The City of Canning council has voted to adopt recommendations to change the classification of land in Canning Vale from ‘Public Open Space’ to ‘Environmental Conservation.’
The areas to be rezoned are situated near Ranford Road, the City’s Waste Transfer Station, Clifton Road, and Livingston Estate in Canning Vale.
After being independently assessed for its ecological significance, the amendment aims to enhance the protection of the area, which possesses significant biodiversity and conservation value, aligning with the City’s Local Biodiversity Strategy.
“Over 300 specimens were identified as having significance and will be nominated for consideration to be included in the City’s Significant Tree Register,” the report stated.
“The ‘Environmental Conservation’ classification will provide a further layer of protection (additional to its classification as a Bush Forever Site) over the subject land from any future development.”
However, only a portion of the open space is being reclassified to a conservation due to the presence of infrastructure, such as the City’s Waste Transfer Station and the deferred Jandakot Eastern Link Road, which affects the area’s zoning.
“The classification of ‘Environmental Conservation’ for the entire lot would affect the future operations of the Waste Transfer Station and conflict with the Jandakot Eastern Link Road’s (JELR) Metropolitan Regional Scheme (MRS) classification,” the report stated.
As part of the amendment process, public consultation was conducted, during which 11 submissions were received, with two in support, one against, and eight providing comments on the Scheme Amendment.
In support of the amendment, one submission read, “The Ranford Road bushland is a jewel in Canning’s remnant natural areas.”
While in disagreement, another submission stated, “Some of the City’s Elected Members do not want the Jandakot Eastern Link Road (JELR) ever constructed, however these Elected Members have failed to acknowledge Council’s previous support of the JELR.”
In response to the disagreement, the officer’s report provided further clarification on the proposal, stating that the new classification would not interfere with existing infrastructure plans.
“The boundary proposed for the Scheme Amendment avoids the ‘Other Regional Road’ reserve for the JELR.”
Mayor Patrick Hall supported the recommendations and reclassification, along with all the City of Canning councillors, highlighting the area’s ecological significance.
“Surveys have documented diverse vegetation types, including significant Banksia woodlands, wetland areas, and transitional zones,” Mayor Hall said.
“Although no threatened flora species have been recorded on Lot 500, it may provide habitat for the Grand Spider Orchid (Caladenia huegelii), with nearby populations found in adjacent bushlands.”
