City of Wanneroo to install new welcome signage

The new signage will be placed at eight prominent locations around the City’s boundaries.

Design features include a stainless steel kangaroo paw – the City emblem – on the front, with references to the natural attractions, beach and bush, that are such an integral part of life in Wanneroo.

“The City is committed to boosting our local economy and the gateway signs will send a clear and visible message that Wanneroo is a progressive and inclusive City proud of its past and excited about its future,” Mayor Tracey Roberts said.

As part of the City’s 2015-2017 Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), the signage will be a visible recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.

Through the consultation process, the Reconciliation Action Plan Group had input on the design and approved the spelling of ‘Wandjoo’ which will appear on the sign. Wandjoo is the Aboriginal Noongar word for ‘welcome’.

Deputy Mayor and RAP member Di Guise said, at the Council Meeting, that the signage was a wonderful reflection of the local community.

“The signage celebrates our long history here, while reflecting our natural environment – the bush and the coast. It celebrates who we are and our history from ancient times to today,” she said.

The City also consulted with the Business and Tourism Development Working Group for their feedback on the design, before presenting it to the Council Forum. In all, consultations have been on-going for more than a year now.

The current signage is more than ten years old and in significant disrepair.

Hardy plant species that need minimal watering will be planted at the base of the signage.

The signage installation and construction budget is for a total of $350,000, which includes the lighting, plants and consultations. However, the signage has not yet gone out for tender and could end up costing a lot less than this figure. The funds will be taken from the City’s Capital Works Program budget.