No self-respecting Perth resident could let the historic date of January 29, 2016 pass by without at least one reference to the opening of Elizabeth Quay. Dubbed a ‘one in a hundred year event’ there was a lot to ponder about.
Elizabeth Quay
Friday the 29th signalled the end of four years of construction. No more endless lines of trucks transporting sand away from the site, we were finally going to see what lay behind the bordered up façade. Four hours before the public would be allowed into the quay for the very first time, the Swan River was calm. A pod of dolphins swam by playing in the wake of the river surfcats, no doubt they’d already slipped through security and checked out the new inlet.
Elizabeth Quay
As I looked out at the new footbridge marking the entrance to the quay, I was reminded of the powerful Indigenous deity, the Rainbow Serpent. Said to be one of the oldest continuing religious beliefs in the world, it’s snake and rainbow like shape is often associated with a serpent moving across waterholes bringing life to empty spaces. The serpents control over our most precious resource, water, has led to the credence that without the serpent our lands would dry out.
Elizabeth Quay thanks to MRA
As I pondered this I also considered whether said Rainbow Serpent, like most young West Australians, had ever made the pilgrimage to mother land England. Did he/she (the sex of the serpent is ambiguous, lets say she), did she join a 12 day Contiki tour that slithered on up to bonnie Scotland?
In the wee small hour of a misty May morning, nine months prior, was she enchanted by a local lad going by the name of Loch Ness. Beguiled by his melodic accent, mysterious air, impressive length and girth did she submit, only to have him vanish moments later, and develop illusive tendencies, particularly when child endowment payments were due? The rhythmic shape of the new bridge suggests no need for a paternity test, it’s clearly a joint offering from their loins … if snakes and serpents have loins that is. But I digress.
The $440million dollar development is being spruiked as an ‘era that sees the city linked to the river’ as it was many years ago.
According to Premier Colin Barnett this is ‘an historic weekend in Perth’s life … the beginning of a new era for Perth … a change to our city for the better.’
Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi described the development as ‘a new face for Perth, it’s like a brand new city. The LED lights bring back the brand of Perth as the ‘City of Lights.’’
thanks to kristyj75
Looking at the joy on the faces around me I pondered …
- Elizabeth Quay looks set to become a popular destination for residents and tourists, especially once all the outlets are in place.
- Given the laughter and excitement of the people around me, why on earth did our forefathers reclaim the land all those years ago. Here’s hoping they didn’t know something about the area that we don’t?
- The Rainbow Serpent is also said to manifest thunder and lightning when angry. Considering the downpour the day after the opening, does she also know something we don’t? Maybe she just didn’t like some of the negative reviews printed in the paper.
Make sure you get down to Elizabeth Quay when the Fringe Festival is on and check out the evening light display. For more information go to Elizabeth Quay.
