Latest news with #Coveney
Perth Now
4 days ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Outraged locals claim small trees will block expensive views
A South Perth councillor is urging the city to remove six recently planted trees near Lake Douglas, saying they will obstruct multimillion-dollar views of the Perth CBD and diminish amenity for residents. Councillor Nic Coveney has submitted a motion calling for the removal of the trees along the foreshore behind Jubilee street properties during the winter planting season, to plant approximately 135 square metres of low-level planting in replacement and to include an additional $30,000 in the operational budget to cover the costs of his motion. 'I have been contacted by, and met with, over a dozen residents on Jubilee Street who are concerned about losing their million-dollar views of the Perth CBD skyline,' Cr Coveney wrote in his motion. 'If I had that view, I wouldn't like to lose it either. I cannot support that happening to my fellow community members.' At the city's agenda briefing on Tuesday night, residents on Jubilee street shared with the council their concerns over the tree placements. 'We have not been provided any respect, courtesy or communication prior to any works performed by the City... hence our disappointment,' one resident said. 'I paid a premium price on the location as it includes iconic skyline views.... we also pay some of the highest council rates.' added another. The smaller trees on the left are the trees in question. Credit: Sophie Gannon Cr Coveney said that while 'no one owns a view', it 'ignores the reality that those residents will have paid a hefty sum for that view' and said it would 'impact their amenity, but also the price of their homes, which for most people is what they spend their life working towards'. Some of the trees in question are expected to grow between six and 30 metres high and one has already been vandalised. 'These trees are presently more akin to the size of twigs,' Cr Coveney said. 'Capable of unlawful removal by a motivated vigilante … in time they will grow to block these residents' views.' Cr Coveney said that his original intention was to replace each removed tree with three others in more suitable locations, but that was dropped after advice it would require 'a broader, specifically designed project that includes hydro zoning.' He then argued that urban greening and protecting views are 'not mutually exclusive', outlining other areas in the city where tree planting is appropriate and beneficial. However, city officers recommended the trees remain in place, stating the location aligns with the South Perth Foreshore Strategy and Management Plan. City officers recommended the trees remain in place. Credit: Sophie Gannon Lake Douglas is part of Node 7 – The Lakes — which prioritises ecological rehabilitation, improved stormwater management, nature play spaces and increased biodiversity. 'The trees were located taking account of proximity to neighbouring properties, Lake Douglas and existing plantings,' the city's report stated. 'They are broadly aligned with the dividing property boundaries and are therefore not positioned directly in front of the properties.' The city added that the trees 'are well suited to being uplifted as they grow and will therefore provide shade and views underneath once they are established.' The proposal has drawn the ire of a South Perth Wildlife Advocacy group, which said the trees 'must stay'. 'Those trees support wildlife, provide shade, and benefit the whole community,' group member Mark Mor said. Group administrator Georgina Wilson also said she was appalled at the city's proposed urban green strategy. 'It has no targets, no timelines, and no policy about trees on private land.' she said. Council will consider the motion and the officers' recommendation at their council meeting on July 22.
Perth Now
6 days ago
- Business
- Perth Now
When can we expect a South Perth train station?
South Perth will continue its long campaign for better public transport options, including construction of a train station and more ferry stops along the Swan River. Councillor Nic Coveney has called for council to continue its advocacy efforts for more ferry stops and the construction of a South Perth train station at an agenda briefing on Tuesday night. Mr Coveney's motion requests council acknowledge the challenge of managing increasing travel demands due to population growth and urban development, and ask the CEO to write a letter to the relevant WA government agencies for more public transport. His report included statistics regarding future projected population increases, number of residents currently using cars to commute, where residents work, and anticipated future road capacity. Traffic on Mill Point Road at 7am, backing up to Wesley College from the freeway entrance. Credit: Facebook The motion states that 71 per cent of South Perth residents work outside the city and 65 per cent of residents commute to work by car. It was also forecast that South Perth's population would grow to 66,000 by 2041 and that roads of significance might also reach 200 per cent capacity within the next few years. 'By 2041, the City of South Perth's population is forecast to rise, and visitor numbers to the Perth Zoo and the South Perth Foreshore are already booming.' Mr Coveney said in his report. He said that South Perth station was originally included in stage 1 of Metronet, but 'for reasons unclear', it did not progress. 'The Perth-Mandurah rail line includes land reserved to construct a future South Perth station. .. since the rail line was constructed in 2007,' he said. Infrastructure made to accommodate a potential South Perth station on Kwinana Freeway. Credit: Google Maps He also suggests that the city push for expanded ferry services to include Mends Street, and to investigate Como Jetty and Coode Street Jetty as additional stops. 'The time to act on advocacy of the South Perth train station and expanded ferry routes is now,' Mr Coveney said. South Perth mayor Greg Milner told PerthNow in June the State Government stated its commitment to construct a train station at South Perth in 2002 when the Perth to Mandurah line was first proposed, yet the station has never been built despite the significant population growth over the last 23 years. In 2017, the City made a bold train station precinct plan, which included all land between Richardson and Darley streets to the south and east, and Scott Street and Frasers Lane to the north. The area included in the train station precinct plans (2017). Credit: South Perth 'In the future, it is hoped that the State Government will construct a South Perth railway station at Richardson Street, to service Perth Zoo, local businesses and residents.' the plans state. 'Development in the precinct will create demand for the train station and help make its construction worthwhile.' If the motion is carried, the city will push for infrastructure investment, and seek clarification on the State Government's intentions and timelines. A Public Transport Authority spokesperson said South Perth is already 'very well served' by bus and ferry services, with high frequency during peak times. 'These bus and ferry services provide convenient and efficient connections to and from the Perth CBD and the passenger rail network.' they said. 'While the potential for a station was factored into the design of the existing Mandurah Line, it was determined there was not a need for a station in this location at the current time, or in the near future.' The spokesperson noted the Canning Bridge Bus Interchange project will also support improved public transport access into the broader South Perth area. 'With plans underway for a ferry service expansion on the Swan River, those living in South Perth will soon be able to travel by ferry to Applecross and UWA as part of Stage One of the project.' they said. 'Future ferry stops being considered include Point Fraser, Burswood Park, Optus Stadium and Claisebrook Cove.' Councillors will consider the motion at their ordinary council meeting on July 22.
The Age
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Age
Not on my foreshore: Residents fight tiny trees set to block ‘million-dollar' Perth views
A Perth councillor has drawn parallels between the CBD skyline and Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa as he pushes for the removal of six trees on the city's southern foreshore which residents fear will block their 'million-dollar views'. At a City of South Perth briefing on Tuesday night, councillors discussed Nic Coveney's notice of motion about his meetings with 'over a dozen' Jubilee Street residents concerned about they could lose their 'multimillion-dollar views of the Perth skyline' due to trees planted on the south side of Lake Douglas, between their backyards and the river. WAtoday 's research on the properties' last sale prices shows a range of $2.35-$5.5 million. Coveney's reasons for his motion read that while he understood no-one owned a view, residents paid hefty sums for them, and losing views might impact their house prices as well as their amenity. 'If I had that view, I wouldn't like to lose it either,' he said. Coveney said residents had done the right thing by contacting the city and council instead of resorting to 'vigilante' action. He wrote that the trees were not in a location used for picnics or any other purpose and represented 'no obvious amenity benefit to the wider community'. The councillor conceded it was a 'polarising issue', but his stance should come as no surprise, given it was a pillar of his election campaign. 'The Perth CBD skyline has been ranked as one of the best in the world. In the same way you wouldn't cover up the Mona Lisa for all to enjoy, we ought not cover up the view of the Perth CBD skyline for all to enjoy,' he wrote.
Sydney Morning Herald
7 days ago
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
Not on my foreshore: Residents fight tiny trees set to block ‘million-dollar' Perth views
A Perth councillor has drawn parallels between the CBD skyline and Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa as he pushes for the removal of six trees on the city's southern foreshore which residents fear will block their 'million-dollar views'. At a City of South Perth briefing on Tuesday night, councillors discussed Nic Coveney's notice of motion about his meetings with 'over a dozen' Jubilee Street residents concerned about they could lose their 'multimillion-dollar views of the Perth skyline' due to trees planted on the south side of Lake Douglas, between their backyards and the river. WAtoday 's research on the properties' last sale prices shows a range of $2.35-$5.5 million. Coveney's reasons for his motion read that while he understood no-one owned a view, residents paid hefty sums for them, and losing views might impact their house prices as well as their amenity. 'If I had that view, I wouldn't like to lose it either,' he said. Coveney said residents had done the right thing by contacting the city and council instead of resorting to 'vigilante' action. He wrote that the trees were not in a location used for picnics or any other purpose and represented 'no obvious amenity benefit to the wider community'. The councillor conceded it was a 'polarising issue', but his stance should come as no surprise, given it was a pillar of his election campaign. 'The Perth CBD skyline has been ranked as one of the best in the world. In the same way you wouldn't cover up the Mona Lisa for all to enjoy, we ought not cover up the view of the Perth CBD skyline for all to enjoy,' he wrote.
Perth Now
18-06-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Locals demand new train station amid ‘unacceptable' traffic
A 2km-long traffic snarl has renewed calls for more public transport and freeway entries in South Perth. In a social media post, City of South Perth councillor Nic Covenery shared an image of cars which he said were banked up on Mill Point Road from Wesley College all the way to the freeway entry. He said there was a crash that caused the significant back-up that morning but he frequently saw heavy traffic on the road. Your local paper, whenever you want it. 'This is not unfamiliar for residents in the mornings and afternoons during peak hour,' Cr Coveney said. 'This is unacceptable.' The State Government has invested $1.4 billion for Metronet in the 2024-25 budget and is estimated to cost $12.4b on completion. South Perth is not included in those plans. Traffic on Mill Point Road at 7am, backing up to Wesley College from the freeway entrance. Credit: Facebook 'We are no closer to the South Perth train station,' Cr Coveney said. 'If the State Government wants more high-rise development, it must provide the infrastructure to support it.' Commentators shared their frustrations and ideas to help combat the huge traffic congestion in the area. 'Freeway entry at South Terrace and a ferry stop at Coode Street would help, as well as a South Perth train station,' one said. 'We really need a northbound freeway on-ramp from South Terrace, only have one way to get onto the freeway — via Mill Point Road.' 'It causes traffic to back up badly because the freeway's already busy, and having just one access point makes it worse,' another said. One commentor suggested Cr Coveney make an appointment with South Perth MLA Geoff Baker to discuss the issue. Cr Coveney said Mr Baker had not responded to any of his queries about traffic-related issues, including the train station and ferries. South Perth MLA Geoff Baker. Credit: Geoff Baker Mr Baker told PerthNow he understood the concerns about traffic on Mill Point Road, but believed South Perth had some of the best public transport connections in the city which helped reduce a lot of the congestion the city experiences. 'The incredible new Boorloo Bridge is also offering new active transport opportunities for people in our community to get in and out of the city,' Mr Baker said. 'We've also delivered the Smart Freeway system on the Kwinana Freeway, which has significantly improved traffic movement on the freeway, facilitating easier access at the Mill Point Road on-ramps.' Mr Baker said the State Government was targeting the worst traffic spot in South Perth with two projects. 'First is the Canning Bridge interchange upgrade, to remove buses from the interchange bridge and increase the numbers of public transport connections,' he said. 'The second is building Metronet on Swan, which will link Canning Bridge to UWA and Elizabeth Quay by ferry. These two projects will free up traffic over Canning Bridge and take cars off the freeway.' City of South Perth mayor Greg Milner said advocating for better public transport infrastructure to reduce demand on the local road network was a priority for the city. 'The city has advocated for a South Perth train station for many years,' he said. 'In addition to the introduction of a South Perth train station, the city also advocates for an improved ferry service at Mends Street Jetty and higher frequency bus routes to provide better access to more efficient public transport for people who live, work and visit South Perth.' Mr Milner said the State Government committed to building a train station in South Perth in 2002 when the Perth to Mandurah railway line was first proposed. Since then the population in the area has 'significantly increased' but a South Perth train station has not been built. 'The population of the City of South Perth is projected to grow to 65,842 by 2041,' Mr Milner said. 'As the capacity of the road network and the ability to increase this capacity is limited, there is an increasing need to reduce reliance on private vehicles and focus on shifting travel behaviours to active (pedestrian and cyclist) and public transport modes. 'While the city can provide upgrades to footpath and cycling networks, the delivery of a South Perth train station, improved ferry service and higher frequency bus routes are essential projects we are asking the State Government to consider. 'In the absence of this vital infrastructure, higher levels of congestion will continue to occur in peak periods.' PerthNow contacted Transport Minister Rita Saffioti for comment. Mr Milner said the City of South Perth would continue to advocate to the State Government for this 'vitally important transport infrastructure.'
