SHIRE of Mundaring published a redacted version of its closing submissions for North Stoneville ahead of a State Administrative Tribunal decision expected early this year.

The submissions argue the North Stoneville proposal should be refused due to unacceptable bushfire risk, traffic impacts and environmental concerns.

The shire’s submission pointed out bushfire danger in the Perth Hills had intensified under hotter, drier conditions and that the North Stoneville site was particularly exposed.

It argued the applicant has failed to demonstrate bushfire risk would be acceptable if the structure plan were approved.

The submissions state proposed mitigation measures would not materially reduce the risk posed to future residents or surrounding communities.

Concerns were also raised about whether the local and regional road network could safely accommodate additional traffic, particularly during emergencies.

The shire argued the proposal fails to appropriately balance bushfire management with the protection of environmental conservation values and approving the structure plan would not represent orderly and proper planning for the area.

Personal information and legally confidential material were redacted from the publicly available version of the submissions.

The release follows the conclusion of open SAT hearings in December, during which developer Satterley proposed staging the development rather than delivering all 1001 lots at once.

Satterley told the tribunal it would initially release 135 lots, pending construction of the Eastlink highway, as reported in North Stoneville SAT hearings conclude.

That story also reported evidence from Main Roads WA indicated Eastlink may not commence until 2036 or later.

Community group Save Perth Hills told the tribunal the staged approach would still require the clearing of about 60,000 trees.

Cross-examination during the hearings highlighted a lack of detail surrounding a proposed on-site bushfire refuge, including its capacity and management arrangements.

Shire of Mundaring president Paige McNeil said council resolved to refuse Structure Plan 34 due to bushfire evacuation risk, traffic impacts and environmental conservation concerns.

The North Stoneville proposal was first lodged in 2019 and refused by the WA Planning Commission in July 2020.

The commission again refused an amended version of the plan in December 2023, citing failures to demonstrate acceptable bushfire risk and traffic impacts, as reported in Mundaring shire welcomes North Stoneville decision.

The matter has since been the subject of a lengthy SAT appeal process that Echo News has tracked through its special reports coverage.

In July last year, the tribunal ordered the parties to file expert evidence and submissions as part of the final stages of the appeal, as reported in North Stoneville on track for August directions hearing.

Earlier reporting documented sustained community opposition, including rallies and warnings from former emergency services officials about the risk of catastrophic bushfire events.

Satterley maintains concentrating growth around existing townsites aligns with state planning policy and says its amended plan includes environmental and infrastructure improvements.

The shire’s closing submissions reject that position, arguing the risks identified outweigh any claimed planning benefits.

The tribunal’s decision is now expected in early 2026 following the completion of all submissions and reply material.

The Shire of Mundaring has urged SAT to prioritise the protection of human life and ensure planning decisions in bushfire-prone areas do not place communities at risk.