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Perth MHR Patrick Gorman to seek options for Maylands Waterland redevlopment

Kristie LimEastern Reporter

PERTH MHR Patrick Gorman says he is keen to investigate redevelopment options for Maylands Waterland, after he met with the Friends of Maylands Waterland (FOMW) and a Bayswater councillor this week.

Representatives from the Friends group met with Mr Gorman on January 22 while Cr Elli Petersen-Pik had a separate meeting on January 24.

In November, Bayswater Mayor Dan Bull announced the Waterland will close at the end of this season, if the City loses a funding bid.

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The City has applied for funding to refurbish the Waterland via the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries’ Community Sport and Recreation Facility Fund, with the outcome set to be revealed in February.

Mr Gorman said investigating redevelopment options would take time and require all levels of government to work together.

“I am sure there is a way to keep this unique waterpark open,” he said.

“I look forward to working with the Bayswater Council and Mayor Dan Bull to do anything I can to help secure the financial support needed.

“Constituents who have contacted me are keen to preserve the park and see what can be done to increase accessibility for a new generation.”

FOMW chairman Josh Eveson said the group sought local waterpark designer Nasir David who drafted some concepts and estimates but a facility plan, feasibility study and business case were yet to be completed.

“FOMW has always had the motivation to delay closure of Waterland to allow sufficient options to be explored,” he said.

“FOMW will continue to talk to everyone and anyone who can provide assistance in our cause, to give Waterland more time – Waterland was built with water safety in mind (so) it deserves to continue that service.”

Mr Eveson said the group would continue to work with the City for alternate options.

Maylands MLA Lisa Baker, who met up with the group last year, said she wrote to the Department in support of a grant for Waterland.

“Maylands Waterland has had a long history in my electorate and holds a special place in the hearts of many members of the community,” she said.

“It is important that we have a full costing of a refurbishment of Waterland given the potential environmental impact such as the run-off into the Swan River – the cost of repair and ongoing maintenance to make it sustainable.”

The council will consider Cr Petersen-Pik’s notice of motion to revoke its July 3 decision to seek an alternative redevelopment option if external funding is not obtained, and defer any redevelopment until after the State Election, at the January 29 meeting.

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