WHAT IS THE MANDOON BILYA REGIONAL RIVERPARK?
The Mandoon Bilya Regional Riverpark is a regional riverpark that has been proposed by Bibbul Ngarma Aboriginal Association Inc as part of our BoorYul-Bah-Bilya program.
The proposed riverpark is located along the lower reaches of the Mandoon Bilya (Helena River) in Perth’s eastern metropolitan suburbs of Guildford, Woodbridge, Midland, Bellevue, Hazelmere and Helena Valley.
The proposed riverpark has the potential to provide over 250 m hectares of high quality bushland in a highly urban area and support adjacent housing growth by providing recreation and community facilities.
WHAT IS THE CURRENT STATUS OF THE REGIONAL RIVERPARK?
The proposed riverpark is already zoned for parks and reserves under state and local planning schemes but the land is neglected and difficult to access.
Its degraded condition makes it highly vulnerable to land use rezoning and development.
Land management is currently shared by several Western Australian state government agencies and two local government authorities.
BNAA have brought together key stakeholders and secured in-principle support from all major government land owners/managers, including:
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
- Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage
- Western Australian Planning Commission
- Shire of Mundaring
- City of Swan
WHY IS THE MANDOON BILYA REGIONAL RIVERPARK IMPORTANT?
The proposed riverpark will create a transformative and permanent legacy to commemorate the 2029 Perth Bicentenary.
It will have many beneficial outcomes for the Perth community, including:
- Protected biodiversity, tree canopy, wildlife habitat, river health
- Urban revitalisation and cooling, green spaces
- Rejuvenation of Perth’s eastern suburbs and Midland town centre
- Community facilities, urban connectivity, social spaces for families
- Outdoor recreation and leisure, community health and wellbeing
- Supports adjacent high-density housing growth
- Active transport, walkability, reduced traffic and road congestion
- Commercial opportunities, tourism, increased visitation
- Cultural heritage protection and education
- Creation of permanent jobs, local economic growth
- Ongoing maintenance by Aboriginal Rangers and community groups
WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS FOR THE RIVERPARK?
BNAA are currently working towards submission of a federal government funding application which we hope will enable development of a masterplan and detailed design costings for the proposed riverpark.
This will consider:
- Access e.g. transportation, roads, traffic, parking, pedestrian/cycle paths, public transport
- Amenities e.g. public spaces, leisure and recreation facilities, trails, seating, signage, accessibility
- Culture e.g. Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal heritage, local history and stories
- Environment e.g. biodiversity, tree canopy, urban cooling, bushland connectivity, river health
- Land use e.g. connectivity to adjoining commercial areas, residential estates, hospitals, schools
- Utilities e.g. drainage, power, water, communications, lighting
We have a unique opportunity to change the future for Australian rivers but we need your help.
The more people complete our survey, the stronger our plan will be. We want to hear from everyone!