Move to protect Jarrah Tree at Armadale and allow shopping centre dev

15/11/97

Heritage Minister Graham Kierath has moved to both protect the Jarrah Tree at Armadale and allow development of the Armadale Shopping Centre.

Mr Kierath said he was sure Armadale could have both the Jarrah Tree and a bigger shopping centre, both of which would be of significance to the local community on social, historical, financial and lifestyle grounds.

The Jarrah Tree has been the subject of intense local interest and negotiation, brought to a head after the City of Armadale granted a demolition licence to developers Armstrong Jones as part of plans for a $40 million extension to the Armadale Shopping Centre.

Mr Kierath said that he had received advice that it was possible to build the shopping centre around the Jarrah Tree by altering the floorplan of the store to allow the tree to remain.

"I am sure that negotiation between the developers and the council over the information I have been given could see a solution that will satisfy conservationists, developers, the City of Armadale and the public," he said.

"The benefits from saving the tree and expanding the shopping centre can both be met to everyone's satisfaction."

Public submissions were called for in July when Mr Kierath announced he was considering placing a Conservation Order on the tree.

Mr Kierath said he had signed a Conservation Order over the tree, which took effect from today.

The order would prevent cutting down, up-rooting or removing the tree and any activity which disturbed or damaged the tree. It also overrode the City of Armadale demolition licence.

The decision came after public submissions and Heritage Council of Western Australian advice that the tree was of such significant cultural heritage it should be saved.

"There were about 3,000 submissions which brought into sharp focus the social importance of the tree for the people of Armadale," Mr Kierath said.

"The submissions had a strong influence on my decision and on the advice and information now before me I believe the tree should be protected.

"The City of Armadale argued the tree stood in the way of expansion of the city centre and the local economic benefits that developing the site would bring, including job creation.

"Given the council's views, I asked Tony Brand, a noted and well respected architect, for independent professional advice on whether it was possible to save the tree and expand the shopping centre.

"He advised the shopping centre could be designed around the tree in a way that was both technically and commercially feasible.

"I believe it is possible a solution can be found and am willing to work with both the developers, council and conservation movement to reach that goal."

Media contact: Steve Manchee (08) 9481 2133