IN response to Karl Kelers’ opinion piece published on February 14 and the ongoing propaganda being letter dropped by the “Alfred Cove Action Group” (ACAG) on the Tompkins Park surf park proposal, please stop.
I am still yet to hear one single substantiated reason as to why this proposal is not a good idea.
It’s a 22-hectare regional sporting reserve that has little to no ecological value. I feel it’s necessary to respond to your broken record of supposed issues.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWIrreversible damage to a bird sanctuary? The foraging habitat used by the migratory shore birds of 400m north of the site.
Nearby residential use would possibly pose a greater threat. With regards to light and noise, go check the bowls club on a Friday night lit up by the 20m-high light towers.
Traffic congestion – how? If you read the City of Melville’s business case, you would understand that occupancy is similar to that of a medium-sized aquatic facility and poses no significant impact. Put it into context of the recently approved Canning Bridge Precinct Plans.
Contamination? The detailed site investigation (GHD, February 2016) made available by the City demonstrates that the site was never a putrescible landfill and that the most significant risk comes from prolonged application of fertilisers, which will be reduced by the proposal.
Release of treated water from the surf lagoon into the Swan River? Please. Who or where has this come from?
Loss of valuable public open space and vistas? In my opinion the subject area is totally underutilised and will be an asset to the larger area.
Notwithstanding, these are issues that need to be (and should) be scrutinised by the appropriate experts and regulators.
If you are afraid of change, just say so. If you’re afraid of a proposal that you don’t fully understand, just say so. But please refrain from using emotive, unsubstantiated claims designed to generate fear amongst the local community and mask who you really are – a NIMBY.
D STANTON,
Palmyra.