Belmont MLA Cassie Rowe.
Camera IconBelmont MLA Cassie Rowe. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Ascot residents deliver petition protesting against wetlands development

Aaron CorlettSouthern Gazette

A GROUP of Ascot residents will deliver a petition to Belmont MLA Cassie Rowe on Saturday to try and stop Landcorp developing a piece of land in their suburb.

About 3000 people have signed the petition against Landcorp’s plans to rezone Lot 603 Fauntleroy Avenue, which is a part of Development Area 8 (DA8), with the intention to transform the land into a “quality residential development” by rezoning the area and changing the level of density permitted.

The residents want to see the wetlands in the area remain and are calling for the organisation to leave the area alone.

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Ms Rowe is expected to table the petition in Parliament next week.

She said she had met with many residents who were deeply distressed about the prospect of the lot being developed.

“There is community outrage at the idea of this environmentally important parcel of land being developed as evidenced by the number of people who have contacted me in regards to this issue,” she said.

“Locals are particularly worried about developing this wetlands as it supports ecologically important tress, turtles and migratory birdlife.

“I have spoken with the Minister about this issue and articulated the community concerns around any development in this particular area.

“Nobody ever looks back years later and regrets protecting an area of wetland within a city. We need to be taking a long term view.”

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Camera IconImage Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Landcorp metropolitan general manager John Hackett said the lot had been zoned for residential uses since the 1970s and was separated from Garvey Park by an existing road reserve.

“Investigations into Lot 603 have included studies of the geotechnical and hydrological conditions of the site, environmental studies, as well as initial consultation with Development Area 8 (DA8) landowners and other community members,” he said.

“The results of these investigations are currently being reviewed and will guide the future direction of the project.”

Ascot resident Joanne Fabling said the goal of the petition was to remove the lot from DA8.

“It’s massively positive that Cassie is supporting us and she has been extremely supportive,” she said.

“The signatures have been collected in a short space of time, since December 15 last year.

“Landcorp have been unable to answer questions about exactly what the development would look like.”

Residents campaigning against the development have been referencing the area as the Garvey Park Wetlands.

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