Where is Omeo Park?

    Omeo Park is located on Socrates Parade, North Coogee. It is positioned to the south of the Port Coogee Marina and provides access to the Omeo shipwreck. 

    The Omeo shipwreck is Perth's most accessible wreck for snorkelling and is the starting point of the Coogee Maritime Trail.

    This southern precinct of Port Coogee is growing as a public and commercial hub and will require public amenities.

    Does this area have access to ablution amenities?

    An outdoor shower was installed in 2020 at Omeo Park, near the shipwreck access stairs. However, access to public toilets is currently limited. The nearest public toilet facility is over 400m away. 

    Community consultation undertaken between March and May 2020 identified low level of satisfaction with current access to public toilet amenities at Omeo Park.

    The southern part of Port Coogee has been identified as needing public ablutions, both due to current Omeo Park requirements as well as long term future development of adjacent vacant land. 

    This adjacent ‘Marina Village’ land area will include extensive public attractions including parks, retail and hospitality that will bring further visitors to the area.  

    The option to utilise the nearby retail centre for ablutions is not a viable proposition as it is a privately owned and operated entity and intended only for use by shopping patrons.

    What were the key findings from the consultation process undertaken in 2020?

    Between March and May 2020, the City sought community feedback on their level of satisfaction with access to amenities at Omeo Park, and their vision and priorities for a new amenities building. 

     The consultation page received over 700 visits.

    • Approximately 250 people provided feedback.
    • Most respondents were from North Coogee (70%) or Coogee (17%) and visit regularly.
    • Exercise/walk; swim/snorkel/dive; and sit/relax/enjoy were the most popular reasons for visiting.
    • Respondents were generally satisfied with access for enjoyment, safe pedestrian access, and security lighting.
    • Respondents were generally less satisfied with access to public toilets and changing facilities.
    • Preferred amenities for the building were public toilets (71% in favour), shaded/covered areas (70% in favour) and seating (64%) in favour.
    • The respondents’ vision for the amenities building with respect to quality was unobtrusive/low impact; aesthetically pleasing; practical/functional/convenient; and safe/secure. Combined these comments related to 56% of the feedback. 
    • The respondents’ vision for the amenities building with respect to style was minimalist/simple (27%); modern (23%) and natural (18%). 
    • Of the potential locations in Omeo Park for the amenities building, the north-west corner (adjacent to the future parking) was most preferred.  

    What is the Design Review Panel?

    The City of Cockburn Design Review Panel is an established body with which the City may consult in assessing an application under the provisions of the City of Cockburn Town Planning Scheme No. 3.  

    The panel reviews and makes comment on the designs for significant developments, and its membership comprises independent practitioners with an expertise in the design field.

    According to the Design Panel Review Policy, members shall be highly regarded with appropriate qualifications and substantial experience in one or more of the following areas:

    • Architecture
    • Urban design
    • Landscape Architecture 

    A person who is currently employed by the City of Cockburn or who is an elected member of the Cockburn Council is not eligible for appointment as a member of the Panel. 

    The Design Review Panel Policy can be viewed online at cockburn.wa.gov.au. 

    What recommendations were made by the Design Review Panel?

    An initial draft was presented to the Panel for comment. The following recommendations were made: 

    • Landscape design requirements were advocated to support the design process.
    • Privacy to male amenities were to be considered further.
    • The use of robust, durable and attractive materials were advocated.
    • Locating the shelter to capitalise on view, vista and aspect over the water.

    The above were considered and then integrated into an updated design, with the following outcomes:

    • A detached shelter structure with seating which aligns with views towards Woodman Point and Garden Island. 
    • A detached toilet amenities building set down into the current landscape at a low point to minimise any visual intrusion. The restroom building is to include:
      • Male and female change rooms with benches, four pans and one urinal designed to minimise security /surveillance concerns.
      • A universal access toilet
      • A store room for community and municipal purposes
      • Integrated seating under a canopy extended from the amenities building.
      • An additional canopy to the northeast of the main amenities building to provide additional shade under a suspended awning with roof garden.
      • A hand wash area in close proximity for enhanced public surveillance.
      • A domed shaped circular roof with roof garden.
      • Re-alignment of the existing pedestrian cycleway around the new toilet facility but in front of the shelter with connections to Napoleon Parade and between a future car park and extended dual purpose coastal route to be designed and constructed as part of a separate project.
      • A proposed hard standing adjacent to the amenities block for seasonal food van and hospitality offerings with lockable in-ground servicing points (including direct access to the hard standing from Napoleon Parade).
      • Additional off-street car parking, to be designed and constructed as part of a separate project. 

    The design was commended for the careful and detailed consideration of the public amenity and the proactive and collaborative approach to address the Panel's requests. 

    Will parking be delivered at the same time as this project?

    While parking does not impact on the need for the restroom building, it was still identified as an issue by respondents during phase one of the consultation process. 

    Parking will be assessed and progressed separately to this project, given the need to review this on a broader scale and in relation to the future development and planning for the area. 

    Future parking has however been identified on the draft designs for the purpose of providing context of the area adjacent to the restroom building and shade structure. 

    Progressing improved access to and supply of parking in this area of Port Coogee remains a priority for the City. 

    Where can I find more information on the future plans for the Port Coogee area?

    Development at Port Coogee is guided by the Port Coogee Local Structure Plan(LSP), which was adopted by Council in 2005. The LSP provides for a mix of zones covering a total of 85.99 hectares spanning dry land (57.24ha) and water areas (28.75ha). Click here to find out more.