The City of Wanneroo has launched an internal investigation after a beloved pedestrian access way garden in Alexander Heights was cleared following a misunderstanding between the council and the resident who had maintained it for years.
Garden removed after safety concerns
The access way between Newgate Street and Marangaroo Drive had been lined with flowers and vegetation for several years thanks to the resident's volunteer efforts. However, after the city raised concerns that irrigation and stakes in the area posed a safety risk to pedestrians, the resident removed all vegetation.
According to Councillor James Rowe, who led a motion on the issue, the city had expressed concerns about several plant species being hazardous. In early 2026, a local resident tripped in the access way and sustained an injury requiring medical attention. An investigation determined the incident was likely caused by sand and water accumulation from the irrigation system.
Council votes for investigation
The City of Wanneroo council unanimously voted on Tuesday to formally examine the circumstances that led to the removal of all vegetation and to identify opportunities for process improvement. The council also requested the city support the resident with replanting the access way and investigate options for a program enabling residents to adopt, plant, and maintain access ways.
Cr Rowe said he was deeply upset about the laneway being cleared. “The PAW was very popular in the Alexander Heights community,” he said in his motion. “It was a rare example of a resident volunteering to maintain public land to a far higher standard than what the city is able to achieve, due to resourcing constraints and the number of PAWs under the maintenance jurisdiction of the city.”
Misunderstanding over communication
Cr Rowe believes a language barrier caused the resident to misunderstand the city's written communication. “The resident believed the city was requiring him to remove all vegetation, and that the action needed to be taken urgently to ensure compliance was achieved,” he said.
The resident had incurred all expenses and volunteer hours to maintain the access way throughout the year. Cr Rowe noted that the access way contributed to the vibrancy and reputation of the local community.
Community support for volunteer
In a social media post by Cr Rowe, local residents expressed concern and offered support for the volunteer. “I really feel for him, and I hope he can see how much the community values him,” one comment said. “If this is rectified, I hope he receives some sort of formal apology directly and compensation for the work he’s put in,” another stated.
City administration responded to the motion, saying they are engaging with the resident to begin revegetating the access way in a “safe and sustainable manner, enhancing the amenity of the area whilst also ensuring safe passage through the access way.” The findings of the internal investigation are expected to be presented to a city concept forum before October.
