Students lead the way in sustainability and the trackless tram project gets a funding boost

Our efforts to introduce a trackless tram system between Scarborough Beach and Glendalough have received a multi-million-dollar boost. Late last month, the Federal Government allocated $2 million in funding for a business case that will determine the economics of trackless trams as an alternative to light rail, the planning requirements and estimated timelines of delivery.

Speaking with local media about the trackless tram project

A first for WA, the trackless tram system would extend 7km from the coast along Scarborough Beach Road to the Stirling City Centre, with connections through to the Perth CBD on the existing heavy rail network at Glendalough Station. The proposed electric tram system does not require dedicated tracks, which makes them less expensive to incorporate into traditional transport systems. This project has the potential to revolutionise light rail in Australia, and Stirling is proud to lead the way.

Congratulations to Stockland for breaking ground on their $75 million Canopy development in Glendalough. Stockland and their consultant Urbis worked collaboratively with the City to create their vision of a medium density development that incorporates established greenery into its design.

Turning the sod with Minister for Transport, Planning Rita Saffioti MLA and Stockland General Manager Col Dutton 

The aptly named Canopy development will retain existing trees and ensure at least one new tree is planted for each of the 97 townhouses being built. The project is a great example of how the private sector can work alongside government to achieve sustainable outcomes.

Des Penman Reserve in Nollamara is now home to newly upgraded clubrooms with vibrant murals that celebrate Nyoongar culture. Launched last month with The Hon. Mick Murray MLA Minister for Sport and Recreation, Federal Member for Stirling Vince Connelly MP and Member for Morley Amber-Jade Sanderson MLA, the $1.6 million Des Penman Reserve pavilion revamp has extended the building to include unisex change rooms, unisex umpire change rooms and better storage facilities.

Artists Seantelle Walsh and Sioux Tempestt with the new mural 

The new clubroom artwork ‘Kwop Wirin’ by Seantelle Walsh and Sioux Tempestt represents a connection to Mooro Booja (land) with the Waugyl spirit that moves across Country to bring new life and blessings of good spirit. The overall clubroom revamp received funding support from Sport Australia ($500,000) and the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund ($400,000).

With Cr Elizabeth Re, Cr Keith Sargent, Cr David Boothman and Chief Executive Officer Stuart Jardine at the Des Penman Reserve clubrooms launch

The ever-popular Garage Sale Trail is back for 2020 this weekend – 21 and 22 November – to help the community make money hosting a sale or save money by finding bargains in their neighbourhood. The nationwide event is all about how our small actions as individuals can make a big difference to our communities and the planet.

Waste Education Officer Sharka Hornakova with Scarborough resident Jemma Hulsdunk who will be hosting a garage sale 

Garage Sale Trail registrations are open for households, schools, community groups and anyone else who wants to get in on the fun via the City’s dedicated Garage Sale Trail page. You can also search for all the garage sales happening near you.

The recent Tree Trail was a huge success with more than 3,500 people taking part in the educational activity at Dianella Regional Open Space. Families followed a self-guided 1.9km trail to find more than 20 trees and loads of fascinating tree facts along the way.

Families exploring the recent Tree Trail activity

Kids also enjoyed fun craft activities with the magical Eco Faeries and learned about Nyoongar culture with Bindi Bindi Dreaming. A big thank-you goes to everyone who supported the activity including a group of dedicated City volunteers who were on hand to greet visitors and remind everyone about social distancing guidelines. 

As part of our Living Green program, I’ve been visiting local schools to find out about the amazing work they are doing in sustainability. Open to all schools across the City, the Living Green program offers funding support of up to $4,000 annually to run projects with a focus on sustainability including reducing water use, energy use and carbon emissions. More details about the program are available via the City's website.

With Year 5 Environmental Officers at Churchlands Primary School

Most recently, I visited a group of industrious Year 5 students at Churchlands Primary School who gave me a tour of the school’s environmental and sustainability initiatives. Among its sustainability programs, the school has introduced a water, energy and waste energy audit, planted native trees and shrubs, runs waste free lunch days and harvest their own vegetables from a food garden. It was both fun and inspiring to meet the students and to see everything they are achieving in sustainability. Great work everyone!

I would to thank each of the following local schools that took part in this year’s Living Green Schools program and for their incredible efforts in sustainability:

  • Balcatta Primary School
  • Carine Senior High School
  • Churchlands Primary School
  • Coolbinia Primary School
  • Dianella Secondary College
  • East Hamersley Primary School
  • Glendale Primary School
  • Lake Gwelup Primary School
  • North Morley Primary School
  • Perth College
  • St Kieran Primary School
  • West Coast Steiner School.

Each year, the 16 Days in WA to Stop Violence Against Women initiative provides an opportunity for everyone around the state to show their support for ending violence against women, including family, domestic and sexual violence. In 2020, the initiative runs from Wednesday 25 November to Thursday 10 December and draws its inspiration from the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign.

In a show of support for the initiative, the Lina statue outside the City’s Administration Building on Cedric Street and the Scarborough Beach Amphitheatre will be lit up in orange throughout the 16 days of the campaign. To find out more about the campaign and how to get involved, please visit the Department of Communities website.

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