Wirring Road subdivision in Cowaramup sparks concerns about potential tree losses

A spokesperson for the developer of Cowaramup’s future giant subdivision off Wirring Road has tamped down public concerns about the loss of mature trees. While residents in Witchcliffe have rallied to save scores of old-growth trees slated for removal as part of the Witchcliffe Forest Estate, Cowaramup developer Rod Duggan said trees sheltering the western edge of the subdivision off Mahogany Way would be retained wherever possible. Project spokesman and planning consultant Peter Gleed said the owner was keen to allay fears about tree removal. As reported previously by the Times, the majority of the whopping 41ha subdivision, which wraps around the town centre on the east from Wirring Road to Palmer Road, was mostly cleared ex-pasture, and had already got the tick from WA’s Environmental Protection Authority. “The structure plan says those trees are to be retained where possible,” Mr Gleed said. “Mr Duggan’s aware of their (residents) concerns and he’s going to make sure that is addressed through the proper process.” The consultant also said an error in the fire management plan sparked some of the confusion, but the aspiration was to retain existing mature trees as a buffer. However, many Cowaramup residents voiced concerns about the scale of the subdivision and the feared loss of mature trees. Resident Raphaela Raabar urged fellow Cow-towners to make a submission on the structure plan before the public comment period ended because the trees in question were crucial habitat for birds and possums. “The feedback we provide to the Shire could help to review and replan the development, allowing for new houses to be built while also retaining those trees that shape our village green landscape,” she said. The proposed new subdivision was identified by councillors last year as the next major stage in Cowaramup’s growth, set to provide an estimated 350-plus lots measuring between 150sqm and 1000sqm, and room for more than 1000 new residents. The subdivision did not include any commercial lots, and had rural lots placed on its periphery. About 4.28ha of public open space is included in the plan across three locations, representing about 10 per cent of the overall site, and the Times understands the smallest lots have been earmarked for a lifestyle village-type retirement complex near Villers Street. Public submissions were open until March 10 via the Shire’s YourSay web portal.