BIBBUL Ngarma Aboriginal Association (BNAA) has called for the Robinson Grove Phase 2 Structure Plan to be put on hold until concerns about foreshore restoration and long-term management are resolved.

The Shire of Mundaring council is scheduled to consider the plan, known as Structure Plan 83 (SP83), on October 13.

Shire officers recommend that council support approval, subject to modifications.

The shire said council acknowledged they had heard concerns raised and would make a recommendation to the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC).

“Council’s role is to consider the Structure Plan and make a recommendation to the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC),” they said.

“The WAPC is the determining authority for the local structure plan application.”

BNAA’s concerns relate to commitments to restore and manage the Mandoon Bilya (Helena River) foreshore.

The approved Phase 1 structure plan records a deed signed on December 22, 2011 between Taliska Securities Pty Ltd and the WAPC.

It describes commitments to restore the reserve, transfer the restored land to the WAPC and manage it for 25 years.

A BNAA spokesperson said they wanted clarification on when restoration and public access commitments will be delivered, and who will fund and manage the reserve in the long term.

“The landowner made substantial commitments to restore the river, provide public access and manage the foreshore which enabled this development to proceed more than a decade ago,” they said.

“The community deserves to know when those commitments will be delivered before another expansion is approved.”

A Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) spokesperson confirmed they were working with Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH )and the proponent on the Helena River foreshore.

“DBCA is working with DPLH and the developer to work towards an appropriate long-term solution for the Helena River foreshore in this location,” they said.

A WAPC spokesperson said under the existing agreement the landowner is required to complete foreshore restoration and access works and maintain the foreshore for 25 years after those works are completed.

“The Helena River foreshore land remains privately owned by Taliska Pty Ltd,” they said.

“The WAPC along with relevant state government agencies are working with Taliska Pty Ltd to progress the required works.

“The Robinson Grove Phase 2 Structure Plan has been advertised for public comment and is currently being assessed by the Shire of Mundaring.

“Following the shire’s assessment, the structure plan will be considered by the WAPC in due course.”

The shire said the broader foreshore matters were separate from the Phase 2 proposal.

“Matters relating to the foreshore area and the Foreshore Management Plan (FMP) arise from the separately approved Structure Plan 74 (SP74) and subsequent subdivision approvals, rather than the SP83 proposal currently before council.

“The shire understands that clearance of the condition has not yet been issued and discussions between the relevant parties remain ongoing. The shire is also aware that the applicant continues to liaise with DBCA regarding future land management arrangements for the foreshore area.”

BNAA says the foreshore is important to its Mandoon Bilya Regional Riverpark project which aims to restore the river corridor and improve public access ahead of the 2029 Perth Bicentenary.

As reported in Boost for bicentenary Helena River restoration project  the project secured a $550,000 Lotterywest grant to help transform 10km of the Helena River into a thriving community, cultural and environmental asset.

Satterley has been contacted for comment.