GREENS East Metro MLC Tim Clifford will deliver 1000 postcards signed by City of Swan residents to councillors at tonight’s council meeting.
Mr Clifford said residents had signed the Valentine’s Day-themed postcards to send a strong message to let council know they were not consulted and that the Midland Oval Redevelopment Masterplan should be changed to retain the oval.
A Special Meeting of Electors will be held on March 13 to allow residents to have their concerns heard about the lack of public consultation over the masterplan.
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READ NOW“The City has previously claimed that only a small but vocal group of people opposed the Midland Oval development,” he said.
“However, 1000 signatures clearly demonstrates that there are plenty of people in this City who love the oval and want to see it retained in any redevelopment plan.”
Mr Clifford said residents also wanted to see a business case for the redevelopment.
“It’s outrageous that a development of this scale does not have a business case and residents want to know where their rates are going,” he said.
“It’s not just Midland locals who care about this – ratepayers from other parts of the City of Swan are upset too.”
At a stall held last Sunday at the Midland Markets, Mr Clifford said people were eager to stop and make their views known to him.
“The development is clearly a hot topic and I was surprised by the passion expressed by locals. They are clearly frustrated by council’s apparent refusal to listen to the community.
“If the council is serious about revitalising Midland, why not build an appealing place that people would want to live in, one that includes green space that will enhance the liveability of the City.”
City of Swan Mayor David Lucas said he looked forward to being able to wish Mr Clifford a Happy Valentine’s Day at council this evening.
“We always welcome feedback from the community and of course, we will take this on board,” he said.
“However, the City and council have conducted extensive community consultation on the Midland Oval Redevelopment, including numerous public sessions and workshops, shopping centre stalls and online submissions.
“These were promoted through traditional and modern media channels including paid advertising (newspaper, online, radio, social), media releases, website content, flyers, posters and printed collateral.
“City staff and council also held one on one meetings with residents and ratepayers on request.”
Mr Lucas said to address the issue further, the City has scheduled a Special Meeting of Electors.
“This will be another chance for residents and ratepayers of the City to make a deputation on the issue and be heard.”
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