Published on Wednesday, 29 April 2026 at 11:48:33 AM
The highlights from the April Ordinary Council Meeting (OCM) are below.
WIND IN THE WILLOWS: NEXT STEPS
Council has confirmed it will continue operating its two Wind in the Willows (WITW) early childhood education and care services until at least July 2027.
The decision provides certainty for families and staff, ensuring there will be no changes to service quality or the current operating model during this period, while longer-term options are explored.
Council will prepare the 2026/27 WITW budget with a focus on financial sustainability, while maintaining high standards of care. In response to community feedback, the Town will also undertake a publicly advertised Expression of Interest (EOI) process to explore transitioning Wind in the Willows to a suitable not-for-profit provider from July 2027.
The EOI process will be supported by independent advice and community engagement, with service delivery to continue at the existing sites. Council is also seeking in-principle State and Federal funding support for a potential new Wind in the Willows facility on Crown land.
Community feedback and Council’s commitment to transparency will inform all next steps.
Read the full media statement for further detail.
CONSIDERATION OF DECISIONS FROM SPECIAL MEETING OF ELECTORS
Council considered the seven decisions from the 25 March 2026 Special Meeting of Electors regarding the future of Wind in the Willows:
- Council did not support the establishment of a Family, Staff and Community Advisory Group due to governance, compliance, resourcing and liability risks.
- Council endorsed an amended approach to Decision 2, committing to directly manage Wind in the Willows as a profitable service in 2026/27 while retaining care standards and to explore a not‑for‑profit or community-based management model from 1 July 2027, supported by transparent community consultation.
- Council supported Decision 3 and requested the administration develop a draft Transparency Statement and workshop the statement with Council prior to its adoption.
- Council acknowledged community concerns and reputational impacts and noted the Mayor’s apology had been given. (Decision 5).
- Council did not support investigations alleging procurement impropriety or misuse of administrative resources (Decisions 6 and 7).
- Finally, Council received the minutes of the Special Meeting of Electors.
JUBILEE RESERVE: PAVILION DESIGNS MOVE FORWARD
Council approved the schematic designs for the Stan Moses Pavilion and Caledonian Soccer Club facilities at Jubilee Reserve, authorising progression to the detailed design stage.
The Stan Moses Pavilion will proceed as a new, elevated build to improve spectator viewing and functionality, incorporating minor refinements to layout, amenities and compliance.
Council also endorsed the amended schematic design for the Caledonian Soccer Club, accommodating a modest northern expansion to deliver two additional changerooms, a relocated kiosk and retained storage, minimising future disruption and retrofit costs.
These decisions enable the project to remain aligned with funding requirements while supporting improved sporting and community facilities at Jubilee Reserve.
The Town will now work with the Clubs and the Architect to finalise detailed design drawing for council consideration in June this year before proceeding to tender for construction later this year.
This project is part of the WA Government’s PlayOn WA, an exciting initiative delivering community infrastructure across WA by 2030.
NEW PUBLIC ART COMING TO PALMERSTON SQUARE
Council endorsed the recommended public artwork concept for Palmerston Square Reserve and approved progression to fabrication and installation.
The selected artwork, Friends Rock!, depicts a playful Motorbike Frog and Tawny Frogmouth, celebrating friendship and reflecting local fauna commonly found in Bassendean parks and backyards. The theme aligns with Palmerston Square’s role as a popular gathering place for families.
The artwork was created by artists Amy Perejuan‑Capone and Penny Min Perguson, both of whom have strong personal connections to Bassendean and Lockridge. Installation is expected by September.
The project is fully funded through developer contributions under Local Planning Policy No. 15 – Public Art, requiring no municipal funds. Friends Rock! is the first of four planned public artworks, with future installations proposed for Anzac Terrace Reserve, Collier Road, Park Estate Reserve and Success Hill Reserve.
Read the full media release.
APPOINTMENT OF ARCHITECT FOR BASSENDEAN OVAL SCHEMATIC DESIGN
Council appointed a lead architect and design team to take the Bassendean Oval Precinct Redevelopment to the schematic design stage, translating the community-endorsed concept masterplan into detailed plans and costings.
The appointment is funded by a $500,000 grant from the WA Government’s PlayonWA initiative and was made through a competitive procurement process to deliver Stage 2: schematic design and an evidence-based business case to support future funding bids and approvals.
Schematic design will test and refine the precinct layout, building form and functionality, accessibility and inclusion outcomes, traffic and parking solutions, and sustainability opportunities. It will also provide updated quantity surveying and cost estimates to inform an independent Treasury business case.
RESOLUTION OF COUNCIL – TREE CANOPY REPLACEMENT
Council resolved to strengthen tree canopy outcomes by updating the Street and Reserve Trees Council Policy, effective 1 July 2026.
Minimum replacement planting ratios will increase, introducing two tiers: 1:2 for juvenile trees removed (planted within three years) and 1:3 for established or mature trees, with discretion to also apply amenity values where appropriate.
Replacement street trees will continue to be planted at 30-35L pot sizes, reflecting best practice for establishment, species availability and safety.
Council endorsed improved transparency by expanding reporting. Approvals for removal of street or reserve trees associated with development will be reported at the time of planning approval as well as prior to removal.
Now that awareness of the Local Planning Policy No. 13 – Tree Retention and Provision (LPP13) is more embedded in the community, fees for development approval related to regulated tree-damaging activities will no longer be waived, ensuring cost recovery.
Consideration of broader changes to LPP13 will occur at its scheduled review. These measures support the Town’s target to increase canopy cover while balancing environmental, financial and operational considerations.
PADEL COURTS PROJECT COMMITTEE
Council endorsed the establishment of a Committee of Council and Staff to progress a Padel Courts project at BIC Reserve.
The Committee will assess shortlisted EOI submissions for the design, construction, funding and operation of padel courts, undertake site inspections, recommend an appropriate community engagement approach, and advise Council on a preferred proposal and commercial lease terms.
The Committee will operate on an advisory basis only and be disbanded once its functions are complete, supporting activation of BIC Reserve and expanded recreational opportunities without financial impact on the Town.
Read the full media release.
BASSENDEAN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Council supported the amalgamation of the Bassendean and Bayswater Local Emergency Management Committees to improve coordination and efficiency, established an Amalgamation Working Group to progress the process, and received the recent Bassendean LEMC meeting minutes.
WALGA REVISED CLIMATE CHANGE ADVOCACY POSITION
Council endorsed WALGA’s revised Climate Change Advocacy Position, confirming the Town’s commitment to addressing climate change.
Council supported advocacy for stronger leadership and action by State and Federal governments to meet emissions reduction targets, and for dedicated funding and practical support to help local governments deliver emissions reduction initiatives.
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