Nod for dual-use path

Long-term erosion of the foreshore at Burke Drive, between Roberts Road and Page Street, has led to destruction of the pathway. The area of eroded land has been fenced off.

A Special Electors Meeting to discuss the future of the area was held in September. At a subsequent council meeting, it was agreed that any decision be deferred until after an Elected Member Information Session on October 29.

Debate at last week’s meeting was largely around whether a pathway or boardwalk should also be built through the fenced off area, with City officers stating that further erosion was expected and a managed retreat was the preferred option.

The matter is complicated by the number of agencies who share responsibility for the area.

The Department of Parks and Wildlife manages the river and foreshore within the boundary of the fenced Swan Estuary Marine Park and the City of Melville maintains the public open space and pathway.

Any work within the riverpark is under the authority of the Swan River Trust.

Cr June Barton proposed the decision to approve the path be deferred until after another Special Electors Meeting, but this was not carried by Council.

In an emotive delivery, Duncan McPhail said Council should support the Swan River and not just people walking along it.

‘Why on earth would people want access to this environmentally sensitive area?’ he said.

‘Let’s discard the notion that we human beings can beat the Swan River into submission all for the sake of a vista.’

Cr Barton announced at the meeting that she intended to move a recision motion on the issue.