Council Minutes - Town of Cambridge

COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY 28 AUGUST 2012
It is noted that once the works in Wembley Sports Park are complete, the park will be
more attractive for both active and passive recreation users. The value of creating new
access from Salvado Road through to Hay Street within stands of trees retained and new
plantings should not be underestimated.
The vegetation to the Hay Street boundary will also be further intensified adding to the
visual amenity of the park.
It is proposed to also set the fence for Matthews Netball Centre on Salvado Road as far
off the kerb as possible to allow verge street trees and plantings to be undertaken. This
will also provide some screening of the fence from public view which is seen as a benefit.
Our design for shrub and ground cover planting at present proposes to provide in excess
of 17,000 m 2 of planting, which would also contribute to habitat and fauna refuge on site.
POLICY/STATUTORY IMPLICATIONS:
To undertake clearing of native vegetation of this nature, approval is required from the
Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC). The landscaping strategy and
supporting documentation has been referred to DEC who are dealing with this matter in
accordance with the Environmental Protection Act. Advice to date from DEC is that the
project has been referred by them to "relevant authorities" as well as public submissions
requested on this application. DEC officers have inspected the site and are in the process of
undertaking their report on the application.
DEC officers have discussed with the Town the issue of referral to the Federal Government
under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. It appears that the
proposed works would not be sufficiently significant to require mandatory referral and as
discussed above, the Town has planned to exceed the Carnaby's offset planting
requirements set out by the Federal Government's (draft) guidelines under the Act. Our
landscape architect concurs with this assessment.
The Town would not be in a position to undertake clearing until regulatory approval is
granted.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
There are minor Financial Implications related to this report relating to adjustments to the
project budget for landscaping works. They are not significant.
STRATEGIC DIRECTION:
This project supports the Town's 2009-2020 Strategic Plan vision of Planning for our
Community through the actions of a wide range of quality, accessible recreational facilities.
COMMUNITY CONSULTATION:
The community was invited to provide feedback on the landscaping strategy. This invitation
comprised:
• Direct mail to individuals and stakeholder groups (including Cities of Nedlands and
Subiaco, Hackett Civic Association, Wembley Athletic Club, Wembley Baseball Club and
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