City signs lease for protection of school bushland

For decades, a remnant piece of bushland next to Manning Primary School has been unofficially cared for by the City of South Perth, the school and wider community, however a new lease agreement has secured greater protection for this valuable conservation site.

The City will lease a portion of Lot 1769 Ley Street from the Department of Education, as part of a 15-year peppercorn rent agreement to ensure preservation of the banksia woodland, one of only a few remaining in the area.

City of South Perth Chief Executive Officer Mike Bradford said Council’s decision to approve the establishment of this lease was an endorsement of the great work previously done by the City, community volunteers and Manning Primary School’s students and parents to care for this land.

“Promoting biodiversity and encouraging community members to be involved in looking after our natural environment is among our strategic priorities,” Mr Bradford said.

“Given the community’s passion and extensive history to formalise care of the site, which dates back to 2004, this lease marks an important step in securing the environmental significance of this land.”

Mr Bradford commended the actions of the City of South Perth Environment Association and Manning Primary School Parents and Citizens Bushland Subcommittee for raising awareness of the site’s importance with South Perth MLA Geoff Baker and Education Minister Sue Ellery.

Under conditions of the lease, which is set over three five-year terms, the City and Department of Education will fence the bushland, while the City’s Natural Areas Team will continue to support weed management, revegetation and other conservation activities.

Please visit our Environment page to learn more about the City’s Environmental projects.

Image (L-R):
City's Natural Areas Supervisor Paul Reed, Mayor Greg Milner, Angela and Bill Carr and Warwick Boardman (bushland volunteers) with Manning Primary School P&C's Melissa Bromly and South Perth MLA Geoff Baker.