A proposal to develop a café in the Shelley Beach Park area has community support according to a City of Canning community survey.
The Shelley Beach Park Residents Survey asked 758 residents about their use of the park and river area, what they enjoyed and what they would like to see improved.
Among responses people highly rated the area’s peacefulness, its city views and its proximity to exercise paths and homes.
A key point of the survey was reactions to a proposed café development in the park area.
The survey indicated 66 per cent of respondents supported having a new café in the area and many said they were likely to use it if it was built.
The café proposal met resistance from some in the community when put first forward and an opposition Facebook page had been launched in November last year.
Brett Gillies created the Save Shelley Beach Park group because he did not believe there was any need to develop the area.
Mr Gillies said he rejected the survey results because of the low return rate.
He said about 3300 had been sent out but only about 23 per cent had been filled in and returned.
“We had over 500 people in the area against the café who signed our petition,” he said.
“We’re not backing off on it, no way. We strongly believe in what we’re doing – it’s not necessary and there’s already a neighbourhood café that needs to be supported.”
Councillors Ben Kunze and Patrick Hall were representatives of the Bannister ward, which Shelley is in, and said the survey gave a good indication of what was wanted in the area.
Even though no café plans had been formalised Mr Hall said he was confident if it were to go ahead it could be done in the area’s best interest.
“The city has already demonstrated how seamlessly a café can be blended into the natural environment,” he said.
He said the city would find ways to move forward considering the views of residents in support and opposing future developments.
Mr Kunze said the survey results gave “the opportunity for some improvements to the layout of the park, the amenities that are offered and the manner in which it is used.”
“The survey is an example of the city’s genuine willingness to engage with the community and listen to what residents have to say,” he said.
The area is a popular community area for most respondents; about 652 saying they used the park for exercise, while nearly half attended community events there.
Suggestions for improvements to the area included playground upgrades while nearly half said they would like outdoor exercise equipment.
Extra trees for shade, barbecues, natural landscaping and toilet facilities were popular recommendations.
City of Canning mayor Paul Ng said the survey would provide important information for the city when considering future developments.
The city is reviewing the results.
