Engaging communities in decision-making processes

Thinking more about the Old Swanbourne Hospital, I was reading today about some of the work of the Urban Design Centre (UDC) - which is a not for profit organisation devoted to improving the quality of urban places in Western Australia.  The UDC was established in 2004 by the WA State Government Department of Planning and Infrastructure, Curtin University and the University of WA.  You can read more about their focus on the UDC website.

I particularly liked their mission statement:

In all its work the UDC seeks to:

• create livable, sustainable communities,
• enhance the public realm,
• preserve natural and cultural resources,
• promote economic prosperity, and
• engage communities in decision-making processes.

Starting in 2003 and finishing in 2005, the WA Government worked with the Heritage Council of WA, the City of Nedlands and consulted and engaged with the Mount Claremont community through a well run process that contained all of the elements summarised by the UDC's mission statement.

We have agreed on a well considered plan that is designed to preserve and enhance the heritage value of the Old Swanbourne Hospital, as well as provide ample capacity for the owner to profit from its development.  Let's stick with the Nedlands Town Planning Scheme No. 2.  Please write to the Heritage Council of WA opposing their move to transfer planning powers over the site to the WA Planning Commission.