Whiteman Park now nine times the size of Kings Park

1/4/07
Whiteman Park, which includes natural bush, grassed recreation areas, a wildlife park and heritage based attractions, will now cover 3,624ha or nine times the area of Kings Park.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the State Government had approved an amendment to the Metropolitan Region Scheme that would enable the:

• inclusion of 1,317ha of native vegetation, including a 500ha regionally significant Bush Forever site;
• linking of Hepburn Avenue and Tonkin Highway; and
• the reservation of 293ha for future urban development.

"This is a decision for the future; it will protect our water resources, improve our road network and create more affordable housing land," Ms MacTiernan said.
"The land we have added to Whiteman Park will remain as natural bush, because it is an important source of Perth's drinking water and requires a high level of protection.
"This expansion will allow for a walk trail to be developed from the Swan River through Whiteman Park, which will link with other trails in the northern suburbs."
The reservations for Tonkin Highway and Hepburn Avenue have been realigned so when built, the roads will join and provide a continuous link.
As Tonkin Highway is not required north of Hepburn Avenue, the reservation for that road has been removed and will become part of the park.
"About 293ha of mainly degraded former farming land has been removed from the southern end of Whiteman Park, zoned urban deferred and will be redeveloped as residential land," the Minister said.
"To provide greater buffer protection for Bennett Brook and related wetlands this area has been reduced in size from the 331ha originally proposed.
"Following detailed structure planning, it is expected the area could accommodate between 2,500 and 3,000 new homes."
Bassendean MLA Martin Whitely welcomed the announcement.
"This is a huge win-win outcome for everyone concerned," Mr Whitely said.
"Whiteman Park is the Kings Park of the east metropolitan region, so its expansion will be greeted by the many people who live in this area.
"The provision of up to 3,000 additional residential lots will also go a long way towards alleviating the shortage of land for housing in this fast-growing region."
Minister's office - 9213 6400