More than 800 trees could be removed from the former Edith Cowan University Mt Lawley campus, as planning officers have recommended approval for the works tied to its redevelopment. The proposal, scheduled for consideration by the WA Planning Commission Statutory Planning Committee on Wednesday, involves tree removal and bulk earthworks across the 18.6-hectare site.
Scope of the Proposed Works
The application includes bulk earthworks, contamination remediation, demolition of buildings and pavement, and relocation of underground services. These works are part of the site's transformation into 1100 homes, public open space, and a creative industries hub close to Perth's CBD.
Tree Removal Details
Planning documents indicate that 836 of the site's current 1323 trees, approximately 63 percent, may be removed under a conservative, maximum extent scenario. The report highlights the site's history as a former landfill as the primary driver for the works, with remediation necessary before redevelopment can proceed. It states, "The extent of potential tree removal reflects the constraints of the site and the need to undertake works to ensure the site can be suitably remediated for future development."
Conditions and Recommendations
Planning officers have recommended approval subject to conditions, including tree protection plans and construction environmental management plans designed to protect vegetation during works. The City of Stirling also backed the proposal with conditions for tree retention.
Community Concerns
The proposal sparked significant community concern during public consultation, with 68 objections among 112 submissions. Many focused on the scale of tree clearing and fears over loss of mature canopy, wildlife habitat, and neighbourhood amenity. Concerns included loss of shade and tree canopy, urban heat island impacts, habitat loss for birds and wildlife, and impacts on community wellbeing. One submission noted that replacement trees would take many years to provide comparable benefits.
Some submissions supported the proposal but with changes. One stated, "Please try to save the aesthetic/environment of Mt Lawley campus. It had a lovely welcoming feel being incorporated with the trees/WA environment. It also provides a space for wildlife to live which is integral in urban areas." Another added, "I fully support increased density for urban infill... However, I do object to the removal of any established trees."
Environmental and Regulatory Issues
The planning report acknowledged the proposal goes against the State Government's urban canopy targets, which aim to increase Perth's tree canopy cover to 30 percent by 2040. Environmental concerns also centred on threatened black cockatoos, including Carnaby's cockatoos and forest red-tailed black cockatoos. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions warned the proposal may impact their habitat and could trigger referral under the EPBC Act.
Uncertainty and Future Plans
The report noted that tree removal boundaries were drawn conservatively due to uncertainty about the extent of underground contamination. The current application relates only to enabling works and does not lock in the final redevelopment layout. The broader redevelopment is expected to take 10 to 15 years to complete.
