Public transport servicing Manning Community Hub

Journalist’s background: Media enquiry from the Southern Gazette newspaper about public transport servicing Manning Community Hub. 

Please attribute the following quotes to City of South Perth Mayor Sue Doherty. 

How well does public transport service the Manning Community Hub? 

Currently there are no public transport options (bus or train) that stop outside the Manning Community Hub. 

With the City of South Perth having a high proportion of older residents than the rest of Perth, how important is it that the public bus routes 30 and 31 are reviewed by the Department of Transport to ensure the area is serviced sufficiently?

The City strongly encourages Transperth to consider re-directing one or both of its nearby bus routes (30 and 31) to include Welwyn Avenue near the shops to ensure the Manning Community Hub is easily accessible via public transport. 

Earlier this year my fellow elected members and myself were approached by members of our community requesting our support in redirecting current bus services down to Welwyn Avenue in Manning. The City sent a query through to the State Government Department of Transport asking for consideration of this request. 

Currently, the nearest public transport option available for people to access the Manning Community Hub is provided by the number 30 and 31 bus routes. The closest bus stop to the Manning Community Hub for bus number 30 is on Marsh Avenue directly after Cloister Avenue in Manning (Bus Stop ID Number 25762) that is a distance of 600m away. This equates to an 8-12 minute walk, which can be challenging for many seniors, adults with prams and people with other mobility difficulties. Additionally, the closest bus stop to the Manning Community Hub for bus 31 is on Marsh Avenue directly after Conochie Crescent in Manning (Bus Stop ID Number 12064) that is a distance of 500m away a 6-10 minute walk.

How much money by the City was invested in developing and supporting the creation of the Manning Community Hub and its services? 

The City invested $17 million into creating the Manning Community Hub facility. The project has created a new 'heart' for Manning providing the community with a vibrant, connected and attractive precinct integrating community services and social activities. It includes the relocated Manning Library, a community hall, Manning Child Health Clinic, Moorditj Keila Aboriginal Group, a sporting clubroom for Manning Rippers Football Club and an early years’ centre, home of the Manning Toy Library and a new Manning Playgroup association. 

Construction of the Manning Community Hub facility commenced in June 2015 and was completed at the end of 2016 – on time and on budget. The facility opened its doors to the public on Saturday, 11 February 2017. 

How viable would it be to have one of the 30 or 31 bus routes re-directed to include Welwyn Avenue near the shops to ensure the hub is accessible via public transport? 

Construction has commenced on the site immediately adjacent to the Manning Community Hub, to create 30 new apartments, a medical centre and a child care centre in addition to the Welwyn Street Shopping Centre. The Manning Community Hub attracts thousands of people each year and attendance would increase through more effective public transport to the site.