A significant conflict has emerged between local and state government representatives as preliminary construction activities begin for the highly contentious $217.5 million Perth Park development at Burswood Park. The commencement of site establishment works has ignited a fierce public disagreement, highlighting deep divisions over the project's management and approval processes.
Mayor Vernon's Strong Opposition and Process Concerns
Town of Victoria Park Mayor Karen Vernon has launched a forceful critique against the project's progression, describing the proposed racetrack development as a "monstrosity" in a recent social media statement. She has raised serious concerns about procedural compliance, asserting that site works have started prematurely without proper authorisation.
"The WA Government lodged a development application for the project this week," Mayor Vernon stated. "The town is now required to assess the DA and report its recommendations to the WAPC."
Vernon claims that the Department of Planning Lands and Heritage had not received notification from Main Roads WA regarding the commencement of site establishment activities. She emphasised that construction management forms an integral part of the development application assessment process and would typically be a condition of any approval.
Allegations of Due Process Violations
The mayor has accused the state government of repeatedly failing to follow established procedures for this project. "Site establishment works should not commence until a construction management plan is approved by the WAPC and that condition of approval is cleared," she argued.
Vernon further expressed frustration that her council has not received complete details regarding the extent and specific locations of fencing or site establishment works. "Yet again the WA Government fails to follow any due process for this project," she declared, reinforcing her position that proper protocols have been disregarded.
State MP's Counterargument and Accusations
Parliamentary Secretary and project committee chair Daniel Pastorelli has responded directly to Mayor Vernon's criticisms, presenting a contrasting narrative about the project's management and the town's involvement. In his reply to Vernon's social media post, Pastorelli pointed out that Victoria Park had voluntarily withdrawn from project participation.
"You had the Town of Victoria Park resign from four project working groups late last year," Pastorelli stated. "If the town was still working in those project groups, you would have a seat at the table."
Accusations of Misinformation and Fearmongering
The State MP accused Mayor Vernon of "pedalling misinformation" and using her position to create unnecessary confusion and anxiety within the community. "You opted to not honour your role as a local government authority," Pastorelli asserted. "It's a real shame that you are using your position as mayor to cause confusion and stoke fear."
Pastorelli clarified that the recently lodged development application specifically concerns land north of Roger Mackay Drive, which falls within the VenuesWest-owned stadium precinct area. He confirmed that the Western Australian Planning Commission would advertise this application following standard procedures.
Project Status and Approval Clarifications
Regarding the site establishment works that have commenced this week, Pastorelli explained that these activities are situated on Burswood Park Board-owned land and have received all necessary approvals. He emphasised the distinction between different land parcels and approval processes involved in the complex project.
The Parliamentary Secretary noted that announcements regarding site establishment works beginning in early 2026 were made late last year, with local residents receiving information about property condition assessments earlier in January. This communication was intended to prepare the community for the commencement of early works activities.
As fencing installation begins and temporary offices are established at the Burswood Park site, with some vegetation already removed, the fundamental disagreement between local and state authorities continues unabated. The conflict centres not only on the project's merits but on fundamental questions about governance, process compliance, and community consultation standards.
This ongoing dispute highlights the complex interplay between different levels of government in major infrastructure projects and raises important questions about transparency, procedural integrity, and effective collaboration in urban development initiatives.
