Pelican Point

Statement of Significance

The place has scientific significance as a wildlife sanctuary, and aesthetic significance as a parkland reserve in Subiaco.

Physical Description

Pelican Point is a tip of a sand spit and tidal flats jutting into Melville Waters. It is an important wildlife sanctuary. For more information refer to CALM and AHC documentation.

History

Pelican Point is one of three areas of tidal flats in the Swan/Canning Estuary which are important habitats for waders, and is one of the most important waterbird habitats in the south west of WA. For more information refer to CALM or AHC documentation. The land in Nedlands on the Crawley foreshore was originally under the control of the Claremont Road Board, until annexed by Subiaco in 1907. This changed the local government boundary, and gained Subiaco some of the foreshore. From the early 1890s, the Crawley riverfront was a popular place for picnicking, boating, swimming and crabbing, referred to as 'Subiaco Beach' by many local residents. The extension of the tramway to Nedlands in 1908 further increased the riverside's popularity. In 1910 with the efforts of Mayor Shirley White, the Government resumed the land to be reserved for use as a public recreation area. The University was established in 1930 following the Crawley site being chosen in 1921. Post-war progress and the increase in population saw the redevelopment and construction of many apartment blocks and in 1952, Subiaco attained the status of a city. Pride in Subiaco further increased with the success from the Royal Perth Yacht Club with Australia 11 winning the America's Cup in 1983. (Sources: Wise's Post Office Directory 1920-1949; Spillman, Ken, Identity Prized: A History of Subiaco, City of Subiaco, UWA Press, 1985, pp. 105,155-158,355.)

Uses

Creation Date

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