Merry Christmas from Mayor Greg Milner

Christmas is just around the corner. For most of us, the holiday season is a time for friends, family and celebration. It’s also a time to look back and reflect on the year that was.

2020 will almost certainly be remembered for the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated challenges and hardships that have been experienced by many in our community. Although Western Australia has managed the pandemic better than almost anywhere else in the world, many people have suffered disruption and adversity. Jobs have been lost, businesses have been impacted and families have been separated. Many will find Christmas tough this year. I encourage everyone to reach out to friends and family who may have been affected and remind them that they are loved and valued.

As Mayor, I’ve spent the year listening to our community and working with Councillors and City staff to help make the City of South Perth the best it can be. The City has achieved a great deal navigating through this period and the work performed by our community has been inspiring.  At the height of the pandemic, businesses, community groups and individuals all around the City stepped forward and asked what can we do to help? Many sporting and community groups are reporting increased memberships and our community is continuing to support local businesses to ensure that they survive and thrive. This is a magnificent community, and I am proud to be your Mayor.

Some of the City’s achievements this year include:

• COVID-19 response, including the Local Community Response and Relief Package
• Launch of the Buy Local, Shop Local campaign
• $2.2 million COVID-19 financial relief package from Western Power for the underground power project in Collier and Manning
• Recruitment of new CEO Mike Bradford replacing Geoff Glass when he steps down in January 2021
• Construction of a state-of-the-art mini-golf facility at Collier Park Golf Course, providing an additional revenue stream for the City and reduce reliance on Council rates
• Review of the Canning Bridge Activity Centre Plan, adopted by Council in February 2020
• Review, amendment and endorsement of the City’s Local Planning Strategy
• Commencement of a major review of the City’s Strategic Community Plan, to help plan and deliver essential services for the future
• Completion and housing of the Ferry Tram project at Windsor Park
• Largest-ever Citizenship Ceremony at the 2020 Australia Day celebrations

In November, Council endorsed the proposed Recreation Aquatic Facility (RAF) project to progress to the next stage. Council also approved further due diligence, in relation to engaging independent and relevant industry and financial experts to review the RAF Business Case.

There is more to do, but I am pleased with the progress your Council has made in serving our community this year. As we continue to move through these uncharted times, I encourage everyone to continue observing physical distancing where possible, to maintain good hygiene practices and please use the State Government’s SafeWA app at relevant venues and businesses.

On behalf of everyone at the City of South Perth I would like to wish you and your loved ones a very merry Christmas and a happy, safe and prosperous 2021.