A multimillion-dollar proposal to revitalise a key community sporting hub in Perth's southern suburbs has been met with significant scepticism from locals, with nearly half of respondents deeming the plans insufficient.
Community Voices Strong Concerns
The City of Cockburn's draft concept for a $7 million upgrade of the Beeliar Reserve and Community Centre has drawn criticism from clubs, community groups, and residents who use the space. The feedback, gathered by the council, revealed that close to 50% of respondents believe the proposed revamp will not meet the needs of its users.
Key requests from stakeholders included improved changerooms, better storage, enhanced lighting, and upgraded general facilities. The reserve is a vital asset for local sport, hosting the Beeliar Spirit Amateur Football Club during winter and the Phoenix Beeliar Junior Cricket Club in summer. The cricket club currently uses it as an overflow ground and has signalled intentions to move there permanently.
"Fitting More into an Unfit Space"
A summary of the public commentary pinpointed several core issues. Concerns were raised that adding a kitchen to the main hall would eat into valuable space needed by clubs. There were also complaints about a lack of dedicated office and storage areas. Furthermore, users warned that increased demand on the oval, without additional playing space, would lead to a deterioration of the playing surface.
The feedback was blunt, with one summary noting, "The proposal attempts to fit more into an unfit space." Only about one-third of those who responded indicated they were satisfied or very satisfied with the draft plans.
Council Pushes Ahead with Design Refinement
Despite the criticism, the Cockburn council voted 8-1 at its meeting on December 9 to proceed with appointing a landscape architect to fine-tune the design. This decision followed a staff recommendation and aims to have a draft plan ready by April.
However, the move did not satisfy Councillor Chontelle Stone, who was the sole vote against. She questioned how hiring a landscape architect would resolve the internal building layout problems highlighted by the community.
"I'm really concerned that we're not taking this on board. We don't seem to be listening," Cr Stone said during the meeting, also pointing out that promised and budgeted items like patios were missing from the plans.
In response, Director of Community and Place Kylie Johnson stated that the report was intended to present the feedback and that staff were examining the issues. She noted that subsequent meetings with the Beeliar Junior Cricket Club and Beeliar Spirit Football Club had provided clarity on management and shared use, with both clubs expressing greater confidence afterwards.
A staff report argued that the concept plan would ensure all parts of the precinct were "well considered and integrated," allowing for future upgrades that respond to stakeholder priorities. The major upgrade is anticipated for the 2027-28 financial year.
Contrasting Fortunes for Davilak Park Plan
In a contrasting outcome at the same council meeting, a proposal for a $15 million redevelopment master plan for Davilak Park in Hamilton Hill received much stronger support. Over 80% of feedback on that project was either satisfied or neutral.
The Davilak Park plan, which also passed 8-1, includes a second oval, new clubrooms, and a relocated and upgraded playground. While Cr Tarun Dewan sought to delay backing the master plan until the 2026-27 budget process, he found no support from fellow councillors.
