Mandurah's Mayor has spoken out about a protest in opposition of the Western Foreshore development at the City's Council building last week where police were called.
Around 40 people entered the City's foyer on Friday, led by Aboriginal elder Ivy Bennell.
Ms Bennell and the group requested to meet with CEO Casey Mihovilovich in order to hand her a letter which called for the City to immediately cease the proposed development due to the Aboriginal cultural significance of the site.
In a statement on her Facebook page, Mayor Knight said they had no prior knowledge of the planned protest.
"On Friday last week, a group of people entered our customer service foyer unannounced with raised voices and protest signage," Mayor Knight said.
"While we now understand this was intended as a peaceful action, the nature of the event was unknown, disrupted services and left staff and members of the public feeling unsafe.
"Police were contacted to ensure the ongoing safety and wellbeing of everyone present."
Ms Knight said the CEO was in a meeting at the time and the group had no appointment to meet with her.
"They wanted to hand over a letter, which had already been received via email the previous day, and they were intent on handing it only to the CEO while filming the interaction, presumably to publicise their cause," she wrote in a comment on her Facebook post.
"The CEO requested not to be filmed, and instead the group chose to record Mrs Ivy Bennell placing the letter on the counter."
Ivy Bennell places the letter on the counter at the City of Mandurah building. PIC: Shazza J Photography.
The Mayor also reiterated that Hall Park is not a registered Aboriginal Heritage site which has been confirmed in writing by the State Government multiple times.
Ms Knight said the City remains committed to "open, respectful dialogue" on the topic.
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