The WA Liberal Party has committed $400,000 to a masterplan for the redevelopment of the South Perth foreshore.
A WA Liberal government would kickstart redevelopment of South Perth’s foreshore with a plan to bring new restaurants, recreation spaces, and wetlands to the riverfront park.
WA Liberal leader Libby Mettam and South Perth candidate Bronwyn Waugh on Friday announced, if elected, the party would put $400,000 toward a masterplan for the four-kilometre strip along the Swan River.
The masterplan would seek to find a balance between improving amenities and natural habitat, and ‘respecting’ the views from mansions lining the strip.
The illegal killing of trees on public land to improve views for homeowners has been a long-running issue along the foreshore.
Ms Waugh said South Perth could be Perth’s equivalent of South Bank in Brisbane or Hobart’s Salamanca waterfront precinct.
“The South Perth Foreshore is a unique and treasured part of our community, but we have the opportunity to make it even better,” she said.
“This plan will focus on enhancing public spaces, improving walking and cycling connections, increasing access to the river, and exploring opportunities for carefully designed restaurants and eateries—all while ensuring we protect and celebrate our environment, history, and Indigenous heritage.
“The last thing we want is to lose what makes South Perth special—we need a vision that balances natural preservation, community needs, and smart urban design.”
The masterplan would cover 62 hectares of waterfront land between the Narrows Bridge and Ellam Street.
Ideas put forward on Friday included new dining and recreation space, better pathways, expansion of wetlands and green space, and inclusion of the South Perth’s indigenous and colonial history.
“This plan will ensure that habitats are preserved, green spaces are expanded, and the ecological health of the foreshore is improved,” Ms Waugh said.
The last major change to the foreshore was the $7m Mends Street Jetty piazza, which opened in 2019.
That was funded by the local and federal governments.
The City of South Perth is in the early stages of redeveloping the Coode Street Jetty precinct.
That work is expected to introduce more hospitality offerings, a playground, and water-based activities.
Consultation is underway for that project.
