A GROUP of residents is calling for green space on the border of East Victoria Park and Carlisle to remain.
The Department of Planning is looking to rezone four parcels of land known as Millers Crossing from parkland to residential.
The land is owned by the Department and was set aside to be used in the construction of the bridge over the rail line, which was opened in 2004, but afterwards it was made into parkland.
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READ NOWRutland Avenue resident Leanne Daniels, who lives behind part of the parkland, said it was constantly used by different members of the public.
“I think it’s better for the community if it remains as parkland because the impact if it becomes residential is that there will be more noise and less people on the streets,” she said.
“I’ve been here for 28 years and when I got here the dynamic wasn’t as friendly but since the parkland was created, it’s been much more friendly and people are drawn to the space.”
The rezoning includes an area of John Bissett Reserve, which was named after the long-time councillor who served as City of Perth councillor from 1980 to 1993 and Town of Victoria Park from 1995 to 2015.
John Bissett said if Miller’s Crossing was made into a residential area it would mean a loss of public open space.
“With infill in the central metropolitan area, backyards are disappearing and so there are less places for people to go to the park and kick a ball around,” he said.
Town of Victoria Park Mayor Trevor Vaughan said the council made a recommendation to the WA Planning Commission (WAPC) that the land be zoned as Parks and Recreation Reserve.
“Some five years later, the WAPC has now come to us and instructed that we modify our original proposal, and zone the land as residential,” he said.
The community consultation period is now underway before a report is made to council with all of the feedback received from the community and the Town will make a recommendation to the WAPC.
The WAPC will make the final decision about the zoning of the land.
Submissions must be made in writing addressed to Town of Victoria Park chief executive officer Anthony Vuleta, at the council’s Administration Centre with reference to Town Planning Scheme 1 – Amendment 59.
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