The eucalyptus wandoo were removed after developer Pindan came under criticism late last year for starting to clear the bushland that used to serve as a buffer between Viveash and the neighbouring brickworks.
Devastated residents Melinda Brackley and Shannon Astill photographed the clearing near the corner of Stewartby Crescent and Trent Street.
“We tried so hard; Mel has just worked so hard and the City of Swan even agreed with us to a certain point but the WA Planning Commission said ‘don’t worry about it’, it doesn’t mean enough,” Mrs Astill said.
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As the Reporter revealed in December, the bushland, identified as protected in the City of Swan’s biodiversity strategy, was approved for subdivision in 1968 but left uncleared until now.
Pindan said last year an independent environmental assessment had “found nothing of significance should clearing be required”.
“Given that the lots are all individually titled, there is no statutory requirement for consultation to carry out civil works,” a Pindan spokeswoman said.
Mrs Brackley said the City of Swan was notified Thursday afternoon of the WAPC approval to remove the trees.
“The City of Swan is mystified at the late notification which prevented any sort of action to prevent this,” she said.
“This is devastating on so many levels.”
n See video of tree removal at www.facebook.com/hillsmidland
n See our stories at www.communitynews.com.au