PERTH conservation groups have labelled the Cook government “uncivilised and immoral” after it approved a patch of Jandakot bushland to be cleared for a wave park. 

The Department for Water and Environmental Regulation granted permission for 5.75 hectares of native bushland to be cleared in November last year, which has been subject to a rigorous appeals process since. 

The location is next to Kwinana Freeway and Prinsep Road, opposite Cockburn Gateway, and will be home to the largest surf park in the Southern Hemisphere, according to the developer Aventuur. 

Urban Bushland Council volunteer Heidi Hardisty says it is “unbelievably frustrating” that the WA government continue to put metropolitan green spaces at risk. 

• Environmental groups are unhappy that the Cook government has knocked out an appeal against the clearing of Jandakot bushland for a wave park.

“We’re going to see a massive amount of development a massive a lot of loss of banksia woodlands and green space,” Ms Hardisty said. 

“We should not be destroying the last remaining pockets of banksia woodland which are unique to Perth. 

“We live in one of the most biodiverse cities on the planet and the government has the duty to look after that.”

Ms Hardisty says the state government is “hell bent” on destroying Perth’s native bushland. 

“They are ignoring the community and disregarding the environment,” she said. 

“They think it’s okay to clear nature for a commercial venture.”

This is the latest development in the years-long attempt to build a wave park in Perth’s southern suburbs, after plans for an Alfred Cove location were scrapped in 2020. 

The new Cockburn location presents several environmental issues: it is part of the already dwindling banksia woodland unique to the Swan Coastal Plain. 

The woodland is also habitat for the endangered Carnaby’s black cockatoo. 

Appeal

In an appeals decision document, state environment and climate minister Reece Whitby acknowledged the importance of the banksia woodland, but said the economic benefit of the wave park “from a tourism perspective” justified his decision. 

“The minister noted this was not an easy decision, and not one that he took lightly,” the document stated. 

The government intends to pay “special attention” to replacing the bushland by ensuring it is offset by revegetation in the Bibra Lake area cleared for Roe 8 in 2015. 

According to the document, the government is aware of the threat to Carnaby’s black cockatoo habitat but says the economic benefits “outweigh the significant environmental value” of the site. 

Save the Black Cockatoos spokesperson Paddy Cullen says the government’s support of the wave park “borders on lunacy” given the threat to the species. 

“The consequences for the environment and the community have been by-passed at the sniff of investment dollars,” Mr Cullen said. 

“The wanton destruction of habitat that is essential for an endangered species… is unbelievable.” 

Ms Hardisty says it is important for the community to voice their concerns about the government’s position on the wave park, given the gravity and relevance of urban bushland in Perth. 

Symbol

“Tell them how you feel if you don’t agree that this is right. 

“We have to use this as a symbol of what needs to be changed.  

“If these guys aren’t going to do it,” she said, referring to Mr Whitby and tourism minister Rita Saffioti, “then we need to get better leadership in place.”

by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER