Introduction

The Cockburn coast project is a unique opportunity to revitalise a forgotten industrial coast strip, with a primary focus on the South Fremantle Power Station, former Robb Jetty abattoir site and surrounding industrial land.

In July 2004, the project was kick-started by the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure with the launch of a vision to transform the Cockburn coast from an industrial area to a world-class residential and recreational precinct.

Further to this, a Vision for Cockburn coast was held in May 2005, bringing together landowners, stakeholders, developers and community members to outline the broad aspirations for a future beyond industrial development.   As a key recommendation of the Vision process, a district structure plan was proposed as being the most effective tool to provide a framework for this urban regeneration.

The draft Cockburn coast district structure plan has been prepared within this context, to guide future land use and development decisions, so that a coordinated, holistic development may be achieved – not just a destination, but an identity and a place to be proud.

Copies of the draft Cockburn coast district structure plan and associated documents are available for download.

Cockburn coast draft district structure plan

Summary ( 3 Mb)

Chapter 1 ( 5 Mb)

Chapter 2 ( 8 Mb)

Chapter 3 & 4 ( 2 Mb)

Chapter 5 & 6 ( 8 Mb)

Chapter 7 & 8 ( 10 Mb)

Chapter 9 ( 2 Mb)

Other Cockburn coast publications

Draft structure plan frequently asked questions ( 39 Kb)

Cockburn Coast Reborn ( 2 Mb)

Cockburn Coast Regional Framework ( 3 Mb)

The changing Cockburn coast – an insight into Aboriginal and European heritage in the Cockburn region ( 6 Mb)

Cockburn Coast draft district structure plan brochure ( 2 Mb)

Appendices – technical reports including:

European Heritage ( 2 Mb)
Indigenous Heritage ( 2 Mb)
Coastal Processes Assesment ( 4 Mb)
Transport Analysis ( 2 Mb)
Environmental Assesment ( 5 Mb)
District Water Management Overview ( 3 Mb)
Cockburn Coast Peer Review ( 1 Mb)
Socio-Economic Analysis ( 3 Mb)
Coastal Planning Strategy ( 5 Mb)

Cockburn Coast Reborn Public Submission Form ( 32 Kb)

Cockburn coast - community information sessions were held on the following dates

Session 1
Saturday 5 July 2008

Session 2
Thursday 10 July 2008

Session 3:
Saturday 12 July 2008

Session 4
Thursday 17 July 2008

Question and answer information sheet ( 107 Kb)

What is a district structure plan?

The draft Cockburn coast district structure plan identifies:

• new urban areas
• primary road networks
• public transport services
• land use distribution
• recreational and tourism opportunities
• other major infrastructure requirements
• future performance targets and measures
• a redevelopment framework, including implementation initiatives

These key land use and infrastructure considerations are informed by the project vision to 'create a vibrant, landmark destination that connected, integrated, diverse and accessible’ and by a series of sustainability principles established for the project and endorsed by the Cockburn coast reference group.

Additionally, the traditional role of a district structure plan is complemented by more detailed objectives for built form, density, height and land use, provided through the precinct character statements prepared for the seven precincts within the project area.

The plan provides a guide to future redevelopment, however, does not in itself rezone the land.  Future rezoning of the land will be required prior to redevelopment for urban purposes.

The Plan

Sustainability

The draft Cockburn coast district structure plan invites a fresh approach to development and community building by applying the principles of sustainability at a district scale. 

Project based sustainability principles have been established for the Cockburn coast area, challenging the way we traditionally plan and undertake future development, with a view to creating a robust, socially inclusive new community, with a strong sense of place, environmental credibility and economic self sufficiency.

The sustainability principles applied to planning for the Cockburn coast are:

1 Tell the story of the Cockburn coast through the identification, management and promotion of significant sites that contribute to the area’s 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 Promote efficient use of resources, land and infrastructure.

4 Encourage development that is commercially feasible, attractive to the market and to the wider community.

5 Ensure diversity of land uses to facilitate locally based employment, providing services that are appropriate to the needs of the local and wider community.

6 Demonstrate best practice, responsible environmental management, facilitating remediation and rehabilitation.

7 Provide opportunities for the use of alternative transport modes, through the provision of quality public transport, cycling and pedestrian infrastructure combined with an interconnected urban design.

8 Capitalise on the exceptional natural assets of the Cockburn coast through the improvement, enhancement and provision of greater access to the local environment.

9 Demonstrate efficient land use and transport in the structure plan through the application of transit oriented design principles.

10 Engage the community in the planning, design and development of the Cockburn coast, instilling a sense of ownership and equitable outcomes.

Key facts

The project area is situated approximately 18 km from the Perth CBD and 4 km south of Fremantle.  Book-ended by new residential development at South Beach and Port Coogee, the project area includes a 92 hectare industrial strip, the former South Fremantle landfill site, the Manning Reserve portion of Beeliar Regional Park, and the iconic South Fremantle power station.

Project area:    331.6 hectares
Location:   North Coogee, 4 km from Fremantle
Subdivisable area (minus reserves, roads, drainage and public open space): 91.5 hectares
Residential area:   60 hectares
Seven precincts:   Power Station, Hilltop, Robb Jetty, Emplacement, Darkan, Fremantle Village, Newmarket
Landowners:   Eight State Government agencies, two local government authorities and 182 private landowners
Estimated population:   10 800
Estimated number of new dwellings:  5300

Key elements of the draft district structure plan

• Divided into seven precincts, the project are will contain a mix of medium to high density residential, mixed use and mixed business developments, with provision for community facilities, including a school site.
• The Cockburn coast will have a mix of residential dwelling types and sizes that will provide housing opportunities for a wide range of household types and provide a critical mass to support public transport and local businesses.
• Guided by the principles of sustainability, the plan promotes transit oriented development through the clustering of activity around a central public transport spine, with bus rapid transit proposed to service the area in the short to medium term; as well as initiatives relating to energy efficiency, water sensitive urban design, affordable housing and employment self sufficiency.
• The regeneration of the South Fremantle Power Station will form the heart of the project area, being the foundation for the development of a new town centre.
• The structure plan enables the community to re-engage with the beach, by facilitating beach access and a range of coastal activities and experiences.
• A series of linear open spaces traverse the site, linking the key natural elements of the area – the coastal foreshore and Beeliar Regional Park.
• Recognises and respects the area’s substantial Indigenous and European heritage.
• Includes precinct character statements to provide further guidance on built form, height and density.
• Provides tourism, employment and recreational opportunities.
• Responds to the coastal environment.

Delivering the district structure plan – implementation

The district structure plan will provide the framework for the physical development of the area, including general requirements for staging and implementation.

Once the public comment period has closed, the plan will be reviewed in light of the community submissions, and revisions made where appropriate.  The WAPC will then be responsible for adopting the final Cockburn coast district structure plan.

The district structure plan is an important step in the planning process and will guide developers, decision makers and infrastructure providers as to the requirements and expectations for the Cockburn coast.  The district structure plan will guide subsequent stages of planning, including local structure planning, subdivision and ultimately development.

Several paths to facilitate the redevelopment of Cockburn coast beyond the district structure plan have been identified.

The models are outlined briefly below.

Redevelopment authority

The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has stated that the Cockburn coast is a key government project that would benefit from the concentrated focus of a redevelopment authority, either through the proposed metropolitan redevelopment authority or a project specific redevelopment authority (i.e. East Perth). The State Government has approved the drafting of legislation for the creation of a new land development agency, which would incorporate some of the activities of LandCorp and the East Perth and Subiaco redevelopment authorities.

Under this scenario, the redevelopment authority would be required to prepare a redevelopment scheme to guide future planning and development, which would be subject to endorsement by the WAPC and the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure.  It is expected that the future redevelopment scheme will reflect the district structure plan.

The redevelopment authority scheme is an interim statutory planning framework, with the Metropolitan Region Scheme (MRS) being the long-term governing instrument.
 
Implementation through planning schemes

The process of establishing a redevelopment authority can be lengthy, as it requires the implementation of new legislation.  In the absence of a redevelopment authority, the project will be delivered under the statutory provisions of the MRS and the local planning schemes of the cities of Cockburn and Fremantle.

An MRS amendment will be required rezoning the subject land from industrial to urban and refining other zones and reservations, followed by an amendment to the local planning schemes, rezoning the land to a development area.  Development areas require development to be in accordance with a local structure plan prepared for the subject land.  Cost contribution arrangements would be administered through the local planning scheme
 
Key steps in the planning and redevelopment process area available for download Cockburn Coast Project Flow Chart ( 771 Kb)

Further discussion on the implementation options can be found in the draft district structure plan.

Regardless of the implementation model enacted, it is important to note that the existing industrial land uses within the area will retain existing use rights in accordance with their planning and environmental approvals.  The draft district structure plan defines key transitional arrangements and provides for higher order uses, should these industrial operations wish to relocate over time.

Development of the Cockburn Coast District Structure Plan

The preparation of the draft district structure plan has involved the consultation with landowners, stakeholders and local community members; technical data collection and engagement with local government authorities.

Steering committee

A Cockburn coast steering committee was established at the outset of the project to guide the development of the district structure plan and to ensure the views of the local government authorities have been considered at each stage of the plans preparation.

The steering committee includes the following representatives:

• Dr Mike Mouritz – Executive Director, Department for Planning and Infrastructure
• Mr Mike Moloney – General Manager, LandCorp
• Mayor Stephen Lee – City of Cockburn
• Mayor Peter Tagliaferri – City of Fremantle

A project working group, comprising officers from the same agencies has assisted the steering committee in progressing the district structure plan, along with a team of technical consultants.

Reference group

A reference group established for the project, enabled landowners, stakeholders and community members to provide input and feedback on the plan throughout its development.

The group, involving interested parties from a variety of backgrounds, has met on six occasions to date since late 2006, and indicated broad general support for the draft structure plan.

The outcomes of the reference group workshops can be found below.

Workshop held 7 July 2007
Cockburn Coast Reference Group Workshop 5 Summary ( 113 Kb)

The evolving Cockburn coast – historical context

Since the post-war era, the Cockburn coastline has been home to an array of industries, dotted around the South Fremantle power station and the railway yards.

During the 1970’s and 1980;s, the potential of Cockburn coast to progress beyond a primarily industrial area appeared limited.  This was reflected in the lack of community facilities, poor public access to the local beaches and a decline in air, soil and water quality.  These concerns led various government agencies to examine future options for the area, which culminated in the 1993 with the finalisation of the Coogee Master Plan.

The Coogee Master Plan led the way for change and identified South Coogee as an area for future residential and marina development.  The plan also proposed that the North Coogee area remain as an industrial estate, focusing on marine dependent biotechnology industries.  With the closure of the Robb Jetty Abattoir in 1994, the future of the Cockburn Coast was again called into question.

In recent years, as the memory of noxious industries have faded, new opportunities have presented themselves in the Coogee area and surrounds.  The Cockburn coast project area is now “book ended” to the north and south by urban redevelopment projects on former industrial land at South Beach and Port Coogee.

The planning and revitalisation of this contaminated former industrial land at South Beach and Port Coogee has changed the thinking regarding future land use and regeneration possibilities at the South Fremantle power station site, Robb Jetty industrial land and industries along Cockburn Road.

The draft Cockburn coast district structure plan has been prepared with consideration for the redevelopment of these two sites, and has accommodated the requirements of these future communities in terms of integration, community facilities, employment self-sufficiency and planning for future movement networks.

For more information on the history of the Cockburn coast, download:

Cockburn coast historical timeline ( 1 Mb)

The changing Cockburn coast – an insight into Aboriginal and European heritage in the Cockburn region ( 6 Mb)

Vision for the Cockburn coast - 2005

A Vision for the Cockburn coast dialogue was held in May 2005.  This brought together local residents, local government, planners, developers and an array of experts, and provided the key foundation for a sustainable new community at North Coogee.  The dialogue delved into the community’s broad aspirations for the Cockburn coast, which included:

• an environmentally sound community
• scaled housing and tenure mix
• quality public transport and public facilities

Overall, participants of the dialogue wanted a bold plan for the Cockburn coast, one that creatively plans for a future as a destination that is integrated and provides a mix of beach experiences.

For details download the Vision for the Cockburn Coast Dialogue Report