Land will remain as a “green entry statement”

Land will remain as a “green entry statement”

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City of Armadale councillor Grant Nixon and deputy mayor Ruth Butterfield at the Lot 801 site. Photograph - Richard Polden.

A 7.5-hectare plot of land containing plenty of native flora and fauna will remain exactly as it is today, despite being sighted previously as an ideal location for the City of Gosnells work depot. 

The land in question, Lot 801, resides within the City of Armadale and borders Tonkin Highway, Koorden Close and Corfield Street. 

City of Armadale deputy mayor Ruth Butterfield and councillor Grant Nixon rallied the Western Australian Planning Commission earlier this year, arguing the importance of retaining the land as a green entry statement for the city. 

City of Gosnells chief executive Ian Cowie previously said the site was well located for its work depot with respect to transport access and the fact there is no residential developments in the near vicinity. 

However Ms Butterfield and Mr Nixon argued that if the land were to be changed back to public purpose it would have disastrous impacts on the habitat for birds and other wildlife. 

Their efforts paid off recently with the WA Planning Commission deciding that the land is not suitable for the City of Gosnells work depot. 

Ms Butterfield said the decision brought great relief. 

“It feels as if a weight has been lifted from me and the City of Armadale,” she said. 

“It is heartening to know that our deputation to the WA Planning Commission was effective in bringing about this change. 

“The City of Armadale has requested vesting of lot 801 so that it be managed for recreation and conservation for future generations.”