THE Shire of Mundaring has voted for a complete cessation of works for the Brooking Road extension and Falls Road Bridge replacement until a full briefing can be investigated.

The motion, which was put forward to the council at their ordinary council meeting on November 11, was carried in a vote of eight to one, with the briefing scheduled to be delivered to council within the next two weeks.

As a result of the vote, the council have requested an immediate pause on all activities associated with the extension and bridge replacement, which will remain in effect until the detailed report is reviewed.

The comprehensive briefing will detail the proposed road elevation and its impact on residential amenity, potential flooding and runoff impacts, hydrological and ecological consequences, the extent of tree clearing and canopy loss, and the outcomes of community engagement.

The motion to cease was first moved by Cr Mehta who wished for further clarity on the proposed extension and its impact on local residents.

“What I am asking for is a… short pause so that we as a council have information in front of us,” she said on the council floor.

“So that when we do proceed, we do so with confidence and the community beside us.

“To do that, we the council need to clearly understand what is planned, what it means for nearby residents, and what they environmental implications are before we commence the project.

“These concerns go at the heart of community confidence in the project, when residents are unsure or feel they have incomplete information, it undermines trust in the process.”

Only one councillor spoke against the motion, as Cr Cicchini highlighted the previous extensive reporting done on the proposed extension.

“We have had two briefings (already)… in September and May... on this extension,” she said.

“The (issues) that… are raised in the briefing are actually quite clear in the clearing permit which was given on October 18 2021… a lot of those things are actually addressed.

“We have such a bottleneck on Byfield (Road) and Roland (Road)… this extension is something that is needed.”

The full briefing is expected to be reviewed at the next ordinary council meeting on December 9.