Subdivision Change Protects Grandmother Tree

Team Work Protects Ancient Tree

A new subdivision in Witchcliffe will be changed to protect the iconic Grandmother Tree, estimated to be over 450 years.

The main estate road of the new Leeuwin @ Witchcliffe subdivision will be modified after the Shire of Augusta Margaret River raised community concerns with the developer and worked with them to safeguard the ancient Marri tree.

The original plans of the subdivision, which was approved by the WA Planning Commission in December 2022, proposed that the main estate road would navigate past the Grandmother Tree, albeit within nearby proximity.

To ensure the long-term survival of the tree, developers will reposition the road and introduce additional measures to ensure the tree’s health during construction. 

The Shire’s Manager of Planning and Development Services, Matt Cuthbert said the planning team was happy to have played a role in protecting the Grandmother Tree.

“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 of we could protect it.” 

To support the tree’s preservation an arborist recommended that the road be constructed outside of a 15-metre protection zone. The Developer took has taken this a step further and will move the road 25 meters from the tree.  Temporary fencing will also be  installed during construction to ensure construction traffic remains outside of the tree protection zone and minimise surface level root disturbance. 

“We’re committed to balancing our region's growth with environmental protection so we can retain the natural beauty that defines where we live. We’re proud to have achieved this positive outcome on behalf of our community."

Site work is expected to begin early in November 2024.

Photo Credit: Cath Wood