Waterfront curfew fears put to rest

Fears waterfront apartments near Albany Entertainment Centre could hurt the region’s $1 billion farming industry appear to have been allayed.

Stirlings to Coast Farmers board member Darren Moir said farmers were concerned there would be calls for traffic curfews due to noise from trucks on Princess Royal Drive, if permanent tenants were allowed at the apartments.

That was until a July 11 Albany development and infrastructure services committee meeting, where it was confirmed permanent tenancy at the site hadn’t yet been approved.

After the meeting Mr Moir said SCF members were relieved by the clarification.

“These comments have gone a long way to quieting the alarm within our membership who are concerned by the persistence of developers who keep presenting planning proposals that seek to change the zoning to include residential development alongside such a critical transport route,” he said. “Residential housing on such an important freight route will only lead to noise complaints and possible restrictions on port access in the future.

“We currently enjoy a competitive advantage over our rivals the Russians and Ukrainians in getting our grain on to ships and to the customer first. This cannot be compromised.”

The committee also requested further noise testing to ensure the apartments could be buffered from excessive outside noise.