Kalamunda Residents and Friends – We Need Your Help!

A development application has been submitted for a McDonald’s and Car Wash on the corner of Canning and Heath Roads (opposite the IGA). The decision will be made by the Metro Outer Development Assessment Panel (MODAP) under the Planning and Development (DAP) Regulations 2011, with the City of Kalamunda’s report due by 24 March 2025. Public consultation is due 5pm 14th February! We hope for a fair and just review process. 

This is your opportunity to sign this petition and register your concern here: Engage Kalamunda - DA Lots 29, 28 & 3

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WHY DOES IT MATTER 

• Congested and Dangerous Intersection: Canning and Heath Roads are already known for traffic congestion and safety concerns. Many locals have witnessed near-misses, impatient drivers, and sadly remember the 2017 fatality of a 93-year-old woman struck on Heath Road. Increased traffic from a fast-food outlet and car wash will only make this worse. 
• High Population Density: This area is the most densely populated in Kalamunda, with 571 people per 0.26 square km (source). By 2043, the population is projected to grow from 64,573 to 73,445, with a 34.7% increase in residents of retirement age, highlighting the need for safe, thoughtful planning. Moreover, recent development on and around Heath Road is seeing single dwelling homes redeveloped into multiple dwellings to allow for existing elderly population to continue to reside. This has understandably increased the traffic on Heath Road (a traffic light at this intersection is not the solution for future development). 
• Proximity to Schools: The proposed site is just ~0.5 km from a primary school and day care centre and ~1 km from a high school, increasing risks for children regularly passing through the area.
• Health and Community Impact: The Cancer Council’s report, “We Don’t Need Another Maccas” (source), outlines concerns with fast food outlets in the community and near schools, including increased traffic, potential noise, litter, obtrusive odour, possible antisocial behaviour in the vicinity (where mostly the elderly reside), impact on surrounding businesses and negative health impacts contributing to the obesity crisis. Policymakers have a duty of care to control the spread of such outlets in vulnerable communities. 

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Planning Concerns 

The proposed development is inconsistent with the objectives of the State Planning Policy 4.2 (SPP 4.2); including the classification characteristics and hierarchy of a “District Centre” - this development undermines the true intent and utilisation of this space which is for medium density urban build use that is pedestrian focused (high intensity car usage contradicts with pedestrian oriented development). SPP 4.2 aims to reduce private vehicle dependency and impact of vehicles movement, thereby reducing the demand for parking (please consider the cumulative impact if proposed development on 10 Canning Road proceeds; please read the CoK Traffic Assessment report from 2019 which clearly recognises the demographic impact to traffic and future planning (source)); there should be no parking between the building and the street; the building must be built to the street edge and the list goes on.....     

The proposed development conflicts with key objectives of the local planning scheme, including creating a contemporary, functional residential centre which achieves safety and efficiency in traffic and pedestrian circulation (ie reduce cars on road and increase foot traffic), fostering community identity, and maintaining the heritage of the area and synergies between Stirk Cottage, Zig Zag Cultural Centre and Bibbulmun. KACP clearly states that Haynes Street and Central Mall will become a food and beverage focus. The proposed 8.5 metre high illuminated sign is of scale and prominence that would diminish the integrity and individuality of the heritage character of the town, and likely to have a detrimental impact on the amenity of the locality. 

The land was rezoned in 2023 to facilitate the development of the Kalamunda Activity Centre Plan (source). While the zoning category “P” allows for a fast food outlet (assuming it meets all other planning requirements), not all “P” developments are “developed” equally ! It is difficult to understand how adding another fast-food outlet - especially with four existing chains within 3.6 km of Kalamunda and a Red Rooster - aligns with the Kalamunda Activity Centre vision. This development undermines future planning and community-oriented development. 

In 2024, concerns about traffic and parking arose over a proposed liquor store at 10 Canning Road. A Transport Impact Statement (TIS) supporting the proposal applied the only available data from a single point in April 2024, overlooking local demographics and future growth (KCTT report). The data collection was requested by CoK for a potential signalised pedestrian crossing (likely to support the proposed development). A single data point is hardly sufficient evidence to underpin a major impactful development. 

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Environmental & Animal Impact 

Kalamunda’s identity as “a home in the forest” is defined by its trees, nature and peaceful environment. This proposal threatens to strip the land of its greenery, contradicting the City of Kalamunda’s vision of sustainability and community-centered development. I count 7 trees in the car park area (across two blocks) and 4 trees on the property; the report mentions the retention of two trees only. 
The proposed plan fails to depict appropriately the unique identity of Kalamunda by showcasing no trees and canopy with the aesthetics value based on a “façade”, meaning "a false appearance that makes something seem more pleasant or better than they really are”. How do we measure the emissions and environmental impact from the additional 2321 vehicles per day generated by the proposed development?! 

We have all seen an increase in our local quenda population which has a positive impact on our ecosystem diversity. Increasing traffic on Heath Road will have a negative impact on this.    

Residents’ welcome thoughtful development, but this project does not align with the communities’ character or needs.

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HOW YOU CAN HELP 

1. Sign and Share the Petition
   Add your support by signing and sharing this petition with friends and neighbours.
2. Submit Your Feedback
   Follow the application and share your concerns via the City of Kalamunda website: 
   Engage Kalamunda - DA Lots 29, 28 & 3
3. Email Decision-Makers
   Send your views directly to the Development Assessment Panel at:
   daps@dplh.wa.gov.au

Together, we can make a difference—let’s protect the future of our Kalamunda!