State Government confirms purchase of properties impacted by Mira Mar land slip is under ‘consideration’

A long-awaited resolution may be in sight for residents and landowners impacted by a Mira Mar landslip after confirmation the purchase of properties within the immediate slip zone is being considered. The landslip started causing issues for residents of Sleeman Avenue and Anzac Road in August 2021 and has resulted in the demolition of multiple homes while other homeowners continue to battle against mud, dirt and boulders. This week a State Government spokeswoman said the government “remains committed to working with affected stakeholders impacted by the Mira Mar landslide, including the consideration of purchases of properties within the immediate slip zone”. “This is only the first step in the very complicated remediation process, which remains under consideration by the State Government,” she said. “Temporary remediation will continue to be implemented as required to minimise overall site risk. “The WA Government is still considering the long-term remediation options presented in the technical report in consultation with stakeholders and local property owners, given the significant complexities surrounding any form of implementation.” Over the past two years, the State Government has largely shied away from public conversations about questions of compensation for affected landholders in order to have the focus remain on the surveys being conducted and remediation works being carried out. A geotechnical report released at the start of May outlined options for long-term remedial work, which required further discussions with landholders, as well as a plan for immediate remedial work, which was to take place ahead of the winter rains and as required. A section of the report outlined challenges to executing remedial questions and what the future land use of the impacted area would be, including whether it could become a public open space. At the time of the report’s release, Regional Development Minister Don Punch said the report had no details about compensation as it had been an “exercise in understanding the geological nature of that hill” and not about finding fault. Later in May, the question of compensation was raised in Parliament by Deputy Opposition Leader Peter Rundle during Budget estimates. In response to a question from Mr Rundle asking “how much longer” would landholders have to wait for a compensation package, Mr Punch said it was “poor form” to make the matter a political issue.