Susan Flis, Paula Samson, Dr Jillian Horton and Steve Douglas are members of Save Our Space, which has been championing an open space in the heart of Applecross.
THE local community group Save Our Space would like to urge residents across the City of Melville to pay close attention to a significant motion that will be considered at Melville’s council meeting on Tuesday July 21.
A Notice of Revocation Motion (UP23/4033) has been put forward seeking to revoke part of Council’s April 2023 decision to convert the Moreau Mews Town Square site, Applecross into 100 per cent public open space.
For many residents, the motion has come as a profound shock as this motion requests further investigation into future options, including the possibility of a mixed public open space and property development.
Over many years, the Moreau Mews project has progressed through extensive community consultation, concept planning, detailed design and implementation planning.
More than $650,000 has already been spent progressing the project.
As stated on City of Melville signage at the site, works to remove the existing car park are scheduled to commence in August 2026.
Indeed, the new, totally unexpected motion tabled is a bitter betrayal of community trust.
Furthermore, councillors supporting the motion have sought to consult with the community.
Previous consultation and lengthy meetings had resulted in compromise on all sides.
A concept design had been finally agreed on.
It includes a beautiful playground, a kiosk, places for contemplation, an open turf area to play social cricket, soccer etc, an interactive water feature, hard stands for food trucks, stalls and exhibitions.
There is parking around the verge and the potential for integration with the surrounding developments.
Most importantly, a 4000sqm space with tree canopy to be enjoyed by all.
The vision for Moreau Mews has always been as a vibrant community heart for Canning Bridge – a place for Christmas markets, festivals and gatherings for residents and visitors alike.
Community advocates argue that the need for public open space in the Canning Bridge precinct has never been greater.
With increasing residential density and the potential for even taller developments under new planning regulations, residents believe accessible green space is essential infrastructure.
WA government guideline for the allocation of public open space in high density areas is 6.5sqm per resident, within 400 metres and a five-minute walk.
What is currently allocated is only 10 per cent of this.
The issue of public open space deficiency in Canning Bridge has previously been acknowledged by the City itself.
Top priority
In The Melville Herald on June 8, 2024, mayor Katy Mair stated that investigating public open space in Canning Bridge was a “top priority” because “Residents have made it clear that even with the Moreau Mews POS and The Esplanade POS there is still not enough POS in Canning Bridge.”
Ms Mair also acknowledged that Canning Bridge as a stand-alone area is deficient in green open space and “the council will ensure that POS will meet community expectations and state government requirements”.
In 2024, a petition signed by approximately 3,000 electors, an overwhelming show of support, was submitted to the City of Melville calling for 100 per cent open space at the Moreau Mews site.
Residents are now asking why a project that has progressed so far, and which has enjoyed such strong community support, is suddenly being reconsidered.
Many are questioning the value of community consultation if decisions reached after years of engagement can be revisited at the eleventh hour.
What is the point of community consultation when it is totally ignored?
Parents of children with disability have also spoken about the importance of accessible public open space.
Councillors have been reminded that parks are “a saving grace – every day” for many families and that accessible open spaces are not a luxury but essential community infrastructure that promotes inclusion, connection, health and wellbeing.
The upcoming council meeting is therefore expected to attract strong community interest.
Residents wishing to express their views are strongly encouraged to phone or email elected members – contact details are on the City of Melville website. And attend the council meeting on Tuesday July 21.
The decision made on July 21 will determine whether the long-awaited Moreau Mews Town Square proceeds as planned, or whether the future of this important community space once again becomes uncertain.
For many residents, the question is simple: should the City of Melville honour its longstanding commitment to deliver 100 per cent public open space at Moreau Mews, rezone the area as public open space, or reopen a debate that many believed had already been settled?