BAYSWATER council will tomorrow night consider spending up to $1.5 million to buy the Carter’s wetlands, after more than four months of discussions.
The site has been in the public spotlight since July, after clearing works began at the wetlands, with residents unaware of the WA Planning Commission’s (WAPC) approval of the Skipper’s Row subdivision.
A special council meeting has been called to consider supporting a revised offer from the owners for the City to buy lot 14, 128 King William Street, Bayswater.
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READ NOWAn officer’s report recommends council support the offer, subject to the City receiving funding from the State Government.
It also recommends the City commit a maximum of $1.5 million towards the purchase; $1 million from the Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary Reserve, $200,000 from the major capital works reserve and $300,000 from the public open space cash-in-lieu trust funds.
The extent and implications of the contamination found at the site and rehabilitation costs are unknown, and the City would have to undertake contamination investigations, thought to cost $50,000.
According to a report, it would not be known until December 9 at the earliest whether State Government funding would be available.
At the meeting, council is also set to consider a revised offer at the D’Orazio site, the other half of the Skipper’s Row development
The further revised plans include a 5.4m widening of Skipper’s Row and a 4.2m buffer along King William Street frontage.
If the plan is supported, it would cost $404,000 for the relocation of the City’s water tank and footpath and removal of trees.
A City officer has recommended council defer consideration of the proposal from owners until the Carter’s site is sorted out.