DESPITE community opposition lodged during public consultation, the City of Kalamunda has moved forward with the controversial sale of two public-use lots next to Andrew Reserve.

The lots on Urch and McRae roads, used by locals as access points and informal open space to Andrew Reserve, were officially recommended for sale at November’s ordinary council meeting in a unanimous vote eight to one.

Sixteen public submissions were made as part of the community’s input into the divestment, with the city reporting 12 of those submissions did not support the proposal.

The divestment report presented to council acknowledged the potential for procedural issues in the timing of advertising compared to open consultation and could be further improved.

“The timing of the public consultation and council deliberations create the perception that council has given… approval for the disposal of land prior to the community having an opportunity to formally consider the proposal,” the report stated.

“There is an opportunity to increase the level of community engagement and transparency to build on the statutory process established under (the local government act).”

As reported in Controversial land sale ignites Kalamunda dispute the city had begun advertising the land including placing a ‘For Sale’ sign on the lot before community consultation had concluded.

Kalamunda Mayor Margaret Thomas moved the motion, which authorised the chief executive officer to execute a contract of sale for each property, which was seconded by North Ward councillor Josh Clarke.

Cr Clarke, speaking for the motion, said that while the council has listened to residents’ concerns, the city has met its obligation under the local government act.

“I do acknowledge some public sentiment around the process in which they felt the cart was leading the horse,” he said.

“But I am confident having read the officer’s recommendations, that we have done things the right way.”