Key Dates
Electors’ Meeting
Ms. Ester Italiano presented the following motion:
“We propose that provisions be made in the upcoming budget of 2024–2025 for the Harvey Accessibility Playground as detailed in submissions to the Shire, received by councillors on Tuesday, 9 February 2024.”
Ordinary Council Meeting
Following the motion carried at the Electors’ Meeting, a report was presented to Council regarding the proposed Harvey Accessible Playground. It was resolved:
“That Council:
1. Supports the establishment of an Accessible Playground in the Harvey Townsite.
2. Considers that the most appropriate location for this facility is Meriden Park as shown conceptually in Attachment 1.
3. Develops a concept Playground design, and estimated cost, that includes a number of appropriate play elements as requested by the community.
4. In liaison with community members explores grant funding opportunities and funding partner organisations to progress the potential establishment of an accessible Playground in the Harvey Townsite.
5. Considers allocating an appropriate contributory funding amount for consideration in the 2024–2025 draft Budget towards the development of an accessible playground.
6. Receives further progress reports on the proposal as required.”
Meeting with LotteryWest
On Monday, 15 April 2024, Shire Officers met with representatives from Lotterywest and Ms. Ester Italiano to discuss the proposed accessible playground in Harvey.
At the meeting, Lotterywest indicated in-principle support for the proposal and that once the proposal was further developed and cost established, a follow-up meeting should be arranged to discuss funding options further.
Following this meeting, the below was progressed:
• The community further developed the playground proposal in terms of what play elements should be provided and met with Shire Officers to convey this.
• Shire Officers refined the community’s proposal in partnership with a playground design company.
• Shire Officers further developed a Master Plan for the proposed playground location, as per clause 2 of Council’s decision at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 26 March 2024.
Council Concept Forum
Shire Officers presented Councillors with the following:
• The two proposed playground options
• The suggested location for the proposed playground
• The indicative Master Plan for the proposed playground and ancillary works i.e. landscaping, seating, shelters, BBQ’s, paths, car parking including the inclusion of a fenced dog exercise area
• Suggested Staging Plan
• Indicative costs for each proposed stage were also discussed.
Ordinary Council Meeting
Item went to Council with the Officer's recommendation that Council:
1. Endorses the proposed Master Plan concept plan for the proposed Harvey Accessible Playground and associated works as shown in Attachment 4 (see documents)
2. Authorises the Chief Executive Officer to advertise the proposed Master Plan to the community seeking their feedback for a period of 21 Days and provide a further report to Council at the conclusion of the advertising period.
3. Notes that:
a) There will be a requirement for funds to be reallocated at the Mid-Year budget review for Stage 1 of the Meriden Park Development to be completed.
b) Funds have been included in the 2024–2025 Budget for the creation of a fenced Dog Exercise area in Harvey and the reconfiguration of the existing car parking area, as shown in Attachment 4.
c) The progression of Stage 2 will be determined by available funding as well as the final playground configuration including other inclusions/exclusions.