South Perth: Behind the News

Hello South Perth. Here are some items not in the news recently.

• Gum trees cut down on the slope overlooking the South Perth foreshore. Is it OK to destroy trees?
  
  

  Sydney Council has a nine page policy on Tree Management. It includes “The city will assess all trees proposed for removal in public or PRIVATE property… “ and  “The retention of significant trees is a priority” and  “Removal will not be permitted to facilitate views.” Why don’t we have a strong tree policy in South Perth?
   

• Councillors voted to limit development of Manning Hub commercial facilities to two stories. After years of planning and consultation this probably means that the project will not be as economically viable. Once again a group of Manning and Salters Point residents and their Councillors have stopped development of their own community. The motion was also supported by one of the Como Beach Ward Councillors, who actually lives in Riverton, and campaigned on a platform that he would “Stop Change” around here.
   

• Designs for the Manning Community Centre were approved this month.
  
  
  
  Click here to see the layout for the Library, Hall, Child Health Clinic, Moorditj Keila Centre, Early Childhood facility and sporting club rooms. I really like this and am pleased to have been part of making this happen.
   

• Lyndon Lewis was recognised in the Australia Day honours for his magnificent contributions to riverbank restoration at Salters Point. See previous blog. Lyndon has been inspirational in his contributions to riverbank restoration.
  

  

• Preston Street and Angelo Street traders are putting life into their patch: sidewalk dining, street markets in Fiesta, Friday barbecues, new business.
   
  
• Meanwhile in Mends Street the residents and traders want to stop development above a car park, while yet more shops close down. The Mill Point Councillor who organised protest meetings walked out of the Council meeting before debate began on the matter, to attend “another event.“
   
• Note to Council- how about just painting the City’s Mends Street car park surface blue and offering the first hour free?
  
  
• Councillors once again enjoyed free food and wine in a fenced area in the middle of the Fiesta concert seating. Some embarrassing behaviours might have occurred. Let’s just get rid of this indulgence and let Councillors sit with the rest of us.
   
• Local businesses are planning for ways to make use of the NBN Broadband services that are being installed now. Pippy Poodle Pet Minders and Dog Walkers are not the biggest but they have the spirit. Even big businesses need small services. A number of new businesses with fresh ideas are planning to take advantage of fast data.
   
• It is hard work being an effective Councillor. At least twenty hours a week is what it takes. That is, if you actually turn up to briefing sessions and meetings. Some Councillors are always there to listen to details and discuss ideas. Some who opposed the Manning development, and others, are perhaps not so good at this. My admiration goes to our Councillors who do put in so much of their own time, energy and emotion.
  See this link for “So You Want to be a Councillor.”
   
• South Perth Bicycle User Group has been active in promoting better paths across our City. There’s a new cycle link along Henley Street for easier riding between the Canning Bridge train station and Curtin University. The Uni has installed lock-up pods and new pathways too.
  
  
• The recent blog on the Cygnet Cinema drew lots of interest. The Mayor, Sue Doherty, has been meeting with the owners, the operators and others to ensure that this gem is enjoyed by our community for many years ahead. It’s far from certain yet, and thank you to all who have volunteered their support. More news soon.
   
• Councillors voted to conduct yet another study into allowing the public to view details of planning applications. In Melbourne and other WA Councils it is normal practice to make details available on-line Click here for details. Please get on with it.
  
  
• Note to Council- Please do not make this a City for Cars. Please do design our City so that pedestrians and cyclists have priority, then Public Transport, then cars. My dream is for a city where it is safe and pleasant to walk and cycle. Residents of Como can click here to have their say about traffic development ideas for their suburb.
   
• Please do consider reducing the car parking requirements, so that the average number of parking bays per unit can be less than two and so some apartments can have Zero parking if owners want to. Please reduce the parking requirements for commercial from 1/20 to 1/25 or less to encourage less cars parked around here. Please keep the pressure on for better public transport too. Melbourne and Sydney are well along this path.
   
• If some of these things matter to you, would you consider standing for Council in the October elections this year?
   
• As usual, please click ‘Comments’ below to add your thoughts. Just log in as “Name” (no password required) or email me and I’ll publish your words right here.