Message from the Lord Mayor

As you know a primary school is an absolute priority for the City, and one your City of Perth Council has been championing since our election.

A local primary school for local families is essential, and will further turbo charge our inner city residential population.

As I have alluded to in previous updates, I have been very pleased to be able to work with the State Government on behalf of the City to help deliver a project of this significance.

This is a partnership. We are working to achieve this outcome together.

PREFERRED SITE CHOSEN

The State Government have identified two of the three City of Perth car parks opposite Queens Gardens on Nelson Crescent near the WACA as their preferred site for the primary school.

The preferred site has great merit, and as it is on City of Perth owned land, my commitment to the ratepayers is to ensure this partnership unlocks the best possible outcome for the City.

We will undertake a thorough due diligence process which will include a detailed business case for the proposed land transaction to ensure this deal stacks up for the City.

Currently the State Government is proposing to take approximately 50 per cent of the total car park site (closest to Gloucester Park) and build the primary school as indicated above.

The remaining 50 per cent of the site (closest to Plain Street) would be retained by the City of Perth – but with the current Chevron Hilton Act rescinded. 

This would effectively allow the City to explore the best possible opportunities and development potential for that land.

I reiterate the City is delighted to be working with State Government to help deliver a primary school for East Perth, it’s our job on behalf of our ratepayers to get the best deal for the City.

WACA AQUATIC FACILITY UPDATE

At today’s announcement, Planning Minister Rita Saffioti provided an update on the WACA aquatic facility. The Minister outlined an extra $22 million contribution from State Government towards the construction costs of the pool.

You will recall the City of Perth Council previously agreed to a one off $25 million outlay for the pool. This has proven to be a prudent decision.

The constructions costs for the WACA pool are now up to $47 million – but the City’s contribution is capped at $25 million.

Sensible financial decisions for our ratepayers – that’s what we are about.

As always, I value your direct feedback, please feel free to contact me at basil.zempilas@cityofperth.wa.gov.au