Local Government

The skate divideCulture wars: Fear over Cott skate park is nothing new

It’s an old story. Plans for a skate park that will give young people a place to meet and play are mired in community fears about safety and graffiti. But experts say there’s nothing to worry about.

Bethany Hiatt

Skate divideThe kids say: ‘Cottesloe needs a skate park!’

Skaters young and old have grabbed their boards and helmets in a show of support of a skate park controversially proposed in Cottesloe.

Kate Ryan

Retiring CEOBoyup Brook CEO retires

Boyup Brook Shire Council chief executive Chris Smith has retired after six months in the job.

Tristan Wheeler

Criminal chargesREVEALED: The ex-councillor facing fraud charges

Police allege the former City of Perth councillor used a sham lease at a property in East Perth to enable electors to be enrolled that were otherwise ineligible to vote.

Josh Zimmerman

‘I’m all for it’Mum calls out ‘elitist’ Cottesloe skate park nonsense

A tongue-in-cheek Facebook page started by a Cottesloe lawyer is being embraced by western suburbs mums in support of a skate park — and against the “snobbery” dividing the community.

Laura Pond

INVESTIGATIONFinancial Crimes Squad probe four ex-Perth councillors

REVEALED: Four former City of Perth councillors and two staff members are being investigated by Financial Crimes Squad detectives following referrals from an inquiry into the dysfunctional council.

Phil Hickey & Josh Zimmerman

‘No opportunity’Karratha gives up Pilbara ghost town

The town of Cossack that is now defined by its history of failed visions and empty plans will no longer be managed by the City of Karratha.

Caitlyn Watts

Police probeInquiry finds Perth council had gone ‘horribly wrong’

Former City of Perth councillors and senior executives are among 23 people referred to authorities after a two-year inquiry uncovered ‘widespread cultural and systemic failures’.

Josh Zimmerman & Peter Law

‘Thanks WA’It’s official! Skyworks 2021 to go-ahead

The City of Perth has committed to planning the city’s Australia Day Skyworks for 2021 after the iconic event was spared the axe tonight.

Peter Law

Read the letter in fullCott skate park letter calls Freo neighbours ‘dumb’

Opposition to a Cottesloe skate park is ramping up, with a bizarre letter drop trumpeting the intelligence levels of local residents and claiming nearby “premium” schools are against such facilities.

Bethany Hiatt

Event planningDon’t let Aus Day protesters ‘hijack’ Skyworks: Woods

The decision on whether to cancel Skyworks because of the coronavirus pandemic should not be “hijacked” by change the date protesters, according to Australia Day Council of WA chairman Bradley Woods.

Peter Law

Bizarre explanationShark signs don’t fit aesthetics of Cott beach: Council

The Town of Cottesloe has bizarrely cited ‘aesthetics’ as its excuse for being one of only two coastal councils in WA not to sign up to a potentially life-saving shark attack program.

Ben O'SheaInside Cover Editor

Sign of the timesCott locals fight to see skate plans grind to a halt

Plans to build a skate park for Cottesloe youngsters have prompted a fierce backlash, with some residents claiming it would increase “undesirable night time activity” in the posh beachside suburb.

Bethany Hiatt

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Spending cap
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Palmer says spend cap shows McGowan’s ‘running scared’

Mining magnate Clive Palmer says he will direct preferences to anyone but Labor — if he runs in the March State election.

Joe Spagnolo

Neighbourly disputeElderly duo vow makeshift fence ‘fight to the death’

A Balcatta couple has vowed to fight until they are “six feet under” a council direction to remove a makeshift fence they say blocks out a neighbour’s security cameras and bright lights.

Nadia Budihardjo

READ THE PLAN HEREPerth’s $245m cash splash plan to kick-start CBD

A $25.3 million plan to allow two-way traffic on Murray and Hay streets highlights a major City of Perth capital works program developed to help it rebound from COVID-19.

Peter de Kruijff

FAST tracking‘Game-changing’ laws green lit in planning overhaul

High-value development proposals will have access to a fast-tracked approval process after Parliament this afternoon rubber-stamped a sweeping overhaul of WA’s planning system.

Josh Zimmerman

Future plansSkyworks gets a lifeline in commissioner’s motion

The popular Australia Day event may be saved with the City of Perth chair commissioner planning to present a motion at next week’s council meeting to continue planning the event.

Peter de Kruijff

Crowd controlSkyworks may be saved by phase four, hints McGowan

Mark McGowan has called on City of Perth commissioners not to axe Skyworks hinting concerns over the massive crowds would be addressed under the imminent move to phase four restrictions.

Josh Zimmerman

‘Tongue in cheek’‘I’m not racist, but . . . ‘ says Cockburn councillor

An unapologetic city councillor has defended himself against racism accusations sparked by social media posts that appeared to mock the Black Lives Matter movement and sparked call for him to quit.

Sarah Steger

Australia DayPlan to turn Skyworks into a farmer’s market

A new City of Perth report has recommended scrapping Skyworks — the biggest event on its calendar — and replacing it with smaller scale Australia Day events such as a street food market and concert.

Bethany Hiatt

Council stand-offCouncil, Minister to mediate over potential suspension

The Town of Cambridge and Local Government Minister David Templeman will sit down and attempt to mediate the council’s potential six-month suspension.

Victoria Rifici and Peter De Kruijff

‘Predatory behaviour’Ban on ‘UnAustralian’ wheel clamping a step closer

Plans to ban wheel clamping in WA will take a big step forward today with the McGowan Government planning to introduce the new laws to Parliament.

Josh Zimmerman

ExclusiveTown of Cambridge takes Minister to Supreme Court

The Town of Cambridge has taken the Local Government Minister to the Supreme Court after he issued a show cause notice asking why the council should not be suspended.

Peter de Kruijff