Town of Bassendean: Minutes
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TOWN of BASSENDEAN
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING OF ELECTORS
(Local Government Act 1995)
HELD IN THE BASSENDEAN COMMUNITY HALL
48 OLD PERTH ROAD, BASSENDEAN
ON WEDNESDAY 28 MARCH 2007 AT 7.00PM
Her Worship the Mayor, Cr Tina Klein opened the meeting at 7.00pm and welcomed all those in attendance.
The Mayor introduced the Councillors and Officers who were present and spoke briefly, outlining the background and purpose of the meeting.
The Mayor explained that the meeting had been called in response to the receipt of a Form 1 Notice under Section 5.28 of the Local Government Act 1995 calling on Council to discuss issues relating to the Bassendean Town Centre Area Strategy and retention and future protection of a number of small parks.
Council resolved to extend the period of the Town Centre Area Strategy Study community consultation period as it is critical that the community has adequate opportunity to provide their comments.
The Mayor further explained that the community and Council commenced the Town Centre Area Strategy process in 2001 with the Enquiry-by-Design process and this continued with a range of consultations, with the most recent in 2006 being the Vision 2030 workshops.
Feedback from residents has indicated that people understand that increased density is inevitable and by being ahead of the game, Council can ensure that residents have input into a concept plan and gain increased density in the right places, rather than it being dictated to by the State Government.
The Mayor said a more detailed plan has been provided to the community in the March 2007 edition of the Bassendean Briefings, and a full size plan is on display at both the Customer Service Centre and the Library. The draft concept plan is also available for viewing at these locations or on the Town’s website.
To assist the community to understand the proposal, Council has resolved to hold several public information sessions on Tuesday, 3 April 2007 in the Library at the following times.
2pm-3pm;
3pm-4pm;
5pm-6pm;
6pm-7pm and
7pm-8pm.
These sessions will be hour long sessions in an informal round table forum. Hames Sharley will be present to explain the drawings and to answer questions. Additional sessions will be scheduled if required. Residents are asked to register their interest in attending by calling the Manager Development Services.
In addition, a public information and feedback forum is scheduled for Tuesday 10 April at 7.00pm in the Bassendean Community Hall.
As a result of community feedback requesting more time to evaluate the Town Centre Area Strategy proposal, Council has resolved that public submissions will now close on Friday 4 May 2007.
In regards to the Open Space Strategy, the Mayor advised that the draft Open Space Strategy has been developed to ascertain if the Town is adequately served by its current parks. A standard to measure the Town’s parks has been developed, including the sorting of reserves into local neighbourhood districts and regional open space. The study contains recommendations of the facilities that should be provided in each park and the study indicates that the Town is well served by public open space. Certain areas of open space could be surplus to the needs of the Town and could be sold to raise funds for improvements to other parks, such as toilet facilities, barbecues, children’s playground equipment and pathways. The Consultant did not identify any gaps in the provision of open space where the community does not have access to a park within walking distance.
The parks identified are as follows:
Kelly Park Road & Recreation
Tonkin Park Crown Reserve managed under the Town
Lamb St Reserve Road Reserve
Whitfield St POS (1) Bassendean Town Council
Whitfield St POS (3) Crown Reserve managed under the Town
Bradshaw Reserve Crown reserve managed under the Town
Christie Park Bassendean Town Council
Calnon St POS Reserve owned by DPI
Bridson Street/
Elder Pde POS Road Reserve
Council adopted a framework for the provision of public open space for community consultation and feedback. The public open space provision is categorised as either local, neighbourhood, district or regional open space. Each has its own qualifying criteria in terms of area required, population catchment to service it, and acceptable walking distance.
The Mayor reiterated that Council wants community feedback to be used as a guide for future planning on facilities in parks.
1.0 ATTENDANCES & APOLOGIES
Councillors
Her Worship the Mayor, Cr Tina Klein (Presiding Member)
Cr Michelle Stubbs, Deputy Mayor
Cr John Sutherland
Cr Jack Fox
Cr Ross Dunkerton
Cr John Gangell
Officers
Mr Simon Stewert-Dawkins Acting CEO
Mr Colin Cameron Director Corporate Services
Mr Graeme Haggart Director Community Development
Mr Michael Whitbread Senior Planning Officer
Ms Cathy Muraszko Minute Secretary
Public
Approximately 122 members of the public were in attendance.
Press
1 member of press was in attendance.
Apologies
Cr Anne Brinkworth
Cr Mark Devlin
Cr Chris Merfield
Mr Gary Evershed, CEO
Mr Brian Reed, Manager Development Services
Mrs Ivy Hardy
Mr John Mills, 18 Bridson Street, Bassendean
Mr Michael Knubley, 24 Nurstead Avenue, Bassendean
Mr Greg Darui, 22 Hyland Street, Bassendean
Mr Alf Smallwood, 72 Kenny Street, Bassendean
Ms Veronica Lennon, 72 Kenny Street, Bassendean
Mr Greg Peterson, 8 Carnegie Road, Bassendean
Mr Paul Frankel, 6 Ireland Street, Bassendean
Mrs Helen Frankel, 6 Ireland Street, Bassendean
Mr Gordon Batty, 119 Guildford Road, Bassendean
Ms Cathy Bird, 2 Steele Street, Eden Hill
Ms Mollie Naser, U33/8 Garnsworthy Place, Bassendean
Ms Jane Naser, 27 Penzance Street, Bassendean
2.0 PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
Mrs Anne Begg, Whitfield Street, Bassendean
Mrs Begg expressed confusion and sought clarification of the POS on the corner of Villiers and Whitfield Streets, as the photo in the handout distributed by Mr Yates does not resemble the actual area in any way. Mrs Begg said she believes this area is located in the floodplain.
The Mayor advised that she had only just been issued with some information distributed by Mr Yates titled “Special Meeting of Electors Topics and Flip Flop Feedback from the Mayor and Council on costs and Policies of the pocket parks under treat” and had been advised it had been distributed to a significant number of residents at the meeting.
The Mayor explained that the information that had been distributed and was not a Town of Bassendean publication and the information in the document may not be accurate and that if residents had been provided with the information, please be clear it is not a Town of Bassendean publication.
3.0 SPECIAL BUSINESS
As detailed in the agenda, the purpose of the meeting is to:
1. Discuss the immediate retention and future protection of a number of small park areas, including Kelly Park, Bradshaw Park, Tonkin Park, Christie Park and other park and park-like areas in the Town of Bassendean; and
2. Consider the Bassendean Town Centre Area Strategy and in particular, its modification, delay in implementation, expansion of area to the all or part of the Town of Bassendean, consideration of acceptance by way of a referendum of electors and related matters.
The Mayor reiterated to those present that the document distributed prior to the commencement of the meeting, titled “Special Meeting of Electors Topics” and “Flip Flop Feedback from the Mayor and Council on Costs and Policies of the Pocket Parks Under Threat” reiterated had not been produced by Council.
The Mayor also advised that the distributed information had 48 separate recommendations. Of the 48 separate recommendations, 13 proposed recommendations related to the draft Open Space Strategy and 2 proposed recommendations related to the draft Town Centre Area Strategy.
Mr Don Yates, 10 Thompson Road, Bassendean
Mr Yates advised that he was responsible for the production of the document with a view to assisting the meeting process. It was provided as a guide for community members and includes a number of recommendations which it is proposed to move at the meeting.
The Mayor advised the Special Meeting of Electors that the proposed recommendations relating to the draft Open Space Strategy were identical except for the name of the individual parks and recommended that these be moved “en bloc” unless a member of the public wished to ask a question or to raise a point of clarification.
The residents at the meeting rejected this suggestion and indicated that they wished to move motions separately for each of the identified parks.
ITEM 3.1 - KELLY PARK
SME – 1/03/07 MOVED Mr Don Yates, Seconded Mr Tony Wood, that this Special Meeting of Electors strongly supports the retention and if possible, the improvement of the pocket park known as Kelly Park, and further requests that the Town of Bassendean internally, not externally by consultants, prepares plans and budgets, in two-way discussion with interested parties, for such improvement options that can be considered for acceptance by the community by an appropriate wide-ranging referendum of the community.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ITEM 3.2 - BRADSHAW RESERVE
SME – 2/03/07 MOVED Mr Don Yates, Seconded Ms Danielle Wickham, that this Special Meeting of Electors strongly supports the retention and if possible, the improvement of the public open space known as Bradshaw Reserve, and further requests that the Town of Bassendean internally, not externally by consultants prepares plans and budgets, in two-way discussion with interested parties, for such improvement options that can be considered for acceptance by the community by an appropriate wide-ranging referendum of the community.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ITEM 3.3 - CALNON STREET, PUBLIC OPEN SPACE
SME – 3/03/07 MOVED Mr Don Yates, Seconded Mr Pat Lynch, that this Special Meeting of Electors strongly supports the retention and if possible, the improvement of the Calnon Street public open space, and further requests that the Town of Bassendean internally, not internally by consultants, prepares plans and budgets, in two-way discussion with interested parties, for such improvement options that can be considered for acceptance by the community by an appropriate wide-ranging referendum of the community.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ITEM 3.4 (a) - CHRISTIE PARK
SME – 4/03/07 MOVED Mr Don Yates, Seconded Mrs Thompson, that this Special Meeting of Electors strongly supports the retention and if possible, the improvement of Christie Park and the nearby reserve with the wishing well, and further requests that the Town of Bassendean internally, not externally by consultants, prepares plans and budgets, in two-way discussion with interested parties, for such improvement options that can be considered for acceptance by the community by an appropriate wide-ranging referendum of the community.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Mr Bevan Carter, 8 Hyland Street, Bassendean
Mr Carter queried the status of the park and whether the Christie Family donated the land specifically for the purpose of a park. Mr Carter pointed out that he had asked this question before but as yet has no answer and asked whether the matter has been researched.
The Acting CEO confirmed that to his knowledge the question has not been researched and took the question on notice.
ITEM 3.4(b) - CHRISTIE PARK
SME – 5/03/07 MOVED Mr Don Yates, Seconded Mrs Jennie MacLaughlan, that subject to the purpose of the gift of land, this Special Meeting of Electors recommends that if the park is considered “surplus to requirements” after the deliberation process, that the ownership and control of the land known as Christie Park be returned to the Christie Family and their descendants.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ITEM 3.5 - BRIDSON STREET/ELDER PARADE POS
SME – 6/03/07 MOVED Mr Don Yates, Seconded Mrs Susan Conway, that this Special Meeting of Electors strongly supports the retention and if possible, the improvement of the public open space known as Bridson Street/Elder Parade, and further requests that the Town of Bassendean internally, not externally by consultants, prepares plans and budgets, in two-way discussion with interested parties, for such improvement options that can be considered for acceptance by the community by an appropriate wide-ranging referendum of the community.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Mr Bevan Carter, 8 Hyland Street, Bassendean
Mr Carter asked what consideration, if any, was given to the effect on the environment in this area and further, how long the financial advantage gained from selling the park would last.
The Mayor advised that Council has not made any decisions as yet and is open to community comment at this stage. The question with regard to financial advantage was taken on notice, however, the Mayor pointed out that the Bridson Street public open space is Crown land and therefore there would be no financial gain to the Council.
Mr Lawrence Travers, 69 West Road, Bassendean
Mr Travers said he believes there is a substantial drainage system under this park and this should be considered if the park is to be sold and built on.
The Mayor and Acting CEO thanked Mr Travers for his comments.
ITEM 3.6 - LAMB STREET, RESERVE
SME – 7/03/07 MOVED Mr Don Yates, Seconded Mr Jeremy Harris , that this Special Meeting of Electors strongly supports the retention and if possible, the improvement of the public open space known as the Lamb Street Reserve, and further requests that the Town of Bassendean internally, not externally by consultants prepares plans and budgets, in two-way discussion with interested parties, for such improvement options that can be considered for acceptance by the community by an appropriate wide-ranging referendum of the community.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Mr Tony Wood, Unit 2, 4 Whitfield Street, Bassendean
Following reference to a possible sewer main in this park, Mr Wood suggested that the consultant may be deemed to be negligent for not drawing this matter to the attention of Council and asked if Council was prepared to approach the consultant with a view to getting some fees back and express their disappointment on behalf of ratepayers.
The Acting CEO said he believes the fees have already been paid and that the scope of the project was not to assess the sites below ground level.
ITEM 3.7 - LAMB STREET RESERVE
SME – 8/03/07 MOVED Mr Don Yates, Seconded Mrs Susan Conway, that this Special Meeting of Electors recommends that Council investigate the expertise of Jill Powell and Associates with regard to the issues raised tonight, such as the possible sewer line at the Lamb Street Reserve.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Cr Gangell addressed the meeting as a resident and advised that the consultants were not appointed to look at land issues, but rather to assess if excess park space existed within the Town.
Susan Conway, 119 Guildford Road, Bassendean
Mrs Conway asked why the consultant did not take everything into consideration as all information is important.
The Acting CEO advised that the consultant in this project was tasked to look at developing a public open space strategy. The brief for the consultant did not include looking at what exists under the ground.
TONKIN PARK PUBLIC OPEN SPACE
That this Special Meeting of Electors strongly supports the retention and if possible, the improvement of the Tonkin Park public open space, and further requests that the Town of Bassendean internally, not externally by consultants prepares plans and budgets, in consultation with interested parties, for such improvement options that can be considered for acceptance by the community by an appropriate wide ranging referendum of the community, including transfer of the area to the Australian Historical Railway Society (WA Division) for a peppercorn rent, as a tourism development proposition.
Mr Richard Wishart, 26 Anzac Terrace, Bassendean
Mr Wishart suggested that an amendment be made to the above recommendation to transfer the land, if appropriate by the consultative group, directly to the Australian Railway Historical Society (WA Division).
Mr Bruce Keay, 11 Earlsferry Court, Bassendean
Mr Keay said he was involved in the original design of Tonkin Park and that this area of land was set aside next to a drain which serves as drainage overflow. Mr Keay said he believes it is highly contaminated and the park needs to be retained for this purpose.
Mr Ken Redwood, 76 Kenny Street, Bassendean
Mr Redwood expressed his view that Council has failed to recognise the feeling from the meeting that they want to retain open space irrespective of what lies beneath. Out of this meeting, with the motions put, what can residents expect in terms of a response to their desire to retain the open spaces.
The Mayor advised that there is a process which must be followed. All of the motions passed at this meeting will go to Council for consideration. Council will be responsible for the final decision, but wants to hear from the community before doing so. It is not Council’s intention to dispose of any parks. The consultant’s brief was not to find out if we could get rid of some but rather if there is enough or an oversupply.
Ms Anne Polley, 25 Chapman Street, Bassendean
Mrs Polly queried if Council has considered conducting a formal observational study or survey on the Town’s parks to look at their existing use and the types of activities currently happening there and if people are happy with the way in which they are being used.
The Mayor advised that this has not been considered.
Mr Greg Stratton, 9 Eighth Avenue, Bassendean
Mr Stratton queried what was the criteria used to indicate if a park is considered excess to supply.
The Acting CEO advised that a number of criteria were used, including walking distances between parks and density of housing in the area.
Ms Phillippa Rogers, 47A Eileen Street, Bassendean
Ms Rogers referred to the Tonkin Park public open space as being located opposite a brothel and a perfect opportunity for vandals. The Australian Railway Historical Society is the only users of this park and Ms Rogers asked if Council would consider looking closely at this land with a view to improving the security of this area.
Mr Ian Bloxham, 10A Fourth Avenue, Bassendean
Mr Bloxham asked if Council and/or staff were satisfied with the integrity and fullness of the report from Jill Powell & Associates, which is before Council, against the brief that was provided, and also is Council satisfied with the integrity and fullness of the brief that was provided to the consultant.
The Mayor advised that Council was fully satisfied with the report and had accordingly accepted it.
ITEM 3.8 - TONKIN PARK
SME - 9/03/07 MOVED Mr Don Yates, Seconded Mrs Julie Coleman, that this Special Meeting of Electors strongly supports the transfer of the Tonkin Park public open space to the Australian Railway Historical Society (WA Division) for a peppercorn rent, as a tourism development proposition.
CARRIED 115/7
Mr Don Yates, 10 Thompson Road, Bassendean
Mr Yates queried the status of the ownership of the land in Whitfield Street between Bridson and Watson Streets, and whether it is currently being prepared for sale.
The Acting CEO advised that it is not being prepared for sale, but the Town has been successful in obtaining Federal Government “Roads to Recovery” grant funds to refurbish this road. The land is Water Corporation land vested within the Town of Bassendean.
Mrs Thompson, 6 Devon Road, Bassendean
Mrs Thompson queried why a consultant was appointed at a cost to the community, when the technical work has not been completed and the engineers appointed by the Town could have conducted this work.
The Director Corporate Development advised that Council could have done a number of studies on the land and then come to the community, only to be told that the parks should be retained. This would have been an unnecessary waste of money and time.
Mr Lawrence Travers, 69 West Road, Bassendean
Mr Travers queried, with regard to the block of land vested in the Council, whether it has been vested with a volume and folio number.
This question was taken on notice.
ITEM 3.9 – NOTIONAL POS – WHITFIELD STREET
SME – 10/03/07 MOVED Mr Don Yates, Seconded Mrs Thompson, that this Special Meeting of Electors strongly supports that the notional public open space in Whitfield Street between Bridson and Watson Streets is retained as public open space.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ITEM 3.10 - WHITFIELD STREET POS BETWEEN WATSON AND DEAKIN STREETS
SME – 11/03/07 MOVED Mr Yates, Seconded Mr Stuart Ridgeway, that this Special Meeting of Electors strongly supports the retention and if possible, the improvement of the public open space in Whitfield Street, between Watson and Deakin Streets, and further requests that the Town of Bassendean internally, not externally by consultants, recognises that the land may never be suited to housing and so prepares plans and budgets, in two-way discussion with interested parties, for such improvement options that can be considered for acceptance by the community by an appropriate wide-ranging referendum of the community.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
PUBLIC OPEN SPACE IN WHITFIELD STREET
MOVED Mr Don Yates, Seconded Mr Heinrich Benz, that this Special Meeting of Electors strongly supports the retention and if possible, the improvement of the public open space known as Whitfield Street near Villiers Street, and further requests that the Town of Bassendean internally, not externally by consultants, prepares plans and budgets, in two-way discussion with interested parties, for such improvement options that can be considered for acceptance by the community by an appropriate wide-ranging referendum of the community.
Discussion took place on exactly which land is being referred to in Mr Yates’ motion.
The Senior Planning Officer confirmed that this public open space refers to two blocks of land at 128 Whitfield Street, located between Reid Street and Villiers Street. The blocks are zoned for residential purposes.
Mrs Anne Begg, Whitfield Street, Bassendean
Mrs Begg said she cannot see any point in these blocks being kept as open space.
Mr Steve Keogh, 21 Chapman Street, Bassendean
Mr Keogh advised that he, and it appears many others, have no idea where these blocks are, however, he believes that Council should have some flexibility, as over time, things change and some land could be sold for extra money. Mr Keogh called on the meeting to be more precise about areas they wish to keep, so that the meeting may progress and discussion take place about the urban development.
PROCEDURAL MOTION
MOVED Mr Peter Pearson, Seconded Mr Ian Veale, that the motion moved by Mr Don Yates and Seconded by Mr Heinrich Benz, be not put.
CARRIED 121/1
PICKERING PARK JETTY FACILITY
That the Special Meeting of Electors strongly supports the retention of the Pickering Park (ex sea scouts) jetty facility by the adoption of simple restorative maintenance practices, and further requests that the Town of Bassendean internally, not externally by consultants, determines simple replacement structures and secures the funding sources before removing the existing facilities.
The Mayor advised Mr Yates that the recommendation, as it stands, would not be allowed as it is her opinion that discussion on the jetty facility at Pickering Park was not part of the petition.
Mr Peter Pearson, 14 River Street, Bassendean
Mr Peter Pearson foreshadowed that the speaker no longer be heard unless he gets on with the meeting.
The recommendation as it stands with the inclusion of the jetty facility was ruled out of order by the Mayor.
ITEM 3.11 - BOLLARDS AT PICKERING PARK BOAT RAMP
SME – 12/03/07 MOVED Mr Yates, Seconded Mr Richard Wishart, that this Special Meeting of Electors strongly supports the repositioning of the bollards at the Pickering Park boat ramp and the surrounding area by staff of the Town of Bassendean after two-way discussion with interested parties, to ensure a more practical and user-friendly placement of the bollards.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
MAINTENANCE ISSUES OF PLAY EQUIPMENT
SME – 13/03/07 MOVED Mr Yates, Seconded Mr Richard Wishart, that this Special Meeting of Electors strongly supports the rapid response to maintenance issues of play equipment and surrounding areas where such equipment is provided by the Town of Bassendean and further requests an immediate study by internal sources of the Town of Bassendean of all such equipment to identify problems for prompt rectification, such as the surrounds of the Pickering Park play equipment and the elevated timber crossing feature of the same equipment.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ANZAC TERRACE RESERVE
That this Special Meeting of Electors strongly supports the retention and if possible, the improvement of the public toilets such as installed at the Anzac Terrace Reserve, including the provision of internal blue lighting and classical music to reduce the possibility of unacceptable activities.
Mr Anton Mazandarani, 66 Anzac Terrace, Bassendean
Mr Mazandarani suggested that an amendment be made to this recommendation to include the upgrade of playground facilities.
ITEM 3.12 - ANZAC TERRACE RESERVE
SME - 14/03/07 MOVED Mr Don Yates, Seconded Mr Richard Wishart, that this Special Meeting of Electors strongly supports the retention and if possible, the improvement of the public toilets such as installed at the Anzac Terrace Reserve, including the provision of internal blue lighting and classical music to reduce the possibility of unacceptable activities and upgrades the playground facilities.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
The Mayor advised that a number of submissions have been received on the proposal to remove this toilet block, and that Council has deferred this matter for further consideration.
Mr Donald Plunkett, 1B Briggs Street, Bassendean
Mr Plunkett expressed dissatisfaction at the way in which the meeting was progressing and felt it was more important to move on to the Town Centre Area Strategy.
Mr Tony Wood, Unit 2/4 Whitfield Street, Bassendean
Mr Wood expressed dissatisfaction at the Mayor insisting that the meeting follow the agenda as provided by Mr Yates. Whilst he does not disagree with the agenda provided by Mr Yates, he requested that other members of the community be heard.
The Mayor advised that under the Local Government Act, Council was required to call a special meeting following receipt of a petition from Mr Yates with over 100 signatures on it and believes the way in which the meeting was being run is the fairest to all. There will be opportunity to ask questions and debate issues following the completion of Mr Yates’ agenda. When asked at the beginning of the meeting, Mr Yates opted to vote on all 22 items separately.
Mr Don Yates withdrew the remainder of his recommendations from Item 16 to 22 inclusive.
4.0 PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
Mr Jeremy Harris, 4 Lamb Street, Bassendean
Mr Harris expressed concern at what he believes to be an intimidating manner in which the Mayor is addressing residents of the meeting and the fact that they feel they are not being heard, and asked if there was a possibility of providing written submissions or questions rather than having to stand in front of the meeting and verbally ask questions.
The Acting CEO acknowledged that some people do not like speaking publicly and referred to the smaller group sessions on the Town Centre Area Strategy scheduled for Tuesday 3 April.
Mr Richard Wishart, 26 Anzac Terrace, Bassendean
Mr Wishart referred to the parks in Bassendean as being a major reason for why many residents have moved to the area. Mr Wishart asked if Council would be prepared to investigate this matter further and try to retain the current feeling of wellbeing in the Town.
The Mayor advised that Council has not made a decision on the parks but is waiting for the community to tell them what they want. Council members are also residents of the Town and do not want to destroy it, however, they have been charged with the responsibility to look after each and every resident in the Town.
Mr Paul Stange, 19 Seventh Avenue, Bassendean
Mr Stange expressed concern at the community’s inability to present their perspectives in a non-confrontational way, when the only format allowed at this meeting is to ask questions.
The Mayor advised that meetings must be conducted through the Presiding Member to ensure order and that a further opportunity exists to express views at the smaller sessions when the Consultants, Hames Sharley, will be in attendance.
Mr Bill Dreyer, 31 Naunton Crescent, Eden Hill
Mr Dreyer expressed concern that the discussion this evening has mostly be on the parks and there has been little opportunity to discuss the Town Centre Area Strategy. Mr Dreyer asked why the Council has decided it necessary to demolish the present Council buildings and build a new three-storey building in the Town Centre.
The Acting CEO confirmed that the building Mr Dreyer was referring to is a community building. It is purely a concept plan for community comment at the moment. Further, the Council sees it better to be forward planning rather than have the State Government dictating what densities the Town must have.
The Director Corporate Development advised that the idea from the consultant is to build a town square to congregate people into this area and connect it to the park. If people do not like it, this is the feedback they must give.
The Mayor acknowledged that the project would be at a large cost and therefore it is not envisaged that it would occur for approximately 15-20 years. At present, it is a concept plan and members of the community are strongly encouraged to attend the information sessions to give their input.
Mr Tony Wood, Unit 2/4 Whitfield Street, Bassendean
Mr Wood referred to the Mayor’s advice that the new building would have a 15-20 year horizon and suggested that in the interest of ratepayers, could the Council please put a time on everything they have proposed.
Mr Bruce Keay, 11 Earlsferry Court, Bassendean
Mr Keay requested that his question be put on notice. He has concerns with the amount of open space and possible over-provision, the possibility of the State Government giving the Town the river bank to look after and his fellow residents who want Pyrton turned into parklands. He has not heard anything about cost and requested that Council give reasonable justification of the process and explain the benefits.
The Mayor advised that Pyrton is in State Government hands.
Mr Ian Veale, 33 Bassendean Parade, Bassendean
Mr Veale suggested that in relation to questions, could the Mayor restrict questions specifically to the parks issue and when completed, then move on to the Town Centre Area Strategy.
The Mayor advised that she is happy to do what the residents would like and asked for a show of hands, which indicated that they wished the parks to be discussed first.
Mr Michael Charles, 14B Nurstead Avenue, Bassendean
Mr Charles referred to public open space and asked that his question be put on notice. Mr Charles is concerned with the environmental issue of removing some of the parks and asked if Council has considered the effect this will have on bird life.
Mr Peter Pearson, River Street, Bassendean
Mr Pearson requested that Council put the criteria given to the consultant for the assessment of the parks on the Town’s website.
The Acting CEO advised that the Open Space Strategy project brief adopted by Council could be placed on the TOB web page.
Mrs Susan Conway, 119 Guildford Road, Bassendean
Mrs Conway reiterated Mr Charles’ earlier comments and asked Council what consideration has been given to wildlife that currently occupy the parks in question.
Mr Cam Lindsay, 82 Queens Road, South Guildford
Mr Lindsay referred to the tennis club and asked if a decision on whether the clubrooms will be demolished has been made as yet.
The Acting CEO advised that part of the Town Centre Area Strategy is rationalising the BIC Reserve and opportunities exist to possibly add some extra tennis courts. Council allocated some funds last year to provide a temporary building for the tennis club, however, no decision has been made as yet with regard to the older building.
Mr Heinrich Benz, 9 Parnell Parade, Bassendean
Mr Benz queried the evaluation process of submissions for public open space. If 90% were in favour of retaining parks, will Council act accordingly. What determines the outcome.
The Mayor advised that 49 submissions had been received on the Public Open Space Strategy and officers will provide a summary for Councillors to consider. Whilst Council usually makes a decision based on the summary provided, it does have access to the individual submissions.
Mr Benz further asked if such a summary has been prepared and if so, what the results were.
The Acting CEO advised that whilst submissions closed on 2 March, the Manager Development Services has only recently reviewed them. A report will be submitted to Council for consideration in April or May and the results will be publicly available on the Town’s webpage.
Mrs Val Dreyer, 31 Naunton Crescent, Eden Hill
Mrs Dreyer expressed concern at not having received the March/April edition of the Bassendean Briefings and asked if Council were aware of any delays in the delivery of the Briefings.
The Mayor apologised and advised that this would be taken on notice. Officers will investigate as Council had been assured that every household would receive a copy in plenty of time to be aware of this evening’s meeting.
Mr Dreyer referred to the March Standing Committee Meeting at which Councillors received submissions regarding Pickering Park jetty. It appeared that Councillors did not have time to read these submissions so why was this matter on the agenda to be voted on. Shouldn’t Councillors also see the submissions and not just the staff.
The Mayor advised there were a total of 8 submissions received on the Pickering Park jetty.
Mrs Dreyer made reference to the General Meeting of Electors in February at which she moved a motion to hold a public meeting and believes the meaning of public meeting was misunderstood by Council. Mrs Dreyer further urged residents to come to Council meetings on a regular basis.
The Mayor advised that a Special Meeting was requested on the submission of a petition with over 100 signatures. Accordingly, Council called tonight’s meeting. The purpose of meeting was explained on the petition and any elector is at liberty to call a Special Meeting if they have 100 or more signatures on a petition. The map is on the Town’s website, in the Library and in the Bassendean Briefings with individual workshops of smaller groups and a further public meeting on 10 April, all of which will give people a better understanding and put them in a better position to accept or reject what Council is proposing.
Mr Ian Veale, 33 Bassendean Parade, Bassendean
Mr Veale referred to the Pickering Park jetty and advised that he is staggered at the Mayor’s advice that only 8 submissions were received. He regularly passes the Pickering Park jetty and regardless of the time of day, it is always being used. In response to Mr Veale suggesting these people make a submission, most people say it is a waste of time. Mr Veale therefore urged Council not to make a decision based on these few submissions.
The Mayor advised that the decision has been deferred. Recent advice has been received from a structural engineer who has confirmed that the jetty is unsafe. Council would be negligent to ignore this advice. In addition, according to the Aboriginal Act, the Town cannot have a fixed structure. It needs to be floating, so at the moment it appears the retention of the jetty is in doubt.
Mr Veale further expressed concern at the foreshore retaining walls in this area.
Mr Richard Wishart, 26 Anzac Terrace, Bassendean
Mr Wishart referred to the BIC Reserve and the possibility of trapped methane, as suggested by Mr Yates, and asked if Council would do a cost analysis of a reticulation and conversion to electricity.
The Acting CEO advised that Mr Yates had indicated this possibility from a previous example at Wyong Council in New South Wales, where there had been a lake over which the Council had placed clay.
However, in the Town’s case, there used to be a swamp, and if there is anything there at all, it would probably be acid sulphate soil. Legislative requirements are in place that ensure that the process would be undertaken as part of the normal process of constructing work.
Ms Ruth Coleman, Unit 3/56 Ivanhoe Street, Bassendean
Ms Coleman referred to the Pickering Park jetty and Council’s duty of care and asked if a notice could be erected as soon as possible indicating that the jetty is unsafe.
Ms Coleman also made reference to the bowling, tennis and croquet clubs and expressed concern at Council’s intention to extend Hamilton Street which would take over part of the croquet green. She further pointed out that a bore exists between greens C & D which would make it impossible for Council to construct a road in that area. Ms Coleman is also disturbed that the Croquet Club, which has been in existence for 75 years, will be put out of business. Further, when Council took the D green away for the Tennis Club, it advised that additional parking for tennis players would be available at the bottom of James Street. At the moment, all tennis club parking is in the bowling club’s area, making it difficult for the bowling club’s patrons. Ms Coleman also said the new plan does not allow for any additional parking for these facilities.
The Acting CEO agreed with Ms Coleman that when the Tennis Club moved from its old location, Council wrote to the Club to set up some arrangement whereby the President could talk to players with a view to utilizing the Wilson Street car parking area. the Acting CEO undertook to reiterate this request in an attempt to free up parking spaces.
The Acting CEO suggested that the future briefing sessions are an ideal time to raise the requirement of additional parking and also suggested that it be put in writing to the Town.
Ms Coleman queried if Council intends to retain the transportable clubroom at the tennis club and what happened to the $75,000 allocated to remove the old clubhouse.
The Acting CEO advised that at this stage, the transportable would remain. The Town allocated $75,000 for the removal of the old clubhouse, however, when quotes were obtained to relocate it, the figure was far greater than anticipated.
Accordingly, Council resolved that a demountable building would be provided instead. The old clubhouse contains asbestos and it is for this reason that relocation costs are very high. There are no plans at this stage to build a permanent structure.
The Mayor added that Council needs to provide facilities for sporting people both young and old. Ms Coleman’s concerns with regard to the Croquet Club were noted, however, this Club has only one member that is resident of the Town. The others are not residents of the Town.
Mr Alan Deering,49 Hardy Road, Ashfield
Mr Deering referred to the Mayor’s advice that the Croquet Club has only one member residing in Bassendean and asked how many members of Swan Districts Football Club reside in Bassendean. Further, Mr Deering queried if the Town is still receiving 30% of the gate takings from Swan’s home games.
The Director Community Development advised that the Town receives more than the equivalent of 30% of the gate takings. Prior to the introduction of the AFL, 30% of gate takings used to meet all costs. A new arrangement is currently being negotiated with the Club.
The Director further explained that the Swan Districts Football Club generates approximately 2,500 spectators per game, although not all are from the Town. Whilst he is not sure of membership numbers, they are reportedly the largest club in the Town. With regard to subsidy to other clubs, the Open Space Strategy and Draft Recreational Plan makes reference to suggested arrangements with Clubs, and recommends that Council renegotiates with Swan Districts, the Tennis Club and the Croquet Club. The Bowling Club has always met all costs associated with its space.
Mr Stuart Maughan, 45 Kathleen Street, Bassendean
Mr Maughan queried how the parameters were set for the consultants to work with, and if anything positive came out of their report.
The Acting CEO advised that were many positive suggestions mainly focusing on the future development of parks, such as increased number of play facilities, shade for certain types of play equipment and a number of different elements within playgrounds.
It was a positive outcome that will assist Council for future development. In response to a query with regard to cost, the Acting CEO advised that the open space strategy had cost approximately $3,000.
4.0 CLOSURE
There being no further business, the Mayor closed the meeting at 9.30pm and invited everyone to partake in some light refreshments.
