Kalamunda tree protection
Dear Echo News,
A beyond disappointing result at the City of Kalamunda ordinary council meeting held on Tuesday, June 23.
Five of the eight councillors present voted against their own weak attempt at a tree protection policy.
Their lack of support of this policy at the 11th hour makes the last 16 months “action” on this matter appear to be nothing but a charade.
If they had views on what they would want to see in order to support a tree protection policy – why on earth was this not requested from staff, and actioned over the extensive drafting period?
Some alarming statements from Cr Clark, Mayor Thomas and Cr Modolo imply some perverse belief in landowners’ constitutional right to bear chainsaws in any context.
Their views completely fail to acknowledge the amenity value that mature trees provide to a whole community.
They also take no account of recent decisions in the SAT that reiterate the need for local government planning policies to frame decision making on tree removals on private land.
Certain councillors repeated rhetoric that a focus on replanting is the way to achieve our canopy target is so fundamentally flawed.
If we are talking about a need for evidence – where is the modelling, data and cost benefit analysis to support this course of action?
The 2026 DPLH canopy data to be released later this year will be on a like for like basis to the 2024 data currently available.
This data will directly show the impact of the policy vacuum since February 24 – and responsibility for this loss sits squarely with the councillors who have repeatedly failed to act on this critical issue.
I truly believe the composition in council is not a balanced representation of the views of residents – but we have to accept that those individuals were the ones voted in and look to October 2027.
In the meantime – I am commencing a formal documentation of trees lost across the city, and encouraging residents to send me examples when they note a tree lost in their area.
This isn’t about naming and shaming individuals, it is simply the collation of evidence, to demonstrate that despite what Cr Clark and Cr Modolo seem to assert – that the current existing planning system is not sufficient to support any kind of balanced approach to tree retention.
Hannah Lill
Kalamunda Tree Canopy Advocates
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History of One Nation
Dear Echo News,
Following the visit as reported in Pauline Hanson faces Midland business crowd, I entered the following search term into Google, “List of One Nation elected representatives,” and top of the list was a Wikipedia article of that name.
Some interesting figures contained therein.
Since 2016 that party has had roughly 48 members elected around the country.
Of these, 33 have left the party and/or the Parliament(s).
Statistically it seems that a vote for One Nation is likely to achieve very little.
KG Blake
Lesmurdie
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Common sense on shadowing
Dear Echo News,
In response to the letter in the June 12 edition about shadowing.
Great to see common sense has prevailed down at the town hall in Bassendean.
The background of the story is about a local couple who got council approval to build a large house complying with R codes and local laws and regulations and also got approval for a comprehensive solar system.
However, now council’s administration, staff, management and CEO all recommended the approval of a new two storey development next door which would overshadow the existing house significantly.
All but one councillor voted to not accept the administration’s recommendation and the proposed development was rejected.
There was one councillor (Ken John) who put up the ridiculous argument that the development should be approved as it would be a costly impact on the annual budget if it goes to the state administrative tribunal.
Well done councillors who voted against.
G Coleman
Bassendean
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Salvos Red Shield Appeal
Dear Echo News,
It is important to take advantage of moments throughout the year to reflect. To take stock of the blessings, the successes and the positive moments in your life.
In the past couple of weeks, The Salvation Army have had the chance to reflect on the incredible spirit of generosity that pervades our Australian culture.
We saw Australia come together and dig deep for our Red Shield Appeal weekend recently. We witnessed radical kindness and support, and for that, we say an enormous thank you.
However, for the Salvos, this time of reflection must pivot into action. Our Red Shield Appeal is still aiming to raise $41 million by June 30, and we are not there yet.
What this reflection does provide us with, though, is a sense of hope for the future. The hope that we will reach our goal and, more importantly, be able to continue our vital services right across the nation.
In fact, through supporting the Salvos this year, you can literally be the hope that others desperately need.
This is the hope that the Salvos provide to someone every 17 seconds in Australia.
Those coming to us for help are skipping meals daily, using public spaces to shower and eating out of rubbish bins – all because of the cost of living and how tough it is financially for so many people.
While we say thank you to all who have given so far, we ask those who may still be considering supporting the appeal to please do so.
Please be the hope for someone doing it tough.
To make a tax-deductible donation to The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, or if you need support from the Salvos, visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS. You can also donate at any Salvos Store.
Major Bruce Harmer
The Salvation Army
