Spring in the City

Mayor's Diary 31 August 2016
Spring is finally here and there’s much to look forward to in the City over the coming months. From kids’ school holiday activities at George Burnett Leisure Centre to our annual Emerging Artist Award and library events, there’s something for everyone. 

You will have noticed the City’s new website has launched. The site offers an improved user experience, greater functionality and it’s responsive, which means you can easily view it on your mobile phone or tablet. Have a look around, tell us what you think and take our survey. You’ll hopefully find it much easier to use and find what you’re looking for.

It’s been a particularly busy month, with the West Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday 3 August. At the meeting I moved a motion for an independent review of the Western Australian planning system including Development Assessment Panels. There was lively debate and the motion was passed, it will be discussed and deliberated at WALGA’s September State Council Meeting.

I believe an independent, wide-reaching and thorough review of the WA planning system would provide opportunities to implement greater transparency, certainty, timeliness and consistency of the decision making process. Two aspects of this proposed review are important – that it be undertaken by experts outside of state government and that it looks at other planning systems throughout Australia.

Decision making in the WA planning system needs to occur at appropriate levels as well as in a proper, timely and efficient manner. It is also critical that the aspirations and values of the community are incorporated into the decision making framework. 

I acknowledge not all local governments hold a unanimous view of JDAPs and some are of the view that they work for them, therefore calling for an independent review is a way forward where all voices and views can to be listened to. The City is committed to work with WALGA and the State Government to achieve the best outcomes for the communities of all local governments.

Last but certainly not least, you may have noticed a small yellow bus driving along the South Perth Esplanade. In August the RAC launched their trial of the Intellibus, Australia’s first driverless shuttle bus. It’s incredibly innovative technology and the City is pleased to offer support to the RAC and State Government initiative. This new form of public transport has the potential to help alleviate traffic congestion by reducing the number of vehicles on the road, and at the same time having a really positive impact on the environment. Part of the vision for the City is a public transport network that encourages people to get out of their cars and provides transport alternatives that are easy, close and reliable. The Intellibus certainly ticks all those boxes. You can find out more about the trial and register to ride the bus here intellibus.rac.com.au. 

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For more information, please contact the City.