Western Australia is divided over the state government’s $560 million Elizabeth Quay foreshore plan, with less than half of respondents to a new opinion poll saying they support the development.
An opinion poll released today by Campaign Capital showed 48.6 per cent of votes supported the development, with 40.3 per cent saying they opposed the project.
The state government allocated $560 million for the project in this year's budget papers; $440 million for the development itself, $105 million for traffic congestion management and $15 million for Western Power infrastructure works.
The government is hoping to recoup around $170 million through land sales.
Those opposed to the project cited a loss of open space, the cost of development and traffic congestion as their main concerns, while voters were also worried about the amount of high-rise development in the plan.
The report's authors were also concerned the contentious naming process for the development could divide opinion further.
“The foreshore development is one of the Barnett government’s flagship projects and it is clear the Premier is genuinely excited about it,” Campaign Capital’s report accompanying the survey said.
“However the polling reveals that the community does not yet share his enthusiasm.
“Mr Barnett is correct in trying to generate excitement, but by choosing a controversial name, without consultation, he could further divide the community.”
