City of Melville Council has welcomed Lotterywest support for two key projects, which it says will boost the culturally significant Goolugatup Lowerlands and increase public open space in Canning Bridge.
A total of $2,815,582 in grant funding has been awarded to the Council, with $2,350,000 allocated to the Goolugatup Heathcote Lowerlands Renewal Project in Applecross and $465,582 to the Esplanade Park in Mount Pleasant.
WA Local Government Minister, Hannah Beazley; local member Bateman MLA, Kim Giddens – who also made a commitment of $150,000 for the Esplanade Park – and representatives from Lotterywest and the City gathered at Goolugatup Heathcote to announce the funding.
The Council says the Goolugatup Lowerlands Renewal project, which has been co-designed with Traditional Owners and community, will create a place that heals and connects our community through a place-based reconciliation approach for transforming a disused waterfront site on the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River) into a valuable community, cultural, natural and recreational amenity for public enjoyment.
“The City of Melville warmly welcomes the Lotterywest funding of $2,815,000 for these two important projects, which increase the sense of community and be inclusive spaces,” said Mayor, Katy Mair.
“The Goolugatup Heathcote Lowerlands Renewal Project has been co-designed with Traditional Owner and will be a place of healing that connects our community through a place-based reconciliation approach.
“This announcement for the Goolugatup Heathcote Lowerlands Renewal Project is timely as the City recently launched our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2025-2028, reaffirming our commitment to embedding reconciliation in everyday operations.
“This project increases knowledge and understanding within our community of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and achievements in our City while enhancing the provision of community and recreational spaces, which is a fantastic outcome.
“The support for the Esplanade Park will assist in developing the proposed park, playground, and establishment of mature trees and is welcomed as the City recognises the environmental and social benefits of parks and I look forward to the sense of community it will create within Canning Bridge.”
The project’s first stage will include the creation of the key cultural node and shelter, and connecting pathways reoriented along the foreshore as part of ecological protections.
The project embeds First Nations knowledge, healing gardens, interpretive elements, and public art by Whadjuk artists, supporting living culture, connection to Country, and reconciliation in action, Council said in a statement.
Key ecological works include foreshore stabilisation, weed removal, native revegetation, and wetland restoration, enhancing biodiversity and climate resilience.
New community amenity and infrastructure will include pathways, picnic areas, lighting, toilets, bike and pedestrian paths, discovery play elements and a large stairway to connect the upper and lower areas, encouraging active lifestyles and connection through a staged implementation program.
The site will have capacity to host cultural events, public gatherings, and workshops through dedicated amenities including a cultural node, outdoor kitchen, interpretive trails, and educational installations.
The Lotterywest support for the Esplanade Park will help fund the seating and gathering spaces for community interaction, greenery and native plantings to create shaded areas and enhance environmental sustainability, the children’s playground to foster inclusive play and active engagement for all age groups and art installations, dual naming and integrated storytelling to respect and celebrate First Nations culture.
Construction for the Esplanade Park is expected to commence before the end of 2025.
For more on the Goolugatup Heathcote Lower Lands Renewal Project, visit www.melvillecity.com.au/goolugatupheathcoteproject.
For more information on the Esplanade Park, visit www.melvillecity.com.au/esplanadepark.
