At the time, the area was completely undeveloped, surrounded by dense bush with no road access.

[2] During the Great Depression, from around 1930 to 1933, up to 110 homeless people camped at Salter Point near what is now the Gentilli Way boatramp.

The South Perth Road Board installed toilets and running water following an outbreak of typhoid at the camp.

The residents lived in tents and shacks built out of old metal drums, relying on charity as there was little sustenance work available.

[3] In 1955, the area comprising Manning, Mt Henry, Salter Point and Waterford was annexed to the South Perth Road Board from the Canning Road Board.