Stop spoiling Subiaco

In an attempt at political correctness, the City of Subiaco is now asking local residents how they feel about more high-density multi-story apartments being built around them, and how this will affect the heritage value of the area.

Well, how do you think they feel about it?

Do you think the local residents who have come to Subiaco for its character, historical significance, and beauty are likely to embrace huge multi storey modern units that look down on them from every angle?

Really, do you even need to ask?

If so let me tell you – it will be ruined, barely existent, totally compromised and in effect will destroy the area.

So let me save you the trouble.

We don’t want any more high rise apartments around Subiaco.

Do you not think we have enough?

It’s already almost reaching “ghetto” status.

And sorry all you developers out there, but no, apartments do not bring people into the area, they just drive them out.

Well… how’s it worked so far?

Let’s look at that.

Multiple shop closures all the way down Rokeby Road.

A dismal attempt at markets that failed miserably.

Restaurants that shut by 9.30pm, because there’s nobody around.

Sure, people may come back into Subi to sleep the night, but mostly they are out where the “action” is – Leederville! Mount Lawley! Northbridge! Fremantle! Maylands!

Practically everywhere but Subiaco.

Subiaco should be the Paddington of Sydney.

Quaint character homes, beautiful gardens, cute narrow frontages, small boutique retail stores, inspirational coffee shops, sidewalk cafes, trendy upmarket restaurants, neighbourhood bars, music, a touch of bohemia, a great cultural mix, unregulated hours, concerts on the Green – something for everyone.

But what have we got here in Subiaco?

Rules, restrictions, laws, impediments to everything, an enormous noose that has strangled all forms of creativity and entrepreneurship.

Everybody’s fled.

They’ve even deserted the Subi Hotel – another example of millions of dollars being spent to “blandify” what once had character and vibe.

Whoever said that this was a free country was lying.

Or very old.

Yes, it was pretty free once but certainly not now.

In my view, (which I recognize is not shared with everybody) councils are in existence to provide facilities, retain the true nature of the area, look after and maintain the common area eg. parks, roads, etc., arrange rubbish removal, generally provide good housekeeping and balance the books.

They should not be the Council Police.

There’s a long history in Subiaco in preventing things that will truly add to the area and allowing things that have truly destroyed the area.

So I have one thing to say to you – STOP IT!

And no, we do not wish to have any more high rise apartments right in the middle of Subiaco.

Does that help?