‘Time is Up, WAPC!’

Update from the Chair - Paige McNeil:15/4/2020

I had an excellent phone conversation with one of our remarkable Perth Hills’ community members wanting to understand more about Save Perth Hills and where we’re up to in our “Fight against North Stoneville”.

This caused me to reflect on our purpose.

Save Perth Hills is committed to a safe community and preserving the unique environment, heritage and culture of Perth’s Hills.

I then imagined all the projects Save Perth Hills could support. Fighting “for” causes which would enhance this precious biodiversity hotspot.

But alas, reality has forced us to fight, AGAIN, against an inappropriate urban development which is dangerous to our community and destructive to the environment.

As you may know, this fight is not new. Save Perth Hills was established around 20 years ago, by courageous men and women, some of whom have sadly passed, and others who remain outstanding community citizens and have handed the baton to the current committee.

‘North Stoneville’ was a bad idea in the 1990s and it’s a dangerous and destructive idea now, in our drying and heating climate, when mega-fires have changed the rules. Just last week Perth recorded its hottest April day, 39.5. I attach a recent article about the dangers of suburban developments in fire prone regions.

https://newsroom.unsw.edu.au/…/bushfires-we-must-rethink-we…

Since we were informed by the WA Planning Commission (WAPC) about another delay on ‘North Stoneville’ (until 31st July or later), I’ve written to WAPC Chair, David Caddy, requesting a date be set ASAP and technology be used to facilitate deputations requested on top of the almost 1000 community written objections.

Our community managed, in just 3 short weeks over Christmas 2018, to review Satterley’s 10+ reports and prepare 957 objections to the Shire.

The Shire then needed 3 extra months to prepare its case for August 2019 when our Council unanimously voted NO to ‘North Stoneville’. And now Satterley and the WAPC get another 3 months’ extension - and maybe longer, despite everyone being prepared for an April 21st hearing!

There’s been enough time to determine the outcome. Our Community has spoken, and all sides and levels of politics object to ‘North Stoneville’, including our Shire and Councillors.

Save Perth Hills is not going away. We’re a permanent community fixture. We’ll continue to press for a timely decision on ‘North Stoneville’.

There is no reason to delay.

Is Your Letterbox Ready?

Here at Save Perth Hills, we have a healthy supply of our famous car stickers.... and it would be a shame to not put them to good use. After all, we are NOT going to go away! 😉 So here's the plan - will you join Save Perth Hills and brighten up your letterbox? (We know you have the time to reply 😉)

You can say one of these: 'yes', yep, yip, for sure, yeah mate, sure cob, 100%, you had me at sticker...'

...

OK brilliant - then send us a message on Facebook or email us saveperthhillsinc@gmail.com with your address and your sticker placement instructions. One of our crew will adhere the sticker as instructed. Social distancing campaigning to Save Perth Hills can be done ✅ P.S. remember to message or email us! P.P.S. Stickers are 29cm x 8cm P.P.P.S. gates, fence post and meter boxes make great alternative locations

Decision Delay Video

Our wonderful team has put together another video. This time, we're calling into question the DELAY to a decision on proposed SP34 - North Stoneville. Be sure to watch to the end for the poll question. Please watch and share ↗️

You may also be interested to read the WAPC response sent to the Stoneville & Parkerville Progress Assoc. 👇

Dear Jo

RE: Timing for consideration of the North Stoneville Structure Plan 34 by the Western Australian Planning Commission

Current and unfolding circumstances relating to Coronavirus (COVID-19) are having significant impacts across all business, which is requiring new ways to conduct normal business activities.

For the State Government, and the Western Australian Planning Commission, it is business as usual as much as practicably possible. In order to comply with the strict restrictions on public gatherings, we have moved to virtual meetings – the first of which is scheduled next week – and we continue to monitor the situation and our ability to support the community at this time.

With around 1,000 submissions made during the advertising of the Structure Plan, the Commission is acutely aware of the significant public interest in the proposed North Stoneville Structure Plan 34 (SP34) and in view of social distancing protocols now in place, does not want the process compromised in any way.

The proposed structure plan was due for consideration before 30 April 2020. However, in order to ensure that the Commission can appropriately accommodate and hear public deputations, it has been agreed, in consultation with the applicant, for a further extension of time until 31 July 2020. As we have indicated previously, if a further extension of time is required, that can be made in agreement with the applicant.

We want to assure you that all Commission members are committed to ensuring that this proposal is given due consideration across all parts of the process.

While a meeting date is yet to be set to consider the proposal, we will ensure you are kept informed. In the meantime, assessment of the Structure Plan by Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage officers is ongoing.

We trust you will be understanding of this decision in these uncertain times. Should you have any queries, please contact me by reply email.

Kind regards

Sam Fagan | WAPC Secretary

Western Australian Planning Commission

The community believes that this proposed development makes no sense. Most concerning to us all is the Black Summer of 2020 experience as well as recent bush fire experiences within this extreme fire-prone area.