Perth Voice Interactive

A $25 million redevelopment of Frank Drago Reserve is being opposed by local residents, who’ve launched a petition.

Last month, Bayswater city council unveiled its draft masterplan for the site but petitioners claim it was developed with insufficient community consultation and unequal input from the soccer, tennis, bowling and croquet clubs that share the reserve.

When the plan went public, croquet club treasurer Trevor Ashby was “very disappointed” with plans to halve the 83-year-old club’s greens, and tennis club president Dan Kerrigan said it was “completely unacceptable” his club would lose at least one court and see its 10 grass courts replaced with hard courts.

Bayswater City Soccer Club was the big winner, scoring three full-size pitches and two junior pitches.

It was the club’s request for an expansion that had kickstarted the masterplan process last year.

At the time of going to print, the petition had been online for five days and amassed 327 signatures.

“We only support a plan that has no encroachment to current boundaries and areas of tennis and croquet,” petitioner Leili Marshall said.

“The plan must ensure that the current grass reserve remains as public open space, accessible for passive recreation and unrestricted public use. There should be no rate or levy increase to fund the development.”

Pro-trees campaigner and town planner Greg Smith claims part of the plan involves removing healthy trees—including a popular mulberry—and replacing lawn with synthetic turf.

“No surveys were done on the parking/traffic and noise provisions, yet they are expecting 3000 people to attend the soccer matches,” he says. “And the clincher—you will be paying for it in your rates for years to come.”

The draft masterplan includes a nature-themed play space, dedicated zones for dog walkers, and more parking.

The council hopes to have it all built by 2019.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK