When
Where
Why
What the people want
- Retain, maintain, and incorporate the Wetland into the PCC rejuvenation plan; or
- If demolished, build an equivalent or more substantial Wetland space incorporated into the new PCC rejuvenation design with careful relocation of the current ecosystem.
The situation
The Perth Cultural Centre (PCC) connects the Perth Train Station and the entertainment district of Northbridge. It is described by Development WA as “the cultural heart of the city”.
Within this cultural heart lies a Wetland established in 2010. A 4-year fauna education program enlisted children to populate it with critter residents. The Wetland is now home to permanent breeding populations of three species of native frogs, aquatic invertebrates, pygmy perch, and dragonflies. It has even hosted shy wetland birds such as the Buff-Banded Rail and Little Grassbird.
Other than being a home for urban nature with its associated benefits for human health, it is an outdoor classroom, an entertainment venue, and a reflective meeting spot for visitors, families and city workers. In short, the Wetland is an environmental design success, with self-sustaining benefits in the social, visual, cultural, and ecological spheres.
This area is due for a $35 million rejuvenation. The initial 2022 Masterplan released by Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries WA highlighted the importance of water, the Wagyl (rainbow serpent), and incorporated elements of Wetland in its design philosophy.
However, a sneak peek into the updated 2023 design as reported by an ABC News article dated 5 September 2023 revealed that “there will be no new wetland within the Perth Cultural Centre rejuvenation project”. Instead, it would be replaced with pavement for a thoroughfare to Beaufort Street. This Wetland is now in danger of demolition. We need your support in its preservation.
Sign the petition. Keep up to date via this Facebook event page. Contact urbanwetlandpcc@gmail.com for more details or to get involved.