Published on Friday, 16 November 2018 at 1:51:51 PM
A draft master plan for Banks Reserve acknowledges and respects the traditional owners and custodians of the land, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation, and aims to enhance and protect the natural beauty of the reserve.
Banks Reserve sits on the banks of the Swan River in Mount Lawley next to East Perth. It covers approximately 3.5 hectares and adjoins Joel Terrace, the Old East Perth Power Station and the Toni DiScerni wetlands. It is the only riverfront location in the City of Vincent.
“I love this part of the river,” said Elder Noel Nannup. “There is nothing more therapeutic than being under a sheoak tree, listening to the wind blowing through the leaves and the water lapping on the shore. Places like this are so important and we need to protect them.”
Mayor Emma Cole echoed this feeling. “As Noel’s words express, Banks Reserve has spiritual and historical significance for the Whadjuk Noongar people and we have a wonderful opportunity to tell our residents and visitors part of this story,” said Mayor Emma Cole.
“Banks Reserve sits within the boundaries of three registered Aboriginal sites of significance and in more recent times has hosted reconciliation ceremonies and community events. It is a place of great natural beauty with its river frontage, as well as a home to artworks that commemorate reconciliation and Aboriginal cultural heritage.”
“To develop the draft master plan we spoke to many users of the park, residents, stakeholders and Noongar representatives. Noel Nannup met with consultants and City staff on the banks of the river to share some stories of his people. Len Collard delivered a Noongar interpretive history of the area, which will be incorporated into the redevelopment. Consultations were held with the Whadjuk Working Group and the City’s Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group,” she said.
Following extensive consultation, a community and stakeholder reference group undertook a collaborative design process to come up with the master plan. The plan enhances the natural beauty of Banks Reserve with a wider promenade for cyclist, walkers and dog owners; raised boardwalks that allow access over revegetated river foreshore; improvements to the playground and mini-court; better lighting for night-time safety and replaces the old pavilion with a partially covered plaza space.
The design guidelines of the master plan also ensure that all future work done on Banks Reserve responds to Whadjuk Noongar history and cultural significance, as well as the natural beauty of the reserve through appropriate materials, colour palettes, landscaping, planting, artwork, signage and interpretation.
“We believe this master plan will improve Bank Reserve by making it more accessible and attractive for residents and visitors, whilst also preserving the important natural, and cultural aspects of the area,” said Mayor Cole.
The Draft Banks Reserve Master Plan is now open for public consultation until 5pm Wednesday 16 January 2019. You can have your say by visiting imagine.vincent.wa.gov.au, calling 9273 6000 or visiting the City's Administration Centre.
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