4/10/05
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan has approved the WAPRES structure plan for a new chip mill for Bunbury Port, paving the way for the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) to finally rule on a development application for the site.
In June, the City of Bunbury rejected the structure plan and, consequently, WAPRES had appealed the decision through SAT.
On the grounds of regional importance, Ms MacTiernan called in the appeal for determination, under the authority of Section 70 of the Town Planning and Development Act 1928.
As part of her deliberations, the Minister took oral submissions from WAPRES, the City of Bunbury, the WA Planning Commission and the Bunbury Port Authority.
“In making a determination, I considered both planning issues and other matters affecting the public interest,” she said.
“On both grounds, I considered the proposed structure plan to be at least adequate and consistent with the requirements of the town planning scheme.
“In its submission, the WAPC identified that the viability of rail transport is a significant regional planning consideration in the context of port operations.
“The State Administrative Tribunal can now make a final determination on the development application.”
In August last year, the city refused a development application by WAPRES to build the chip mill at Bunbury Port.
WAPRES appealed the decision through the Town Planning Appeals Tribunal, now SAT.
During deliberations by SAT, it was determined that a structure plan for the development, meeting the requirements of the City of Bunbury’s Town Planning Scheme, was not in place.
SAT was not prepared to consider the development application appeal until an approved structure plan was in place.
With today’s determination, the tribunal will be able to finalise its deliberations on the development application.
Minister's office: 9213 6400
