Stirling Council Approves Residential Hub at Former ECU Campus with Tree Retention Condition
The City of Stirling has given the green light to forward works that will prepare the former Edith Cowan University (ECU) Mt Lawley campus for a major residential transformation. This decision, made at last Tuesday's council meeting, comes with specific conditions focused on tree retention, as the project could see the removal of over 800 trees.
Project Details and Environmental Concerns
The proposed development aims to build up to 1,100 homes and create open public spaces near the Central Business District (CBD). The forward works will involve demolitions, bulk earthworks, tree removal, and site remediation. However, tree loss has emerged as a significant concern, with a "worst-case scenario" indicating that 836 trees within work areas may be impacted.
An arborist's report identified 1,323 trees on the site. If the full extent of works proceeds, approximately 487 trees will be retained. The site has a complex history, having been used as a sanitary landfill prior to 1932 and later deemed remediated for restricted use as a university. A council report noted that redeveloping the area into a sensitive residential zone would require a more rigorous contamination assessment.
Council Debate and Alternative Recommendations
During the meeting, Councillor Suzanne Migdale voiced strong concerns about transparency and sustainability. She proposed an alternative recommendation, which was supported by most council members except Councillor Michael Dudek. This recommendation called for limiting tree removal to areas proven necessary for contamination remediation and making every effort to retain mature canopy trees.
"What we can do is ensure the best possible outcome for our community and environment, and that's why I put up the alternate recommendation," Cr Migdale stated. "This forward works plan raises real concerns about transparency. The scale of tree removal—over 800 substantial trees—was never mentioned during the master planning consultation. We're only hearing about it now. The community deserved to know from the start that this site was contaminated and that most of its trees would go."
Cr Migdale emphasized that removing 800 trees could reduce the Lawley ward's canopy by more than 2 percent. "When this 17-hectare site is eventually handed to the city, it will have little to no canopy—and it will take decades to rebuild it," she warned. She acknowledged Perth's housing crisis but stressed that transparency and sustainability must accompany growth. "Transparency builds trust. When State agencies communicate openly from the beginning, the planning process functions as it should," she added.
Council Conditions and Future Steps
The city report acknowledged that some tree removal is unavoidable. "From an early stage, the city has requested that tree retention be a priority for this site but also recognised that some tree loss would be inevitable to facilitate the development of the site," it stated. "Following detailed site investigations, efforts will be made to identify additional trees that may be retained where possible. Where investigations confirm that trees can be safely retained without compromising remediation, infrastructure delivery or safety requirements, the extent of vegetation removal will be reduced and retention prioritised."
Conditions of the city's approval include:
- A tree protection plan before works begin.
- Tree protection specifications to outline how trees can be safeguarded during site works.
The final decision on the project will rest with the WA Planning Commission. The vote at the city's planning and development committee meeting on March 10 was tied 4-4, with Cr Suzanne Migdale using her casting vote to recommend approval. The precinct master plan is open for public comment until Friday, April 17.
This development highlights the ongoing balance between addressing Perth's housing needs and preserving environmental assets, with community input playing a crucial role in the planning process.
