LIBERAL candidate for Bullwinkel Matt Moran reaffirmed his strong opposition to the North Stoneville development at last weekend’s Save Perth Hills rally in Mundaring.

Mr Moran condemned the Albanese Government’s decision to green-light the proposed high-density housing development in the heart of Perth’s Hills, a region highly susceptible to bushfires.

He warned that the project, which has been opposed by local residents for more than three decades, puts lives at risk and threatens the region’s unique natural environment.

“This is an example of Labor putting profits before people. The North Stoneville development defies common sense, ignoring the well-documented dangers of building in a bushfire-prone area and the devastating impact on the environment,” Mr Moran said.

He said the Federal Environment Minister, Tanya Plibersek, had the power to defer this reckless project under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act but instead chose to approve a plan that will see up to 60,000 trees destroyed and critical habitat for endangered black cockatoos wiped out.

“Residents in the Perth Hills have endured major bushfires in 2003, 2008, 2014, and 2021 - all within five kilometres of this proposed site. These clear risks, endangering lives, straining emergency services, and damaging the environment is unacceptable.”