25/10/01
A former Midland Shire Councillor who was instrumental in the creation of a popular local park for sports clubs and a cinder cycle track in the 1930's, has been honoured with the naming of a park in Midland, Housing and Works Minister Tom Stephens said today.
Francis (Frank) Warnock and his sons took voluntary control of the original Warnock Park opposite their home in Henry Street, and ran a regular and widely known cycle meet there.
Today the Minister for Housing and WorksTom Stephens opened the new Warnock Park, which is part of the area's transformation created by the Eastern Horizon's New Living project.
Eastern Horizons is a joint venture with the City of Swan, to provide significant upgrades to public infrastructure and Department of Housing and Works housing in Koongamia, and parts of Midland, Midvale and Swanview.
Mr Stephens told descendants of Frank Warnock that they could be proud that their family epitomised what New Living was all about - the community helping itself.
"Mr Warnock served on the Midland Shire Council during the 1920's, and with his sons Charles and Lloyd, built a cinder cycle track with ashes taken from the fireboxes of steam trains," he said.
"Warnock Park is located next to the original park, but this 4,000 sq m area is more visible to surrounding residents, and has given a new life to the site of the former outdated and ugly public housing Hyman Flats."
Mr Stephens said two other parks at John Street and Hooley Road were being upgraded by Eastern Horizons for the local community to enjoy. Total cost for the three parks was $650,000.
In addition, the Minister said he was pleased to hear that a further 6,000 sq m park was to be established between Charles and North Streets, Midland, with the direct input and assistance of local children.
"Meanwhile, it is indeed a tribute to the vision of this vital local community, including the Midvale primary school and other community groups, that they are involved in these park improvements," he said.
Mr Stephens said a number of refurbished dwellings, in addition to the vacant land in the Eastern Horizons project would be sold to increase the number of owner/occupiers in the area.
Funds from the sale of these properties would be directed to the building of new public housing.
Media contact: Julie Cole - 9213 6500
