Activists make their voices heard

Hands off Point Peron activists made their voices heard outside last week’s community cabinet meeting, voicing their opinions on the proposed Mangles Bay marina development.

Leader Dawn Jecks said the protest was the beginning of the group’s ‘‘spring offensive’’.

‘‘We are looking to take this right up to the State election; we think Mr Barnett needs to be held accountable for not listening to the community,’’ she said.

‘‘We have a petition with over 7000 original signatures to date and we are looking to take it Statewide.’’

She said the group’s alternative vision was to turn the site into a coastal park.

‘‘We are not going to stand by and see our social and marine heritage destroyed,’’ she said.

Mooney Frances of Shoalwater said he had lived near Point Peron for 40 years.

‘‘The kids have all grown up in the area and it would be a shame if it got destroyed for the sake of a few boat pens — it’s not right,’’ he said.

Rockingham resident Ron Chapman said the development would be environmentally devastating.

‘‘It will change the whole character of the peninsula, it will never be the same again,’’ he said.

‘‘I want to save Point Peron for the people of Rockingham.’’

Karrinyup resident Leisha Jack said the proposal was ‘‘disgraceful’’.

‘‘It affects everyone in Perth, and people aren’t seeing the big picture,’’ she said.

Chrispian Edwards, of Safety Bay, said he wanted the playground he had enjoyed as a child to be retained for future generations.