SHIRE of Mundaring council has backed the Robinson Grove Phase 2 structure plan despite opposing deputations calling for concerns to be resolved before it proceeds.

Bellevue Residents and Ratepayers Association representative Mark Richards asked council to defer the proposal, while Bibbul Ngarma Aboriginal Association (BNAA) chairperson Walter McGuire urged refusal.

“The recommendation approves first and fixes the assessment afterwards,” Mr Richards said.

He questioned the traffic assessment, an increase from the advertised 350 dwellings to a recommended maximum of 400, and the provision of public open space.

“The advertised plan was capped at 350 dwellings.The traffic assessment assumed about 360,” he said.

“There is still no active recreational space inside the estate and our request for a playing field has gone unanswered.”

Mr Richards said the association had objected in February and wanted outstanding assessments completed before council recommended approval.

“We ask council to defer the item until the traffic assessment is finalised, recommend re-advertising of a revised plan and require the open space to be corrected before any recommendation of approval.”

Mr McGuire raised concerns about foreshore restoration and the care of the river system.

He said “the promised restoration has not been delivered” and called for council to address the outstanding obligations before further development.

“We encourage the council, and strongly urge the council to recommend a refusal,” he said.

His objection concerned restoration work and environmental degradation, while he also encouraged cooperation between First Nations people and the wider community.

TBB Planning’s Rachel Chapman told council a revised foreshore management plan had been submitted in June last year and was being assessed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

Ms Chapman said the regional open space area formed part of the Phase 1 structure plan and its associated subdivision approvals. That area includes the Helena River foreshore.

“So it’s been under assessment for some time, but we remain committed to finalising that and achieving an approved foreshore management plan,” she said.

“It will provide then the certainty regarding rehabilitation requirements and enable implementation of the associated works.

“So the proponent remains committed to engage with relevant agencies and key stakeholders through the establishment and finalisation of the approval processes.”

Ms Chapman said advancing Phase 2 would not prevent work on Phase 1 and its commitments.

Council supported Shire President Paige McNeil’s amendment reducing the recommended dwelling cap from 400 to 350.

An alternative motion, moved by councillor Luke Ellery and seconded by councillor Toni Strutt, sought further traffic investigations, bushfire access work and advice on water and foreshore management.

Council also requested a November briefing on foreshore-related subdivision conditions for Phase 1 and asked the chief executive officer to encourage the developer to work with BNAA on foreshore works and adjoining public open space.

The October 13 recommendation was carried 6-2, with councillors Prapti Mehta and John Daw voting against.

The WAPC will decide whether to approve the structure plan application.