Proposed open space in Mt Barker approved by Plantagenet Shire council

The Plantagenet Shire council endorsed a proposed plan to develop an open space in Lot 564 on Ingoldby, Deane Street at Tuesday night’s council meeting.

The proposed space is designated as a public open space local reserve under the local planning policy and is intended to provide a range of active and passive recreation opportunities. The plan was originally presented to the council in 2017.

It was proposed that cash-in-lieu funds be used to develop a passive open space, perform fire mitigation activities and the associated vegetation removal.

A clearing permit was issued in 2020 with the conditions that marri and jarrah trees, which are a black cockatoo habitat, were not to be cleared.

The project has been the subject of a series of memorandums and council workshops.

The original 2017 concept includes cleared parkland, pathways, barbecue areas and a playground.

The plan was amended in 2021 with low-key development adjacent to Deane Street recommended to address community concerns about the clearing of native vegetation. The site is considered strategic allowing less clearing of healthy vegetation, a more discreet location and more potential for future development of the reserve.

The council has consulted with the Friends of Ingoldby Reserve and Kevin Collins as well as the wider community.

Responsible officer, manager development services Delma Baesjou, said after site consultation and visits, slashing, mulching and selected vegetation removal were undertaken in mid-2022 to reduce fuel load and obstructions.

The Shire has $45,000 that was paid as developer contribution, which Ms Baesjou recommended be used to undertake further park-land clearing.

It is also recommended that interpretive signs be installed at either end of the fire access track.