Dianella roos at risk: Stirling councillor

by Rebecca Bradshaw

May 7, 2008

KANGAROOS living in Dianella, on land owned by the Seven and Nine TV channels, are at threat of losing their habitat to residential redevelopment says a Stirling councillor.

Cr Paul Collins is concerned the media land may be redeveloped for housing, affecting kangaroo populations in the area.

“The kangaroos here are such a unique asset to the city,” Cr Collins said. “If residential redevelopment of this land occurs, residential infill such as car hoons, cats and dogs, are likely to threaten the kangaroos that have lived peacefully here for 35 to 40 years.”

The Dianella land, which surrounds the Cottonwood Crescent bushland owned by Stirling council, is home to the Western Grey and Red Kangaroo species.

Cr Collins recently asked council staffers to study the future sustainability of the kangaroo population if redevelopment goes ahead.

“Most people see some areas of land as inevitable to redevelopment,” Cr Collins said. “I don’t believe this area should be subject to the inevitable.

“The kangaroos have had free reign here and have been good neighbours with the television stations.”

eMU News understands Channel Nine recently sold a portion of its land to developer Mirvac. However, no proposal for the land has yet been released.

Channel Seven has appointed Satterley Group to advise on the possibility of redeveloping its land into residential lots.

It is believed both TV stations plan to relocate to different sites within WA, but will continue to broadcast their news locally.

Friends of Dianella Bushland secretary Jan Bant believes Cr Collins’ push for a study into the kangaroos is a good idea.

“There will have to be arrangements to relocate the kangaroos properly,” she said. “Otherwise, they may have to be culled since there won’t be enough bushland for them all.”