I WRITE to comment on your article Towns want share of park, November 9, 2000.
Since 1995 I have listened patiently to the complaints of the Towns of Vincent, Cambridge and Victoria Park regarding the split of assets from the City of Perth from the time the towns were created.
None irritate me more than the claims for equal share in Tamala Park and the gross exaggeration of the values.
The split up of the old Perth City Council and the creation of the towns cost the new Perth City Council about $52.5 million and the redundancy staff program cost about $6 million.
Each Town started with a new building, all new plant and equipment, completely new infrastructure, a streamlined staff with no industrial problems and $1 million cash each in the bank – all paid for by the Perth City Council.
Perth, on the other hand, had the asbestos-riddled Council House deteriorating and pending demolition until it was saved at a cost of nearly $30 million.
We had few reserves and few productive assets except for Tamala Park and the former parking funds.
The parking funds were under the control of the WA Government and often pillaged after the restructure.
Tamala Park itself may be taken over by bush plan and this could significantly reduce the value of the land for future development.
Once again Perth City Council may suffer at the whim and aspiration of others.
I say to the councils of the Towns, let the City rebuild its future without the continuing whinging and attempts to snatch a share in the remaining assets.
Cr Laurance Goodman
Perth City Council
