Elizabeth Quay -- A waterfront vision

Marine stakeholders on the Perth water front are calling for the state government to consider its guidelines that outline a consolidated vision to the redevelopment of the city’s foreshore.

The group comprising recreational boaters, charter and tour boat operators and representatives of the commercial sector presented a document to the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority last week which encompassed its vision for the redevelopment.

Swan River Sailing executive officer Skip Lissiman said revitalisation of the waterfront was essential to Perth’s success as a 21st century city.

"The plan released by the MRA includes fundamental flaws in engaging the boating community with the city," Mr Lissiman said.

"This concerned group has come together and enhanced the project for the benefit of the community by embracing the current plan put forward within the Waterfront Design Guidelines.

"A large focus of this vision is to ensure that boating families can stop somewhere and enjoy our city, rather than to consider the River to be a 'highway to Rottnest'".

Mr Lissiman said points of call for boaters were extremely limited on the river. He gave the Barrack St Jetty as a classic example of where facilities could not be readily accessed. "Restaurants lose considerable trade, boaters lose the amenity and opportunity is lost, making the Perth city precinct something to pass and look at rather than stop and enjoy," he said.

Mr Lissiman said the current Perth waterfront master plan provided detailed views of strong access connections to the foreshore for public transportation, pedestrians and cyclists to the water's edge.

In addition, he said the plan outlined a seamless integration of the CBD with Elizabeth Quay through streets, walkways and bike paths.

However, the opportunity to capitalise on strong connections from and in the water remained unaddressed.

"In order to create these connections, changes to the current design elements are necessary."