Revamp may fell two Beatty Park trees

by Stephanie Vanicek

April 8, 2008

A VOCAL Vincent local has expressed concern over the possible axing of two mature trees, and 15 smaller trees, to make way for the revamp of Beatty Park Leisure Centre. 

Colin Scott, who recently resigned as chair of the Smith’s Lake Precinct Group, explained the trees form part of the Beatty Park habitat and should not be removed.

“I wouldn’t like to see the trees removed for the purposes of a built and engineered environment,” he said. “I would like to see the new project built around these old trees.”

The North Perth resident also believed cutting the trees would send the wrong message to the community.

Leederville-based Greens MLC Giz Watson agreed.

“Due to the increased pressure Perth faces to increase the density of development,” Ms Watson said, “more pressure is placed to remove trees.”

She said regulation should be placed around mature trees to have them protected, such as has been done in Sydney and other capital cities.  

However, CEO of Vincent, John Giorgi, said the council had already sought to preserve trees wherever possible.

“We will attempt to work around it,” Mr Giorgi said. “We already believe we can work around one of the trees, as it is in the car park.”

According to Vincent councillor Sally Lake, the town would ultimately have to consider if the benefits of the redevelopment outweigh the loss of the trees.

The $19.5 million Beatty Park facelift has been pushed by the council as an important step because the 1960s-built facility has become outdated. The centre’s pool was built for the 1962 British Empire games.