Merry Christmas, and happy and safe New Year

Pictured: Member for Scarborough, Stuart Aubrey MLA, Mayor Mark Irwin, Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti MLA, and Member for Balcatta, David Michael MLA.

The Premier Mark McGowan MLA has announced today that a single COVID-19 case has been detected in the community, which will require an indoor face mask mandate and cancellation of major public events.

A number of potential exposure sites have been identified across Perth, including in Mirrabooka, Joondalup, Girrawheen, Perth and the CBD, Subiaco, Northbridge, and Scarborough – with more likely to be identified in the coming days.

If you have been to any of the exposure sites – or if you are feeling unwell – it is important to get tested.

This week as we prepare for the Christmas and New Years break, I am glad to report that we finished the year with the achievement of several major milestones.

Phase 1 of the Stephenson Avenue Extension is being delivered by the City of Stirling and is now partially open, with a new link from Scarborough Beach Road to Oswald Street giving shoppers increased access to Westfield Innaloo.

Council recently endorsed a 12-month trial of e-Rideable scooters, which aims to test the technology and hire model throughout the City. WA Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti and I tested some of the equipment to be provided by proponent Neuron this week, and look forward to launching the trial in due course.

The City's Trackless Tram concept has also made a big move forward, with engineering firm SMEC appointed to contribute to the business case.

We have also worked closely with 40 other local governments and WALGA to develop a joint buying group, collectively achieving the first joint renewables and carbon offset aggregation project of its kind in Australia to be authorised by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). 

Travel writer Chris Parry also recently acknowledged the Sunset Coast Explorer Bus as the 'best free tour in WA' and highlighted Mount Flora Museum on the ABC’s Hidden Treasures program. In other good news, the City’s Naala Djookan Healing Centre won Bronze at the 10th IPAA WA Achievement Awards earlier this month.

We have also been working hard to ensure we are compliant with the requirements in the WA Government's mandatory vaccination program.

Finally, from my family to yours, I wish you a very Merry Christmas, and happy and safe New Year, and look forward to updating you on life in the City of Choice in 2022.

Mark Irwin
Mayor