Community bush garden to reinvigorate empty Scarborough site

 

Land around an everyday wastewater pump station in Scarborough is set to transform into a green, inviting public space as part of a project to create a community bush garden.

 

Known as the Brighton Road Community Bush Garden, the project is a partnership between Water Corporation, the City of Stirling and the local community. 

 

The site at 112 Brighton Road, between Scarborough Primary School and Brighton Road shops, will be given a new lease on life with a nature play area, seating and a footpath set amongst native waterwise vegetation. The project aims to encourage connections with unique local biodiversity and heritage.

 

Conceived and driven by the local community, the project received $15,000 through Water Corporation’s Drainage for Liveability Program, run in conjunction with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER), and $20,000 through the City of Stirling Community Gardens Program. 

 

In addition to co-funding, the City undertook consultation to determine community support. It will also manage construction and provide ongoing support.

 

Water Corporation Assets Planning and Delivery General Manager Evan Hambleton said the community-led project was a shining example of what the Drainage for Liveability Program stood for.

 

“This is a true community partnership, bringing together Water Corporation, the City of Stirling and residents to transform a fairly mundane space into something everyone can enjoy,” Mr Hambleton said.

 

“The end design showcases native waterwise vegetation, while providing an area for children to play and a space people can enjoy after visiting nearby shops or cafés.

 

“The project reflects Water Corporation and DWER’s focus on enhancing the vibrancy and liveability of our suburbs by creating sustainable, green public spaces.”

 

Brighton Road Community Bush Garden committee member Patrick Ilott said it was a great outcome.

 

“It is so exciting to think about how partnerships can transform where we live for the better – we can’t wait to get planting and watch the garden grow,” Mr Ilott said.

City of Stirling Deputy Mayor Bianca Sandri said the City was proud to have played a role in facilitating the bush garden.

 

“It’s fantastic to see the local community drive a project that will have far-reaching environmental and social impacts,” she said.

 

“The garden will help increase tree canopy cover in the area, create a habitat for wildlife, provide a space for the community to enjoy and serves as an excellent example of how community, local government and Water Corporation can work together.”

 

Infrastructure work is expected to be finished by late August with planting to follow. The garden will also feature a Water Corporation Splash of Colour project to transform an on-site wastewater pump station into a vibrant public artwork.

 

The project is the second Drainage for Livability project to extend beyond enhancing the community value of storm water drains and basins to also improve the aesthetic and environmental outcomes of a functional wastewater site.

 

Since 2016, the Drainage for Liveability Program has transformed 17 sites across WA, delivering better community and environmental outcomes. 

For more information search Drainage for Liveability or visit Water Corporation’s website.

 

Media contact:

Media Team

P: (08) 9420 2555

E: media@watercorporation.com.au

 

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