Perth Voice Interactive

RESIDENTS have failed in their bid to prevent 10 large trees being chopped down to make way for a social housing project in Mt Lawley.

The Save the Trees Community Action Group had been trying to get a stay on chainsaws felling the trees on the corner of East Parade and Guildford Road, but after an intervention from premier Roger Cook this week the work went on .

“We were disappointed with the premier’s announcement at 12noon today supporting minister Carey’s decision regarding the removal of trees as part of the East Parade redevelopment project,” the group said in a statement.

“We accept the site contains contaminants that require remediation.

“However, we believe there are other less dramatic remediation strategies,” they said, citing the Midland Workshops.

The group says they want houses and they want trees, but believe good design includes both.

“We want a stay of destruction of trees, allowing time for a more considered and transparent process.

“We want the state government to work with the City of Vincent to review reports and options and to include community involvement in current and future planning of this development.”

Campaigner Paddy Cullen said the group only heard about the plans to cut the trees down a week earlier.

“The residents wrote to the relevant politicians but have not had any response,” Mr Cullen said.

“Endangered black cockatoos have been filmed roosting in the gum trees the day before they were chopped.

My Cullen said there were two large fig trees, a jacaranda and seven gum trees on the chopping block.

Seniors housing

Housing minister John Carey said the project, which involves 34 adjoining lots, would help deliver more than 80 social and affordable homes for seniors.

He says they would be well located near transport and amenities.

“In this regard I am saddened by some local residents’ suggestion this is not an appropriate location for social housing,” Mr Carey said.

“We fully acknowledge the concerns of residents and the community about the loss of trees, which is why the department have sought to retain more than 70 per cent of the trees on site, with 25of the 35 trees being retained.”

Planning lands and heritage director general Anthony Kannis said the land was zoned for urban, or residential development.

“The site will deliver a significant number of new social and affordable housing options.

“Unfortunately, some trees are being removed as significant asbestos contamination has been identified in the root systems of those trees.

“It would not be possible to remove and replant these trees.

“We commissioned reports that indicate asbestos contamination is present in areas of the site that are highly unlikely to be remediated without significant damage to the trees.

“Without significant remediation it would not be possible to achieve the goal of decontaminating the site, and therefore it would not be possible to deliver new housing.”

by STEVE GRANT