Foreshore Vision

Everyone smiles in South Perth for different reasons. I really like the Council's vision to preserve, protect and plan for this treasure in the city. I respect that they have recognised the range of concerns of so many people. The developments are low impact and respect community needs. As we lose open space elsewhere this park will be appreciated by all, even those who don’t use it. The park contributes to the smile we all enjoy when we think of our City. As Perth increases in size and density open spaces like this will become more valued every year. With pressures of population, economy and climate this park will be a green gem within a crowded space. Over a million people visit the park each year. They have many reasons for loving it. Everyone smiles here for different reason. Some love to walk the pathways. Others enjoy sailing, quiet meditation, appreciation of ancient and modern heritage, sharing a meal with friends, cycling or walking their dog.

The park is under threat from economic pressure, climate change and development plans. It is also endangered by the difficulty of meeting the diverse needs of our residents and visitors. Consultations have shown how very many possibilities there are for the Park’s future. A danger is that in doing nothing and pleasing nobody the park will revert to a muddy riverbank. What a terrible loss that would be. The most commonly shared expressions for this area at the recent Open Space event that I hosted were around:

• Protection of the environment
• Preservation of low density
• Low-rise buildings, if any
• Strong protection of open space

The Mill Point plans will also improve important cycle access. Over one and a half million cycle trips cross this area each year. Easier cycle access means less traffic congestion, healthier air and less stress for everybody, including car drivers. The Old Mill and Narrows area is really important in the two threads of colonial and indigenous history. Protection and planning here recognises this and the needs of Mill Point residents too. This vision seems to meet all of the expressions of residents and visitors, while being of quite low impact. Residential and large commercial development on the park would rob future generations of the enjoyment of this riverside treasure. Some developers and a nearby Council have plans for our park. Through the City’s plan we can stamp our feet and claim this space for residents and visitors, today and tomorrow. Well done City of South Perth. Here are two links to newspaper stories:

• http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-09-05/new-south-perth-revitalisation-plan-released/5723994
• http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/lagoon-vision-for-south-perth-foreshore-to-become-world-class-attraction-for-swan-river/story-fnhocxo3-1227050083369

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