A new eco boardwalk could soon stretch across the Wilson wetlands in time to celebrate Western Australia’s 200th year as a colony. The project would install a walking path from Riverton Bridge to Castledare, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to access the Canning River foreshore and Kent Street Weir without being forced to navigate busy roads.
Mayor Highlights Community and Environmental Benefits
Mayor Patrick Hall told PerthNow it would link the area’s Aboriginal heritage and the environment with the local community. "It’s the perfect way to introduce people and connect them to the natural world," he said. "It’s also important for researchers to get into the wetlands. How do you do that without a boardwalk like this? It fills that walking and cycling gap that exists, connecting us to Kent Street Weir, which is the site of the Canning River Eco Education Centre. It’s all about the environment and connecting the community."
Community-Led Initiative Gains Momentum
The Wilson Residents and Ratepayers Association put forward a motion at the annual elector’s meeting three years ago asking the city to support a boardwalk. Mr Hall said the council has since been working behind the scenes with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions to progress the project and manage any environmental affects it might have on the river. The council has also been consulting with Whadjuk community groups and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch to ensure Indigenous land would be respected. "Five or six years ago, Canning received section 18 approval under the Aboriginal Heritage Act, which does not expire," Mr Hall said. "The city has respectfully consulted with the traditional custodians as the first step, and we’ll keep working with the DBCA."
Timing Aligns with Major Milestones
WA’s bicentenary falls in 2029, marking 200 years since the establishment of the Swan River colony. It will also signify 50 years since Canning was proclaimed a city. Mr Hall said the timing couldn’t be better to commit to an ambitious project to honour both milestones and gain funding support ahead of the 2029 State election year. "The biggest barrier would be funding, but if the State and Federal governments were ever going to fund a meaningful project for Western Australia to commemorate the 200th year of this colony, it would be in 2029," he said. "If all this can work towards this date ... the people of WA would celebrate that and they’d like to see it."
Public Reaction Positive So Far
Mr Hall has already started testing public reaction to the idea, via a Facebook post. "An eco-boardwalk meandering across the Wilson Wetlands (from Riverton Bridge to Castledare) has been on the radar of the Wilson Residents and Ratepayers Association for years and it has intermittently been on the city’s drawing board too," he stated. "Similar projects have existed for many years across sensitive wetlands in Bayswater and Maylands (and in other States) with great success and with the support of those communities." The social media response has so far been positive, with several respondents commending the idea and describing inclusions they would like to see in the project. "Great idea Pat. Love that you think outside the square. Maybe an opportunity there to include the disabled and those with special needs in the construction work of the walk also," one person commented. "Fantastic idea, I think it’s been a no brainer the river brings true connection for community. Maybe some historic talks and walks could be a great fundraiser for this. I know that some indigenous walks around Bicton are very popular," another person said.
Next Steps for the Project
The Wilson Residents and Ratepayers Association, which is heavily involved in the project, encouraged Wilson residents to attend its meetings to hear new information first-hand. Mr Hall said the city hoped to organise a meeting with the DBCA in May and planned to organise community engagement if the project got off the ground.
