Latest news with #PatrickHall
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Grim warning to homeowners in Perth metro area
Cost-of-living concerns won't stop WA councils from implementing an annual rate hike of at least 3 per cent in coming weeks, homeowners have been warned. Analysis by The Sunday Times found most metropolitan councils are aiming for an uplift of between 3.5 and 4.5 per cent when the next financial year begins in July. Some – such as the City of Canning – are proposing rates will jump as much as 6.85 per cent. The WA Local Government Association was at pains this week to point out that local governments across WA have very different needs when it comes to spending, so it stands to reason that their annual slug of ratepayers will differ too. 'Local Governments across Western Australia all have different expenditure profiles, based on their geographical size, communities and assets and it is important local governments take into account their own circumstances when considering cost pressures,' a spokesperson said. WALGA calculated industry costs increased 3.2 per cent last year, which represents the price rises councils face just to continue business as usual. In April – about the time councils were getting into the nitty gritty of their spending budgets for the next year – the figure was forecast to continue to inflate at an even slightly higher rate. Known as the Local Government Consumer Index, it sets the benchmark for where councils need to start when deciding where to set rates to avoid their own case of bill shock. '(It) measures price changes of goods that represent categories of expenditure of Local Governments across Western Australia,' a WALGA spokesperson said. 'The LGCI is calculated and compiled by WALGA each quarter to assist local governments in decision making, particularly around budgeting and financials. 'This analysis provides important information to Local Government leaders in understanding and responding to a changing economy and its impacts on the Local Government sector in the Western Australian context.' Only the City of Perth, which relies less on residential rates to underpin its income stream, so far is proposing a rise lowed than the LGCI – and even that is being advertised at 3.1 per cent. The City of Canning has long been one of Perth's cheapest for rates but this year finds itself grappling with what could be the highest rates rise in 2025-26 for the entire metropolitan area, currently advertised at 6.85 per cent. Canning mayor Patrick Hall promised the council and its business leaders would work hard behind the scenes in coming weeks to lower the figure and provide some relief for ratepayers. 'The city and its executive have assured us they will use every lever at their disposal to ensure that the rate that we settle on will be — we would hope — significantly lower than the 6.8 being advertised, and that will be the intention,' he said. 'We are a low rating council, but that is not a badge of honour for a council. 'We need to be providing a sustainable level of investment in all the things that make up a big council, and we are a big council. 'Our population is growing and people's expectations grow with that. We need to be able to invest in maintaining the assets we have and providing the lifestyle and amenity not only demand but that they deserve. 'We have spent an incredible amount of money in new parks and playgrounds and that sort of amenity that really improves the lifestyle of young families.' In the City of Nedlands, one of the costs outlined in their 4.8 per cent proposed rise is to pay for an IT upgrade of the city's software and network infrastructure. The council explained that alone was worth about 2 per cent of the rise, with the remainder effectively to meet the LGCI. It left some on the council, which threw around figures as high as 5.4 per cent, questioning whether there would be enough money in the budget to pay for some of the projects expected in the local community. Meanwhile cost-of-living concerns moved one south of river council to find different help for individuals who will struggle with the coming rates impost. The City of Rockingham won't shy from a rates rise this year but it has introduced interest-free bill smoothing, meaning their locals won't be charged any more to pay by weekly instalments. Most councils charge at least 5.5 per cent for that privilege, yet a handful offer it free.
Perth Now
2 days ago
- General
- Perth Now
Why councils in Perth's south are lining up for tree funding
As the destructive polyphagous shot-hole borer continues to run rampant in Perth, local governments are hurrying to apply for the first round of WA Tree Recovery Program funding. The $7.2 million WA Tree Recovery Program was announced by the State Government last August but the money, which will help impacted councils plant up to three trees for every one that has been lost to the invasive pest, is only now available. It is no surprise the City of Canning is champing at the bit to see some money as it counts the cost of already losing 172 trees to the invasive pest. Your local paper, whenever you want it. 'The city will be applying for WA Tree Recovery Program funding to help offset the loss of tree canopy,' mayor Patrick Hall confirmed on Tuesday. The polyphagous shot-hole borer has been wreaking havoc, forcing the mass cutting of some of the city's favourite canopies. Credit: Pia Scanlon / TheWest 'Our philosophy is to try and install replacement trees near to the location where canopy has been lost.' The City of Melville, which has lost 149 trees to the borer, is also likely to apply for first round funding as it works through the criteria before the July 7 deadline. 'We recognise the importance of the urban forest tree canopy and so we welcome this opportunity from WALGA, which will help us to replace trees due to the PSHB infestation,' CEO Gail Bowman said. The City of Fremantle and the Town of East Fremantle have lost a comparably smaller number of trees to the PSHB but also plan to apply. Like Melville, those councils are in the midst of reviewing the grant criteria to assess eligibility. The City of Cockburn is the region's only local authority not applying this year. 'As the city has only removed five PSHB-affected trees to date, the city's current tree planting program has been able to mitigate the associated canopy loss so will not apply for round one funding,' Cockburn's director of infrastructure Anton Lees said. 'The city may apply to next year's funding round ... for the predicted removal of more than 60 trees in Bibra Lake and Yangebup, where tree canopy is still being assessed.'
West Australian
3 days ago
- Business
- West Australian
Most Perth councils aiming to implement annual rate hikes despite cost-of-living concerns
Cost-of-living concerns won't stop WA councils from implementing an annual rate hike of at least 3 per cent in coming weeks, homeowners have been warned. Analysis by The Sunday Times found most metropolitan councils are aiming for an uplift of between 3.5 and 4.5 per cent when the next financial year begins in July. Some – such as the City of Canning – are proposing rates will jump as much as 6.85 per cent. The WA Local Government Association was at pains this week to point out that local governments across WA have very different needs when it comes to spending, so it stands to reason that their annual slug of ratepayers will differ too. 'Local Governments across Western Australia all have different expenditure profiles, based on their geographical size, communities and assets and it is important local governments take into account their own circumstances when considering cost pressures,' a spokesperson said. WALGA calculated industry costs increased 3.2 per cent last year, which represents the price rises councils face just to continue business as usual. In April – about the time councils were getting into the nitty gritty of their spending budgets for the next year – the figure was forecast to continue to inflate at an even slightly higher rate. Known as the Local Government Consumer Index, it sets the benchmark for where councils need to start when deciding where to set rates to avoid their own case of bill shock. '(It) measures price changes of goods that represent categories of expenditure of Local Governments across Western Australia,' a WALGA spokesperson said. 'The LGCI is calculated and compiled by WALGA each quarter to assist local governments in decision making, particularly around budgeting and financials. 'This analysis provides important information to Local Government leaders in understanding and responding to a changing economy and its impacts on the Local Government sector in the Western Australian context.' Only the City of Perth, which relies less on residential rates to underpin its income stream, so far is proposing a rise lowed than the LGCI – and even that is being advertised at 3.1 per cent. The City of Canning has long been one of Perth's cheapest for rates but this year finds itself grappling with what could be the highest rates rise in 2025-26 for the entire metropolitan area, currently advertised at 6.85 per cent. Canning mayor Patrick Hall promised the council and its business leaders would work hard behind the scenes in coming weeks to lower the figure and provide some relief for ratepayers. 'The city and its executive have assured us they will use every lever at their disposal to ensure that the rate that we settle on will be — we would hope — significantly lower than the 6.8 being advertised, and that will be the intention,' he said. 'We are a low rating council, but that is not a badge of honour for a council. 'We need to be providing a sustainable level of investment in all the things that make up a big council, and we are a big council. 'Our population is growing and people's expectations grow with that. We need to be able to invest in maintaining the assets we have and providing the lifestyle and amenity not only demand but that they deserve. 'We have spent an incredible amount of money in new parks and playgrounds and that sort of amenity that really improves the lifestyle of young families.' In the City of Nedlands, one of the costs outlined in their 4.8 per cent proposed rise is to pay for an IT upgrade of the city's software and network infrastructure. The council explained that alone was worth about 2 per cent of the rise, with the remainder effectively to meet the LGCI. It left some on the council, which threw around figures as high as 5.4 per cent, questioning whether there would be enough money in the budget to pay for some of the projects expected in the local community. Meanwhile cost-of-living concerns moved one south of river council to find different help for individuals who will struggle with the coming rates impost. The City of Rockingham won't shy from a rates rise this year but it has introduced interest-free bill smoothing, meaning their locals won't be charged any more to pay by weekly instalments. Most councils charge at least 5.5 per cent for that privilege, yet a handful offer it free.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Aussie council's innovative idea to combat invasive pest taking down city's trees
An Aussie council believes it has found a way to fight back against an invasive pest that is infecting and destroying trees across the city. In most cases, when the bug is found, there is nothing that can be done other than to chop off affected limbs or cut down the tree. Native to Southeast Asia, the polyphagous shot-hole borer was first found in Fremantle, WA, in 2021 — confusing experts on how it got into the country and sparking fears the destructive beetles could wipe out forests and agricultural crops. The issue has since escalated rapidly, with entire sections of greater Perth put into quarantine in September last year as authorities scrambled to thwart the tiny critter. In November, the City of Canning, which overseas the southeastern suburbs of the Western Australian capital city, urged residents to help in the fight by keeping an eye out for the pest, especially if they had a particular list of trees in their garden. Earlier this year, the council began a state-first trial by pioneering a new technique to thwart the invasive pest. The council has been injecting infected trees with small pills filled with fungicide and insecticide in a bid to kill of the pest and restore tree health. And the early data is very promising. "The City is continuing its trial of chemical treatment of Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB) at Bicentennial Adenia Reserve to gather further data supporting the current findings," the city's mayor Patrick Hall told Yahoo News on Friday. "Following a recent inspection from Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) representatives a reduction in the number of live beetles and active fungus in borer galleries has been confirmed." Entire Aussie city quarantined as bug threat spreads Harvey Norman bed discovered riddled with invasive species from China New predatory bug species uses 'tool' to assassinate prey According to Hall, every local government in WA "is under threat" from the species. While the City of Canning is confident the early signs from the trial could put them on path to some sort of panacea, the results are still being reviewed by the council's academic partners "for validity". "While not a complete solution to PSHB, this trial is part of the City of Canning's commitment to sustainable urban forest management and is a key step in an integrated pest management approach, combining tree health initiatives, pruning, and innovative control methods," Hall said in a statement to Yahoo. The council will release further information as additional trial data is reviewed. Speaking to Nine News Perth this month, John Szymanski from BioHerbicides Australia, which is helping carry out the field work in the trial, explained the simple idea. "I thought hang on, it's an insect, it's a fungus, why can't we put an insecticide and a fungicide in the capsule, and put it in the tree? "It's the difference between keeping a tree alive, and just removing it," he said. The council wants state government endorsement and funding to conduct further trials and hopes the treatment ultimately means fewer trees will have to be cut down and the door opened to potential eradication. If so, it's a technique the council says could be used in other parts of Australia where the pest has caused trouble. Meanwhile residents in WA are urged to keep doing their part and remain vigilant for the bugs. If anyone discovers tiny holes the size of a ball point pen in clusters, they are urged to report the suspected infestation to DPIRD. Affected trees can "quickly become public safety hazards and a constant source of beetles that can disperse to neighbouring trees, causing spread," the department's website says. Originally from southeast Asia, the tiny creatures have now invaded several countries including the United States and Israel. One of the worst impacted countries is South Africa where it's estimated to have caused $28 billion in damage. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
Associated Press
08-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Miconex and EML Launch Digital Gift Card Technology in Canada
PERTH, Scotland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 8, 2025-- Fintech Miconex is building on the success of its digital gifting product in Europe by launching digital gift card technology in Canada, alongside EML Payments. Miconex operates over 200 closed loop gift card programs globally with almost $60 million in local spend delivered. Its Downtown Gift Card program is active across North America, with 42 district branded programs and over $15 million in sales in Canada. The local gift cards enable downtowns to capitalize on the 'shop local' opportunity and divert online spend into local communities. The launch includes the introduction of digital e-cards and the tokenization of physical cards, both allowing Miconex's local gift cards to be added to digital wallets, enabling contactless payment technology. Colin Munro, CEO, Miconex, said: 'Our digital advancements in Canada tap into the growing trend for digital wallets and mobile payments in Canada, and for supporting local businesses, enabling districts to give consumers choice and flexibility in how they buy and spend local gift cards. This is the future of local gifting.' Patrick Hall, Chief Commercial Officer, EML Payments, said: 'We're thrilled to partner with Miconex to bring our digital private label gifting solutions to Canada, making it easier than ever for people to give thoughtful, flexible gifts. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation and delivering convenient, customer-first experiences.' Kingston, London, Victoria, Barrie, Peterborough and Red Deer are some of the districts set to launch digital versions of their existing Downtown Gift Card programs alongside Miconex. Katie Woodcock, Downtown Kingston BIA, said: 'The Downtown Kingston BIA and its members are thrilled that the Downtown Gift Card is going digital. This update will make it even easier to shop local and support the diverse range of businesses that makes our downtown so special. With just a quick tap on their smartphones, visitors can explore everything our vibrant downtown has to offer while contributing to its continued growth and success.' Press information Miconex's objective is simple: providing communities with a tangible means to retain spend in their locality, providing essential support for local businesses of all types and sizes through its Downtown Gift Cards and Town & City Gift Cards. With Miconex, local and loyal shopping becomes not only easy for customers, but desirable, contributing to the evolution of high streets and downtowns around the world. View source version on Kelly Topping:[email protected] KEYWORD: EUROPE UNITED KINGDOM NORTH AMERICA CANADA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TECHNOLOGY MEN DIGITAL CASH MANAGEMENT/DIGITAL ASSETS HOME GOODS FAMILY RESTAURANT/BAR PAYMENTS CONSUMER OTHER RETAIL SPECIALTY APPS/APPLICATIONS FOOD/BEVERAGE RETAIL MOBILE/WIRELESS TEENS WOMEN SENIORS SOURCE: Miconex Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 05/08/2025 07:06 AM/DISC: 05/08/2025 07:06 AM
