City of Nedlands says it welcomes hospice opening after Minister excises land
The City of Nedlands has defended its handling of the parkland surrounding the planned Swanbourne children's hospice after it emerged WA's Lands Minister was planning to excise the area from its control.
The West Australian revealed on Saturday John Carey would use his power as minister to take control of Allen Park after the local authority blocked the Perth Children's Hospital Foundation's $4 million offer to transform the area into a better, greener view for sick and dying kids.
In a statement to The Sunday Times, a City of Nedlands spokesperson said as part of the hospice development approval the council was required to maintain low vegetation on the land proposed for excision, because it was in the key bushfire protection zone.
'The State Government's own bushfire peer review report recommended against the PCHF landscape plan as it compromised the integrity of the bushfire zone,' the spokesperson said.
'The community have expressed concern regarding the bushfire zone and ensuring public access through Allen Park to the beach at all times.
'The city hopes these matters will be considered in the final plan and welcomes the opening of the hospice which will provide valuable support and care for the sick children and their families.'
The spokesperson also said the city had emphasised the importance of preserving Class A reserves for future generations, the Bush to Beach Whadjuk Trail, and the management of parks and reserves.
On Saturday, Mr Carey called the city 'one of the worst' councils in WA, adding it had 'lost its heart'.
'...They have gone out of their way to oppose the hospice, to make it difficult, and now to oppose a beautiful park for dying children,' he said.
'I have to say this: go out and see the land, they've been fixated on this idea . . . go out to the land, it's a dirt bowl.'
The excision will have to be put to Parliament on the next sitting day — June 17 — where both houses will have 14 days to pass a disallowance motion in opposition.
The Opposition has indicated it will support the move by Mr Carey.
Perth Children's Hospital Foundation will now spend $4 million to rehabilitate the park and build a play area.
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