- New five-year Planning Control Area declared for future Canning Highway upgrades
- Reduced footprint responds to community concerns around impact of potential road works on mature verge vegetation and properties
The Cook Labor Government has declared a new reduced Planning Control Area (PCA) in the City of Melville that excludes private land and mature verge trees previously at risk from potential future road widening works along Canning Highway.
In response to stakeholder and community input, led by Bateman MLA Kim Giddens, the updated PCA 185 protects existing tree canopy and substantially reduces the land requirement footprint through the removal of Sleat Road, Forbes Road and Kintail Road in Applecross.
Upon its gazettal, PCA 185 will be in effect for the next five years, allowing the Western Australian Planning Commission to ensure land use and development aligns with Canning Highway's ultimate planning design, while protecting tree canopy. Its declaration is supported by the Transport Minister, Bateman MLA Kim Giddens and local stakeholders.
As stated by Planning Minister John Carey:
"The new Planning Control Area provides certainty for the local community and will ensure mature trees are retained along key transport corridors.
"This change balances the need to ensure long-term infrastructure planning can be achieved, while minimising impacts on existing trees along Kintail Road, Forbes Road and Sleat Road in Applecross."
As stated by Bateman MLA Kim Giddens:
"This outcome is a direct result of listening to our community. It protects our valued tree canopy and the unique character of Applecross.
"Our community treasures its green spaces, and this decision strikes the right balance by prioritising local needs, supporting our region's long-term growth, and safeguarding the tree canopy we cherish - both for today and future generations."
