PARK users can have their say on whether “awfully expensive” fencing should form part of the Robinson Reserve upgrades.
Stirling councillor Giovanni Italiano received council support at the February 6 meeting for changes to the Tuart Hill park’s master plan; a feasibility assessment of parallel parking on Royal Street and inclusion of palisade fencing or similar around the reserve as part of stage one.
He said the palisade fencing, a high security post and rail option, was more “aesthetically pleasing” and consistent with other City of Stirling venues.
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READ NOWCommunity services director Trevor Holland believed it would cost a “substantial amount of money” and described it as “over the top”, with the City needing to find additional funds to cover the palisade fencing.
Cr Italiano argued the existing fencing was the same as when he was a toddler.
“If it’s good enough for the (Scarborough) pool, good enough for the (Balcatta) BMX track, then it’s good enough for Robinson Reserve,” he said.
The parking and fencing requirements will be considered as part of the 2018-19 budget and the master plan will return to council for endorsement in June following community consultation.
A report by the City said council sought initial consultation about the master plan process in 2008 but this was delayed until 2012 because of other council projects.
It stated the importance of the reserve given Tuart Hill and Joondanna had a higher than average number of single person households, one parent families and rentals, the number of semi-detached terraced townhouses had increased from 46.8 per cent in 2011 to 61.5 per cent in 2016 and Tuart Hill comprised only 5 per cent public open space, less than the 10 per cent required.
The proposal includes shelters and seating, barbecues, a path network, small carpark adjacent to the clubrooms, upgraded playground, a basketball/netball half court and soccer goal, public toilet, demolition of old buildings, refurbished entry and landscaping.
Low fencing had originally been planned for the reserve along Royal Street.
The State Government is contributing $1.5 million to the project, fulfilling an election promise by Balcatta MLA David Michael, with the City providing $840,000.
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