans, landscape and built
form proposals throughout the life of the project.
Exploring alternative strategies for housing affordability and whether the
market can support the proposed housing mix to enable diversity of
people.
Conclusion
Brian Curtis as the Peer Review facilitator provided the concluding remarks
that the purpose and process of the Peer Review was to critically review the
draft district structure plan report in seeking the best possible outcomes for
the project. Each member of the Peer Review panel was provided with a draft
version of the Cockburn coast district structure plan and a feedback sheet.
The feedback sheet deliberately sort comment on the following:
The development and methodology of the plan; and
Urban design elements of the district structure plan
4.0 Peer Review Workshop 2 - 10 September 2007
The program for Day 2 began with a presentation from Brian Curtis, who
outlined the purpose of the second Peer Review workshop as:
Collect feedback on the draft district structure plan;
Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the district structure plan; and
Identify potential solutions to any weaknesses / issues.
A summary of the draft district structure plan and the key urban design
elements was provided, and the ambition of the plan was discussed
emphasising the focus on delivering Government sustainability and WAPC
policy objectives for example Network City, and transit orientated
development.
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4.1 Discussion and Emerging Themes
There was a general discussion in which each participant was asked to
feedback their thoughts having read the draft district structure plan. From the
discussion it was recognised by the Panel that they felt there was a need to
further consider:
5. The merits of the proposed urban form, urban design and placemaking,
and the role of the power station precinct as an activity centre in
particular
6. The need for the proposals to be considered in their wider context,
especially in relation to the interface with adjoining developments, the
coastal setting, and open space network
7. Infrastructure options, road network, transit costs and delivery issues
8. Implementation issues such as commercial viability, housing
affordability, and staging
4.2 Key Issues Raised by the Peer Review Panel
Participants identified and explained key issues arising from their review of the
draft plan in more detail, and a facilitated discussion followed which
highlighted the following specific issues as outlined below:
South Fremantle Power Station: From the discussion it was felt that the
success of draft district structure plan was particularly dependent upon getting
the vision for this precinct right. The future uses in the former power station,
and the importance of getting these right was debated. The future ownership
and use was raised, as was the timing of when this might be brought onto the
market by the government. There was a view that the articulation of the
planning for this precinct should be given further consideration in the plan.
Open Space: It was recognised that the wider area contains open space, and
that the plan attempts to create linkages from the east through to the coast.
Comments were made on the importance of establishing a clear open space
framework, and to consider more detailed design of corridors and their
creation of views to the coast.
Port Coogee Integration: There was discussion of the relationship of the
study area to the Port Coogee development. It was recognised that the
development will need to complement Port Coogee and
Housing Affordability: The Panel acknowledged that the intention of the
draft district structure plan is to facilitate a range of housing options, whilst
recognising that the coastal location will be attractive to those prepared to pay
18

higher prices for the amenity. The Panel discussed options to facilitate
housing affordability and the relative merits of these models. There was a
feeling that the plan should be clear in establishing a workable affordable
housing framework, possibly with a mandated percentage.
Reorientation of the power station town centre: The link between the
power station town centre and the Cockburn Road was discussed. There was
a sense that there could be benefits if the centre extended to the Cockburn
Road.
Move town centre further southwards: There was discussion whether
consideration should be given to moving the town centre further southwards to
better integrate with Port Coogee.
Too much commercial zoned land: There was discussion about the extent
of commercial zoning and some questioning whether they might be too much,
and if this could impact on the take up of commercial space in key areas such
as the town centre.
Public transport options: Whilst it was explained by the consultant team
how they arrived at the proposal to align the rapid transit along Cockburn
Road there was some discussion whether the coastal heavy rail corridor could
still play a role in providing public transport links into Fremantle.
Urban design quality review panel: The Panel discussed the need to
ensure that the urban design and architectural quality of the development was
high, and a suggestion made that there may be benefit in establishing an
urban design quality review panel. This would have responsibility to respond
and make recommendations on proposals, and provide for continuity of
approach to design issues from the planning stage through to implementation.
Concept for the coast: Comment was made that as the site occupied a very
important location on the Cockburn Coast it was important to ensure that the
objectives for each part of the coast was clearly articulated.
The Peer Review panel recommended that feedback from the review panel is
addressed by Department for Planning and Infrastructure and the project
consultant team prior to finalising the district structure plan.
The Peer Review panel further recommended that:
The Department for Planning and Infrastructure and the project consultant
team is proactive in considering the Port Coogee interface issues in a
holistic manner to facilitate the best possible urban design, local road,
public infrastructure and beach access and commercial / retail activity
outcomes. This requires the Department for Planning and Infrastructure to
lead discussions with Australand (Port Coogee developers) to explore
solutions for improved integration.
Develop strategies / principles that can be included in the government
procurement process to ensure public access and a diversity of public and
19

or institutional uses (e.g. film industry) of the South Fremantle Power
Station building.
The ideas proposed be given further consideration prior to the conclusion
of the Draft Plan to ensure that a robust and well considered plan is put out
to the wider community for public comment.
4.3 Thank you
Brian Curtis and Dr. Mike Mouritz thanked the Peer Review panel for their
time and honest and professional feedback on the Cockburn coast draft
district structure plan project.
4.4 Next Steps
The Peer Review process was about listening to the experienced
multidisciplinary panel, and learning how to improve the Cockburn coast draft
district structure plan. The Department for Planning and Infrastructure and the
project consultant team have since reviewed the peer review panel’s feedback
comments and accordingly have undertaken various minor modifications to
the Cockburn coast district structure plan report and plan.
Table 4.5 summarises key issues raised, and the Department for Planning
and Infrastructure’s changes to the draft district structure plan.
Table 4.5: Peer Review Panel Summary of Issues and Response
ISSUE COMMENT DPI
RESPONSE
South
Fremantle
Power Station:
The district
structure plan
is dependent
upon the
successful
regeneration
of the power
station
building.
The ‘vision’ for the power
station building and the
power station precinct
needs to be better
articulated in the report.
Establish regeneration
criteria / principles for the
power station building.
Consider undertaking a
draft concept masterplan
for the power station
precinct.
Security of the power
station site and
maintaining long term
control over ownership,
planning
and
development timing.
DISTRICT STRUCTURE
PLAN
RECOMMENDATION
Noted & agreed Chapter 2 has been
amended to clearly
articulate the vision and
planning framework for the
South Fremantle power
station precinct.
Noted & agreed Future planning and
function have been
incorporated into Chapter
2.
Noted Addition text in Chapter 2
provided detailing the
planning framework for the
future redevelopment of
the South Fremantle
power station precinct.
Noted & agreed
Additional text regarding
building ownership, and
heritage values has been
incorporated into Chapter
2.
Open Space Undertake a public open Noted & agreed Public open space and
20

Port Coogee
Integration
Housing
Affordability
Reorientation
of the power
station town
centre
Move town
centre further
southwards
Too much
commercial
zoned land
Public
transport
options
Urban design
quality review
panel
space map that defines
Beeliar Regional Park
and the green links to the
foreshore.
Consider undertaking a
draft concept masterplan
for the power station
precinct details the road,
land use and built form
integration with Port
Coogee.
Alternatively, establish a
planning framework for
integration with Port
Coogee.
Set a mandated
percentage for housing
affordability within the
project area and
implementation
methodologies
Realign the town centre
to a east – west direction
(shown in the plan in a
north – south direction).
Consider moving the
power station town centre
further southwards
encouraging better
linkage with Port Coogee.
Concern that there is an
over emphasis of
commercial floor space
surrounding the power
station site. This
potentially may slow /
reduce regeneration
opportunities for the
power station building.
Ensure the district
structure plan preserves
the rail reserve as a
future public transit
corridor option.
Establish an urban design
quality review panel that
are responsible for
providing input into urban
design guidelines and
reviewing future built form
pedestrian / cycle pathway
map integrated into
Chapter 2.
Noted DPI and the project
consultant team have
addressed this issue in
revising the text of Chapter
2.
Noted & agreed Chapter 2 text has been
updated, incorporating
interface issues such as
movement network and
built form.
Noted & agreed A mandatory housing
affordability target has
been established at 20 per
cent. Additional text has
been included in Chapters
3 and 5 regarding
affordable housing
implementation
methodologies.
Noted
The major town centre
road following an east –
west axis proposes mixed
use and commercial
opportunity.
Noted & agreed Town centre activity node
was moved southwards to
improve the southern
movement links to the
power station building and
the high amenity beach.
Noted DPI and the project
consultant team at this
planning level consider the
amount of commercial
land to be reasonable in
light of the following:
Regional shortage of
high end office /
commercial use
Meeting established
employment targets.
Noted & agreed The text in Chapter 2.5
supports this notion. The
district structure plan does
not preclude the use of
light rail or heavy rail use
along the freight rail
reserve in the future.
Noted & agreed Additional text included in
Chapter 4 outlining the
role of a future design
review panel.
21

Concept
the coast
for
proposals.
Establish a hierarch of
use for the Cockburn
coast (Regional, district
and local) and outline a
concept for each section
of the beach.
Noted & agreed The coastal planning
strategy establishes a
vision for the coast and
hierarchy of use and
management strategies.
22