Monthly Report - May 2023

Vaping

I welcome the Federal Government’s commitment of $234 million towards reforms to tackle vaping as part of its upcoming federal budget.

At the October 2022 Ordinary Council Meeting, I raised a motion for the CEO to investigate changes to the City’s planning framework for smoking-related venues, which was supported by my fellow Councillors.

Vaping is a serious public health issue, especially among young people. Teens and children often don’t equate vaping with smoking. Currently schoolchildren can easily access vapes, with many vape shops positioned close to schools.

The City is seeking to regulate the location of all smoking-related shops and cafés and is currently inviting feedback from the community on an amendment to its town planning scheme.

This would give the City greater control over where all venues dedicated to smoking are located, including shisha bars where patrons are able to smoke on the premises.

Vape stores and shisha bars currently fall under the definitions of ‘shop’ and ‘restaurant or café’, meaning they don’t require planning approval and are able to set up almost anywhere.

We’re seeking feedback from the community on modifying the definition of ‘restricted’ premises to include places that sell tobacco, e-cigarettes and other smoking products.

The amendment would see these premises restricted from operating next to areas our children and young adults frequent, such as schools, bus stops and playgrounds.

I encourage our community to have your say.

To make a submission, visit https://engage.bayswater.wa.gov.au/amendment-no-98-smoking-and-vaping-premises?fbclid=IwAR1A2_2O2UGgMbiGgeQ8vGj2cO2iWFu-Ss76K0FdQ9cWe_zNpP3FZx2LxhI

Submissions can be made before 4.30pm, Monday 12 June 2023.

Queensland Fruit Fly

Help stop the spread of Queensland fruit fly

Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) has been detected in the City of Bayswater. Qfly damages more than 300 species of fruit and vegetables.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is working to stop the spread of the invasive pest.

You can help stop the spread of Qfly in your backyard by:

· Inspecting host plants for signs of Qfly damage, including small holes or the presence of larvae/maggots

· Picking up and disposing of fallen fruit from fruit trees

· Covering fruit trees with netting

· Reporting suspected Qfly via the MyPestGuide® Reporter app or by contacting the department's Pest and Disease Information Service on 9368 3080 or padis@dpird.wa.gov.au

For more information head to: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/emergency-response-biosecurity-quarantinequeensland-fruit-fly-qfly-updates?fbclid=IwAR3NnwLJGdoAMH6cQfR1alW45RUxkvmVA7biDWJ6Kq9gq8-xxNyra8053SQ

Business and Investor Breakfast

Speakers from DevelopmentWA, Vicinity Centres and Businessplex will join Mayor Cr Filomena Piffaretti for the City of Bayswater’s first Business and Investor Breakfast at 7am on Friday 12 May at the Civic Centre.

During the event, business owners and potential investors will learn how significant State Government and private investment along with a robust town planning framework has created a raft of development opportunities in the City of Bayswater. This event is proudly sponsored by Businessplex. Register: bit.ly/investor-breakfast

Perth Now Newspaper

Recently reporters from Perth Now reached out to all the current Metropolitan Mayors to see if they will be recontesting their seats in “popularly” elections of Mayors.

Mayor Filomena Piffaretti was quoted as

{start quote} Cr Piffaretti’s two year mayoral tenure will end this year and she is “absolutely” ready to put up the good fight to be re-elected in her coveted role.

“It’s been hugely important to me to not only break the barrier and be our city’s first female mayor but also to be an example for the next generation of women and girls,” she said. “I know our progressive community has supported myself and deputy mayor Cr Catherine Ehrhardt throughout our term - and giving our community the opportunity to show their support through a direct election is something I’m very proud to have pushed for, but the job isn’t finished yet and I want to make sure council deliver on, and really lock in, the positive reforms and the progress we have made during my time as Mayor.”

If re-elected, Cr Piffaretti will continue to work with council and the city’s new CEO Jeremy Edwards to deliver a long-term financial plan.

“This plan needs to be delivered, bedded down and responsibly reviewed on an annual basis to ensure the city’s financial sustainability into the future,” she said “On, top of that, I want to keep expanding our tree planting program, complete our waste and recycling reforms, prioritise community safety measures, support economic growth to create more local jobs, advocate for increased underground power, and commence redevelopment of the Les Hansman Centre.” {end quote}

Plants to Residents program

The City of Bayswater’s Plants to Residents program is back for 2023!

Residents and Ratepayers can purchase 10 native plants for just $5 to create their very own waterwise gardens. Run in partnership with Environment House/Perth Ecoshop & Sustainability Services.

The program launches on Saturday 6 May from 9am to 12pm at Malgamongup/Bardon Park with sustainable products for sale from Environment House/Perth Ecoshop & Sustainability Services, coffee van Grow & Grind onsite, Perth NRM explaining how you can ReWild your garden, plus animal encounters with WA Bird of Prey Centre.

If you missed the launch, tickets will be available online at www.trybooking.com/CGYQR or in person from Enviro House from 9 May to collect plants from 9-11 June.

This initiative is proudly co-funded by the Water Corporation's ‘Waterwise Greening Scheme’ and will help the City of Bayswater become a leading waterwise and climate change resilient community.