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BEATRICE THOMASThe West Australian Subiaco sporting clubs have come out swinging over a proposed $6 million deal between the State Government and the City of Subiaco to turn a section of

Rosalie Park into a carpark for nearby hospital staff. Under the deal, an 800-bay carpark would take up one of the park's fields to replace parking at the QEII Medical Centre for two

years while the new $1 billion children's hospital and a multi-storey carpark are built. In turn, the council would get $6 million as compensation, which it would use to upgrade

facilities at the park or elsewhere. But with construction due to start in January, the Subiaco Lacrosse Club and Subiaco Junior Football Club, which would be displaced by the deal, said

they had yet to be consulted. Subiaco Lacrosse Club president Bill Barton said yesterday the club had played at Rosalie Park for 50 years and would struggle to find another suit- able local

oval for its 170 players. He accused the council of "selling out" the grounds for parking. "In reality, two years away from that community is a huge issue to re-create all

that awareness," he said. Rosalie Park, in Shenton Park, has 11 grass tennis courts and 8ha of playing fields. But only the south-west field used by the lacrosse and junior football

clubs would be affected. Subiaco Junior Football Club vice-president Peter Tazewell said 90 per cent of its 250 players lived within walking distance of the ground. "You really are

striking at the heart of what the community clubs are all about because no longer will the kids be able to walk to their footy training and to their games," he said. Mr Tazewell said

there were also concerns the council would realise the carpark was a cash cow and keep it. Subiaco mayor Heather Henderson said there was no guarantee the carpark would be approved by the

council, but any use of Rosalie Park would be on the condition it was "returned to its former glory". She rejected suggestions the council should carry out consultation on the

plan, saying it was the Government's responsibility and feedback would be used by the council to decide. Ms Henderson said issues such as relocating the clubs, traffic management and

impact on residents would have to be considered. GET THE LATEST NEWS FROM THEWEST.COM.AU IN YOUR INBOX. Sign up for our emails