Mandurah development sparks anger in residents

Locals have been worried that developer, Westcross Projects was not following the proper protocol for environment management.

Local resident Vicki Lee said she was worried about the damage done to numerous trees, including one marked to be saved, which had been cut down.

“Wednesday morning I drove past and this big tuart tree which was marked as retained was still standing,” Ms Lee said.

“I drove past later that day and it had been cut down.

"When [the development] first started there were two big tuart trees which I was told were to be saved.

"Two days later and they were gone."

She said not only did these trees provide homes for black cockatoos and possums, which she has seen there for almost 12 years, the development had also been responsible for the deaths of native animals.

“It makes me feel let down that the people in charge are not doing the right thing,” she said.

Westcross Projects architect and director, Ben Caine said he could not comment on animals which had died, despite Ms Lee’s photo evidence, as he could not be sure the animals were from the Greenfields site.

He did admit there were two trees adjacent to Kirkpatrick Drive which were due to be retained.

“Upon re-inspection by the arborist it was noted that both trees had severe decay and large hollows, termite infestation and limb tear outs,” Mr Caine said.

“A likelihood of large falling branches in high traffic areas created a high risk to people and property and as such the trees were recommended for removal.

“It was resolved in consultation with staff from the City of Mandurah that these trees would be inspected for fauna and subsequently cleared.” 

Deputy mayor Darren Lee attended Thursday's protest and said the site was the developer's responsibility to control but the City of Mandurah would ensure environmental requirements of the site would be  adhered to.

"We want to make sure our wildlife is protected for future generations to come," he said.