Unveiling of plan to create 'greenway' between Guildford and Indian Ocean

4/2/96

The State and Federal Government today unveiled a plan to complete links between some of Perth's best loved parklands, creating a recreational greenway between Guildford and the Indian Ocean.

In a joint announcement, Deputy Prime Minister Kim Beazley and Western Australian Planning Minister Richard Lewis said the $4 million plan would complete the Swan Greenway, which was a Better Cities Program initiative.

When finished, the Greenway would be a system of integrated parklands and multi-use paths more than 20 kilometres long, which would focus on the Swan River and extend through Subiaco and City Beach to the coast.

Mr Lewis said a system of parks and recreation facilities currently existed along the Swan River.   However, there were a number of missing links.

"Without work in key areas, including Mount Lawley, Belmont, the Rivervale and Burswood Foreshores, central Perth and Subiaco, a continuous recreational greenway will never be realised," he said.

"Access to the river will be greatly improved and people will be able to maximise the recreational opportunities offered by such a magnificent waterway and central park system.

"Although the greenway provides a long-awaited facility for cyclists, it is more than a bike path. People will be able to enjoy the natural environment whether strolling, jogging or cycling."

Mr Beazley said work on the project had already commenced in the Rivervale area, where two groups of young unemployed people, one sponsored by Westrek and the other by the Maamba Aboriginal Corporation, had completed sections of the path.

"The Rivervale foreshore section will provide a linear parkway from Ascot Waters towards the city with picnic facilities, recreational areas and interpretive displays about Aboriginal culture and heritage and the environment," he said.

"The greenway will also link a number of Better Cities projects around Perth including Ascot Waters, Bayswater Riverside Gardens and the Subiaco and East Perth redevelopment areas.

"All three levels of government are contributing to the cost of the project, with the State providing $2 million, the Commonwealth $1.5 million and the remaining $500,000 provided by the Cities of Perth, Belmont and Stirling and the Towns of Cambridge, Vincent and Victoria Park."

The Rivervale section of the greenway follows the river downstream from the Abernethy Road boat ramp and connects to the city over the Goongoongup Rail Bridge.

On the other side of the river, existing paths in East Perth and Bayswater will be connected by a new section on the Mt Lawley foreshore between Bardon Park and Banks Reserve.

The 'City to Surf' section will start at the corner of Jersey Street and Salvado Road in Subiaco, continue down Salvado Road to Alderbury Street, connect with the Oceanic Drive path and continue to the Indian Ocean at City Beach.

Work in the Perth central area will involve redeveloping and greening the railway station forecourt.

Media contact: Bronwyn Hillman 222 9595, 221 1377