Latest news with #NicCoveney
Perth Now
13 hours ago
- Climate
- Perth Now
South Perth reacts to video of foreshore ripped up by storm
South Perth residents have used a video on social media showing the horrific damage last night's storm had on parts of the foreshore to react to a council decision to remove trees. PerthNow recently reported the City of South Perth approved the removal of six juvenile trees that claimed to be blocking 'million-dollar views' of the Perth CBD at Lake Douglas. The trees that will be removed by the city. Credit: City of South Perth In an ironic turn of events, last night's storm ripped through the city and videos of the damage began to circulate online. One particular video posted on The Bell Tower Times' Instagram showed damage to the foreshore just outside The Boatshed Restaurant in South Perth. The video, which has more than 100 comments, showed the foreshore line ripped up and flooded, with some commentators suggesting that having trees planted would have prevented this damage. 'I hope Cr Nic Coveney's 6 trees are OK!' one commentator said. 'It's almost as though South Perth needs more trees along the foreshore.' another added. 'Done any damage to the view?' said another. Some commentators described the scenes as a 'new water theme park' and how the 'water feature should improve the view'. 'If only there were more trees on the foreshore to absorb the water ... oh wait.' one commentator joked. 'That is some serious erosion, wow.' another added. Cr Coveney told PerthNow he 'strongly supports urban greening' and has 'advocated for more trees on the foreshore and backed over $2.5 million in funding for related initiatives this financial year'. The city has a management plan for the South Perth foreshore which aims to protect and enhance vegetation, restore water quality and develop and maintain suitable habitats for fauna. It also aims to preserve vistas to the city and the Swan River.
ABC News
2 days ago
- Politics
- ABC News
South Perth council votes to remove trees on public land after complaints about obstructed views
The City of South Perth will rip up six small trees planted last year on the Swan River foreshore parkland, after complaints they would eventually block residents' "million-dollar views" of the city skyline. The council planted the saplings in Sir James Mitchell Park last winter, but on Tuesday night voted in favour of removing the trees on behalf of residents whose homes face the park and the city skyline beyond. Speaking at the meeting, Cr Nic Coveney said residents on Jubilee Street were simply seeking to protect the value of their homes. "What these residents are asking for is consistency to maintain a similar vista as to when they purchased their property," Mr Coveney said. "They are not seeking to remove mature trees. They are seeking to move juvenile trees before they become mature and which they say were planted without any consultation. "Whilst some may disagree, I don't think it's unreasonable to buy a house or an apartment on the foreshore with a significant view and have an expectation of maintaining that view. "To do otherwise would deny the very real and direct effect of views on property values and amenities." In the council agenda documents, the council staff said views were taken into consideration when the trees were planted and were positioned in alignment with the dividing property boundaries, not directly in front of properties. It also said the species chosen would also help mitigate waterlogging, a problem that appears in the park for extended periods during winter. Most of the young trees were expected to grow to heights of four to 10 metres, and one of the trees, a corymbia calophylla, could eventually grow to 15 — 30 metres tall. Mayor Greg Milner was one of three council members to vote against the motion, telling the meeting many residents had voiced support for keeping the trees. "Cr Coveney tells us that he's been contacted by over a dozen residents on Jubilee Street who are concerned about losing their million-dollar views of the Perth CBD skyline," Mr Milner said. "But I do note that we've all received correspondence from many, many, many other residents. Bronwyn David, co-convenor of the South Perth Tree Canopy Advocates group, slammed the council's decision. "People might think, well, it's just six trees. What does six trees matter?" Ms David said. "But it's the precedent. We are preferencing the views of a very small number of people over the whole of our community, which frankly needs more tree cover to survive. Ms David was also critical of the waste of resources involved in the decision. "It may be that we have just thrown away a lot of money in the City of South Perth, both in putting these trees in the ground to begin with, and then the labour and effort to remove them, find somewhere else and put them in the ground a second time, only to have them die." The City of South Perth declined a request for comment.
Perth Now
16-07-2025
- 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.
