Kiara bushland cleared for Department of Communities’ housing development

CIVIL works have started at bushland in Kiara for the construction of 30 residential lots, as part of a Department of Communities development.

In 2016, the WA Planning Commission approved the Kiara Local Structure Plan following Swan Council’s recommended approval.

The Department started works for stage one of the Kiara South development at Lot 9000 Bottlebrush Drive on February 26 where 20 large trees were cleared.

There will be two residential estates built, with connections to nearby shops, schools, parks, public transport and community services.

Department general commercial operations assistant director Greg Cash said there were about 188 trees of various sizes within the site.

“In July 2014, the Department received environmental approval to clear 11.2 hectares of bushland on the lot, and funded $75,000 for the purchase of a 76ha site in Gingin to replace the Black Cockatoo habitat,” he said.

“As part of the overall development of the site the Department is seeking to maximise retention of Cockatoo nesting trees and will be enhancing the retained bushland for the benefit of local residents.

“The areas of higher quality vegetation with mature trees will be retained within 30 per cent of the site as public open space.

“The Department will be planting 40 Dwarf Sugar Gum trees as part of the planned streetscape.”

Mr Cash said buyers would be provided with sustainability initiatives including a subsidy for solar panels and waterwise landscaping packages.

He said stage two was in the planning phase.

Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School principal Jim Di Carlo said there was no traffic impact at the school and parents were advised of the works last year.

For information, visit www.housing.wa.gov.au/kiara