RESIDENTS are demanding the scrapping of plans to shift the Mount Pleasant bowls club to Shirley Strickland Reserve, after a survey showed most people don’t want the club at the new location.
More than 500 forms were returned, with most offering additional comments. Melville council has not released the results in full. The council is keen to give the club the boot from Bedford Road because it stands to make a motza flogging the land to developers.
Inconveniently, residents are telling their council they want more green space, not less.
“Please don’t relocate the bowling club here. We don’t want to lose any of the green area and certainly don’t need the extra traffic,” wrote an Ardross resident.
• Louis de Villiers with Loco and Ted at Shirley Strickland Reserve. Photo by Matthew Dwyer
“Don’t redevelop the land at the cost of playing fields and old trees,” wrote another.
But mayor Russell Aubrey is refusing to rule out a forced shift, despite public opposition.
“When making any decision regarding the use of valuable assets, the city is always aiming for an optimal community outcome which needs to be balanced with the diverse needs of various community groups — Shirley Strickland Reserve is one example,” he says.
The council has its eye on other land grabs too: it’s approached Melville bowling club about shifting from its riverfront digs to Tompkins Park, and has already evicted the Mt Pleasant senior citizens from their home on The Esplanade.
Former Melville councillor Effie Nicholson is concerned about the spate of relocations and amalgamations that seem driven by the council’s determination to exploit real estate riches.
In November, residents formed a Strickland Oval Action Group to fight for green space. Member Louis de Villiers says the survey results validate the group’s campaign.
“This is conclusive proof that locals don’t want the bowls club here,” he says. “We are calling for all the surveys to be made public so we can take a look.”
Six clubs including Applecross Cricket Club and Fremantle Rebels Softball already share Shirley Strickland with dog walkers and locals.
A draft concept plan is expected to be released next month.
by STEPHEN POLLOCK
