Ordinary Council - 24 Feb 2026 6:00 PM

Topics

• Council confirms AGM livestream return after procedure error
  Transparency fix after livestream was stopped under the wrong process
  Residents who cannot attend in person should be able to watch future annual general meetings online.
• Public pressure builds over Neerabup waste plans
  Residents grilled council over FOGO, waste-to-energy and groundwater impacts at Neerabup
  The proposals could reshape waste processing, approvals and environmental risk management in the area.
• Petition lodged for Arduaine Park upgrades
  Residents formally seek better facilities at a local park
  Petitions can trigger council scrutiny of playground, amenity and open-space investment needs.

Decisions

• Leave of absence granted for several councillors
  Council granted leave of absence to Cr Bedworth, Cr Wright, Cr Rowe and Cr Berry for specified periods in 2026.
  Affects councillor availability for future meetings and decision-making.

Discussion

• Public questions on Neerabup waste and resource recovery proposals
  Residents asked detailed questions about the Neerabup Resource Recovery Precinct, including FOGO processing, waste-to-energy proposals, groundwater impacts and governance links with the Mindarie Regional Council. Responses repeatedly noted that MRC is an independent local government entity and that some questions should be directed to MRC or DWER.
  The proposals could affect future waste processing, traffic, odour, environmental approvals and long-term planning in the Neerabup area.
• Dogs on leads and off-leash park policy
  Public questions and statements focused on a councillor motion about dogs on leads, with discussion about dog attack data, the use of off-leash parks, fenced dog exercise areas and whether reducing off-leash areas would improve safety.
  Could change where residents can walk dogs and how local dog safety is managed in parks and public spaces.
• AGM livestream and transparency
  A response confirmed the AGM livestream was stopped following a request from a councillor under the procedure, and administration said the discrepancy between policy and procedure has now been corrected so next year's AGM will be livestreamed.
  Affects how residents can watch future annual general meetings and access council proceedings.
• Governance and conflict-of-interest clarification
  A councillor asked whether a member who declares an impartiality interest can leave the room and abstain; the General Counsel advised they are still required to stay in the room and participate in debate and decision-making.
  Clarifies how councillors must behave when conflicts or impartiality interests arise.
• Petition for improved amenities at Arduaine Park
  A petition with 109 signatures was presented seeking improved amenities at Arduaine Park.
  Could lead to future consideration of park upgrades or local spending in that area.

Impacts

• Potential changes to dog access rules in parks and beaches.
• Ongoing uncertainty around Neerabup waste and resource recovery proposals, including environmental and planning implications.
• Future AGM meetings are expected to be livestreamed again after the procedure correction.
• Possible consideration of upgrades or facilities at Arduaine Park after the petition.

Places

• Wanneroo (local government area)
  Council meeting of the City of Wanneroo and related policy decisions.
• Neerabup (locality / industrial area)
  Site of the proposed Resource Recovery Precinct, FOGO and waste-to-energy discussions.
• Tamala Park (waste facility)
  Referenced in questions about waste facility closure, capacity and future processing arrangements.
• Arduaine Park (park)
  Location of the petition for improved amenities.
• Merriwa (suburb)
  Source of public question about dog attack and off-leash area policy.
• Carramar (suburb)
  Source of public questions and statements about AGM livestreaming, governance and dogs on leads.
• Tapping (suburb)
  Source of public questions supporting dog safety and off-leash park changes.
• Mariginiup (locality)
  Raised in a public question about pipeline and development in the area.

Next

• Refer Neerabup and MRC-related questions to Mindarie Regional Council and, where relevant, DWER for response.
  Ongoing after the meeting
• Correct internal AGM livestream procedures so next year's AGM will be broadcast live.
  Before the next AGM
• Consider the petition for improved amenities at Arduaine Park.
  Future council agenda item

Extract

COUNCIL MINUTES Unconfirmed Minutes Ordinary Council Meeting 6:00PM 24 February, 2026 Council Chambers (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 Governme...