Council Briefing - 9 Jun 2026 6:00 PM

Topics

• Council refuses Lord Street short-stay accommodation proposal
  Local government has rejected a move to turn a multiple dwelling into unhosted short-term rental accommodation in Perth's Lord Street area.
  The decision could set the tone for how council treats short-stay accommodation in residential areas and affects nearby residents’ amenity.
• Mount Hawthorn grouped dwellings proposal considered by council
  Council debated a three-dwelling proposal in Mount Hawthorn, signalling another test of local infill and neighbourhood character concerns.
  Housing density, parking and streetscape impacts are likely to be of interest to nearby residents and developers.
• Council advances tree policy and planning scheme amendment
  The City moved to advertise a planning scheme amendment and a draft policy for regulated and significant trees.
  Tree protections can affect redevelopment, subdivision and local canopy outcomes across the city.

Decisions

• Refusal of unhosted short-term rental at Lord Street, Perth
  Council refused the change of use from multiple dwelling to unhosted short-term rental accommodation at No. 5/288 (Lot 5; STR: 67450) Lord Street, Perth, citing amenity and residential character impacts. The Mayor left the meeting for this item and returned after the discussion.
  Affects nearby residents through guest turnover, arrivals and departures, and use of shared access and communal areas in a mixed residential setting.
• Three grouped dwellings proposal at Green Street, Mount Hawthorn
  Council considered the proposal for three grouped dwellings at No. 29 (Lot 1; D/P 11538) Green Street, Mount Hawthorn. The supplied extract does not clearly state the final vote, but it was a substantive planning item before Council.
  Could affect neighbourhood form, density, parking and local amenity in Mount Hawthorn.
• Council Members Continuing Professional Development Policy adopted
  Council adopted by absolute majority the revised Council Members Continuing Professional Development Policy.
  Sets requirements for councillor training and professional development, affecting governance standards and decision-making capacity.
• Stakeholder Engagement Policy amended and adopted
  Council adopted the amended Community and Stakeholder Engagement Policy.
  Influences how the City consults and communicates with residents and stakeholders on future projects and policy changes.
• Financial hardship and vacant residential rates concessions approved
  Council noted a $50,000 hardship provision to assist ratepayers, up to $500 per property, and approved 30% rates concessions for certain vacant residential properties meeting specified time and permit conditions.
  May reduce rates pressure for eligible households and vacant property owners, and could affect vacancy and building activity incentives.

Discussion

• Budget and financial management
  Council received the investment report, financial statements and accounts paid for April 2026, with total payments of $9,533,256.94. The briefing also included budget-related approvals and concessions.
  Shows how council funds are being managed and where ratepayer money is being spent.
• Loftus Recreation Centre performance review
  Council noted the review of operational and financial performance for Belgravia Health and Leisure Group Ltd Pty in respect of Loftus Recreation Centre.
  Relevant to users of the leisure centre and residents watching service performance and contract outcomes.
• Planning scheme and tree policy changes
  Council progressed Amendment No. 15 to Local Planning Scheme No. 2 and prepared to advertise a draft local planning policy on regulated and significant trees, alongside outcomes for trees of significance advertising.
  Could affect development approvals, tree protections and neighbourhood character across the scheme area.

Impacts

• Potential change to amenity and visitor activity near Lord Street, Perth.
• Possible housing and streetscape impacts from the Green Street, Mount Hawthorn dwelling proposal.
• Rates relief or concessions for eligible ratepayers and certain vacant residential properties.
• Future consultation and consultation standards may change under the amended stakeholder engagement policy.
• Possible changes to tree protections and planning controls across the City area.

Places

• Lord Street, Perth (road / locality)
  Site of refused unhosted short-term rental change of use.
• South Ward (ward)
  Ward containing the Lord Street item.
• Mount Hawthorn (suburb)
  Location of the grouped dwellings proposal at Green Street.
• Green Street (road)
  Site of the grouped dwellings proposal.
• Loftus Recreation Centre (facility)
  Subject of the operational and financial performance review.
• City of Vincent (local government area)
  Council’s planning scheme, policies and budget decisions apply here.

Next

• Progress Amendment No. 15 to Local Planning Scheme No. 2 through the approval and advertising pathway
  Following Minister for Planning approval
• Advertise the draft local planning policy for regulated and significant trees
  After required approvals and notice preparation
• Implement the adopted Community and Stakeholder Engagement Policy
  From adoption onward
• Apply the approved rates hardship and vacant residential concessions in the 2026/27 rating period
  From 1 July 2026 and as conditions are met

Extract

NOTES Council Briefing 9 June 2026 COUNCIL BRIEFING NOTES 9 JUNE 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 .............................................................. 4 4 Declarations of Interest ......................................................................................................................... 4 5 Reports with Discussion .................................................................