Thank you all for your continuing support to stop the City’s proposed redevelopment of our peaceful Rankin Gardens.

Every time I look at the published concept plans, something else occurs to me. This week, it was the likelihood that all the trees on the western side of Rankin Gardens will need to be removed to make way for the new entrance off Hamersley Road to the new civic building. (That’s an issue in itself.)

These trees currently provide much needed shade and a leafy backdrop to partially screen the buildings next door (see photo above). Details are still sketchy but it seems very likely that these trees will have to go to make room for the new entrance.

The estimated project costs for the new precinct are available in the FAQ section on the City’s website. You have to delve a bit to find the actual figures.

The website reports that the estimated cost of “landscaping and external works” is about $5.656 million. Presumably, this heading covers tree removal, demolition of the rose garden, digging up the lawns, the new festival lawn/event space, concrete paving and new garden beds.

How about we save this cost by keeping the trees and leaving Rankin Gardens alone?

A reminder that the deadline for public comments is 31 December 2025. Go to the City’s website: haveyoursay.subiaco.wa.gov.au. Council officers are already collating comments so don’t miss out on having your say.

Let’s keep up the pressure to save our quiet, cool, shady oasis in the heart of Subi.

Thanks again. Please keep sharing this petition!