NORTH Stoneville’s public open State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) hearings concluded last week with the third rejection of the plan by the WA planning commission (WAPC) and the Shire of Mundaring and parties awaiting the tribunal’s decision expected in 2026.

In a bid for approval, Satterley revealed it would stage construction and release 135 lots, rather than the intended 1001, pending a decision on Eastlink up Toodyay Road.

Eastlink remains the project that Satterly argued would provide better traffic access away from North Stoneville.

Main Roads WA gave evidence Eastlink might not start until 2036 or 2041.

According to Save Perth Hills (SPH), Satterley revealed the 60,000 trees providing shelter and habitat to endangered black cockatoos would need bulldozing to make way for the first stage of 135 lots, regardless if the 1001 lots went ahead in the future.

Earlier in Satterley’s appeal hearing, seeking to overturn the WA Planning Commission’s 2023 rejection of the plan, modification suggestions were introduced such as an on-site bushfire refuge.

According to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), evacuation advice encouraged leaving a bushfire scene early and sheltering at home should be the last option.

Under cross-examination by lawyers for the WAPC, Satterley was unable to provide details on where the refuge would be built, how many people it might hold, what might happen when it reached capacity, who would manage it, and parking arrangements.

Shire of Mundaring President Paige McNeil said the shire’s submissions to SAT will be released publicly once legal advice confirmed the appropriate timing.

“Council has resolved to refuse structure plan 34 due to concerns around bushfire evacuation risk, traffic impacts and environmental conservation,” she said.

“In 2020, council also resolved to support the rezoning of the land from urban to rural residential.”

Kalamunda MLA Adam Hort said he’d heard from residents concerned about animal habitat loss and bushfire risk and evacuation safety must come first.

“People also understand that we need housing, but there is strong support for the Shire of Mundaring’s proposal to rezone the land to rural residential, rather than the high-density, small-lot model being proposed,” he said.

“Rural residential lots already exist in the area and can accommodate growth without overwhelming the environment or local infrastructure.

“What stood out in the final week of the hearing was the developer’s late proposal to limit development until the Eastlink Road is built, and the suggestion that mass clearing would reduce fire risk, which runs contrary to advice from experts in the field.”

A Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage spokesperson said they could confirm the tribunal heard the North Stoneville Structure Plan appeal’s closing submissions and replies on December 9 and 11, but could not comment further on an active matter.

Echo News put questions to Satterley asking what residents should know ahead of the SAT decision, but no comment was given.