Perth Voice Interactive

BAYSWATER council wants to hear what locals reckon about the historical significance of Halliday Park, with the chance of giving it stronger heritage protection hinted as a possibility.

But the man who’s fought hardest for the park’s history to be recognised says the process is “just a complete and utter waste of money”.

Town planner Greg Smith has long-battled the council over tree removals in the park. It’s the oldest park in the city and named for the first president of the roads boards (equivalent to the mayor today), but is rated as the lowest classification (level 5) in the city’s inventory, which offers very little protection.

Mr Smith says the old trees within the park should be seen as heritage too and preserved instead of pulled up when the council reckons they’re getting dangerous. He even protested tree deaths with a sandwich board at the council’s Carols by Candlelight, leading him to be ejected from the grounds.

“You don’t need to hire a consultant to tell you the time,” he says. “You just have to look at the City of Bayswater’s own history book to see the importance of the park.”

Mayor Barry McKenna says reclassifying the park requires thoroughly going over its aesthetic, social and cultural values criteria, as set out by the WA heritage council.

“The open day and community consultation to better understand the park’s value to the broader community is an important component in making an assessment against those criteria.”

Those less cynical than Mr Smith about the heritage review can head along to an open day to share thoughts. It’s at the park clubrooms at 6 Coode Street, 9am to 1pm on Saturday April 16.

by DAVID BELL