December Ordinary Council Meeting Highlights

Published on Wednesday, 17 December 2025 at 9:15:19 AM

The highlights from the December Ordinary Council Meeting (OCM) are below.

 

SANDY BEACH FORESHORE RESTORATION PLAN TENDER

Council has awarded a tender for the delivery of the Sandy Beach Foreshore Restoration Plan, a key component of the Ashfield Flats Master Plan Implementation Project.

The works will focus on stabilising the foreshore to prevent erosion, replacing deteriorated timber structures, enhancing beach access and rehabilitating eroded areas through re-grading, bioengineering and native revegetation.

The project also incorporates soft engineering solutions such as sedge planting and habitat creation to boost biodiversity, while maintaining foreshore access and a new path connection to the jetty.

These initiatives aim to balance environmental protection, cultural values, and recreational use, contributing to the long-term health of the Swan River system.

Dependent on approvals, works are planned to commence in February 2026.

This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, with the support of the Town of Bassendean, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and the Bassendean Preservation Group.

 

ANNUAL REPORT 2024-25

Council adopted the Annual Report for 2024–2025, which outlines what the Town has achieved over the past financial year and how community resources were managed. The report includes:

  • key projects and community programs delivered
  • financial statements and audit results
  • progress against our Council Plan 2023-2033.

The Annual Report is available on the Town’s website and printed copies will be available at the Customer Service Centre and Library.

Council also approved the date for the General Meeting of Electors on Tuesday 3 February 2026 at 6pm in the Council Chambers.

 

GUILDFORD ROAD REVEGETATION

Council approved a Notice of Motion to advocate for additional trees and native vegetation along Guildford Road in partnership with Main Roads WA.

The initiative aims to enhance environmental sustainability, improve visual amenity, and reduce long-term maintenance costs through water-wise landscaping and dense ground cover.

The Town will also analyse potential budget implications, explore cost efficiencies, and provide progress updates to Councillors ahead of the 2026/27 budget workshops.

 

RETENTION OF TREE CANOPY

Council resolved to strengthen its approach to preserving tree canopy by requesting a review and update of relevant policies and strategies.

The review will consider increasing planting ratios and minimum sizes for replacement trees when mature trees are removed, as well as adjusting Streetscape Contribution Fees to reflect the higher cost of achieving equivalent canopy coverage.

These changes aim to offset long-term canopy loss, maintain public amenity, and support Council’s canopy targets. Revised documents will be presented to Council within six months.

 

COUNCIL PLAN QUARTER 1 REPORT

Council reviewed progress on its long-term plan for the community: our Council Plan 2023-2033. For the first quarter of this financial year (July-September), most projects are on track:

  • 39 projects planned for this financial year:
    • 5 finished
    • 27 underway
    • 7 yet to start
  • Overall, 85% of projects in the 4-year plan are complete or progressing well.

This report helps keep the community informed about how Council is delivering on its commitments.

 

HAIRDRESSING HOME BUSINESS RECONSIDERED

Council has reconsidered an earlier refusal and granted approval for a home-based hairdressing business on Ivanhoe Street to operate for a 12-month trial period, following changes made by the owner to meet planning requirements.

The business may operate Monday to Saturday from 8am to 5pm (excluding public holidays), with a maximum of two clients at a time and no more than 10 clients per day.

No additional staff are permitted, and customers must park in front of the property to avoid impacting neighbours.

After the trial, Council will review compliance with conditions designed to protect neighbourhood amenity.

Council acknowledged the owner’s efforts to address previous concerns and wished them success in 2026.

 

COUNCILLORS APPOINTED TO BASSENDEAN OVAL COMMITTEE

Four Councillors were appointed to the Steering Committee for the Bassendean Oval Redevelopment Project (Stage 2):

  • Cr Hamilton
  • Cr Ames
  • Cr John
  • Cr Carter

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