Perth Voice Interactive

The Barnett government is set to do a u-turn and allow Muslims to celebrate Eid at Kings Park.

In March, the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority refused an application for a 2000-people Eid-al-Fitr celebration at the Saw Avenue picnic area, arguing capacity for the area was limited to 500 (Voice, March 9, 2013).

BGPA chief Mark Webb had said the popular community event had outgrown the picnic area and could create parking and traffic snarls.

The decision threatened to bring to an end a trouble-free 19-year tradition that is enormously popular with local families.

Following further discussions with the BGPA the Islamic Centre is now planning to submit a revised application and management plan for the event.

“Recognising the importance of the Eid celebration to the Islamic community, there has been ongoing constructive discussions between Kings Park and the Islamic Centre to find a suitable location for the Eid prayers,” WA multicultural interests office spokesperson Liz Rehfeldt said.

The BGPA says Hale Oval, with a capacity for 2000, is shaping up as a possibility.

The Voice contacted the centre but it didn’t get back to us.

The BGPA estimates 4500 attended Eid-al-Fitr and 4000 attended Eid-al-Adha in Kings Park last year.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK