The fences are up and we now only have limited access to our beloved wetland in the Perth Cultural Centre (PCC) but let’s not give up!

You are invited to join the SAVE PERTH’S URBAN WETLANDS group On World Wetlands Day to demand a reconsideration of the latest Cook government’s redevelopment plan for the PCC.

The ‘bigger and better’ plan announced in September ‘24, does not include a wetland and is, quite frankly, dry, dead and boring. There are no ‘world class’ innovations or design aspects to speak of, but instead the wetland in the original plan has now been replaced by a massive screen at an additional cost of $20M. When the antidote to screen addiction is nature, it is simply outrageous that our government is going against the world-wide trend of re-wilding spaces and prioritising wetlands.

The Labor government is not listening and refuse to meet with us, so it’s time for us to be loud and bold!

We will meet at the wetlands close to the Art Gallery of WA - bring your watering cans and gloves and we’ll go searching through the PCC looking for a wetland - and creating art and awareness as we go!

The event will be family-friendly with activities for kids so let your friends and family know.

Grab some tickets so we know you’re coming!

For more information on World Wetlands Day and the many projects around the world that are working to save and promote wetlands, go HERE.

BACKGROUND TO THE WETLANDS AND OUR CAMPAIGN:

In 2010 an artificial wetland was created adjacent to the entrance of the Art Gallery of WA. It was populated with tadpoles, fingerlings and other endemic critters by children from local schools under supervision of environmental scientists and teachers. Those children have returned to the wetland over years and have a deep connection with it. The wetland received international acclaim as a strong initiative showing how regeneration can be successfully achieved in busy urban environments.

Over the last 14 years the area has become a sanctuary for city workers, a classroom for school excursions and Noongar cultural exchanges and a safe and abundant home to myriad wild critters passing through the city. During Covid it bustled with nature, including some species rarely seen in the city area.

A consultation was held in relation to the proposed redevelopment of the Perth Cultural Centre Precinct and retention of the wetland was strongly supported by the public. The original proposal removed the current wetland and proposed a relocated wetland on site. A revised plan released September 2024 had an increased budget but no wetland. In its place, a giant AV screen.

For over a year, community members and environmental scientists have advocated for the wetland’s protection, submitting petitions and gaining support from prominent figures. With works starting as we write, we have not been able to get to meet with or have responses from decision makers in relation to our concerns.

Key reasons for preserving the wetland include:

Cultural Significance: It connects to the original wetlands of Wadjuk Boodjar, highly significant to the Noongar people.

Habitat for Native Species: Home to native frogs, fish, birds, and insects, with self-sustaining populations.

Unique Urban Space: Provides a natural escape in the city, celebrated for its regeneration efforts.

Underground Water Use: Opportunity to use pumped water from under Perth CBD to sustain the wetland and create green spaces.

Health and Well-being: Green spaces benefit physical and mental health, especially important in hot climates.

Community Investment: Nurtured by volunteers and children, its destruction would harm community spirit.

Animal Welfare: Concerns about the welfare of birds relying on the wetland for water.

The redevelopment of the precinct is a rare opportunity to create a world class showcase of Perth’s unique environment; culturally, ecologically and historically. What we are being presented with is just another paved promenade that could be found in any city across the globe.