Update on rezoning part of Maddington Kenwick Strategic Employment Area adjacent to the Greater Brixton Street Wetlands

The City of Gosnells is aware of misinformation circulating online about a proposal to rezone land adjacent to the Greater Brixton Street Wetlands, in the Maddington Kenwick Strategic Employment Area (MKSEA).

The City has never proposed to rezone the wetlands and the current rezoning proposal does not extend into the wetlands area. 

Currently, 95 per cent of the land identified for rezoning is considered either ‘degraded’ or ‘completely degraded’ and holds little to no environmental value.

The rezoning proposal will result in 57 hectares of land being rehabilitated to high quality bushland, along with the establishment of buffers around the wetlands, to protect them from pollution and further degradation. 

 The City understands how important it is to protect the wetlands which are considered one of the area’s most valuable natural assets.

The current zoning does not protect the wetlands, which are at risk of further degradation from factors such as illegal dumping. 

The Minister for Environment has reviewed the rezoning proposal and his considered decision requires specific planning conditions to be added, including a range of requirements broadly related to water management and protection of threatened flora and fauna, including black cockatoos.

After careful consideration, Council agreed on Tuesday 25 February to include the Minister’s requirements in the proposed amendments to Town Planning Scheme No. 6. 

Council’s decision does not represent final approval of the proposed amendments – the final determination will be made by the Minister for Planning.

The City is currently drafting a Structure Plan, which will include the Minister’s requirements in the proposed Scheme amendments and will also guide development within the land proposed for rezoning to ensure it protects the nearby wetlands.