Perth Voice Interactive

THE vast majority of Bayswater residents love the place, but they’d love to see more trees.

They’re the chief findings of an independent community perceptions study that interviewed 689 people to gain a snapshot of life in the Garden City.

A healthy 87 per cent rate Baysy a good or excellent place to live but just 64 per cent rate the council positively.

Just 39 per cent believe elected members have a “good understanding of community needs”, up from 25 per cent four years ago.

“I would like to see more street trees to provide shade and a place for birds,” said one local, amongst the 14 per cent who said more trees would improve life in the city. Two per cent wanted a ”lot less trees”.

Locals are happy with their rubbish and recycling, and facilities like Bayswater Waves, the Rise and libraries are well regarded.

The independent report recommends five priorities for the council: plant more trees, address community division over high-density developments, revitalise the town centre, improve safety and security, and modernise playgrounds and parks.

Cr Chris Cornish has been pushing the pro-tree agenda for yonks, having won support from councillors for his plan to increase canopy coverage from 13 per cent to 20 per cent by 2025.

“It is heartening to receive confirmation that all the work I have been doing in this area has been aligned with what the community wants.”

by DAVID BELL