The publication of laws in the State Government Gazette on September 26 means the City can access State Forest land for the widening of Gnangara Road.
But it will need to wait for the end of a 30-day Native Title consultation process to start the roadworks.
The City has been eagerly awaiting the land’s gazettal and immediately began the Native Title consultation process, which will end on October 26.
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READ NOWCity Mayor Charlie Zannino said he did not foresee any issues arising during the Native Title consultation process, due to previous talks with the Aboriginal community.
‘Native Title holders must be provided the opportunity to comment or object to a change in the tenure of the land,’ he said. ‘Prior to applying for the State Forest Excision, the City completed consultation with the Aboriginal community under a Section 18 Notice (Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972) and we expect the Native Title consultation process to flow smoothly.’
Mr Zannino said strong community demand for the road upgrade had prioritised the project.
‘We know people have been keen to see the upgrade of this road as soon as possible and we have prioritised this project to be able to start work as soon as possible,’ he said. ‘These works will result in a safer road environment and improve the flow of traffic for regular commuters and occasional users.’
The Forest Products Commission has already begun logging near the recently gazetted 19.8-hectare portion of land to the west of Ellenbrook.