Protesters celebrate

After a long battle to protect the College Grove bush, protesters,who have spent many years battling to keep the land safe, can celebrate the indefinite protection of the bushland with a land swap agreement in place.

Following a State Government promise, four locations have been chosen for housing development in lieu of the College Grove bushland.

The locations chosen is vacant land on the corner of Clifton Street and Ocean Drive near the Lighthouse Beach Resort, in Geographe Way, Withers, in Latreille Road, South Bunbury and in the Koombana Bay area opposite the Dolphin Discovery Centre.

Bunbury MLA John Castrilli said this was a great day for the environment.

‘‘After concerns were raised about the environmental impact of further clearing in this area I proposed that a land swap could be arranged to save the College Grove land from further clearing,’’ he said.

South West Forest Rescue spokesman Simon Peterffy said he was delighted with the outcome on Friday.

‘‘The patience and hardwork has paid off,’’ he said.

‘‘The promise that has been made and fulfilled is a great day for the environment.’’

The 80ha of bushwill continue to be a habitat for the western ringtail possum, the endangered carnaby’s black cockatoo and the red-tailed black cockatoo.

The Government has pledged $2.8 million to the City of Bunbury to compensate the loss of income through land sales.

The money will be used to create an extension from Sommerville Drive to Robertson Drive so there would be two entrances into College Grove.