On Wednesday 11 July, the City of Albany’s Development and Infrastructure Services Committee voted to support Structure Plan 9, the enabler document for the proposed tourist resort which will threaten both Lake Vancouver and the beach. 15 community members spoke at this meeting, highlighting the errors, omissions and uncertainties which abound in the Structure Plan. Others attended to show their concern but chose not to speak. Only one speaker, representing the proponent, spoke in favour of the proposed development. Despite Committee discussion of a number of the issues raised by the speakers, members voted overwhelmingly (9 to 2) in favour of the following motion: THAT Council, pursuant to section 75 of the Planning and Development Act 2005 and regulation 20. (2)(e) of the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015, resolves to: 1. Recommend that the Western Australian Planning Commission approve Local Structure Plan No.9, subject to the following modification: a) Inserting provisions as detailed in the attached ‘Schedule of Provisions’ but replacing provision 16 for the Holiday Accommodation Precinct, with the following: 16. Prior to the submission of a Scheme Amendment, Lake Vancouver water level data and adjacent groundwater data shall be collected as required to measure the depth of groundwater and direction and rate of flow of the groundwater. The updated data needs to be collected from existing and additional bores and piezometers as required at appropriate times of the year to establish the extent and period of flow, if any, toward Lake Vancouver. Management and/or mitigation measures shall be determined by a qualified hydrologist in response to findings from this monitoring and shall be incorporated into the LPS provisions to the satisfaction of the City of Albany. 2. Forward the structure plan documentation, submissions and recommended provisions to the Western Australian Planning Commission with a request that the Commission grant approval to the structure plan. 3. Advise the applicant/owner and those who lodged a submission of the Council decision accordingly. Our thanks to Councillors Shanhun and Moir for voting against the motion and supporting their community. Although it is not entirely obvious what led to such a high level of Committee support for the Structure Plan, it was clear at the meeting that among the reasons were: 1. The consolation that if the information provided by the community was correct and the City planners were wrong, the “umpire” (the Western Australian Planning Commission) would correct the errors; and 2. Concern that if Council failed to support the Structure Plan, they may be sued by the proponents. The Committee’s recommendation is to be put to a full Council meeting on Tuesday 24 July. If you are a resident of the City of Albany, we would love to see you at 6.00 pm at the Council Chambers at 102 North Road, Yakamia for this meeting. There is another opportunity to speak should you wish (maximum 4 minutes each and you must register 15 minutes before commencement of the meeting). Otherwise, just come along and lend your support.