Melville Parks Revamp with $2.8M Lotterywest Grant
Two projects set to revitalise community open space in the City of Melville and celebrate the area’s Noongar culture have received more than $2.8 million in support from Lotterywest.
The Goolugatup Heathcote Lowerlands Renewal Project was awarded a $2.35 million grant to transform an underutilised site in Applecross on the banks of the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River) into a place of healing and community connection.
The place-based reconciliation project has been designed in close collaboration with the area’s Traditional Owners to create a community space that preserves and showcases the area’s Noongar cultural knowledge and history.
The project includes creation of a cultural node and shelter, healing gardens, interpretive elements and new public artwork by Whadjuk artists.
Infrastructure upgrades will also be delivered to improve amenity for the local community including new lighting, bike and pedestrian pathways, picnic areas and toilets, as well as ecological works to protect and enhance the natural environment.
The City of Melville has also received $465,582 towards its Esplanade Park redevelopmentprojectin Mount Pleasant which will see 2,000 square metres of underutilised council-owned land converted into a new public green space.
The Cook Labor Government is further supporting this project through a 2025 election commitment of $150,000.
Greenery and native vegetation will be added to the space to create shade and enhance environmental sustainability, as well as new seating, a children’s playground and storytelling features to celebrate Noongar culture.
As stated by Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley:
“Our Cook Labor Government, through Lotterywest, is proud to be supporting the City of Melville to deliver these two important projects that will breathe new life into underutilised public spaces and improve the wellbeing of the local community.
“The City of Melville has worked closely with the Traditional Owners of the area to design the Goolugatup Heathcote Lowerlands Renewal Project, which will not only showcase the area’s Noongar culture but enhance the amenity of this parkland so it can be enjoyed by the community for years to come.”
As stated by Bateman MLA Kim Giddens:
“The delivery of these projects builds on my record of protecting and enhancing public open space in Bateman – and represents another step towards creating greener, more connected places for our growing community.
“Both projects have been designed with input from locals and will go a long way in addressing the need for more quality, accessible public open space.
“The Cook Government is proud to be further supporting the Esplanade Park redevelopment through a $150,000 election commitment to see this locked-up land become a place for residents and visitors to Canning Bridge to come together, relax and connect.”
https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook Labor Government/City-of-Melville-public-open-spaces-to-be-transformed-with-$2.8m-Lotterywest-boost-20250528