Throughout this year, while our city’s councillors debated issues at their regular meetings, I’ve sat in the back of the room to decipher what you, the public, need to know.
I’ve covered various topics, including the city’s new procurement policy, economic endeavours between neighbouring local governments, the future of the controversial Herron Quarry, activation plans in the CBD and Falcon, junior council, tender agreements and planning approvals – just to name a few.
According to the reaction from our readers, some of the most conversational topics this year have been the implemented smoking ban in Smart Street Mall and the decision whether to ban hot chips from the Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre.
If you didn’t catch the article – the hot chips managed to stay on the menu but an array of healthier options have been introduced to counter them.
A key theme throughout the year has been the council’s environmental focus.
Elected representatives have voted to introduce various measures to improve innovation and sustainability city-wide.
While I’ve already listed a few in my previous article, in my opinion, the biggest news on the environmental front in 2018 would be the announcement that a multi-million waste-to-energy treatment plant, tipped to transform energy and waste disposal in the Peel region, would be built in Kwinana across the next three years.
In another approach, councillors decided to jump on the planning trend of creating for more cycling and walkability options throughout Mandurah.
While those big achievements have been celebrated, councillors and local government staff have also made a more direct pledge to positively impact the environment by voting to phase out single-use plastics within the City of Mandurah.
Some other big talking points have been the rising issue of short-stay accommodation options, pet ownership regulations and plans to attract investment and tourism in the region.
The list could go on and on.
If it is anything like the past year, I’m sure there will be plenty more to look forward to in 2019.
The last council meeting this year was held on December 18 and is scheduled to reconvene on January 29.
Is there a particular local government issue you would like to know more about?
Get in touch with me via email on caitlyn.rintoul@fairfaxmedia.com.au or Twitter via @caitlynrintoul to let me know what topics you are eager to read about.
