By Alesha Capone
A developer has stepped back from plans which may have resulted in two Williams Landing conservation reserves being developed for residential and commercial activities.
In 2018, Galway Holdings, a subsidiary of Cedar Woods Properties, submitted a proposal to the federal Department of Environment and Energy (DEE) seeking permission to “clear and develop” conservation reserves adjacent to the Princes Freeway.
The reserves – located on the former RAAF Williams Laverton Airfield – were established by the Defence department to protect high-quality grassland remnants, wetland and rare and threatened species prior to the federal government selling the land in 1998.
The land was sold on the condition that the reserves be protected and maintained.
A report commissioned by Cedar Woods said that overturning the reserves would “directly impact several significant flora and fauna species”, including the loss of habitat for the endangered striped legless lizard and golden sun moth.
In November 2018, Wyndham council’s chief executive Kelly Grigsby said the plan to remove the conservation status for the reserves was “inconsistent with council policy”.
Wyndham’s outgoing mayor and election candidate Josh Gilligan posted on Facebook earlier this month that Cedar Woods has walked away from its proposal to develop the reserve.
Cr Gilligan wrote that he welcomed the decision, which means the reserves “will remain protected conservation land”.
“This was part of an original deal struck more than a decade ago with former Prime Minister [Malcolm] Turnbull when he was environment minister.
“I remain strongly opposed to the urban development of these conservation sites and I commend Cedar Woods for doing the right thing.”
Star Weekly contacted Cedar Woods, which declined to comment.
