One patch of grass is causing absolute chaos in WA town

A stretch of grass in Western Australia has caused an all-out war between locals and council, and it’s only getting worse.

A small parcel of land on track to become a bustling commercial hub has caused major upset over claims it will “devastate” locals, cripple nearby businesses, and destroy “A class reserve” land.

Hall Park, located in Mandurah, about an hour south of Perth, has for the past 75 years been home to funfair, King Carnival, which recently closed permanently as its decades-long lease expired.

Mandurah Council’s plan for what will now become of the land has ignited fury among the community, as thousands vow to put up a relentless fight to protect what they believe should be left alone.

The proposed development included a restaurant, microbrewery, a minigolf course, a cafe and chocolate factory, and 202 bay car park.

The park’s “A class” classification, according to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, means it should be regarded as a “high conservation or community value” reserve.

“It was gifted to the community back in 1965. It belongs to the people, it doesn’t belong to the council,” campaigner Amanda Giblett told news.com.au.

A bustling commercial hub is planned for this expansive A Class reserve. Picture: Supplied

Ms Giblett said the expected 750,000 visitors attracted by the new hub would completely “devastate” locals, particularly those on Leighton Place which borders the park.

She cited concerns around noise produced by rowdy pub-goers and the hub’s close proximity to a large and hugely popular skate park and playground.

“We don’t want another brewery or drinking outlet. It’s the people’s park, it’s for people not profit.”

The park, Ms Giblett said, was the second last place in Mandurah people could access the estuary by foot, and was also home to a much-valued war memorial.

Furious local Peter Hick lives on Leighton Place and described the plan an “absolute joke”, claiming that not only did it make no logistic sense but that barely anyone actually supported it.

A birds-eye view of Mandurah’s waterways in ‘86. Picture: Supplied/David Kindred

The biggest issue, he said, would be the surrounding infrastructure’s inadequate capacity to handle the traffic. Even a fraction of the expected visitors would cause complete carnage, he said.

“It’s a complete non-business approach taken by the council, and it’s just one of the silliest, craziest things we’ve seen,” he said, adding the whole project displayed incredible “incompetence”.

The plans themselves, he said, were a “nightmare” and guaranteed to cause traffic gridlock.

“It’s all happening down a single one-way road with an already busy roundabout at the end, it’s going to affect me because we already wait 10 minutes to get out at peak times,” he said.

“Not to mention the kids are going to get skittled off their skateboards from the skatepark. The whole thing is just badly designed.”

The council told news.com.au the intersection would undergo an upgrade to address the traffic increase. Plans for that would be presented to council in June.

The conceptual plan from Mandurah Council. Picture: Supplied/Mandurah Council

More than 1500 locals have been protesting against Hall Park becoming a commercial hub in the Facebook group Friends of Hall Park Community Page.

They hope to gain vital traction ahead of their Hands off Hall Park Rally on February 16, starting at 10am at the Hall Park skatepark.

While campaigners said they felt “deceived” by conceptual plans presented to them years ago, Mandurah Council claimed it undertook “one of the largest pieces of public consultation ever in Mandurah”.

“Our community told us what they wanted to see on the Western Foreshore, and that they thought the commercial offerings should be upgraded,” a spokesperson told news.com.au.

“We also know that the Western Foreshore was underused and has enormous potential to bring greater benefits to our community through enhanced leisure opportunities, economic development, job creation, recreational enjoyment, community use and investment.”

“In recent years, we’ve made significant strides in revitalising the southern end of the precinct. This transformation has included the addition of a modern skatepark, the regional Koolaanga Waabiny Playground, public art installations, a new toilet block, and an under-bridge performance space.

“Now the final phase of the Western Foreshore transformation is underway as we bring it back to life and create a vibrant space where locals and visitors can play, meet, work and enjoy. A balanced mix of public recreation and commercial offerings will ensure the area’s viability as a thriving community space.”

Mr Hick argued there were far better locations in Mandurah for the development.

Protesters vowed to continue their campaign in a petition to the state government.

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Originally published as One patch of grass is causing absolute chaos in WA town