OUR HERITAGE AT RISK - WESTERN AUSTRALIA - 2008
Place:    Swan River Foreshore, Perth
Threat: Development

Perth from Kings Park 1920's

Statement of Significance:

The Swan River and in particular the foreshore on the CBD side holds different values to different people. The place is significant historically both as a commercial and recreational area since colonisation; the place holds special significance to Aboriginal people, and aesthetically it is highly valued by the community.

Statement of Risk

Degree of Risk:       At risk

Threats/Risks:        Devaluation

Fate/outcome:        Stable

Description of Risk: Over the past decades, various plans have been made to reconnect the city to the river. The most recent plan includes tall office and apartment towers, open space, inlets and realignment of roads to allow better of this space. However the design of this foreshore area as well the strategies used to plan and develop need to be open and transparent due to the high significance of the river.

Desired Outcome/Vision: Development of this space along the Swan River is not opposed, however the design and manner in which it is undertaken needs to be clear and open. Other options should also be investigated, including reducing the height of the proposed development by the Government to create a more human scale. It is important to find solutions appropriate to the social and physical make up of Perth and its community.

Perth from Kings Park 1948