Council Briefing - 3 Mar 2026 6:00 PM

Key decisions

• Charles Street North Perth significant development submission
  Council resolved to make a submission to the Western Australian Planning Commission on the proposed 52 multiple dwellings at 407A-D and 409 Charles Street, North Perth, supporting the application subject to all listed planning issues being addressed before determination or through conditions.
  This large apartment proposal could affect neighbourhood character, building interface, traffic and amenity on Charles Street and nearby homes.
• Newcastle Street Leederville tavern approved
  Council approved the change of use from warehouse to tavern, with additions and alterations, at 1/652 Newcastle Street, Leederville, subject to conditions and advice notes.
  This may change local nightlife, noise, traffic and parking patterns in Leederville Town Centre.
• Construction Management local planning policy amendments progressed
  Council agreed to proceed with amendments to the Local Planning Policy: Construction Management and to publish notice in accordance with planning regulations.
  Updated construction rules can affect how building works are managed, including impacts on neighbours, access and site operations.
• LifeVac rollout update noted
  Council noted that LifeVac airway clearance devices have been installed at priority staffed City facilities, staff training has been implemented, and wider rollout will be investigated after evaluation.
  This relates to safety equipment availability in community facilities used by residents.
• Amended Investment Policy approved for consultation
  Council approved proposed amendments to the Investment Policy for the purpose of community consultation.
  Changes may affect how the City manages and invests public funds.

Important topics

• Mount Lawley short-term rental planning concerns
  Briefing discussion highlighted administration's view that unhosted short-term rental accommodation at 128A Harold Street is not appropriate due to close interface with neighbouring homes, shared boundaries and likely amenity impacts. The text provided does not clearly show the final formal decision.
  Short-stay accommodation in residential areas can affect noise, privacy and neighbourhood amenity for nearby residents.
• Leederville parking policy approach
  In the Newcastle Street tavern discussion, administration said a cash-in-lieu parking contribution was not supported because the Draft Leederville Precinct Structure Plan, which gives greater weight in the town centre, does not require on-site parking.
  This affects how new businesses in central Leederville may meet parking expectations and how the area relies on public parking and active transport.
• State assessment process for major development
  Council discussed that the State Development Assessment Unit coordinates consultation and prepares a report to the WAPC for significant development applications, with community submissions going directly to the SDAU.
  Residents commenting on the Charles Street proposal should understand that final decisions and consultation are handled through the state process, not solely by the City.
• Routine financial and information reports received
  Council received January 2026 financial statements, expenditure listings and investment statistics, and received the March 2026 Information Bulletin.
  These reports provide public visibility of the City's finances and ongoing operational matters.

Resident impacts

• A 52-dwelling Charles Street proposal in North Perth will proceed to state planning assessment with the City's conditional support.
• A new tavern has been approved for Newcastle Street in Leederville, which may affect nearby residents and businesses through activity, noise and parking demand.
• Construction management policy changes are moving forward and may influence how future building works affect neighbours.
• LifeVac devices are now installed at priority staffed community facilities, improving emergency response capability.
• Residents will be able to comment on proposed amendments to the City's Investment Policy.

Places affected

• Charles Street, North Perth (road/locality)
  Site of the proposed 52 multiple dwellings subject to a submission to the WAPC.
• Newcastle Street, Leederville (road/locality)
  Site of the approved warehouse-to-tavern change of use and building works.
• Harold Street, Mount Lawley (road/locality)
  Location of the discussed unhosted short-term rental accommodation proposal.
• Leederville Town Centre (precinct)
  Planning framework referenced for parking and development assessment.
• City of Vincent community facilities (facilities)
  Locations where priority LifeVac devices have been installed.
• North Ward (ward)
  Ward noted in relation to the Charles Street development item.
• South Ward (ward)
  Ward noted in relation to the Newcastle Street tavern item.

Next steps

• Submit Council's position on the Charles Street North Perth development application to the WAPC.
  Following the meeting, as part of the ongoing state assessment process.
• Publish notice for the amended Construction Management local planning policy.
  In accordance with Clause 87 after Council's resolution.
• Undertake community consultation on the amended Investment Policy.
  After approval to advertise.
• Evaluate current LifeVac installations and consider broader rollout to more facilities.
  After review of current implementation.

Extracted minutes text

NOTES Council Briefing 3 March 2026 COUNCIL BRIEFING NOTES 3 MARCH 2026 Table of Contents 1 Declaration of Opening / Acknowledgement of Country .................................................................... 3 2 Apologies / Members on Approved Leave of Absence ...................................................................... 3 3 Public Question Time and Receiving of Public Statements .............................................................. 3 4 Declarations of Interest ......................................................................................................................... 4 Reports with Discussion .................................................................