By Nicole Stevens, Fremantle-Cockburn Gazette
THE Federal Government has made a preliminary decision on whether to allow Jandakot Airport Holdings (JAH) to clear 167ha of native bushland for a commercial development and a fourth runway.
The Department of Environment informed JAH of its decision last Tuesday and has given it 10 business days to comment.
A final decision is expected by February, at which time it will be made public.
Leading conservation group World Wildlife Fund and Friends of Ken Hurst Park called for a permanent ban on land clearing at the site.
Friends of Ken Hurst Park convenor Dr Eddy Wajon said the site needed permanent protection so JAH could not revisit the proposal to clear land every five years in a new master plan.
Protesting outside the airport, Mr Wajon said the site was home to the largest population of critically endangered grand spider orchids in the world, as well as Carnaby’s black cockatoo.
“There have been a lot of people supporting us with toots and kind words,” he said. “I am really buoyed up by the supportive comments.”
WWF Southwest Australia policy officer Katherine Howard said the site had significant value as one of the last remaining large and healthy areas of bushland in Perth.
“The bulk of the land to be cleared in this proposal is for non-aviation commercial development such as shops and showrooms,” she said.
“It means a few businesses will profit at the cost of our rapidly disappearing natural heritage.
“It is deeply concerning that local residents may be forced to defend this vital natural heritage area from commercial development every five years.”
JAH managing director John Fraser declined to comment.