Actually, I read once that the Parklands were designed initially to hide the city from possible invasion in the days of settlement, and that there was a decree that nothing was ever supposed to be built on the parklands. and of course to preserve some of what was founded by the first settlers..
I remember there being a reason for Adelaide High being built there as an exception to that rule, but there was a ruckus when the netball courts originally went up in the early 70's on Anzac Highway and there was a big push to get them of parklands area, until they finally packed up and defected when ETSA Park was built.
For those that have been to Perth, you would know that there is a section of land which has never been touched and never will be touched so that future generations can appreciate what was there in the beginning.
I'm of two minds as to whether development is a good idea or not, having grown up in the city, it was always nice to go for a bikeride, or rollerskate

around Vic Park