More trees have been massacred on the east part of Montario Quarter as we await the fate of Lemnos St Bush. So far this important ecological corridor remains untouched, and our hope remains that the Statutory Planning Committee will save this beautiful area.

Meanwhile, as we are left to wonder why so many mature trees need to be destroyed on the former rehab-hospital site:

The Hon Alison Xamon of the Greens has written an excellent letter to David Caddy, the Chair of the Western Australia Planning Committee, thanking him and the Committee for taking the time to properly consider the proposal. Alison has allowed us to share her letter with you, which highlights key development issues and all that is wrong with our planning system. Please take the time to read it.

“Dear Mr. Caddy:
Thank you for taking the time to consider the design element of the Montario Quarter site seriously. I appreciate that the Statutory Planning Committee has taken the time to consider more information about the site and about the community’s desires.
I remain concerned that the initial response to the important bushland linkage on this site was to remove it as a design constraint. All of our strategic planning documents continue to point to the importance of maintaining and strengthening our green corridors and linkages between remaining bushland sites in the metropolitan area. It is essential that these strategies be implemented, rather than ignored on a case-by-case basis.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s interim advice on the Green Growth Plan was very clear about the need to not only protect our remaining bushland, but to replant and enhance degraded areas. It made special mention of the importance of linkages (Recommendation 4).
This is entirely consistent with the Perth Capital City Planning Framework (the Framework) documents that emphasize the need for retention of bushland across the city. The supporting documents for the Framework specifically point out this area and note that any further loss of vegetation could harm the linked Bush Forever sites.
Perth is a biodiversity hotspot – which points not only to the uniqueness of our environment, but also recognises that this environment is under substantial pressure. The current configuration of the planned development on this site shows little to no interest in maintaining or enhancing the linkage on the site.
This is deeply concerning on a number of fronts. This seems to be yet another example where strategic direction, strategic frameworks, relevant policies at State and Local level and the clear and united voice of the community have been carefully put to one side. Beyond the environmental impact it raises strong concerns about the ability of the planning system to deliver the city of the future.
It is particularly frustrating that our overarching planning documents do not lead to development proposals that align with the goals and vision of the future for Perth. It is even more frustrating that developers seem to have a reasonable belief that they will not be required to comply with all elements of the planning system.
Flexibility to respond to the challenges of each unique site shouldn’t involve clearing that is counter-indicated by so many of the planning documents at State and Local level.
It is critically important that we do infill and that we do it well. The community understandably holds a great deal of concern about infill, as we have a history of small scale infill wiping out tree canopy, creating heat islands and entire suburbs losing substantial amounts of amenity.
This is a site that could be used to show that we are more than just words when we talk about the value our natural heritage holds.
Once again, I’d like to thank you for taking the time to fully consider what it is that we want to achieve with Montario Quarter site and similar infills. It is an opportunity to win community trust while working towards all of our planning goals, including environmental ones.
Yours Sincerely
Hon Alison Xamon MLC
Member fof North Metropolitan
08n August 2018”