Council Meeting (Ordinary and Special) - 10 Mar 2026 6:00 PM

Key decisions

• Leederville tavern change-of-use approved
  Council approved the change of use at 1/652 Newcastle Street, Leederville from warehouse to tavern, including additions and alterations, subject to conditions.
  Residents near Newcastle Street may be affected by venue operations, traffic, parking, noise and local activity changes.
• Submission position amended for Charles Street North Perth development
  Council amended its submission on the State-significant development application for 52 multiple dwellings at 407A-D and 409 Charles Street, North Perth, changing its position to broadly support/support the proposal subject to planning matters being satisfactorily addressed. A clause about social housing details was removed before the final motion carried by absolute majority.
  North Perth residents may see changes to housing density, built form and local traffic, with the final outcome to be determined by the Western Australian Planning Commission.
• Amended investment policy released for consultation
  Council approved proposed amendments to the Investment Policy for the purpose of community consultation.
  This may affect how the City manages and safeguards public funds, with an opportunity for community input before final adoption.
• Code of Conduct changes adopted with respectful-engagement statement
  Council approved amendments to the Code of Conduct for Council Members, Committee Members and Candidates, including a new statement committing to kind, respectful and professional engagement and zero tolerance for abusive, threatening or disrespectful behaviour. Council also adopted updated behaviour complaints management documents.
  This sets clearer expectations for how elected members, candidates, staff and the community interact and how behavioural complaints are handled.
• January financial reports received
  Council received the January 2026 financial statements, noted the investment report, and received accounts paid under delegated authority totalling $5,568,961.78 for January 2026.
  This provides transparency about council spending, cash management and financial performance.

Important topics

• Short-term rental proposal at Harold Street, Mount Lawley
  Public statements were made about item 9.2 concerning 128A Harold Street, Mount Lawley and a proposed change of use from single house to single house and unhosted short term rental accommodation. The excerpt does not clearly show Council's final decision on this item.
  Residents in Mount Lawley may be interested in local impacts of short-term rental accommodation, but the outcome is unclear from the extracted text.
• Traffic safety concern in North Perth
  A written public question raised traffic safety at the intersection of Eton Street and Ellesmere Street, North Perth.
  Local residents may expect follow-up or future discussion about road safety at this intersection.
• Information bulletin received
  Council received the March 2026 information bulletin, including progress registers on legal action, SAT appeals, petitions, notices of motion and reports to be actioned.
  This may inform residents about ongoing council matters, though no specific new action is stated in the extract.
• Native bird protection and avian flu preparedness notice of motion listed
  A notice of motion by Cr Nicole Woolf and Mayor Alison Xamon on native bird protection and preparedness for an avian flu outbreak appeared on the agenda, but no resolution text is provided in the extracted content.
  Residents concerned about wildlife and public preparedness may want to watch for a future confirmed decision or action.

Resident impacts

• Possible increased nightlife, traffic, parking demand and noise around Newcastle Street, Leederville following tavern approval.
• Potential redevelopment impacts for Charles Street, North Perth, including additional dwellings and neighbourhood change, subject to WAPC determination.
• Opportunity for the public to comment on proposed changes to the City's investment policy.
• Updated conduct and complaints rules may improve standards for community interactions with councillors and complaint handling.
• Financial reporting disclosed January 2026 payments of $5,568,961.78 under delegated authority.

Places affected

• Newcastle Street, Leederville (street/locality)
  Approved change of use from warehouse to tavern at 1/652 Newcastle Street.
• Charles Street, North Perth (street/locality)
  State-significant application for 52 multiple dwellings at 407A-D and 409 Charles Street.
• Harold Street, Mount Lawley (street/locality)
  Short-term rental accommodation proposal at 128A Harold Street was the subject of public statements.
• Eton Street and Ellesmere Street, North Perth (intersection)
  Raised in a public question about traffic safety.
• Leederville (suburb)
  Location affected by the approved tavern development.
• North Perth (suburb)
  Location affected by the Charles Street housing proposal and traffic safety question.
• Mount Lawley (suburb)
  Location of the short-term rental proposal raised during public participation.

Next steps

• Community consultation to occur on the proposed amended Investment Policy.
  After the meeting; timing not specified in extract.
• Western Australian Planning Commission to consider Council's submission on the 52-dwelling Charles Street development application.
  Future determination; timing not specified in extract.
• Updated conduct code, complaints policy, committee terms of reference and complaint form to be implemented by the City.
  Following Council adoption.

Extracted minutes text

MINUTES Ordinary Council Meeting 10 March 2026 ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 10 MARCH 2026 Table of Contents 1 Declaration of Opening / Acknowledgement of Country .................................................................... 3 2 Apologies / Members on Leave of Absence ........................................................................................ 3 3 (A) Public Question Time and Receiving of Public Statements ........................................................ 3 (B) Response to Previous Public Questions Taken On Notice .......................................................... 5 4 Applications for Leave of Absence ........................................................