ABOUT PERTH'S AWARD WINNING URBAN WETLAND
Perth's Urban Wetland is just a 2 minute walk from the Perth train station, and located next to the Art Gallery of WA, near PICA, the Alexander library and the Perth Museum.
As part of the $1.5 billion Perth City Deal, $55 million has been allocated to the rejuvenation of the Perth Cultural Centre (PCC) with the Australian Government contributing $10 million and the State Government committing $45 million.
Following engagement with stakeholders and community, the initial concept plan did include a wetland, but the final design does NOT despite this being a well-loved, cool, green space that community has been involved in caring for, for over a decade. The new PCC rejuvenation project intends to increase shaded areas and greenery to provide a more attractive public space. The wetlands has proven itself as a unique, attraction for community, a vital nature playground for children and a haven for fauna.
The Perth Cultural Centre's unique, well-loved, award winning urban wetland must be retained or replaced.
History
In 2010, the Urban Wetland project created this unique wetland that requires very little maintenance. In the words of Sabrina Hahn, it is one of the rarest constructed wetlands in the world. It also links the city back to when the whole area of Perth was part of a wetland system and home to the Whadjuk Noogar people.
Some experts say we have already 'lost' 80% of Perth's wetlands. Some estimate even more than 80% have gone.
Yet, for more than a decade, this little green space, has become a popular and much loved Perth icon for humans and animals alike, seeking refuge from the city's noise, bustle, concrete and heat.
Community
Right from the start, the community was invited to help create the wetland. And many, many, people got involved.
Ecologist Mandy Bamford, coordinated a four year education program with young people and school students, who learnt about and then released native species of amphibians, reptiles and fish. Kids learnt about nature and biodiversity by being part of it. What kind of message do we send those children if we were now to destroy it?
Biodiversity
"Amongst other creatures, the Urban Wetland now has permanent breeding populations of motorbike frogs, clicking frogs and slender tree frogs," said Josh Byrne in 2014.
Many birds now rely on the wetland for water and a cool refuge during summer. Rarer birds recorded at the wetland include the buff banded rail and the little grassbird.
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Given the current rates of loss of habitat and species at risk of extinction, it is unthinkable that the State Government is planning to destroy this special little area of biodiversity, and in doing so, totally disregard the animals that rely on it, and the many humans who love it and benefit from it.
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Human Health
Of course, green spaces are vitally important for humans too. Many of us already know this. Evidence shows that green spaces and access to nature positively impacts mental health, especially for children. They provide cooler, calming spaces, with better air quality. Dr George Crisp says they are vital for public health and should be valued as health infrastructure and for all their preventative health benefits.
Global trends
Over east, and in Europe, cities are being re-wilded, with city planning replacing concrete and tarmac with green spaces and nature is being encouraged back. Why are we destroying an established wetland to be replaced with '... trees and turf' (according to a Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries spokesperson.)
Publicly funded public space
Many people have been involved in this wetland over the years, it is disrespectful to now ignore them. Especially given all the hard work they've put in for the good of this public space, the public should have a say in its future. The new 'Perth Cultural Centre will cost $55M, surely just a fraction of this could be spent to save or replace this Perth cultural icon?
We think it should and it can!
​If you do too, please join us to Save Perth's Urban Wetland before it's too late!​
