Latest news with #PerthNow
Perth Now
2 days ago
- General
- Perth Now
Councils desperate for funding as burden of borer passed on
Multiple Perth council leaders have called out the State Government for passing on the 'significant burden' of managing the invasive shot-hole borer species, claiming local governments urgently need more funding. The State Government last week gave up on its failed polyphagous shot-hole borer eradication plan, saying that it is no longer a feasible goal, and will switch to a 'management strategy'. But the new approach has received backlash from local governments, who say the bug burden has been dropped on their doorstep, without warning. Your local paper, whenever you want it. Speaking to PerthNow, Subiaco mayor David McMullen said the City of Subiaco, where 169 trees have already fallen foul of the borer and had to be removed, was disappointed at the decision to stop the eradication fight. Shire of Peppermint Grove CEO Don Burnett Credit: MaryMills / Kalgoorlie Miner 'As the decision is reportedly based on science, only other scientists can really unpack the correctness of the conclusions and assumptions,' he said. 'But for residents such as those in our community, we are left asking whether our State Government could or should have done more to achieve eradication while it still remained a technical possibility.' In leafy Peppermint Grove, where the axe has been taken to more than 200 trees, shire chief Don Burnett echoed Mr McMullen's concerns and the fallout posed for local councils. 'Trying to co-ordinate a management program for PSHB across 30 metropolitan local governments, all with differing priorities, budgets, resource capacity and differing degrees of impact by PSHB, is not an effective way to try and control the borer,' he said. The Town of Cambridge, like Subiaco and Peppermint Grove, said their staff were not consulted prior to the State Government change and announcement. Subiaco Mayor David McMullen. Credit: Michael Wilson / The West Australian More than 2000 trees have been cut down across the western suburbs, with six of the area's seven local government districts experiencing rapid tree deaths caused by the invasive beetle species. A $7.2 million Tree Recovery program funded by the State Government recently opened up to local governments to help pay for replacement projects, nearly a year after it was announced. The program provides up to $1140 per PSHB-affected tree removed, covering the cost of one primary replacement tree, two additional trees, and associated establishment items. But WA Local Government Association president Karen Chappel said more funding was needed for local governments now that eradication efforts had ceased. 'This failure will have significant implications for local government, who are already spending millions to control the polyphagous shot-hole borer and increase tree canopy, and will now face the additional, ongoing costs of managing or removing infected and dying trees in public parks and streets,' she said. Mr McMullen said Subiaco was already 'very concerned' about the financial implications the change of response will have. 'While limited funding is currently available for tree replacement, there is no funding being offered for ongoing management, treatment and corrective actions,' he added.' Hyde Park wher trees are bieng removed for Polyphagous shot-hole borer Credit: Andrew Ritchie / The West Australian 'More funding is urgently needed. Otherwise, we will see a significant burden passed on to local governments, as well as private landholders, who will not all have the resources, expertise or the means to undertake sufficient corrective actions.' The Opposition blamed the change of direction on an inadequate early response to the borer from the Government. 'This is an abject failure on behalf of the State Government, they have raised the white flag,' Opposition agriculture spokesman Lachlan Hunter said. 'Hindsight is a wonderful thing, if this act was properly responded to with proper funding then maybe we could have stopped the infestation. 'We have some of the most productive citrus and avocado farms in the nation and if this shot-hole borer contaminates places just 20 to 30km around our Perth foothills, it'll see devastating effects on the horticulture and agriculture industry.'
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
MAFS stars Billy and Awhina dive into new Perth dating show
Reality TV stars Billy Belcher and Awhina Rutene are set to dive headfirst into Perth's newest dating show, a YouTube series titled 1ROSE. But it won't be as hopeful singles — with larrikin Billy set to be a host on the show, and his former MAFS co-star Awhina to provide commentary. The speed dating series is a progression of the intimate event format that launched in Perth last year, with the 'unscripted social experiment' evolved to suit an online audience. 1ROSE announced its casting call on Thursday night, with each individual event capped at 16 singles. Awhina told PerthNow the fast-paced dating environment will take some of the guesswork out of those awkward social situations where you might be interested in someone, but are not sure if they feel the same. 'It's not like when you go to a bar or nightclub and you're trying to gauge whether someone's in a relationship or not, and whether they're just out for fun,' she said. 'And then there's also those questions that you don't necessarily ask when you're out at a bar. So I guess it takes a lot of the grunt work out of it.' With surprise rounds, unexpected twists and cash prizes, there is also a hidden match allocated to each participant based on their pre-filled criteria, with only the audience clued into the moment their pre-ordained meeting unfolds. At the end of the night, a dramatic rose ceremony will see participants asked: Who will be your 1ROSE? Created locally, 1ROSE founder Gabe feels the show will be a first of its kind in WA, and an alternative platform for those who have exhausted typical pathways to love. 'We believe this concept will offer Australian audiences something fresh and engaging, especially Perth, as this could be the first Perth dating show produced,' he said. Perth online personality Amy Priya will be a presenter on the show. Credit: 1ROSE Local personality Amy Priya will be 1ROSE's main presenter, aiding Billy and Awhina in guiding local singles along the ride. Unlike his MAFS co-star, 'cheeky English chap' Billy is an experienced campaigner in Perth's dating scene, and admits 'it's hard because it's very small, and there aren't too many places you can go to meet new people'. 'We find that these days people sit behind their phone and swipe right or left, but this show gives you the chance to communicate and see if you have chemistry with another human instead of an iPhone,' he said. So who should apply? Almost anyone — 'Just make sure you're not to shy, and you can have a laugh, that's all we want'. The reality TV favourite promises viewers and participants 'lighthearted banter, lots of laughs, and I'll also be asking the hard questions'. 'But my role as the host is to make your experience the best it can be,' he said. Aside from joining forces on their next project, Billy and Awhina have regularly been spotted together in their native Perth and often appear on each other's social feeds. However, Awhina was reluctant to put a label on their relationship following MAFS. Though, she's welcomed having someone to lean on throughout it all. 'Billy and I... we've got a fantastic friendship,' she teased. 'We've had such overwhelming support from the public, and it's really nice because, post show, I don't really know anyone in the media, I don't have friends that are influencers, so it's been really nice having Billy as my support person, especially when I found it really tough at times.' As for their next on-screen adventure, Awhina said Billy can't wait to get in front of the camera once more. 'He's like a golden retriever at the moment,' she joked. 'I know it's a dating event, and the singles are there to get to know each other, but Billy likes to be the main character.' With the show's first events being held in Perth, 1ROSE plans to expand into other cities in the future. Keen applicants can head to the show's website or casting form here to apply.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Why major Perth freeway might be getting extended
Nearly 20 years since it was identified as a key strategic project 'essential for the future development of WA' by the former state government, work on upgrading the Orrong Road corridor has struggled to gain momentum, but progress is finally in sight. A community panel of about 50 local residents and stakeholders has delivered its final recommendations to Main Roads WA after spending several sessions evaluating possible solutions for the congested corridor. As part of the proposed Orrong Connect upgrade, the Graham Farmer Freeway would be extended in some form all the way to Leach Highway. Your local paper, whenever you want it. Currently, about 65,000 vehicles use the corridor daily, with congestion estimated to cost the local economy up to $49.5 million annually. An upgrade to Orrong Road was flagged in 2008 by the Barnett government alongside major infrastructure projects such as the Perth City Link and Gateway WA projects, both of which are now complete. Orrong Connect would see the Graham Farmer Freeway extended to Leach Highway. Credit: Main Roads WA Despite already suffering from major traffic delays, Main Roads has stated that without major upgrades, congestion along the Orrong Road corridor will significantly worsen as population and vehicle numbers grow. Speaking to PerthNow, a Main Roads spokesperson said the business case for Orrong Connect is expected to be fully developed by early 2027, following a detailed review of the community panel's recommendations. 'The report provided by the Deliberative Panel for Orrong Road is currently being reviewed by Main Roads, including detailed assessment of the recommendations and consultation with key project stakeholders, ensuring an integrated, collaborative approach,' the spokesperson said. 'The review will assist in determining a preferred option, with next steps to include the creation of a business case for construction funding.' During these independently facilitated sessions, community panel members worked together to shape a plan aimed at 'improving safety, reducing congestion, and enhancing connectivity'. In 2019, Main Roads released an initial concept design showing plans to sink Orrong Road. Credit: Main Roads WA PerthNow requested a copy of the panel's report but Main Roads considers it premature to release the document while it is still being reviewed and assessed. Among the options expected to be considered is a sunken freeway running down the middle of Orrong Road, creating an open-air tunnel, a concept Main Roads WA first detailed six years ago. Although commuters shouldn't expect bulldozers on site anytime soon, some work is under way to improve pedestrian safety along Orrong Road. Electronic speed limit signs on the approach to the Orrong Road and Corser Street traffic warden-controlled children's crossing have recently been installed. 'Once commissioned (expected within the coming three weeks), a 40km/h speed limit will be active during school zone periods, enhancing pedestrian safety,' a Main Roads spokesperson said.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Perth Now
The Denmark tinnie that's as fresh as the ocean
Southern Ocean IPA Ocean Beach Brewing Denmark is hands down one of the most beautiful places within a day's drive of Perth. The beaches are incredible and in winter, the lush green bushland that surrounds the coastal town is picture-perfect. The tinnie pours a golden hue with a medium haziness and a white, frothy head. Credit: PerthNow Turns out, they make some pretty good beer down that way too. Ocean Beach Brewing's Southern Ocean IPA is one that's making a name for itself after winning a silver medal at the Perth Royal Beer awards for 2025. On the nose you'll get a light amount of citrus and tropical flavours with some toasted malty notes. The tinnie pours a golden hue with a medium haziness and a white, frothy head. The palate is light and refreshing, like a summer beer should be — but at the same time it manages to pack in enough bitterness (IBU 50) and alcohol (6.2 per cent ABV) to give it some real guts. The hop profile is derived from a combination of US-produced strata hops and the locally-grown Beedelup hops — from fellow locals Great Southern Hops. It's a cracker of a tinnie that can be enjoyed in both cold weather and warm weather, and it feels like the brewers have managed to combine the best of both worlds from the beautiful Great Southern region. Enjoy it with mates, whether you're on the beach in the summer or in front of a campfire on a cold winter night. The choice is yours. $27 for a four-pack.
Perth Now
4 days ago
- General
- Perth Now
Joondalup crack down on cats
Pet owners in the City of Joondalup could soon face fines if their cats are found roaming in certain parks and reserves proposed as prohibited areas under new local pet laws. Among the areas set to become cat-prohibited zones are Craigie Open Space, Warwick Open Space, the Hepburn Heights Conservation Area in Padbury, and most of the foreshore reserves in the city. Cat owners may face a $100 penalty if their pets are caught in these areas. Your local paper, whenever you want it. Joondalup is also set to reduce the number of cats allowed per household from three to two, in line with existing dog ownership limits. PerthNow understands the new restrictions would not be applied retrospectively. The changes are part of the city's proposed Animals Local Law 2025, which is currently back out for community consultation after the addition of the new cat-prohibited areas. During last year's consultation period, the city received 120 submissions, most of which supported tougher cat regulations such as curfews and restrictions in natural areas. The addition of cat-prohibited areas to the local law was suggested to the city by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries. Those wanting to own three or more cats will need to apply for special approval from the city under the updated local pet laws. Applications to keep more than two cats would be assessed based on factors such as the physical suitability of the premises, environmental impact, the likelihood of a cat causing a nuisance to neighbours, and the overall effect on the surrounding area. In addition, the city may impose conditions it considers reasonably necessary, such as requiring adequate fencing and sufficient exercise space for cats before granting approval. The city said the changes were aimed at protecting native wildlife from cats. 'The proposed cat prohibited areas are focused primarily on major conservation areas and high priority natural areas, with the addition of some medium priority natural areas that form part of the Yellagonga Regional Park to protect biodiversity in areas of conservation significance,' City of Joondalup officers said in a report. The Federal Government estimates that feral cats kill 1.5 billion native mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs each year. Joondalup's move comes as the City of Stirling also looks to crack down on roaming cats. Under proposed changes, Stirling residents living within 200 metres of designated cat prohibited areas — set to nearly quadruple from 11 to 41 — would need a permit to keep a cat. The City of Wanneroo took similar action on cats earlier this year, declaring 28 reserves off-limits to cats. And with the price of eggs soaring, the City of Joondalup is also proposing in the new local law to double the poultry limit per household from six to 12, meaning residents could soon own up to a dozen chickens. Consultation on the City of Joondalup's proposed new Animals Local Law is now open until August 8.
