George Burnett Park Cycling Needs Assessment

Hi there. Thanks for your question. The City is currently constructing a dual use cycling and walking path within a section of George Burnett Park that is intended to improve cyclist and pedestrian connectivity between Canning Bridge and Curtin University.  You can read more about this project on our website https://southperth.wa.gov.au/about-us/news-and-publications/news-and-public-notices/news-detail/2023/11/01/manning-road-shared-path---goss-avenue-to-gillon-street.

In terms of an aquatic centre, the City had previously considered building a multi-purpose Recreation and Aquatic Facility (RAF) on the Collier Park Golf Course. However, in May 2023 Council resolved not to progress the RAF due to the project’s significant capital funding shortfall and requirement for ongoing subsidy from City rates revenue (this would not have aligned to the City’s earlier commitment made to the community for the RAF to not require an increase to rates). This outcome combined with the impact of high interest rates, cost escalation and uncertainty around the current economic climate made the RAF project unviable. Following the Council decision in May 2023 to not proceed with the RAF, the City applied to the Federal Government to retain the $20m grant for an alternative project, which included two options for consideration, namely the construction of indoor sports courts at George Burnett Leisure Centre (GBLC); and the upgrade to changerooms and lighting at six City reserves.  Of this grant, the City has retained $5.5m which is intended to go towards providing all-genders changerooms and sports lighting at local sporting reserves within the City.

Thanks for your question. Survey respondents can make suggestions on the types of cycling facilities and infrastructure they would most like to see at George Burnett Park via completing Question 13 (tick the ‘other’ category box if a particular cycling facility is not listed). There is also the opportunity to add general comments in Question 14. All feedback will be considered by the City and will be subject to relevant assessment criteria, such as community and stakeholder need, cost/benefit analysis, compatibility to the site, Council approval and the ability of the City to source the required funding, etc.

Thank you for your question and your feedback has been noted. At the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 23 May 2023, Council resolved for the City to not progress delivery of the proposed Recreation Aquatic Facility (RAF) project. This was mainly due to the significant capital funding shortfall for the RAF project and the projected ongoing operational subsidy that would be required to sustain the RAF.

The purpose of the George Burnett Park Cycling Needs Assessment is to identify gaps in the provision of cycling facilities and infrastructure at George Burnett Park and investigate what is needed by the community. Once the needs assessment is completed, there will be a range of recommendations that can be considered by the City in the future. This is an important strategic project to help provide future direction for George Burnett Park.