Morley drainage area transformed into a recreational park for the community

• The State Government and City of Bayswater transform drain along Russell Street in Morley into park for the community
• Local government, the Water Corporation and Department of Water and Environmental Regulation are working together for more liveable communities 

The State Government and City of Bayswater officially opened a new recreational park today, with the area transformed from a drain into a place to benefit the community.

Water Minister Dave Kelly congratulated the City of Bayswater and government agencies on the initiative, which will bring much-needed community space to the Morley city centre, with a number of agencies working collaboratively to bring the project to life. 

The land, which is owned and operated by the Water Corporation, is part of the corporation's urban drainage network. Drains can be functional while also creating more liveable, greener areas for our communities.

The project has been supported by the Water Corporation and Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, who have joined forces to enable more community access to green spaces through the Drainage for Liveability Program.

The Department of Biodiversity, Attractions and Conservation contributed $50,000 to the Russell Street project, to create a series of living streams and green spaces that will also improve drainage water quality before it enters the Swan River.

The City of Bayswater also received an $87,000 grant from Lotterywest, which was used to fund the ninja warrior-style obstacle course installed at the new park.

For more information, visit https://www.watercorporation.com.au or http://www.dwer.wa.gov.au

Comments attributed to Water Minister Dave Kelly:

"Congratulations to the City of Bayswater and government agencies for taking the initiative to turn this industrial drain into a beautiful green park that the Morley community can enjoy.

"More and more we need to make the most of green spaces, so it is great to see government agencies working together to provide a benefit for the community."

Comment attributed to Morley MLA Amber-Jade Sanderson:

"This is a great example of State and local governments working together.  I hope to see many more of the local drainage sites transformed into usable park space."

Comments attributed to City of Bayswater Mayor Dan Bull:

"We are delighted to deliver on our promise to create an activity based space for young people to gather and have fun in the heart of Morley.

"I am confident the 10 station obstacle course complete with a ninja warrior style wall will be a hit. The delivery of a central park in the heart of the Morley CBD is the result of a partnership between the owners of the site, the Water Corporation, and the City of Bayswater.

"The site was previously a disused stormwater drain that was fenced off from the public. Now it has been transformed into a living, breathing wetland area for the whole community to enjoy."