Yakamia Forest to be protected from Range Road development under Liberals, says Albany candidate Thomas Brough

Yakamia Forest will be protected under a Liberal government, says Albany candidate Thomas Brough, who has promised to redirect road planning to save the largely untouched bushland block if his party is elected. The promise, announced on Thursday, means swathes of native bush would not be torn down to make room for the planned Range Road development the City of Albany has earmarked to bisect the land, formally known as Lot 4737. Mr Brough, who currently serves on the Albany council, said the “pristine space” — which protest group Friends of Yakamia Forest Boodja has been fighting to protect since 2021 — was “too precious to be sacrificed”. “Yakamia is home to the endangered western ringtail possum and offers Albany residents a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of our region up close,” he said. “This pristine space is essential for community wellbeing and environmental conservation. “It is a haven for wildlife and a place where locals can connect with nature.” Friends of Yakamia Forest Boodja co-ordinator Annabel Paulley welcomed the declaration as a “positive step”, noting environmental protection was “clearly a major issue” in the region. “Our group’s position has, and will always be, that there is no place for a road or anything else that would destroy the high biodiversity-value remnant native vegetation and endangered wildlife habitat in Yakamia,” she said. “We hope whichever party wins the State election will develop a plan for North Albany that safeguards all the natural environment for future generations.” The planned road route would connect Mercer Road to North Road, providing a more direct link between central Albany, Bayonet Head, Lower King and commercial development at Brooks Gardens. Liberal shadow minister for planning, environment and lands Neil Thomson said he would prioritise realigning the road as “one of his first jobs” if elected to government. “Range Road is critical for unlocking growth in North Albany, improving infrastructure, and supporting local prosperity, as is the protection of vulnerable species such as the ringtail possum,” he said. “We can — and will — achieve both goals: preserving Yakamia Forest and delivering the infrastructure Albany needs.” City of Albany acting chief executive Nathan Watson said the specific details of North Albany’s road network were yet to be finalised. “Balancing the preservation of Albany’s unique natural environment with the need to support future population growth remains a key priority for the city, and we are committed to achieving this through the proposed strategic road link,” he said. “The city welcomes the opportunity to work with whoever wins government to deliver Range Road and unlock this critical development area and improve Albany’s transport corridor.” WA Labor was contacted for comment.