Have you visited Wu Rut Woorat (Peninsula Farm), on the Maylands peninsula?

If you have, you will have probably noticed 2 things - 

1) The beauty and value of the area. Located on the banks of the Derbarl Yarrigan (the Swan River), Peninsula Farm was constructed in 1839 and is one of the first farms in the colony and the earliest metro residence still standing. The demolition of several historically significant buildings caused public debate and the property was acquired by the National Trust of Australia in 1972 with views to ensure the property was preserved for future generations benefit and enjoyment by the community.

2) The area is significantly under-utilised. The current layout of Peninsula Farm comprises of a purpose built cafe building, built in 1984 to size of 100m2; the original 1839 historic house of approximately 11m2; several significant and heritage protected oak trees. The cafe building has been tenanted by Peninsula Tea Gardens until recently, 31/03/2021, and offered limited opening hours. Reviews on Zomato rated the cafe as 2.5 / 5 stars. 

In 2019, The National Trust opened Expressions of Interest for parties to lease Peninsula Farm as experienced operators able to deliver outstanding and unique food and beverage offerings to complement the heritage property. There is no public information available advising who submitted Expressions of Interest, however we do know that Peninsula Tea Rooms were not successful but were still able to provide extended service beyond their agreed lease period until end of March 2021. 

Information regarding the new lease holder and plans have recently been made public and includes:

• new tenants submitted a proposal aligned with heritage values of the site. The proposal includes a low-key restaurant suited to families.
• the cafe building is offered with exclusive use to new tenant. As the building was an addition to the area in 1984, there are no conservation restrictions in place.
• the historic house is offered for non-exclusive use. The house has conservation and heritage restrictions in place. There are no plans to redevelop this building.
• overall site capacity remains unchanged in the new proposal at 300 pax. This limit is for the entirety of Peninsula Farm site and has been in place prior to new tenancy. This site capacity has allowed functions and events such as ANZAC service and Christmas Carols to occur at Peninsula Farm. There are no plans to increase site capacity or construct a function centre on site for any number of occupants. 
• National Trust WA CEO and the new tenants of the lease, attended a Maylands community meeting in early March. Mr Brian Buckley attended in representation of the new lease holder. Mr Buckley has demonstrated experience of working within heritage restrictions as shown by his co-ownership of PICA bar, located in a registered heritage Northbridge building (previously Perth Boys School building in early 1900's). 
• new tenants have been granted conditional liquor licensing but are yet to submit a Development Application to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservations and Attractions. This body are the controlling authority for all planning at Peninsula Farm. Once submitted, the public will be invited to provide comment.

In addition to the new tenant plans for activation of the space, The National Trust is undertaking a planning process to improve pathways and toilets and ensure accessibility for all. The City of Bayswater will continue to deliver on plans for riverside regeneration and is working with the local Aboriginal community to mitigate erosion. 

Information that has not yet been verified but is circulating through local residents is that the space will be activated by outdoor decking, a nature playground to engage families and the serving of pizza and local WA beer and wine. Business hours will be more inclusive to the community to encourage increased patronage to enjoy the river views especially during warmer months.  Discussion has suggested the use of existing public jetty to allow patrons the ability to enter the venue on boat. 

As a local Maylands resident I am proud to support the activation of Peninsula Farm into a family friendly, inclusive and unique venue that will recognise the heritage, indigenous and environmental markers of the area. There has been much debate and activity from other residents in the area against the new lease which I find disappointing. Many of the arguments being offered by this group are unfounded, presumptious and come from a place of fear often focusing on rumours or gaps of information.

Regardless of the position we choose to take on the new lease and it's proposed plans, we all want to see Peninsula Farm preserved and maintained in way that allows all members of the community the opportunity to enjoy the land; not only ensures minimal impact to the environment, but encourages improvements; continues to recognise the significant heritage and involvement in developing Maylands, and acknowledges the Noongar people as the traditional custodians of the land. 

If you support the activation of Peninsula Farm and would like to show a warm welcome to the neighbourhood to our newest local business, please consider joining me and sign this petition.

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Fun Fact! 

This proposal won't be the first time alcohol was served at Peninsula Farm! The land was once cultivated as a vineyard and reached a level of production that allowed the sale of Colonial wines to the public. 

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References: 

1. https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/places/peninsula-farm/
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tranby_House#cite_note-NatTrustSign-7
3. https://www.eastperthcemeteries.com.au/explore/stories-and-people/95-joseph-hardey.html
4. http://staging.nationaltrust.org.au/initiatives/peninsula-farm-cafe-eoi/
5. https://www.zomato.com/perth/peninsula-tea-gardens-maylands
6. https://www.peninsulateagardens.com/
7. Most information has been obtained by letters released to the public by National Trust. I will upload these letters for your viewing.