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Perth Now
5 days ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Stinky Perth sewage spills prompt calls for better drainage
Recent sewage spills in Spearwood, Beaconsfield and Caversham have raised alarm bells on the state of pipes in inner-city Perth. Burst pipes caused wastewater to encroach on parks, residential homes and into the Swan River. The State Government is responsible for upgrading sewerage, water and main drainage assets. City of Vincent mayor Alison Xamon wants it to work with inner-city local governments on addressing ageing pipes. Water Corporation, plumbers and earthmovers were at Westonia Park in Spearwood after sewerage flooded the park. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian 'We need to ensure essential infrastructure is able to accommodate increased density. 'It was concerning to see the significant health and amenity impacts that these spills had on residents and the Swan River and I am sure the State Government does not want to see a repeat. 'Together with other inner-city councils, we want to work with the State Government to create a forum to co-ordinate key State infrastructure delivery such as water, drainage and sewerage infrastructure works. 'Local government needs to understand the State Government's plan when it comes to infrastructure so we can better prepare for the servicing of our community needs and infrastructure.' There are 8000 drains and 122km of underground pipes in the City of Vincent. Some are more than 120 years old. Ms Xamon said while Vincent had continued to maintain its existing infrastructure, it needed to be upgraded to meet housing and population targets. City of Vincent mayor Alison Xamon. Credit: Iain Gillespie / The West Australian 'The State Government has set an infill target for Vincent of 11,500 dwellings by 2050, in addition to a population growth of an additional 25,000 people,' she said. 'We also continue to approve housing applications and the State-appointed Metro Inner Development Assessment Panel is giving the green light to medium to high-density developments. 'Unfortunately, the current state of pipes and drains does not support the predicted increase in homes and residents across our suburbs. 'The impact of climate change places further pressure on infrastructure to withstand major unprecedented events like we have experienced in recent years. 'So I encourage the State Government to look at redirecting funds earned by agencies such as the Water Corporation into upgrading critical infrastructure to ensure communities are prepared and resilient for years to come.' Water Minister Don Punch said due to significant challenges posed by climate change and rapid population growth, the State Government was ensuring it had 'strong investment' in existing water and wastewater infrastructures, with the addition of $35m in last month's State Budget. A massive sewerage spill affected a number of suburbs in Perth's south. Credit: AAP 'This is in addition to nearly $80m extra over two years allocated under the 2023-24 State Budget for network renewals,' he said. 'This funding supports a rolling program of work to replace or renew ageing water and wastewater infrastructure across Perth, with $39.5m to be spent relining wastewater pipes and $40.4m to replace ageing water mains.' A Water Corporation spokesperson said while isolated issues can occur, it invested significantly in both maintenance and renewal. 'We have an ongoing inspection program that helps us monitor the condition of our network and prioritise work,' the spokesperson said. 'From 2014 to 2024, Water Corporation invested more than $270 million renewing ageing wastewater infrastructure across Perth. 'This year alone, we expect to spend around $100 million on water and wastewater renewals in the metropolitan area — one of our largest ever annual investments. 'Although some sections of our network are older, it is the condition of a pipe, not its age, that best indicates its performance. 'Older pipes can remain in service for decades with appropriate inspection and maintenance, while newer pipes may be susceptible to early failure under certain environmental conditions.' The spokesperson said the Water Corporation worked closely with local governments during the planning and delivery of projects and would continue to collaborate with them to deliver critical infrastructure upgrades and renewals.
Perth Now
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Record-breaking NAIDOC basketball carnival at Bendat centre
A record-breaking 106 teams from across WA have just wrapped up a special tournament at the Bendat Basketball Centre, a three-day celebration of culture, community and connection through the power of sport. Players travelled from as far as the Kimberley, Pilbara, Goldfields, Kununurra, Leonora, Albany, Bunbury and other Great Southern regions to take part in the ninth — and easily the biggest — iteration of the NAIDOC Basketball Carnival. Boys, girls, men and women took the courts to compete in categories from under-10s to under 23s, but the event wasn't just about sport. Jayden Stack in the under-12 boys game for Binar. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian The event is put on by Basketball WA and Binar Futures, which is a not-for-profit charity that works with disadvantaged youth. Binar Futures founder and executive director Adam Desmond said this year's numbers were an incredible rise on last year, when they had just nine teams. 'This is the biggest NAIDOC basketball carnival we've ever seen here in WA; it's a massive milestone,' he said. Jean Coyle, 16 and Shayla Hart, 14, from Bunbury. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian Mr Desmond said the carnival was structured and competitive, with fixtures running over three full days, but it was as much about connection. 'We've had kids waiting all month to play,' he said. 'Some even showed up on the day hoping to get into a team. We try to make it work. 'NAIDOC is a very important time for Aboriginal people, and everyone, to come together and celebrate culture. This event brings hundreds of young people together in a positive space.' Northern Star Resources helped provide accommodation for some of the people who travelled long distances. Premier Roger Cook pays the carnival a visit. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian Premier Roger Cook was among politicians and other guests who attended the opening ceremony, which featured a welcome to country and cultural performances. The carnival also included family-friendly activations for all ages and an elder's room, a peaceful space offering a moment of rest, reflection and reconnection, as well as free health checks from more than 14 organisations. The event has become a key feature on WA's community sport calendar.
Perth Now
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
AFLW legends all the rage at historic all-girls carnival
A game of footy head-to-head with AFLW legends Daisy Pearce and Kiara Bowers. For hundreds of Perth girls, this dream came true on Sunday. West Coast coach Pearce and Dockers legend Bowers were among a host of women's footballs stars that joined in on the historic All-Girls Auskick Gala in Nollamara. The event hosted around 450 players, aged between five and 12 from 40 different clubs across Perth at Des Penman Reserve in Nollamara. It was a first-hand display of the rise and rise of the women's game in Western Australia. Dockers coach Lisa Webb and the Eagles' all-time games record-holder Belinda Smith both also joined in, along with representatives from WAFLW clubs. Mt Hawthorn Junior Football Club female football coordinator Anastasia Little said it was 'an absolutely phenomenal' day. Ocean Ridge girls celebrate a win with the team song. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian And it wasn't all about football. The girls brought some party tricks to the table in front of their heroes. 'The girls just had an absolute blast,' Ms Little said. 'Seeing cartwheels and handstands and all the things that girls love to do to celebrate in their own way, was actually really, really cute.' Little said the attendance of some greats of the game, including Melbourne premiership captain and women's footy trailblazer Pearce, would inspire the young girls, who can look up to those players as role models. Pearce posed for photos and joined in on mini-games with the girls. Daisy Pearce with Willow Hood-Pebb, 6, and Charlotte Tran, 6 of Ocean Ridge. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian 'It's for these girls to see who they can be if they continue on and play footy in their footy journey and what's possible for them,' she said. WA Football's Women & Girls Community Football Manager Lisa Steane described the event as a landmark occasion for football in the state. 'This is a landmark moment for footy in WA. It's the first event of its kind in the country, and it's amazing to see so many clubs come together to celebrate the power of girls in our game,' she said. Daisy Pearce gets taken down by an Ocean Ridge player. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian 'The turnout shows just how much demand there is for girls-only footy experiences. It's not just about participation – it's about developing a genuine, long-lasting love for the game. 'That kind of connection starts with positive, inclusive, high-quality experiences like this, where girls feel supported, engaged and excited to come back each week. Hundreds of young Auskickers turned out from around Perth to play round robin games on Sunday morning. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian 'We know that when young girls see female coaches, female players, and female role models front and centre, they feel like they belong – and that's what this event is all about. 'We're seeing huge momentum in the women and girls' space, and events like this reflect how committed we are to building a pathway that starts strong at the grassroots level.'
Perth Now
10-06-2025
- General
- Perth Now
Putrid sewage floods Perth homes, contaminates Swan River
Foul-smelling human waste from a burst sewerage main has flooded at least one Spearwood property and impacted several others, the putrid fluid also seeping into the Swan River. On Friday, the sewerage main had a major burst in Spearwood, causing waste water to flood residential areas, parks and roads. Four days on from the initial burst, Water Corporation crews have stopped the waste overflowing at the Spearwood site, along with further flows in Beaconsfield, Alfred Cove, Applecross and South Fremantle. Your local paper, whenever you want it. Waste water in Applecross and Alfred Cove was flowing into the Swan River, sparking a warning for river users. Spearwood resident April Peck said she could not escape the stench and had been left frustrated by a lack of communication to residents. 'Despite having all our windows and doors closed since Friday, the stench continues to permeate our home,' she said. 'It's now coming up through our sinks, toilets and shower drains. The smell is constant and unbearable. 'We are unable to let our children play outside. We can't enjoy our own backyards or even hang out our washing due to the overwhelming stench and potential contamination. 'We've had no reassurance or information from authorities about the possible health risks. The spill in Westonia Park in Spearwood. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian 'The lack of transparency and communication is deeply concerning. Residents deserve answers and urgent action.' The burst is also impacting businesses, with road closures and the general smell turning people away. Coogee Beach Bakery owner Jackie Mayoss said business was suffering. 'We were working at the time, it was very early in the morning and we couldn't tell what the smell was,' she said. 'We thought maybe it was chemical until a customer came in and told us what was happening out on the street. 'They said it was sewage, it was shocking and disappointing to hear this was happening. 'We are down about 25 to 30 per cent of sales easily because people just aren't coming in, one side of the road to get to the bakery is completely blocked, we are missing out on that passing trade and no one wants to eat when they can smell sewage.' A Coogee Continental Deli worker, who did not want to be named, said they had experienced a reduction in customers. 'On Friday, people were driving through but its obvious we have had less customers today and Monday since the road closed,' they said. 'We can't smell it in the shop because we can smell our food but as soon as you step outside it is horrendous, there's no better way to describe it other than it smells like poop.' Workers are on the scene cleaning up the mess. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian Repair works in Spearwood will take most of the week while the Beaconsfield repair is even more complicated with no time frame known yet. A Water Corporation spokesperson apologised for the inconvenience and said work was being done to remediate effected areas. 'Today, crews have continued cleaning the affected verges and perimeter of the overflow area and sucker trucks are recovering contaminated water from two small ponds,' they said. 'The affected areas of grass will initially be cleaned, disinfected and, where necessary, covered with clean sand while a thorough remediation plan is developed in consultation with regulators and local government authorities. 'We wish to sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused and reassure nearby residents that crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to complete repairs.' Waste water was also flowing into Fremantle Harbour at the Fremantle Sailing Club, cancelling some activities. A City of Fremantle spokesperson said testing was being done on water samples in the area. Shadow water minister Peter Rundle said Labor needed to 'get basic infrastructure right'. 'It's very concerning that it's taken four days now, it's very concerning that we've had this spillage also into the fishing boat harbour in Fremantle, so this is an absolutely urgent issue,' he said. '(The) Water Corporation and the State Government need to get on top of it right now. 'The number one issue is safety and people's health and the community's health, that's the number one priority.' On Tuesday morning, Premier Roger Cook said Perth's size and extent of its network meant some areas were worn. 'In those inner suburbs and older suburbs, that network needs ongoing care and maintenance,' he said. 'Occasionally, you will see a situation where there's a rupture or a breakage, how you respond to that is the important part and they've responded very well in this particular incident.' Mr Cook said that he was not aware of what compensation was available to impacted residents. A State Government spokesperson said work was being done to restore safety to residents in the area. 'Water Corporation is working closely with the WA Department of Health and the respective LGAs to ensure areas affected by wastewater are made safe and amenity is restored,' they said. 'We appreciate it has been disruptive for the affected residents, however, Water Corporation is working with them to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.'
Perth Now
06-06-2025
- General
- Perth Now
Hundreds of trees to be chopped down at beloved Perth park
At least 300 trees are set to be cleared from the Hyde Park islands as part of a blitz to eradicate the polyphagous shot-hole borer. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development on Wednesday said it was working with the City of Vincent to remove up to 300 host plants — including native and non-WA native trees — from the lake's two islands over the next four to six weeks. DPIRD would not confirm how many infected trees had been removed since works began on May 19. 'The only WA native species on the Hyde Park islands are Melaleuca rhaphiophylla and Eucalyptus rudis,' a spokesperson told The West. 'Other species being removed include eastern states Casuarina spp. Melaleuca spp. and Eucalyptus spp. and non-native woody weeds including Erythrina x sykesii and Ficus sp.' The PSHB — which is native to southeast Asia — is a small beetle which burrows into trees and infects them with a fungus that slowly kills them from the inside. The only way to eradicate the beetle is to remove the infected trees. The only way to eradicate the beetle is to remove the infected trees. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian 'DPIRD is continuing to work in close collaboration with the City of Vincent to manage PSHB in Hyde Park, as part of the nationally funded and coordinated emergency bio-security response,' the spokesperson said. 'PSHB surveillance and management will continue in Hyde Park to protect the high value fig and London plane trees.' Thirteen infested trees at Hyde Park have already been removed, with another 33 pruned to their limit. A further 45 have been treated with insecticides as part of an ongoing chemical trial. Thirteen infested trees at Hyde Park have already been removed, with another 33 pruned to their limit. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian City of Vincent mayor Alison Xamon said she was 'deeply saddened' to hear the beetle had burrowed its way onto the lake's islands. She said the city would plant up to 4000 new plants and mature trees on the lake's islands. 'Losing the tree is the last thing anyone wants to see, but DPIRD have determined this precaution is necessary to stop the borer spreading to other healthy trees at the park,' Ms Xamon told The West. 'Following DPIRD's works, we will be acting quickly on our three-year restoration program which has been formed in partnership with industry experts. She said the city would plant up to 4000 new plants and mature trees on the lake's islands. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian 'About 4000 new plants, that will be resilient to the borer and climate change, will be planted on the islands this winter including mature trees. 'We previously restored the eastern island in 2012, which gives us confidence that our program will see the islands flourish again.' It comes just days after the State Government announced local councils could apply for the first round of its WA Tree Recovery Local Government Grant Program. Councils can receive up to $1140 in funding for each tree that is removed as a result of PSHB, but the City of Vincent is yet to apply for funding. PSHB has been confirmed in more than 80 suburbs across Perth since it was first detected in August 2021.
