UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, ratepayers in the City of South Perth have overwhelmingly passed a vote of no confidence in the council following its controversial decision to remove six trees from Lake Douglas. This decision has sparked outrage among residents who argue it prioritizes the views of a select few over the community’s overall interests.
On August 25, a special electors’ meeting saw unanimous support for the resolution, just one day before the council meeting where a bid to rescind the tree removal was defeated. The council initially voted to cut down the trees in July after a proposal from then-councillor Nic Coveney, citing complaints that the trees obstructed valuable views of the Perth CBD.
The mood at the electors’ meeting was charged, with many expressing concern that the council’s actions were skewed towards the interests of a “small number” of residents living on Jubilee Street. Activist and founder of the South Perth Tree Canopy Advocates, Bronwyn David, stated that the council was “thoroughly pilloried” for its decision, emphasizing that it undermines good governance by allowing individual councillor concerns to overshadow community needs.
“If this decision is allowed to stand, it sets a dangerous precedent,” David warned, highlighting the possible waste of council resources due to future motions that could similarly favor individual interests.
Other speakers voiced their frustrations, with Sue Gilead describing the tree removal as “ad hoc” and a violation of the council’s own foreshore management plan. She stressed that the decision disrespects the community’s significant contributions to the urban greening strategy.
Attendees at the meeting were particularly vocal, with resident Aiden Carlson questioning whether similar actions would be taken regarding trees obstructing views of the golf course in Karawara.
Despite the turmoil, Mayor Greg Milner remained vague in his responses when asked about potential disunity within the council. He stated,
“A councillor’s duties include representing the interests of electors, ratepayers, and residents… I probably can’t elaborate past that.”
City staff clarified their neutral role, which is to implement council decisions without providing commentary on them. As tensions simmer, the council is set to review the electors’ meeting resolution on September 23, a critical date for local governance and community relations.
These developments underscore a significant clash over urban planning priorities in South Perth, raising questions about who truly benefits from council decisions. Residents are urged to stay informed as this situation continues to evolve, with many already expressing their intent to rally for community-focused governance.
