Shire of Augusta-Margaret River and Witchcliffe residents save 450-year-old tree from developers

Months of background work finally paid off last week when the shire of Augusta-Margaret River brokered a deal with the developers of a new housing estate in Witchcliffe to protect a precious tree.

The “grandmother tree” within the Leeuwin @ Witchcliffe subdivision was the subject of strident community concerns this year, and residents feared the project team would refuse to alter its internal road network to protect the tree, believed to be 450 years old.

However, shire planning and development services manager Matt Cuthbert has confirmed the tree will be saved and the nearest road moved 25m away.

“Our unique natural environment is important to everyone who lives in Augusta-Margaret River, and one of the reasons we all love living here,” he said.

“Once the developer understood the tree’s significance, they were eager to collaborate with us to explore ways we could protect it.”

Proven Project Management did not respond to the Times’ inquiries, and Witchcliffe activist Anu Grace said she had received only non-committal responses from the team.

Mr Cuthbert said an arborist recommended that the road be built outside of a 15m protection zone.

The developer had voluntarily extended the zone to create a 25m buffer, he said.

Temporary fencing would also be in place during construction to ensure traffic was kept away, he said, making sure there was no accidental harm, and to protect surface roots.

“We’re committed to balancing our region’s growth with environmental protection so we can retain the natural beauty that defines where we live,” Mr Cuthbert said.

“We’re proud to have achieved this positive outcome on behalf of our community.”

Site work is expected to start later this month.