Peter and Paige McNeil have lived on their 10 acre property in Stoneville for 29 years. Photo: David Baylis
Camera IconPeter and Paige McNeil have lived on their 10 acre property in Stoneville for 29 years. Photo: David Baylis Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Residents oppose North Stoneville development plans

Sarah BrookesHills Avon Valley Gazette

A STONEVILLE family say the existing road network is woefully inadequate to cope with the increase in traffic if Satterley’s North Stoneville development pushes ahead.

In their submission to the Shire of Mundaring, Peter and Paige McNeil, who have two properties adjoining the development, called for a new transport impact assessment to be commissioned.

“The proposal does not contain transport infrastructure upgrades to account for double the amount of vehicle movements or for the provision of public transport to service the increased population,” they said.

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“The reality is local roads, including Stoneville Road and La Grange Road, are inadequate for the projected exponential increase in vehicle movements.

“La Grange Road is only 5.5m wide, unkerbed, single carriageway, unmarked rural road with narrow gravel shoulders.

“Daily vehicle movements are expected to increase from 50 to 1350, yet the traffic report states no upgrade is necessary.

“Traffic along Great Eastern Highway and Toodyay Road are also expected to double which will put drivers at risk, create congestion and increase commute times.”

The McNeils added it was unacceptable for a high density town site to be planned without providing public transport to service the increased population.

“The report said there was limited potential for public transport to be introduced to the area in the foreseeable future,” they said.

“Simply, without a robust public transport facility, the impact of the increased vehicle movements will not be sustainable or safe for WA drivers or Hills residents.”

Meanwhile Save Perth Hills spokesman Jeremy Hurst said the development would populate one of Australia’s highest fire risk zones with 1450 homes and more than 4000 residents in a proven catastrophic fire region.

“North Stoneville is a proven hostile environment and neighbouring Parkerville – the site of a similar future proposed suburban-style development, have suffered a series of devastating bushfires since 2003,” he said.

“On January 12, 2014 fire destroyed 65 homes and caused serious damage to others.

“More than 1300 residents were evacuated and some residents are still recovering from the trauma of that blaze which burned for three weeks.”

Mr Hurst acknowledged while plans to populate Stoneville had been around for decades, times had changed.

“What has emerged since this plan was first released is scientific evidence and global confirmation of significantly changing conditions that are forcing all of us, right around the world, to reassess, re-consider and revise the way we live – and where,” he said.

“The Mundaring shire is rated Australia’s fifth highest local government area with at-risk-of-fire addresses.

“The Satterley proposal features high fire risk hilltop homes and townhouses, some less than 300 sqm, on a tight, narrow network of streets that winds through this suburban manifestation like an Alice in Wonderland maze.

“It is a potential fire trap for residents and emergency services personnel.

“We’re seeking an explanation about the planning rationale for this proposal.”

Submissions close January 10.

The matter is expected to be presented to the council at its March meeting.

Satterley hopes to start construction in 2020/21.