Partnership creates community space

Concept plans for the Goodwin Avenue sump.

A previously under-used space in Manning is getting an important makeover to create a new community space with benefits for the environment, wildlife habitat and residents.

The City of South Perth is partnering with RAC through its Reconnect WA initiative to help transform a drainage sump on Godwin Avenue into a more functional and attractive area, with improved bike riding connections linking people to Canning Bridge train station, local schools and Curtin University.

Mayor Greg Milner welcomed the partnership, saying it had enabled the city to broaden the project to deliver more for current and future communities.

“The main purpose of the project was to upgrade stormwater sumps to improve water quality, however the city has seized an opportunity to also revegetate the area, enhance wildlife habitat and provide a pleasant, natural setting for our community to enjoy,” the Mayor said.

“Optimising the use of our green spaces is becoming increasingly important. With population growth resulting in smaller backyards for family homes, public areas are vital in creating green relief, providing areas for leisure and places for people to connect.”

The community will be able to share their feedback, as part of a series of surveys linked to the RAC Reconnect WA partnership to find out how people use parks, before and after an upgrade of this nature.

RAC Acting Group Executive Social and Community Impact, Will Golsby, said the RAC was pleased to partner with the City of South Perth to help revitalise this space in Manning.

“By trialling new and innovative ways to use our streets and public spaces, we hope to lay the foundations for longer-term changes that support RAC’s vision for a safer, more sustainable and better connected WA,” he said.

Construction will occur in 2023/24, with completion expected by April 2024. To find out more, visit southperth.wa.gov.au/environmentalprojects