The City of Perth Council met on Tuesday April 30. The following decisions were made.

 

War on Tree Vandals

On the eve of Tree Month, the City of Perth Council has declared war on tree vandals by calling for a significant increase in penalties – up to $5000 - for people that destroy trees.

Damage to trees is costing the City of Perth up to - $100,000 a year and $500 penalties are not proving to be a deterrent. Council’s decision to review two local laws - Local Government Property Local Law 2005 and Thoroughfares and Public Places Local Law 2017 – will send a message to offenders.

Last year, 50 trees were removed from the CBD, with 45 of those due to vandalism. Since January, a further 23 trees have been removed due to vandalism.

The average cost of removing a damaged tree, replacing it, and then maintaining for the first few years while it becomes established is more than $6,900.

Draft Local Planning Scheme No. 3 endorsed

A planning framework to guide the growth and future prosperity of Perth for the next decade and beyond was approved.

The Local Planning Scheme will now be sent to the Western Australian Planning Commission for approval, before being advertised for further input from City of Perth residents, businesses and the broader community.

The Scheme sets a single vision for Perth, giving investors and developers certainty, while removing unnecessary planning layers and red tape.

There are some important elements in this Scheme that will appeal to investors and developers, which will make Perth a vibrant, liveable City for residents, businesses and visitors alike.

There is a significant increase in the plot ratios available for key areas of Perth along St Georges Terrace, Kings Park Road and Adelaide Terrace - to name a few – which will be a catalyst for new investment and redevelopment of many older buildings in key areas of the city.

A Significant Tree Register will also be introduced into the new planning scheme.

Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas told Council the implementation of this dynamic new planning framework would set the city on course to achieve its goal of 55,000 residents by 2036.

Calling out around the world, are you ready for a brand new beat…

Following the recent success of DJ Fred Again’s show at Langley Park, a Motion was passed inviting music promoters and event companies from around the world to register their interest to be part of a new major music festival in the City of Perth.

The City will support this major event with a number of free incentives with promoters having until 31 May to register their interest. The new multi-day festival will support the City’s hospitality, tourism and entertainment industries.

Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas, who proposed the Motion, said Perth needed a permanent annual large-scale event that put the City on the map and generated revenue, opportunities and vibrancy.

“Imagine the dance music version of Coachella or Glastonbury right here in Perth,” Mr Zempilas said.

City of Perth report

The final report of the Inquiry into the City of Perth was tabled at State Parliament on 11 August 2020. In it, the report detailed 341 recommendations for both the City of Perth (215) and State Government (126).

All 215 of the recommendations applicable to the City have been completed.