Latest news with #DavidMcMullen
Perth Now
27-06-2025
- General
- Perth Now
Councils desperate for funding as burden of borer passed on
Multiple Perth council leaders have called out the State Government for passing on the 'significant burden' of managing the invasive shot-hole borer species, claiming local governments urgently need more funding. The State Government last week gave up on its failed polyphagous shot-hole borer eradication plan, saying that it is no longer a feasible goal, and will switch to a 'management strategy'. But the new approach has received backlash from local governments, who say the bug burden has been dropped on their doorstep, without warning. Your local paper, whenever you want it. Speaking to PerthNow, Subiaco mayor David McMullen said the City of Subiaco, where 169 trees have already fallen foul of the borer and had to be removed, was disappointed at the decision to stop the eradication fight. Shire of Peppermint Grove CEO Don Burnett Credit: MaryMills / Kalgoorlie Miner 'As the decision is reportedly based on science, only other scientists can really unpack the correctness of the conclusions and assumptions,' he said. 'But for residents such as those in our community, we are left asking whether our State Government could or should have done more to achieve eradication while it still remained a technical possibility.' In leafy Peppermint Grove, where the axe has been taken to more than 200 trees, shire chief Don Burnett echoed Mr McMullen's concerns and the fallout posed for local councils. 'Trying to co-ordinate a management program for PSHB across 30 metropolitan local governments, all with differing priorities, budgets, resource capacity and differing degrees of impact by PSHB, is not an effective way to try and control the borer,' he said. The Town of Cambridge, like Subiaco and Peppermint Grove, said their staff were not consulted prior to the State Government change and announcement. Subiaco Mayor David McMullen. Credit: Michael Wilson / The West Australian More than 2000 trees have been cut down across the western suburbs, with six of the area's seven local government districts experiencing rapid tree deaths caused by the invasive beetle species. A $7.2 million Tree Recovery program funded by the State Government recently opened up to local governments to help pay for replacement projects, nearly a year after it was announced. The program provides up to $1140 per PSHB-affected tree removed, covering the cost of one primary replacement tree, two additional trees, and associated establishment items. But WA Local Government Association president Karen Chappel said more funding was needed for local governments now that eradication efforts had ceased. 'This failure will have significant implications for local government, who are already spending millions to control the polyphagous shot-hole borer and increase tree canopy, and will now face the additional, ongoing costs of managing or removing infected and dying trees in public parks and streets,' she said. Mr McMullen said Subiaco was already 'very concerned' about the financial implications the change of response will have. 'While limited funding is currently available for tree replacement, there is no funding being offered for ongoing management, treatment and corrective actions,' he added.' Hyde Park wher trees are bieng removed for Polyphagous shot-hole borer Credit: Andrew Ritchie / The West Australian 'More funding is urgently needed. Otherwise, we will see a significant burden passed on to local governments, as well as private landholders, who will not all have the resources, expertise or the means to undertake sufficient corrective actions.' The Opposition blamed the change of direction on an inadequate early response to the borer from the Government. 'This is an abject failure on behalf of the State Government, they have raised the white flag,' Opposition agriculture spokesman Lachlan Hunter said. 'Hindsight is a wonderful thing, if this act was properly responded to with proper funding then maybe we could have stopped the infestation. 'We have some of the most productive citrus and avocado farms in the nation and if this shot-hole borer contaminates places just 20 to 30km around our Perth foothills, it'll see devastating effects on the horticulture and agriculture industry.'
Perth Now
28-05-2025
- General
- Perth Now
Free laundry services at Subi for homeless
Free laundry services will be available for people living rough at the City of Subiaco's weekly homelessness support walk-in centre. It's a service being provided at Salvation Army's The Third Place in conjunction with Australian homeless charity Orange Sky during a two-hour window every Wednesday. 'Orange Sky's ethos is to provide basic and essential services for those who are doing it tough,' Subiaco mayor David McMullen said. Your local paper, whenever you want it. 'This is a natural fit with the support that the walk-in centre is providing to patrons every single week. 'By introducing new services like free laundry, we increase the walk-in centre's support offering, and continue to make a difference for vulnerable individuals who otherwise would have limited access to the types of basic services available at the centre.' Free haircuts and grooming services were also introduced to the centre in February by Short Back and Sidewalks. The Third Place has operated since 2023 to help deliver essential services to vulnerable community members. Since then, the centre has helped people find accommodation, mental health support and physical health services, as well as providing essential material aid including clothing, sleeping bags, hygiene packs and hot food. Services including showers, first aid and financial support are also provided.
West Australian
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Subi Blooms: Claire Mueller of ACID.FLWRS will stun WA with interactive experience at Mother's Day festival
Subiaco is set to bloom with life, colour and art this May, giving families the perfect way to celebrate Mother's Day. WA's iconic floral festival, Subi Blooms, will return for its seventh year transforming Subiaco into a captivating wonderland of colour and natural art from Friday May 9 until Sunday May 11. This years floral trail will be made up of 15 installations connected by one central theme — Roots to Bloom. The theme encourages florists to explore and express their cultural, spiritual and physical connections to the world while reflecting on the bonds that link people to nature and heritage. 'This year's theme, 'Roots to Bloom,' perfectly encapsulates Subiaco—where rich heritage meets vibrant growth,' City of Subiaco Mayor David McMullen said. 'We are set to attract people from all corners of the metropolitan area, and will show people what Subi has on offer year-round.' Perth-born artist Claire Mueller is one of the 30 florists involved in the event, and for her 'Roots to Bloom' is all about personal reflection, connection, and wonder. Ms Mueller — known for her work as — created an installation for the festival designed to connect generations. 'I wanted to do something that had a lot of discovery moments and moments for connection and reflection on the self,' she said. 'For me, it's an opportunity for people to take a moment to reflect on their own journeys and the multiple influences that have come together to make each of us unique flowers,' she said. Ms Mueller's instillation is made up of three parts — XOX, The Arch, and Kalidescope — that each embody her distinct visual language, and bright marbled patterns. The acclaimed artist's instillation represents her personal reflections on life but also allows the public to join in on the creativity through the interactive experience. People can step inside the interactive installation ahead of the festival, and it will be on display from April 25 until May 25. The 2025 Subi blooms festival will feature exciting new attractions such as a fresh flower vending machine and curated program events. Festival goers will be able to enjoy delicious food and drinks in the Gather Village. Subi Blooms joined with Gather: A Floral Community to bring WA this years spectacular showcase of floral artistry. No flower will go to waste and when the weekend comes to an end leftover blooms will be repurposed into bouquets for expecting mothers at King Edward Memorial Hospital and St John of God Subiaco. People can attend the free event from 12pm on Friday May 9 until Sunday May 11.
Perth Now
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Subiaco set to bloom for Mother's Day with iconic festival
Subiaco is set to bloom with life, colour and art this May, giving families the perfect way to celebrate Mother's Day. WA's iconic floral festival, Subi Blooms, will return for its seventh year transforming Subiaco into a captivating wonderland of colour and natural art from Friday May 9 until Sunday May 11. This years floral trail will be made up of 15 installations connected by one central theme — Roots to Bloom. The theme encourages florists to explore and express their cultural, spiritual and physical connections to the world while reflecting on the bonds that link people to nature and heritage. 'This year's theme, 'Roots to Bloom,' perfectly encapsulates Subiaco—where rich heritage meets vibrant growth,' City of Subiaco Mayor David McMullen said. 'We are set to attract people from all corners of the metropolitan area, and will show people what Subi has on offer year-round.' Perth-born artist Claire Mueller is one of the 30 florists involved in the event, and for her 'Roots to Bloom' is all about personal reflection, connection, and wonder. Claire Mueller of with some of her artwork. Credit: Ian Munro / The West Australian Ms Mueller — known for her work as — created an installation for the festival designed to connect generations. 'I wanted to do something that had a lot of discovery moments and moments for connection and reflection on the self,' she said. 'For me, it's an opportunity for people to take a moment to reflect on their own journeys and the multiple influences that have come together to make each of us unique flowers,' she said. Ms Mueller's instillation is made up of three parts — XOX, The Arch, and Kalidescope — that each embody her distinct visual language, and bright marbled patterns. The acclaimed artist's instillation represents her personal reflections on life but also allows the public to join in on the creativity through the interactive experience. People can step inside the interactive installation ahead of the festival, and it will be on display from April 25 until May 25. The 2025 Subi blooms festival will feature exciting new attractions such as a fresh flower vending machine and curated program events. Festival goers will be able to enjoy delicious food and drinks in the Gather Village. Subi Blooms joined with Gather: A Floral Community to bring WA this years spectacular showcase of floral artistry. No flower will go to waste and when the weekend comes to an end leftover blooms will be repurposed into bouquets for expecting mothers at King Edward Memorial Hospital and St John of God Subiaco. People can attend the free event from 12pm on Friday May 9 until Sunday May 11.
