Ordinary Council - 23 Jun 2026 6:00 PM

Topics

• Council backs public consultation on draft biodiversity plan
  Wanneroo will advertise its 2026-2030 biodiversity plan, opening the door to feedback on habitat protection, black cockatoo trees and bushland management.
  The plan will influence how the City protects and manages environmentally sensitive areas over the next four years.
• Residents slam proposed 6% rates rise
  Public deputations at the meeting opposed the City’s proposed 2026/27 rates increase of around 6%, with calls to scrap the rise or cap it at CPI.
  A rates rise would hit households and pensioners across the City and shape the final budget debate.
• Council challenged over late councillor reimbursement claims
  Residents questioned why elected members were submitting expense claims months late and whether that undermines budget forecasting and transparency.
  The issue goes to public confidence in Council financial controls and elected-member accountability.

Decisions

• Consent to advertise draft Local Biodiversity Plan 2026-2030
  Council granted consent to advertise the draft Local Biodiversity Plan. Administration said the plan will be staged over four years, with implementation, monitoring and resourcing to be worked through annual budget and workforce planning processes.
  Residents will have an opportunity to comment on a city-wide environment plan that will shape vegetation protection, bushland management and biodiversity actions across the City.
• Community floodlight petition received
  Council received petition PT01-06/26 requesting review and provision of community floodlight activation and access to Warradale Community Park on Friday and Saturday evenings, and referred it to the relevant directorate for a report back.
  People using Warradale Community Park may see changes to evening access and lighting if the request progresses.
• 20 Dandenong Way petition to be investigated
  An update on petition UP01-11/25 confirmed a CRM will be created and an investigation will commence into complaints about the use of 20 Dandenong Way, Alexander Heights, including alleged short-term accommodation and parking issues.
  Nearby residents can expect an investigation into activity at the property and a later report back to Council.
• Transmission line petition aligned with existing Council position
  Council noted that its existing position on the Western Power Clean Energy Link already aligns with the petition request, opposing the current overhead alignment through East Wanneroo, advocating relocation as far east as practicable and undergrounding in residential areas.
  Residents in East Wanneroo may see continued Council advocacy against the current overhead route and for undergrounding.

Discussion

• Proposed 6% rates increase drew strong public opposition
  Multiple deputations and questions criticised the proposed 2026/27 rates rise of around 6%, with residents calling for the increase to be scrapped or capped at CPI and raising affordability concerns for pensioners and households under cost-of-living pressure.
  A higher rates bill would affect most ratepayers and could shape the coming budget debate.
• Delayed reimbursement claims by elected members questioned
  Residents asked why councillors and the Mayor/Deputy Mayor were lodging reimbursement claims many months after expenses were incurred, and how Council can verify, track and report these costs transparently.
  This affects public confidence in Council financial controls and how elected-member expenses are managed.
• Council explained late claims are still assessed under normal controls
  Administration responded that the Local Government Act does not set a statutory timeframe that would let Council refuse a valid late claim, and said late claims are checked for documentation, authorised business and policy entitlement.
  Residents concerned about governance were told late claims are permitted if they meet entitlement rules, though this may continue to attract scrutiny.
• Public concern over Neerabup Resource Recovery Precinct reporting
  Several public questions challenged the version history and completeness of the Neerabup Resource Recovery Precinct master plan documentation presented to Council in 2024, with residents seeking answers about market sounding, version numbers and whether Council saw the final report.
  The issue relates to a major waste and resource recovery project that could affect future waste processing, local environment outcomes and public trust.
• Local Biodiversity Plan implementation to be prioritised through normal budgets
  Administration said actions in the draft biodiversity plan will be prioritised, staged and resourced through internal procedures, annual budgets and workforce planning, with some actions needing further development before implementation.
  The pace of on-ground biodiversity protection and habitat management will depend on future funding decisions.
• Question raised over public recordings and minute accuracy
  Councillors raised concerns about the accuracy of attendance records and the transcription of public questions and answers, and the CEO said Administration would review the specific issue raised and consider it through the appropriate forum.
  Residents who rely on meeting records may want assurance that published minutes and recordings are accurate.

Impacts

• Rates may rise by about 6% in the 2026/27 year if the budget proposal proceeds.
• A draft biodiversity plan is being advertised for public comment before final adoption.
• Evening access and floodlighting at Warradale Community Park may be reviewed.
• Council will investigate complaints about 20 Dandenong Way, Alexander Heights.
• Council will keep advocating against the current overhead Western Power line route through East Wanneroo.
• Public trust and transparency concerns were raised about elected-member expense claims and meeting records.

Places

• Wanneroo (city/local government area)
  The meeting covered city-wide policy, rates, budget and biodiversity planning.
• Carramar (suburb)
  Residents from Carramar made deputations on the proposed rates increase and planning issues.
• Warradale Community Park (park)
  Subject of a petition seeking floodlight activation and evening access.
• Alexander Heights (suburb)
  Location of the property at 20 Dandenong Way subject to investigation.
• East Wanneroo (district)
  Area affected by advocacy over the Western Power Clean Energy Link transmission line alignment.
• Neerabup Resource Recovery Precinct (project area)
  Major waste/resource recovery project repeatedly referenced in public questions.
• Wangara Substation to Neerabup Terminal (infrastructure corridor)
  Transmission line alignment petition and Council advocacy matter.
• Warradale (area/suburb reference)
  Community park access request was linked to Warradale.

Next

• Advertise the draft Local Biodiversity Plan 2026-2030 for community consultation
  Now, following Council consent
• Return the biodiversity plan to Council for final adoption after consultation
  After public comment period
• Refer petition PT01-06/26 to the relevant directorate for a report back
  Future council report
• Investigate the 20 Dandenong Way, Alexander Heights complaint and provide an update to Council
  After investigation
• Share advocacy progress on the Western Power line alignment with Elected Members and petitioners
  Within three months
• Review the specific issue raised about question recording/minute accuracy
  Following the meeting through Administration review
• Hold the Special Council Meeting on the 2026/27 Budget and Schedule of Fees and Charges
  7 Jul 2026

Extract

COUNCIL MINUTES Unconfirmed Minutes Ordinary Council Meeting 6:00PM 23 June, 2026 Council Chamber (Level 1), Civic Centre, 23 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo wanneroo.wa.gov.au RECORDING AND ACCESS TO RECORDINGS OF COUNCIL MEETINGS POLICY 1. POLICY STATEMENT All Ordinary and Special Meetings of Council, Agenda Briefing Forums and meetings of Electors will be live streamed and digitally recorded, consistent with the objectives of the Local Government Act 1995, section 1.3 (2)(c), which promotes greater accountability of local governments to their communities. This policy does not apply to any part of the meeting which is closed to the public in accordance with section 5.23 of the Local Government Ac...