Housing plan anger in Ferndale

Mr Reynolds also endorsed the amendment to rezone Lot 3367 Latham Road and Lot 50 Kinlock Avenue in Ferndale.

The proposed rezoning of Ferndale Primary School oval from public purposes to residential has begun as a result of a Section 76 Direction from the Minister for Planning requiring the City to commence the rezoning process.

But Mr Reynolds indicated the City would first begin community consultation and make its final recommendation to the WA Planning Commission.

The proposed scheme to rezone the Ferndale Primary School oval would require Lot 500 on Karri Way to be redeveloped for about 25 dwellings.

Concerned Ferndale resident Margaret Adams said tenants surrounding the primary school oval, which is being occupied by Damla College, had rallied together for the past two years to stop the Department of Housing taking the land.

‘As a home owner in Wisteria Way for 40 years, I understand the importance of the Ferndale school oval and surrounding bushland,’ Mrs Adams said. ‘The bushland has significant value and the impact would be catastrophic if the oval is developed to build 25 homes, and we could kiss goodbye the frogs, birds and garden friendly insects.

‘I don’t know why anyone would want to take away this area; I don’t know where they expect the children to play or organisations to meet.’

Mr Reynolds made it clear to residents that the State Government had initiated the process but the outcome of the process had not yet been determined.

Department of Housing commercial and business operations general manager Paul Whyte said the new housing would help cater for Perth’s population growth, and would provide a range of affordable home ownership and rental opportunities.