MANDOGALUP residents impacted by the proposed Western Trade Coast Buffer asked several question of Kwinana Council on Wednesday night, with issues ranging from rates to councillor support.
With Mayor Carol Adams running late, residents pressed Acting Mayor Peter Feasey and chief executive Joanne Abbiss during public question time for reasons why the City had seemingly taken a position of support for the buffer zone, whereas the Cities of Rockingham and Cockburn opposed it.
Among the queriers was one Mandogalup resident who said their rates increased more than 80 per cent from $1975 to almost $3600 from 2015-16 to 2016-17.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWMs Abbiss said while they were unable to speak as to the other Cities’ objections to the buffer, detailed responses would be prepared addressing the questions raised, which would be included in the agenda when completed.
Councillor Feasey said he was happy to listen to concerns and was hopeful the City would address them in the future.
“It is clear the community is concerned by this,” he said.
“There have been a lot of questions asked that I’d like the answers to.”
It is the latest chapter in the residents’ campaign against the State Government-led drive to legislate an industrial buffer across the area.
The Government is concerned by possible health and amenity issues arising from air quality and dust within Mandogalup from nearby industry.
The Environmental Protection Authority is currently preparing a report into the Mandogalup area of the proposed buffer at the request of Environment Minister Albert Jacob.