Wanneroo backs staged Neerabup precinct work amid petition pressure

City of Wanneroo councillors backed administration’s response to petition pressure over the Neerabup Resource Recovery Precinct at Tuesday night’s ordinary meeting in Wanneroo, with Stage 1 to proceed in stages while waste options remain under investigation.

Councillors considered the Electors’ Annual General Meeting decision on the precinct and the petition response tied to AS02-05/26. Administration said Stage 1 supports the city’s circular economy commitments and includes a Waste Transfer Station, Material Recovery Facility Centre and Community Recycling Centre.

Public questions focused on whether the city had changed the NRRP pathway after council endorsed the Neerabup master plan on 10 December 2024. One question asked what statutory mechanism or later resolution was used to progress clearing and planning applications for a modified Stage 1 that excludes a Waste to Energy Facility. Administration said the masterplan is a high-level planning document. It said specific projects have since been identified and Stage 1 was confirmed.

Another question went to the clearing permit for Lot 600. Administration said the initial clearing permit was received by DWER on 28 March 2025 and revised in July 2025 because of design changes. It said the master plan had already been endorsed and no works were being undertaken, so submitting approvals at that time was appropriate.

The NRRP has surfaced repeatedly at recent Wanneroo meetings. At the 28 April ordinary meeting, officers told councillors the precinct is not covered by Amendment No. 202 and that no MRS amendment is being pursued. On Tuesday, the focus stayed on how the project is being staged and what remains under investigation.

Governance questions also came before councillors. Cr Berry asked about the Council Members Attendance Register, including how attendance is verified and reconciled with other records. Administration said it is reviewing the register against records and will correct any discrepancies in the website register, minutes and annual reporting records.

Administration also said there are processes to retain and upload council and briefing videos. Where recordings are missing, it said links or access will be provided where possible.

The meeting also dealt with local park issues. Councillors were told funding has been requested in next year’s budget for a detailed design to address swale and groundwater issues at Warradale Park, while Environmental Health will monitor mosquito-related water accumulation.

For residents near Neerabup, the precinct stays on a staged planning and approvals path. For the public, the city has also committed to checking attendance records and improving access to meeting recordings.