Published on Wednesday, 19 November 2025 at 2:12:33 PM

The Town of Bassendean Council has formally endorsed its advocacy priorities for the 2026–27 financial year, setting a clear direction for engagement with State Government on key issues affecting the community.

Endorsed at the November Ordinary Council Meeting, the key areas of advocacy include:

Rating of social and affordable housing properties

• The Town is advocating for a more equitable approach to local government rates for social and affordable housing developments managed by Community Housing Providers (CHP).
• As the State transitions to using not-for-profit and charitable housing providers, many properties are exempt from rates but still benefiting from Town services, impacting the Town’s revenue.
• Bassendean is calling for the State to ensure housing providers contribute fairly to local services, particularly for mixed developments like the upcoming project on Wilson Street which is 20% social and 80% affordable.

Transport and road safety

• The Town is seeking urgent upgrades to Guildford Road (managed by Main Roads WA), Lord Street, and the Collier Road level crossing (managed by Public Transport Authority) to reduce congestion and improve safety.
• Council is requesting collaboration on safety and congestion issues along Guildford Road, traffic modelling, and inclusion of the Collier Road level crossing in the Metronet removal program.

Improved management and future development of the former Pyrton site

• Located at 60 Lord Street, Eden Hill, the former Pyrton site holds cultural and environmental significance.
• The Town is advocating for secure management of the site to protect it from ongoing illegal access, which is resulting in environmental damage to the site and the riverbank.
• The Town will be seeking future development that balances heritage and environmental values. Proposals include an Indigenous cultural centre and opportunities linked to the 2029 Bicentenary.

Bicentenary funding

• With Perth’s Bicentenary approaching in 2029, the Town is seeking State funding support for commemorative infrastructure and inclusive community programs.
• Priorities include heritage preservation at Bassendean Oval, public art, and events that reflect the Town’s Aboriginal, colonial, and multicultural history.

Mayor Kath Hamilton said the priorities reflected the Town’s commitment to sustainable growth, community wellbeing, and heritage preservation.

“These advocacy priorities are about ensuring Bassendean continues to thrive socially, economically and culturally. We’re calling on the State Government to work with us to deliver safer roads, fairer funding, and meaningful recognition of our heritage,” Mayor Hamilton said.

The Town will now begin implementing its Advocacy Plan, including formal approaches to relevant Ministers and collaboration with WALGA and other local governments.

Full advocacy priorities can be found online under the November 2025 OCM agenda.

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