Move towards creation of Bold Regional Park

October 17, 1995

The creation of a regional park in Perth's western suburbs has moved a step closer today with the tabling in State Parliament of documents to finalise plans for the park.

Planning Minister Richard Lewis said Bold Regional Park would be established by combining the existing 215-hectare park with an adjoining 231-hectare area gifted to the State by the Town of Cambridge.

"The total size of the regional park will be around 465 hectares, which is more than 60 hectares bigger than Kings Park," Mr Lewis said.

"The State Government has contributed 19 hectares, known as the Knightsbridge land, which was bought in 1993 for $3.5 million.

"It will be a wonderful asset not only for the people of the western suburbs, but for all Western Australians."

The Premier launched plans to create Bold Regional Park in March and invited public people to make submissions on the proposal over a three-month period.

Mr Lewis said a total of 1,396 submissions were received from conservation groups, local interest groups and individuals, local and State Government agencies.

"The WA Planning Commission identified key issues and recommended changes to the proposal, which is the basis of a major amendment to the Metropolitan Region Scheme," he said.

"Careful consideration of the need for and location of Stephenson Highway has confirmed the road as proposed.  Whilst natural bushland and a stand of jarrah with environmental values will be protected by the deletion of the proposed regional road reservation for Rochdale Road."

Mr Lewis said the proposed boundary of the parks and recreation reserve had also been extended to include the portion of the Mount Claremont bushland north of the Christ Church Grammar School playing fields.

"The area has very high conservation, recreational, scientific and educational values," he said.

The Minister said the success of the public consultation process had helped formulate the final plan for the regional park.

"The proposal is a victory for commonsense and goodwill," he said.

The regional park will be an 'A' class reserve managed by the Kings Park Board.

Media contact: Bronwyn Hillman 222 9595 or 221 1377