Your say can help shape important City projects

The State Government's Community Cabinet meetings have proved a valuable way to connect with the local community. Like a town hall meeting, Community Cabinet sessions give residents, groups and businesses an opportunity to meet with Premier Mark McGowan and Cabinet Ministers to talk about local issues.

It was great to be invited to a Community Cabinet meeting held at the Yokine Bowling Club earlier this month. During discussions, attendees talked about a mix of subjects including energy costs, bus shelters and funding opportunities for local clubs. As Mayor, it was extremely worthwhile to hear first-hand the thoughts and views of residents.

Photo courtesy of Mount Lawley MLA Simon Millman

Calls to make the community more accessible for everyone was another timely topic raised at the recent Community Cabinet meeting, as the City is now calling for feedback on its draft Access and Inclusion Plan 2020-2025. The five-year plan will guide the City’s operations so people with disability have better access to City buildings, facilities, events, services and information.

To make sure the plan meets the community’s needs, anyone who lives, works or visits the City are encouraged to share their ideas and stories about access and inclusion. In particular, feedback from people with disability, their families and carers, people with access requirements, businesses and disability sector organisations would be vital to the success of the plan.

The City's ‘Your Say’ online engagement hub is at the ready for you to share your thoughts. Visit Your Say Stirling via www.yoursay.stirling.wa.gov.au/AIP to complete the survey online. If you need the survey in an alternative format or prefer to complete it over the phone or face to face, please contact the City’s Access and Inclusion Officer on (08) 9205 8555. The survey period closes Monday 30 September 2019. Lawley Ward Cr Joe Ferrante and Lesley Cangemi from Ishar appeared in recent Facebook posts encouraging the community to take part in the survey.

Another project where the City needs your vital feedback is the draft Mount Lawley Streetscape Study. The study is all about creating a streetscape vision for a more vibrant, active and beautified Mount Lawley Town Centre. It would be invaluable to hear your thoughts on how we can enhance the area with improvements such as new public art, better pedestrian access and a dedicated piazza/plaza.

There are several ways to have your say before the survey period ends on Monday 30 September. Either drop by the Mt Lawley Bowling Club on Wednesday 28 August between 6.00pm and 8.00pm to chat to staff or head to the Listening Post happening in the car park near Westpac Bank (681 Beaufort Street) on Saturday 31 August from 10.00am to 1.00pm. Alternatively visit yoursay.stirling.wa.gov.au/MLSS to fill out the survey online.

The recent Community Cabinet meeting also provided a good opportunity to discuss my plans to introduce a wheel clamping local law with Premier McGowan and Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti. 

I have received a lot of support from the community since proposing moves to either ban the use of wheel clamps in the City or to regulate their use. The whole idea of drivers being detained by a wheel clamper and then having to pay hundreds of dollars to get access to their own vehicle just doesn’t seem right.   

At a council meeting earlier this month, the City’s Councillors voted unanimously in favour of drafting a new local law to regulate wheel clamping within the City. I will also personally write to the Premier, the Minister for Local Government and the WA Local Government Association to seek support for this Local Law. It could take up to a year for the local law to be implemented and the process will include consultation with the community.

Earlier this month, I had the honour of attending a Vietnam Veterans Day service at Stirling Gardens with fellow Crs Giovanni Italiano, Karlo Perkov and Stephanie Proud and Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts.

Hosted by the Naval Association of Australia Perth North Subsection, the service recognised close to 60,000 courageous men and women who served in Vietnam from 1962 to 1975 including 521 who made the ultimate sacrifice. Held around the country on 18 August each year, the services offer a poignant way to commemorate their valiant efforts. 

The Osborne Autumn Club got very festive recently with a Christmas in July get-together. Osborne Ward Cr Adam Spagnolo attended the entertaining function for a cuppa and to chat to members. Based at the Osborne Community Hub on Royal Street in Tuart Hill, the club offers loads of activities for people aged 55 and older including line dancing, carpet bowls, bingo afternoons, bus trips and concerts.

The club is currently on a recruitment drive to boost its membership numbers. If you would like to be part of the fun, please phone Jenny on 9440 3228 for more information and details of upcoming events at the club like monthly lunches.

With magpie nesting season underway, please take extra care when outdoors as magpies may swoop to protect their young from now through until November. To reduce the possibility of being swooped by a magpie, look for any caution signage placed in our parks and reserves, stay clear of nesting sites and plan alternative routes.

If possible, also travel in groups as the birds often target individuals and wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. We are fortunate to share our City with a wide variety of native animals and learning to live alongside local wildlife is an important step towards building a better environment.