Controversy Erupts as Perth Park Project Site Works Begin Amid Mayor-MP Clash
Drama continues to unfold over the $217.5 million Perth Park project at Burswood Park, with site establishment works officially commencing this week. The start of construction has ignited a war of words between Town of Victoria Park mayor Karen Vernon and State MP Daniel Pastorelli, highlighting deep-seated tensions over the project's management and approval processes.
Mayor Vernon Raises Alarms Over Premature Works
In a recent Facebook post, Mayor Karen Vernon labelled the project a "monstrosity" and asserted that the works had begun prematurely. She pointed out that the Western Australian Government lodged a development application for the project just this week, which the town is now required to assess and report on to the Western Australian Planning Commission.
Vernon claimed that the Department of Planning Lands and Heritage had not been informed by Main Roads WA about the initiation of site establishment works. She emphasised that construction management is a critical part of the development application assessment process and should only proceed after approval from the WAPC.
"Site establishment works should not commence until a construction management plan is approved by the WAPC," Vernon stated. "Yet again the WA Government fails to follow any due process for this project." She also expressed frustration over not receiving full details regarding the fencing and site works, adding to the controversy.
State MP Pastorelli Fires Back, Accusing Mayor of Misinformation
Parliamentary Secretary and project committee chair Daniel Pastorelli responded directly to Vernon's post, defending the commencement of works. He argued that the Town of Victoria Park had opted out of participating in the project by resigning from four project working groups late last year.
"If the town was still working in those project groups, you would have a seat at the table," Pastorelli said. "You opted to not honour your role as a local government authority. It's a real shame that you are using your position as mayor to cause confusion and stoke fear."
Pastorelli accused Vernon of "pedalling misinformation" and clarified that the development application pertains to land north of Roger Mackay Drive, owned by VenuesWest as part of the stadium precinct. He assured that the WAPC will advertise this application soon as per standard procedure.
Regarding the site establishment works, Pastorelli explained that they are situated on Burswood Park Board-owned land and all necessary approvals are in place. He noted that it was announced late last year that these works would begin in early 2026, with local residents receiving information about property condition assessments in January ahead of the early works.
Project Details and Community Impact
The Perth Park project, valued at $217.5 million, involves the development of a controversial racetrack proposal at Burswood Park. Initial activities include the installation of fences and temporary offices, along with the removal of some vegetation. These works are expected to close off parts of the park throughout the construction phase, raising concerns among residents and local officials.
The ongoing dispute underscores broader issues related to:
- Governance and collaboration between state and local authorities.
- Transparency and communication in large-scale infrastructure projects.
- Environmental and community impacts of development in public spaces.
As the project moves forward, the clash between Mayor Vernon and MP Pastorelli highlights the challenges in balancing progress with procedural integrity. The situation remains fluid, with further developments anticipated as the WAPC processes the development application and site works continue.
