Whiteman Park

Whiteman
Western Australia

Whiteman Park Village, with tramway through centre
Whiteman
Coordinates 31°49′48″S 115°56′27″E / 31.8299°S 115.9408°E / -31.8299; 115.9408Coordinates: 31°49′48″S 115°56′27″E / 31.8299°S 115.9408°E / -31.8299; 115.9408
Postcode(s) 6068
LGA(s) City of Swan
Federal Division(s) Cowan
Suburbs around Whiteman:
Lexia Lexia Ellenbrook
Cullacabardee Whiteman Henley Brook
Ballajura and Malaga Bennett Springs West Swan

Whiteman Park is a 4,000-hectare (9,900-acre; 15 sq mi) bushland area located 22 km (14 mi) north of Perth, Western Australia. The park is in the suburb of Whiteman, in the Swan Valley in the upper reaches of the Swan River.[1]

It encompasses the source of Bennett Brook - an important nyoongar location, and source of mythology of the Wagyl and stories about aboriginal occupancy of the area [2][3]

Whiteman Park is known for its biodiversity, including over 450 endemic plants and more than 120 vertebrate animals (some of which are rare and endangered). Over 17% of Western Australian bird species occur in Whiteman Park, including migratory birds attracted to the habitat provided by Bennett Brook and associated wetlands including Grogan's Swamp, a Conservation Category Wetland.

The state government purchased the land from a variety of private owners in 1978, to protect the underlying aquifer as a drinking water source for Perth. The major owner was Lew Whiteman (1903–1994), after whom the park is named.[4]

Attractions

Whiteman Park includes bushwalking trails, bike paths, sports facilities and playgrounds.

References

  1. www.dpi.wa.gov.au Parks and Properties. Accessed 21 March 2006
  2. Davis, Jack, 1917-2000; Nutter, Lynda; Leach, Richard; Pell, Kelton (1998), River dreaming, [s.n], retrieved 4 August 2016
  3. [Bennett Brook - local Aborigines protest plans to build a natural gas pipe over the brook as it would disturb the Wagyl] Nov. 1985: protests that erection of gas pipeline over Bennett Brook will disturb the Wagyl; 23 May 1986: State Planning Commission to rezone the Brook in recognition of the Wagyl; 28 May: C. Garlett tells of his sighting of the Wagyl; 3 July: conflict goes to the Supreme Court; 4 July: High Court hears reasons why the SEC should build the pipeline; 7 July: Aborigines and the SEC give views on the pipeline and the Wagyl; 9 July: court stops construction; 26 July: A. Annear explains the significance of the Wagyl; 5 Aug.: SEC takes dispute back to Supreme Court; 16 Oct.: SEC agrees to reroute pipeline; 17 Oct.: SEC to pay $100,000 to reroute pipeline to avoid the Wagyl.West Australian, 27 Nov. 1985, p.46; 23 May 1986, p.3; 28 May 1986 p.56; 3 July 1986, p.32; 4 July 1986, p.21; 7 July 1986, p.16; 9 July 1986, p.5; 26 July 1986, p.8; 5 Aug. 1986, p.18; 16 Oct. 1986, p.1; 17 Oct. 1986, p.33, (Battye Library microfilm)
  4. www.whitemanpark.com.au Park Information. Accessed 17 May 2009
  5. Perth Electric Tramway Society
  6. Bennett Brook Railway
  7. The Tractor Museum of WA
  8. Motor Museum of W.A
  9. Bus Preservation Society of WA
  10. Attractions - Attractions - Whiteman Park
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