FAQ
- South Perth Junior Football Club
- South Perth Cricket Club
- South Perth Playgroup
- Girl Guides South Perth
- Rotary Club of South Perth Burswood
- Como Bowling and Recreation Club
- South Perth Little Athletics
- South Perth Junior Cricket Club
- Local residents and passive users of the reserve
Why is the project happening?
The project commenced in 2011 as an outcome of The City of South Perth Future Directions and Needs Study for Sporting and Recreational Clubs developed in 2006. Key recommendations from this report include:
2.2.22 That, in the short term and as an interim measure, Council upgrades the toilets/changerooms and provide additional storage facilities at the Ernest Johnson Pavilion.
2.2.23 That, in the medium term, Council undertakes a feasibility study to investigate the viability of either upgrading, extending or redeveloping the Ernest Johnson Pavilion to provide a regional shared-use pavilion facility, and that the study include an investigation of the benefits of establishing an overarching sports association to lease/manage the improved facilities.
2.2.38 That, in the short term, Council assists the Como Bowling and Recreation Club to upgrade the electrical system within the clubrooms to ensure the safety of its members.
All of these recommendations have been achieved and the Ernest Johnson Master Plan seeks to align these recommendations. The City’s strategic and corporate plan identifies as a key initiative to develop and implement a master plan for Ernest Johnson Reserve.
Who will it benefit?
The majority of current user groups are local resident not for profit sporting clubs, community groups, local residents and the wider community. Specifically it will enhance facilities for:
How much will it cost?
The City’s Long Term Strategic Financial Plan 2013-2023 has allocated $10 million to this project. It is proposed that the overall master plan be reviewed, in line with the implementation of each stage, its priorities and the annual budgeting process.
Why do you need to demolish so many buildings?
All built facilities located on the reserve are aged, and some no longer serve the purpose for current community uses. The buildings are not all sustainable as stand alone facilities and an opportunity exists to investigate the rationalisation of facilities to optimise the efficient use of resources. As the buildings have aged, they will each require major upgrades such as re-wiring, new roofing, upgraded toilets to meet disability needs, ventilation and compliance with codes and regulations. In addition, each facility requires ongoing annual maintenance such as utility costs, electricity, water and sewerage. Rather than spend lots of resources (time, money, energy) on maintaining and upgrading each of the 6 individual buildings every year, it is more efficient to build one building that can accommodate almost all of the users.
While it may appear that the buildings sufficiently cater for needs now, there are a number of issues identified that are or will become non- compliant such as access and inclusion requirements. The City proposes to address this as part of a strategic process before it becomes unusable and completely non-compliant. Any future renovations/alterations and maintenance to this building will require significant resources for it to conform to building codes and Australian Standards.
Has a traffic impact study been done?
No. While some short term impacts may occur during construction, overall traffic flow is not anticipated to differ greatly from the existing flow. The addition of a centralised carpark aims to provide improved accessibility and inclusion and improve serviceability and emergency access to the new proposed building.
Why are you proposing to relocate the RSL?
RSL needs can, in the majority, be accommodated through meeting space and functions rooms located within the new proposed building.
Relocation of both the RSL frees up land for the City to consider for other community purposes.
Will a new clubroom have noisy parties?
This currently does not occur and there is no intention for it to occur in the future. Most of the tenants of the new facility are junior clubs. Therefore the City does not intend to offer a liquor licence for the premises, which has been the case in the most recent history of the facility. However, the City may at its discretion approve occasional licences for social events and meetings. Any social gathering requiring excessive numbers, and noise will not be considered for this venue, and where appropriate be redirected to the South Perth Community Hall.
The new proposed building has been relocated to the central part of the reserve to improve access from every oval, improve passive surveillance for vandalism and anti-social behaviour, and contain any noise within the reserve, away from adjacent residents.
Can people still walk their dogs on the reserve?
Dogs are allowed on the reserve but must be on a leash within 5 metres of any playground, carpark organised sport (both training and match play) and other activities permitted by the City on the reserve, such as personal training activities. As with any public place, it is an offence for dog owners to allow their dogs to excrete on the reserve, based on the City’s Dog Local Law 2011 clause 4.2 (2a),(2b),(2c). Fines do apply with any breaches.
Will my comments make changes to the plan?
It is anticipated that some minor changes will occur, where items can be moved to accommodate the needs of users. There will not be any further consideration of uses, other than what is proposed on the current concept plan.
Why is there a proposed fence to South Terrace boundary (southern side of EJ reserve)?
The City is proposing a chain link/Cyclone style permeable fence along the South Terrace boundary with the oval. Due to the reorientation of the playing fields there is concern about footballs going onto South Terrace and causing a traffic hazard and also possibly endangering sporting club members.
The terminology used ‘high level fence’ refers to the quality of the fencing proposed to be use.