"Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now." - Alan Lakein
As Western Australia continues to grow and develop at a rapid rate, it is vital to promote sustainable urban planning that is environmentally sound, public transport friendly and facilitates community interaction.
Lynn believes that we must develop urban planning standards that protect bushland, public open space and groundwater sources, yet provide for high density housing and commercial buildings close to public transport.Cities and towns must be designed and built to minimise environmental harm and maximise social well-being.
Lynn supports a community-driven approach to land use planning, and advocates to ensure full community involvement in every stage of planning decisions at local and State levels, as many community groups feel that they are not being listened to.
Lynn also believes that planning decisions should be made by locally elected councils, and believes that coastal development and transport infrastructure are major challenges in our region.
The Greens support sustainable rural and regional communities to reduce the pressure on metropolitan Perth as well as a growth boundary around metropolitan Perth and regional cities/towns to limit urban sprawl.
The Greens acknowledge the need for designated areas of little or no development to maintain a healthy ecosystem that provides safe drinking water, air free from harmful toxins, and thriving animal, bird, plant, insect and marine life.
Transport fuel supply should be a pivotal issue in land use planning due to the global decline in cheap oil production.
The Greens strive to ensure that the right of affected third parties is protected not only to be notified but also to have a right of appeal regarding development planning.
Part of responsible planning is to:
Australian Greens Policy on Sustainable Planning and Transport
Southwest Aboriginal Land and Sea Council (SWALSC)
Cockburn Wetlands Education Centre
Hon Lynn MacLaren MLC - Member for South Metropolitan Region Legislative Council, Parliament of Western Australia