Perth Voice Interactive

A SMALL group of around 25 protestors made a last-gasp effort on Monday to try and convince the Cook government not to remove the Perth Cultural Centre’s much-loved native wetland.

A blown-out $50 million revamp (originally $35m) of the cultural centre is due to start as early as January, but the 1970s-built concrete pond which was transformed into a wetlands in 2010 has sprung a leak and the state government says it’s not feasible to repair it.

But environmental campaigner Paddy Cullen, who organised a 2000-strong Parliamentary petition when the revamp was first announced late last year, says the wetland is too important to simply disappear.

“This tiny wetland ecosystem gives an insight into what Perth once looked like before the concrete and bitumen went in,” Mr Cullen said.

“Perth has lost more than 80 per cent of its wetlands and we need to turn this around.

“This Christmas we are asking the premier to waive the wetlands execution and give us something to celebrate.”

Traditional custodian Daniel Garlett says he has used the wetlands to give kids an insight into the importance of wetlands to Noongar culture.

“The children love interacting with the wildlife,” Mr Garlett said.

“How can we teach this if the area is destroyed.”

Greens MLC Brad Pettitt, who tabled Mr Cullen’s petition, noted an earlier iteration of the area’s masterplan included a new wetlands closer to Beaufort Street.

“That plan has been superseded by a plan that is far less bold, but potentially more affordable,” Dr Pettitt said.

“The PCC wetlands are a unique space in our city, providing access to wetlands plants and animals in the heart of the city.

“There is nothing within easy walking distance that replicates the experience.”

But arts minister David Templeman says the upgrade will transform the cultural centre into a “beacon and the beating heart of the city.

“Artworks will be commissioned for the northern and main gallery that will transform the visitor passage entry to the gallery,” Mr Templeman said.

“A new, shady central space will be developed, which will look quite spectacular,” Mr Templeman said.

“It will include a new focal point and the creation of a new children’s play space.

“That means that children will again be front and centre of attraction to the cultural precinct. 

“The interesting amphitheatre will be demolished and a more accessible, greater streetscape will be developed.

“At the eastern end of the cultural centre the Art Gallery of WA

car park will be demolished and a better connection from Beaufort Street will be introduced.”

by STEVE GRANT