Golden Bay community rallies to save sand dunes

Tuesday, 22 August 2017 12:58

By Kathy Koutzas

Over 150 people have taken part in several protests to save sand dunes on the east side of Golden Bay where bulldozers have started flattening the site for residential development.

The Golden Bay community, including school children, came together for a series of protests in a bid to stop earthworks underway on Dampier Drive.

Spokesperson Adam Bell said they managed to stop the bulldozers temporarily on Monday afternoon before police were called in.

"it was critical to stop the bulldozers so they can buy some time to set up a community meeting with PEET to try to resolve some of the flora and fauna issues.

"But the machines started up again and worked a lot later than usual with more staff put on today to get it all demolished before we can get a handle on it.

"The community is doing their best and will still push on with the relocation program of wildlife for future developments in the area."

In a statement, the City of Rockingham said earthworks have commenced on Stage 5A of the PEET and Co/Department of Housing Subdivision in Golden Bay.

"The Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) granted conditional subdivision approval for Stage 5A in June 2017, which consist of 88 residential lots.

"The land is zoned for residential development and future stages include the retention of a Landscape Protection Area which was subject to Ministerial approval, the focus of which will look to preserve the central dune and maintain an elevated landform."

A petition launched on Sunday night to save the sand dune region on the east side of Golden Bay has already attracted almost 4,000 signatures.