WHERE IS THE SP79 PROJECT AT?

Rezoning from Rural to Rural Residential was granted in 2019.

Following the rezoning, work commenced on the Draft Structure Plan. A Feasibility Study was also carried out, along with detailed site investigations.

Plans to submit the development proposal to the Shire of Mundaring have been postponed. The submission has been delayed so that PCYC may consider the impact of any outcomes from the Royal Commission into Natural Disasters on the development requirements, to learn more from findings in other development applications,  and to consult further with stakeholders and the community.

At this stage it is anticipated that Council will be asked to consider the structure plan at its February 2021 meeting.

WHAT ARE THE NEXT STAGES OF THE PROJECT?

The local Shire has been working with PCYC’s representatives and consultants for many months.  Following further investigation, if PCYC decides to proceed with SP79, development plans will be lodged with the Shire of Mundaring and considered in February 2021. It is expected that full approval to commence building roads and sub-dividing blocks will take a minimum of six months from lodgement with the council.

Once the structure plan is approved, a subdivision application will be submitted. Once subdivision approval granted, civil construction can commence.  It is hoped this work might commence later in the second half of 2021.  Once construction is completed, titles can be issued and lots sold.

WHAT IS THE BUSHFIRE RISK FOR THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT?

Like many beautiful parts of Australia, the Perth Hills is a high-risk bushfire zone.  The environment we love carries risks with it.  According to the CSIRO/BOM (2018), Mundaring Shire is Australia’s fifth highest Bushfire Risk Address. New South Wales and Victoria are the two states worst affected by bushfire and, according to a report issued in November 2019 (by Risk Frontiers), the top 10 most fire-prone areas in Australia are all in Victoria.

Any which way, it is clear that bushfire is a critical risk for our local community and the major bushfires we experienced in 2003, 2008 and 2014 were traumatic for many members of our community – and the memories live on.

PCYC acknowledges the bushfire risks and the devastation caused, and is committed to high standards of bushfire risk management.

The State Government is currently reviewing WA’s bushfire planning and building frameworks. This is to ensure they are based on scientific evidence and adapted to the State’s landscapes and bushfire risks.

A working group representing State and Commonwealth agencies including the CSIRO is undertaking the review. It’s anticipated an updated Map of Bushfire Prone Areas, draft SPP 3.7 and the Guidelines will be released for public discussion before being finalised in 2021.

HOW WILL PCYC RESPOND TO BUSHFIRE RISK?

PCYC is all too aware of the horrific consequences bushfires can have on the community and local flora and fauna, and it is of the upmost importance to the organisation that it ensures to the very best of its ability, the safety and well-being of not only the new residents to this wonderful community but also to those who have called this area home for many years.

To address the bushfire risk, the local council and State Government have strict requirements for building in high-risk areas. PCYC has undertaken all of the due diligence required in relation to bushfire concerns and plans for SP79 take into consideration these risks and requirements.

A comprehensive fire management plan has been prepared by technical experts in accordance with the State Planning Policy 3.7 Planning in Bushfire Prone Ares (SPP3.7), the Guidelines for Planning in Bushfire Prone Areas and Australian Standards 3959-2009 Construction of Building in Bushfire Prone Areas (AS 3959). The plan has been approved by DFES, which stated that the development meets the fire risk requirements.

The bushfire risk will be managed through the application of acceptable solutions under the Guidelines, including provisions for and implementation of Asset Protection Zones, relevant bushfire construction standards under AS3959, provisions of adequate emergency water supply and vehicle access, as well as through a direct bushfire suppression response if required.

Some vegetation will be cleared within Roland, Kilburn and Brindle Road verges to achieve a low threat/non-vegetated state, as well as conversion of the current on-site grassland to a managed low threat/non-vegetated state.

All future development will be located to avoid areas of extreme Bushfire Hazard Level and achieve a rating of BAL-19 or lower via building setbacks.

PCYC will also incorporate any additional requirements for bushfire risk mitigation that stem from the outcomes of the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements.

WHAT ABOUT THE EVACUATION MEASURES?

The design of SP79 ensures adequate road access in the event of a bushfire emergency. The road layout is actually very permeable and provides easy egress for both current and future residents. The plan has numerous roads off Kilburn Road that are adequate in the event of a bushfire or emergency evacuation. For a development this size, the requirement was only for two evacuation roads, but PCYC ensured that there are four to allow for the easy flow of traffic. 

WHAT IMPACT WITH SP79 HAVE ON THE ENVIRONMENT?

PCYC has been part of the Hills community for almost 120 years. We appreciate that the Hills environment, especially the natural bushland, is special. The plans for the 58-lot residential development aim to protect and preserve the natural environment – though it’s important to note that this land is former farming land and much of it was cleared many many years ago.

Thorough environmental studies have been carried out and plans developed to ensure any impacts on flora, fauna and waterways are minimised. In fact, central to the plans for the land is the restoration and improvement of Clutterbuck Creek.

Buyers at SP79 will also be encouraged to incorporate sustainable design and living into their homes, The aim is to provide housing opportunities and integrate them with the natural environment in a respectful and responsive way.

WHAT IS PLANNED FOR CLUTTERBUCK CREEK?

At the moment, Clutterbuck Creek is fenced off from the community. As part of the enhancement program, the area will be revitalised as a community space. Opening up the creek to the community will provide a wonderful place for reflection, relaxation and exercise, as well as wildlife watching for all to enjoy. 

A walk path will be installed right around the creek (adjacent to the proposed development) and park benches will be placed at locations around the creek for rest stops and for those wanting to sit and enjoy the natural surrounds.  PCYC will work with the community to include features including public artwork.

In addition, a conservation and management plan has been developed for Clutterbuck Creek. The management plan will ensure no uncontrolled stormwater will enter the creek. This will be achieved by having a drainage swale next to the creek that ultimately improves water quality.  Currently, as a farming lot, all stormwater enters the creek uncontrolled, allowing nutrient contamination. The water quality entering the creek will be significantly improved and a two-year water monitoring plan is in place to ensure the integrity of the development proposal. 

The good news is the success already achieved in improving the creek’s water quality in the area around Harmony Estate – so we’re looking forward to good results in this section of the Creek too.

PCYC is committed to conserving the natural beauty and habitat of Clutterbuck Creek. Plans for the revitalisation will include ridding the creek of introduced weeks and revegetating with naturally occurring species. We are hoping that many community members will want to be a part of this project – it’s high on the agenda for discussion by our new Community Panel. 

HOW WILL SEWERAGE MATTERS BE ADDRESSED?

To ensure no sewage leaks into ground water, PCYC will install aerobic treatment units (ATUs) similar to those installed as part of the Harmony Estate development. The ATUs protects from ground water contamination and also complies with the environmental requirements for effluent disposal and distance from waterways with the 100m buffer to Clutterbuck Creek. 

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE TREES?

The SP79 land is an open paddock once used for farming – so much of the land was cleared some years ago.  Nonetheless, we’re keen to preserve as many of the trees still there as possible. The development will see 16.55ha turned into just 58 large lots so there is no need for extensive clearing and 85 per cent of all the trees will be retained. It should be noted that some trees will need to be cleared to meet fire safety regulations.

A survey of the land was undertaken and all significant trees were mapped. The subdivision layout has been designed around the trees in order to protect as many trees as possible. During the survey, two hollow trees which are a favorite of Black Cockatoos for nesting were located and these will not only be retained, but the roads have been altered to go around them so the Black Cockatoos have minimal disturbance.  

WHAT IMPACT WILL SP79 HAVE ON THE HILLS LIFESTYLE?

It will enhance it with fabulous new community members living on large lots in a wonderful part of Perth! 

From the beginning, PCYC has been a part of the Hills community. It was through community goodwill and support that the original children’s home was established and made a contribution to its neighbourhood.

PCYC’s plan for SP79 is to provide much sought-after country blocks (on average 2,000sqm) for families looking to become a part of the Hills community and enjoy the unique lifestyle on offer.

The development is just 58 lots, ensuring existing infrastructure and services are not put under strain. 

Small and thoughtfully designed, SP79 is a development in keeping with the lifestyle unique to the Hills, where sustainability and living in harmony with the environment will be encouraged.