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Point Peron wait

Chloe FraserSound Telegraph

The future of Point Peron is in limbo, with the State Government remaining silent on its plans until after the State election.

It’s been 10 months since the public consultation period to help determine the community’s vision for Cape Peron closed. But a decision about the future use of the site is yet to be revealed.

An online survey co-ordinated by the Department of Lands and Heritage last year as part of the State Government’s planning investigation gathered more than 850 responses.

It came after Planning Minister Rita Saffioti announced an investigation would be undertaken to determine the use of the area following the State Government’s decision not to proceed with the proposed Mangles Bay Marina in March 2018.

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This site formed the original planning investigation area, which was later increased to include all land within the Cape Peron peninsula at the request of the City of Rockingham.

It is understood survey results were reviewed by a State Government working group with recommendations made to Planning Minister Rita Saffioti in September.

Friends of Point Peron convenor James Mumme said he understood the process should have been finalised late last year — well before the March State election — and that the delay was “concerning”.

Hands Off Point Peron founder Dawn Jecks said she had grave concerns about the delay.

“Given that during this State election campaign the WA Government has made many announcements about what they will do if re-elected, one has to ask why have they been completely silent on the future of Cape Peron,” Ms Jecks said.

Lynn MacLaren, Friends of Point Peron convenor James Mumme, Greens candidate for the South Metro Region Brad Pettitt.
Camera IconLynn MacLaren, Friends of Point Peron convenor James Mumme, Greens candidate for the South Metro Region Brad Pettitt. Credit: Picture: Chloe Fraser

“We call on the Government to urgently endorse A Class status for the whole of Cape Peron and support the community’s express wish for a Coastal Park.”

Greens candidate for South Metropolitan Region Brad Pettitt said it was important to have a “long term plan for the area”.

“With a rare bit of reserve like this once it’s gone you van never get it back. . .it has the potential to become the Kings Park of the South.

“I love the Cape Peron Coastal Park plan developed by the community. The Minister should see the merits in this and act on it immediately.

“This large coastal reserves like this need to be kept in tact.”

Ms Saffioti declined to comment during the caretaker period before the election and instead referred questions to the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.

A department spokeswoman said protecting Cape Peron was a State Government priority and any industrial, commercial and permanent residential development on the peninsular had been ruled out.

“The assessment by the Cape Peron Working Group is now being progressed together with recommendations for other planning investigation areas,” she said.

“Any decision on an individual planning investigation area will be undertaken against this broader review. A report on the community consultation will be made available once this is finalised.”

Shadow planning minister Tjorn Sibma has also called on Ms Saffioti to release the final consultation report and reveal what her plan was for Point Peron.

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