Independent Member for Alfred Cove Dr Janet Woollard has supported the formation of the Melville Action Group (MAG), which comprises locals concerned about the impact plans for Canning Bridge Precinct (Precinct) will have on community amenity.

“For the past few months, MAG has been working on strategies to ensure the community‟s voice will be heard when the City of Melville makes its decision regarding the Precinct,” said Dr Woollard

. “The group has planned activities that will enable anyone who thinks they would be affected by the current plans for the Precinct to have their say.”

Dr Woollard said the group‟s efforts have now become more urgent as the City‟s Councillors are expected to review and decide on the final plans for the Precinct on 21 September. The West Australian Planning Commission is expected to make their decision in October.

“MAG is organising a community meeting at 6 pm on 31 August at the Canning Bridge Senior Citizen‟s Club in Mount Pleasant,” said Mr Kim Stedman, Chairman of MAG.

“We are focused on getting this issue back on the community‟s agenda and encouraging as many as possible to participate in having their voices heard.

“At the community meeting, we will introduce MAG and explain our purpose as well as the activities we have planned,” said Mr Stedman. Mr Stedman said these activities include:

1. Putting up signs on properties to communicate objections to the extent of the current Precinct Plans;

2. Signing Petitions to the WA Parliament (both to the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council) and to the City of Melville; and

3. Organising meetings with various decision makers at State and Local Government level to ensure the community‟s voice is being heard.

Mr Stedman added MAG has established a website www.melvilleactiongroup.com.au to keep people informed of its activities. Anyone interested in having their views represented by MAG can sign up on the website.

Dr Woollard said she understands MAG is not against development that will improve the area, but instead wants a development that reflects the broader views of the community living in the area and in neighbouring suburbs.

“We are very disappointed at the lack of community consultation by the City and the WAPC during the last round of public submissions.

“MAG intends to keep up its efforts and „maintain the rage‟ until all stakeholders have been fairly treated,” said Mr Stedman.