Fence raised in Robinson Reserve redevelopment

A 1.8M high fence is being installed around Robinson Reserve in Tuart Hill as part of upgrades.

Work to redevelop the park is set to start following the Osborne Park Show later this year, after Stirling councillors endorsed the final plan at the June council meeting.

The Osborne Park Agricultural Society, which runs the show, previously raised concerns about the 1.2m high fencing proposed by the City of Stirling because it would not provide adequate security.

MORE: Robinson Reserve redevelopment could be end of Osborne Park Show

It instead sought a 1.8m high palisade fence despite the City offering to provide higher temporary fencing during the show.

Cr Giovanni Italiano gained council support for the higher fence, saying a contractor found it needed replacing.

“I think it’s time the fence got replaced and for the benefit of the community it should be 1.8m,” he said.

But Cr Re believed there should be more consultation with park users to see if they supported spending $300,000 rather than the proposed $75,000.

“It’s a lot of money to be spent on something not everyone agrees to,” she said.

Community development director Trevor Holland confirmed there would be five access gates to the reserve, which would only be closed to the public when events charging entry fees were held.

A report presented by the City said it received more than 160 surveys and 16 written submissions during public consultation, with 86 per cent wanting fencing around the park and 56 per cent preferring the 1.8m high fence.

Following feedback, the City will add an extra picnic shelter, retain the hill and provide on-street parking along Royal Street.

As part of the redevelopment, existing aged buildings are being demolished but the agricultural society and the Finch Society of WA, which has leased a building for 35 years, were worried it would affect their operations.

The report said temporary facilities would be provided to the agricultural society until a permanent solution could be found, and the City was working with user groups to find alternate facilities.

The State Government has contributed $1.5 million to the five-year project, with the City to spend about $2.3 million.