Marissa Phillips’ fence line before and after the trees were removed.
Camera IconMarissa Phillips’ fence line before and after the trees were removed. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Removal of trees for fencing at Beaumarks Park leaves resident unhappy at loss

Lucy JarvisWanneroo Times

PARTS of a Mindarie park will be fenced to protect a rare plant species.

City of Wanneroo’s parks and conservation team recently started works to fence Beaumarks Park, which stretches between Beaumarks Court, Long Beach Promenade and Savona Grove.

Assets director Harminder Singh said three native vegetation areas within the park had a population of declared rare flora identified by the Department of Parks and Wildlife.

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“The Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 sets out requirements for the protection of rare flora. Essentially the requirements provide that rare flora shall not be taken by any person (including an employee of the Crown) without the consent of the Minister for the Environment,” he said.

“In order to provide adequate protection for the declared rare fauna, a decision was made to install conservation style fencing around the three native vegetation areas to limit pedestrian access.

“The installation of this fencing will still allow for passive recreational activity within the irrigated turf sections of the park.”

Mr Singh said the City did a letter drop to nearby residents in May before works started this month.

“The City received no contact from residents as a result of the letter drop prior to the works commencing on June 8,” Mr Singh said.

Beaumarks Court resident Marissa Phillips contacted the Times after returning home from a walk to find plants along her fence line had been cleared.

Having contacted the City as well, Mrs Phillips said she had not seen the letter, and was concerned about the loss of habitat for bird life and privacy to her property.

“I returned home after a coastal walk to find that every tree and bush adjoining my boundary wall had been cut down and removed,” she said.

“My understanding is that there is an endangered plant that they want to protect. I have never heard that you need to cut down lots of other trees and bushes to protect another one.

“Eighteen to 25 white-cheeked honeyeaters actually lived in the trees and hedgerow that were cut down.

“It has been heartbreaking seeing them fly back and forth in my garden looking for their previous home.

“The green screen actually sheltered our property from high coastal winds and the general public using the park next door.”

Mr Singh said plans were revised because of conversations between the City and the resident, including a site visit on June 10.

Last week, new vegetation was planted on the park side of the boundary fence, which Mr Singh said would provide privacy and add to the existing habitat in the park.

“The conservation fencing will now be installed to the two areas of natural vegetation on the southern and middle section of the park,’ he said.

“With the new alignment of the conservation fence a fire access track will no longer be required in this park.”