A REQUEST to upgrade tracks and trails through Crown reserves in Mt Helena and Chidlow for emergency access was lost at a recent council meeting.
Mundaring Shire councillors voted 8-3 on March 13 to reject the Annual Electors’ motion on the grounds the areas could not be upgraded to comply with the requirements of an emergency access way.
Council officers advised the upgrade would need to comply with the requirements of the Guidelines for Planning in Bushfire Prone areas.
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READ NOWThe heavily vegetated areas were assessed as unsuitable for an escape route in a bushfire because they would be subject to thick smoke and fire spotting, or directly impacted by a fire.
Councillors Doug Jeans, Lynn Fisher and Ian Green voted against the motion.
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