Guildford car wash concerns

Dear Echo News,

I would like to highlight the story Guildford car wash allowed around the clock operation.

I am a resident of Guildford, living opposite the proposed car wash on James Street.

We were never notified of this development.

From my survey, only two sets of residents were notified, and they were informed it would be a 7am to 7pm operation.

When I informed them it was proposed to be open 24 hours, they were really upset.

My survey so far of the residents in the area has been 100 per cent against the 24-hour opening, and most say they are against the car wash full stop!

We bought our home in Guildford knowing that there are planes, trains and automobiles but not constant floodlights, equipment noise, 24 hours of music, swearing and burnouts.

Councillors should not have a casting vote in areas that they don’t live in. I could open a can of worms on cities and shires, but I won’t.

Our residents have spoken to or emailed councillors in the last week and I have spoken to the City of Swan Mayor on this subject.

Just leave the opening times of the car wash from 7am to 7pm.

N Thoume

Guildford

Removal of tree a bad decision

Dear Echo News,

At the September City of Kalamunda ordinary council meeting five of nine councillors voted to approve the removal of a mature jarrah tree that had previously been marked for retention.

The tree itself has been standing for 200 years - and the sewer works have been in discussion and planning since mid-2025 - so I simply can’t reconcile a genuine need to bring the decision on the trees fate forward as “urgent without notice”.

The five councillors that supported the removal apparently believe the $21,000 offset payment - based on a 10 to one replacement ratio, to be an adequate compensation for the loss.

It is true, that in 200 years, we could have ten times more canopy, shade and food for black cockatoos, than what the single tree currently provides.

Unfortunately, the receipt of those benefits will be well beyond all our lifetimes.

You can’t replace a roof with an umbrella and call it even - when will the true value of our remaining remnant trees be adequately recognised?

Hannah Lill

Kalamunda Tree Canopy Advocates