The complete Annual Report will be available from the Administration Centre and the Bassendean Memorial Library and on the Town’s website from 22 January 2008.
Mayor’s ReportThe last financial year in 2006–07 was an extremely challenging and rewarding one for the Council in which a great deal of important planning was put in place which will bear fruit into the future.
The main priority themes for the year were:
The Town of Bassendean is committed to enhancing and protecting its natural environment and safeguarding our number one asset, the Swan River. As a “green” Council, a significant investment of time and energy was put into detailed planning, funding applications and gaining approvals for the protecting and rehabilitating of the Swan River foreshore at Ashfield Parade. This $900,000 project, funded in partnership with the Swan River Trust, will see a comprehensive plan implemented over the next three years to control stormwater run-off, reduce riverbank erosion and restore native vegetation. At the same time, community access to fishing, kayaking and passive recreation activities will be controlled to reduce the current detrimental impact on the fragile foreshore environment.
Further foreshore works were undertaken, with funds spent on jetty and boardwalk maintenance, and comprehensive planning and design work was commenced in preparation for upgrading the Success Hill Reserve and jetty over the next two years.
Other green initiatives included the first year of the $49,000 Travel Smart partnership with the State Government, which is educating the community about the environmental advantages of public transport, as well as the health and environmental benefits of walking and cycling. Greater use of the Town’s three train stations and bus routes will be a win for both the environment and for our community members’ health as well as their pockets with petrol prices set to rise further.
An effective collaboration with the Cities of Belmont and Bayswater saw the commencement of a local biodiversity study aimed at protecting and enhancing the ecosystems which support local flora and fauna. Ongoing environmental programs undertaken over the year included participation in the Cities for Climate Protection Program, the Water Campaign, further street tree planting and weed eradication in remnant bushland sites.
Economic development in the Town was fostered by the appointment of a part-time Economic Development Officer to strengthen linkages to local and regional businesses and industry and to progress key strategies to revitalise and redevelop the Town Centre. Key economic development projects progressed to the stage of near completion during 2006/07 included the finalisation of the new Local Planning Scheme (LPS 10), the completion of the Town Centre Area Strategy, including redevelopment plans for Bassendean Oval, and participation in the Maylands to Guildford Transit Oriented Development Study. Ongoing participation in regional tourism and small business development continued with business networking and skill development opportunities identified and facilitated. A Streetscape Plan was well progressed during the year which will provide future guidance on enhancing the built environment and appearance of the Town.
Bassendean’s sense of community was strengthened by the allocation of almost $250,000 for community events and celebrations including the biennial Art Exhibition. The Town’s youth will also benefit from the installation of a new skate park facility which was close to completion by the end of the financial year. Seniors now have access to an additional two units at the Hyde Retirement Village, the expansion of in-home care services and an innovative Active Ageing project funded by the Department of Local Government and Regional Development.
Community reserves and facility upgrading completed during the year included lighting at Jubilee Reserve and minor refurbishments to the Stan Moses Pavilion, the Bassendean Community Hall and the Committee Room at 48 Old Perth Road. Lotterywest funding matched by Council allowed for remedial works of $145,000 on the MacDonald Grandstand which was re-opened in time for the 2007 WAFL season. The wide range of community services continued to operate with an improvement in financial performance in the meals on wheels program. A Facilities Plan was completed aimed at maximising the use of Council’s various community facilities.
On a controversial note, the Town received a consultant’s report on the Town’s public open space during the reporting year. The POS consultant recommended that 9 small parcels of open space, sometimes referred to as pocket-parks, in total consisting of less than 1% of the Town’s open space, be sold due to their size, their ineffectiveness of usage and the cost of ongoing maintenance. Unfortunately, this matter was sensationalised in the press and created far more community angst than should have occurred. The General Meeting of Electors was dominated by the topic and two further community meetings were held to discuss the potential sale of the POS.
Council considered the Public Open Space Strategy at the June 2007 Council meeting and in evaluating the community feedback, Council resolved not to sell 6 of the 9 parks and earmarked 2 others for possible disposal in accordance with the community’s wishes. Only one park for potential sale, Christie Park, is subject to any debate in the community. It is intended that any sale proceeds be used to enhance the remaining 99% of the Town’s open space. Council demonstrated that it was sensitive to its community’s views, but at the same time needed to find the delicate balance between moving the Town forward to a sustainable future and revitalising an ailing Town Centre but at the same time safeguarding the Town’s history and heritage and the “country town” feel and amenity, which currently exists in the Town.
As Mayor, in closing my report, I would like to thank the Councillors for their valued support and dedicated teamwork on behalf of the community over the reporting year. A great number of important decisions were made and successfully implemented. I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the CEO, Mr Gary Evershed, and his staff for implementing Council’s decisions so professionally and for managing the day-to-day operations of the Town so effectively.
Cr Tina Klein JP
Mayor