Geographically, the Swan Valley area represents a convergence of soils and the confluence of waters also encompasses the coming together of people and ideas being as Hammond described an intersection of three tribal territories. (Hammond:pp16/17)

The natural heritage significance of the Bennett Brook/Swan River area was recognised as early as 1986 when the Metropolitan Region Scheme Amendment No 626/33 recommended that a linear regional park be established along the waterways..."Native vegetation fringes most of the watercourse, providing a habitat for bush birds, waterbirds and other Fauna."

Because of its natural state, the site has been an area for the surrounding community for recreation. In fact locals were encouraged to the Pyrton site by the Authority for the Intellectually Handicapped, (prior to DSC) as it was considered beneficial to socialising the residents.

Therefore, it would be a huge public loss if people were to have their recreational amenities restricted or denied by the associated security requirements of the proposed prison.

The natural heritage of the Pyrton site is an extraordinarily valuable resource for the whole community now and into the future. International agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and Agenda 21 signed in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro recognised the special responsibilities that indigenous people maintain in connection to the environment. A prison at the Pyrton site may breach these and other international agreements.

If there is any doubt about the sheer natural beauty of the Pyrton site, which understandably is difficult to convey on paper or in still images, this advertisement from an unrealised real estate development in 1895 will give an impression...

"Lockeridge is without exception the most beautiful estate in Western Australia, the scenery is unsurpassed, the Swan River in front, Bennetts Brook on the northern boundary, the town of Guildford below,the zig-zag Railway and Eastern Railway, the Tunnel, the Midland Townsite and the Darling Range in the distance all combine to make one of the most perfect pictures to be seen in all Australia. Adjoining the Estate is a magnificent Park dedicated by the Government to the public, Known as Success Spring Reserve, and on this reserve the Lockeridge Land Corporation are about to errect a pavillion and band stand, with the permission of the Government, for use of the public for open-air concerts..."
West Australian 24-9-1895.

The band stand and Pavillion at Success Hill never eventuated - in fact the top was lopped off the hill later and a toilet block erected in the central space.

NEXT: THE CULTURAL CENTRE

Contacts
Swan Valley Nyungah Community (08) 9377 3550
Pyrton Action Group (08) 9279 6781