THE developers behind the controversial Celsius apartments on Fitzgerald Street have applied to amend the approved plans by adding nearly a metre on top and dropping commercial tenancies on the first floor.
Celsius Developments’ planners Planning Solutions says the changes won’t have a substantial impact on the development or its landscaping as they’re mostly minor reconfigurations.
The original approval in November last year was for 104 apartments and 2474sqm of commercial and office space, granted by the state development assessment panel against the wishes of Vincent council.
Planning Solutions says the proposed changes are in response to “detailed design and sales”.
They say the extra 800 millimetres on top will provide “better structural efficiency and services provision”.
With three new apartment planned instead of office space on the first floor, Celsius will now have 108 apartments ranging from six studios through to four four-bedrooms. The bulk are in the two- to three-bedroom range.
All up it will have 2049sqm of commercial space, a reduction on the previous plans which will see the number of car bays reduced as fewer are needed for apartments than offices.
Planning Solutions noted the changes would see a tiddly increase in the plot ration from 3.57 to 3.58.
“The ‘on paper’ plot ratio increase is negligible, and has no impact whatsoever on the external appearance of the building, or the perceived bulk and scale of the development,” the planners said in their application.
The application is up for community consultation on the council’s website imagine.vincent.wa.gov.au until Sunday November 3.
BAYSWATER council has set itself up for a showdown with State Parliament after pushing through another local law aimed at keeping cats confined to an owner’s property.
At Tuesday’s monthly meeting, councillor Nat Latter successfully put forward an amendment to beef up the administration’s proposed law, reinstating a confinement clause the Joint Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation had already told the City to remove.
“We went to public advertising and there was overwhelming support for it,” Cr Latter argued.
She said that if the committee took umbrage at the council’s position, it could refer the issue to the Upper House for a deliberation, which could be “an excellent pathway forward”.
But it could backfire if the Upper House backs the committee and the City could be held in contempt of Parliament.
“I think that pushing it so that this issue can be resolved – with implications for many other local governments, is a really important thing for us to do,” Cr Latter said.
Deputy mayor Elli Petersen-Pik had been digging into the background of the current Cat Act and said that when it was adopted in 2011, it was clear the intent was to allow councils to confine cats.
He noted several ministers had made that point, including former minister Robyn McSweeney during the second reading of the Act in September 2011.
“Local governments will be responsible for enforcing the legislation and they will also be able to introduce their own local laws to complement the legislation,” Ms McSweeney said at the time.
“These laws can include provisions to require cats to be confined to their owners’ property, limit the number of cats per property, as well as establish areas where cats are prohibited.”
Cr Petersen-Pik also noted the proposed crackdown had the unanimous support of the City’s environmental groups, several making deputations at last week’s agenda briefing.
But mayor Filomena Piffaretti wasn’t a fan of taking on Parliament, saying the council had been told repeatedly that the way forward was through a review of the state Cat Act.
“We have done an excellent job of raising awareness on this issue, and the advice that we keep receiving back from the members of Parliament is that they have heard it loud and clear but it needs to be done through the process that is reviewing the Cat Act,” Ms Piffaretti said.
“There is no disagreement on where the community and council want to go on this issue, and we have been trying – I want to make that public.
“I am torn on this because I want to respect the parliamentary process.
But Cr Latter wasn’t keen on waiting.
“Regardless of what promises have been made about reviews in the future, pushing forward with this is one of the ways, firstly, we can keep pressure on them to make sure there is a review, and secondly it gives us the opportunity for something to come into place next year.”
Councillor Michelle Sutherland wasn’t confident there’d be much progress with a state election early next year forcing the government into caretaker mode in November or December.
“It won’t matter if we go ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to this because the Parliament’s going to wind up in the end of November, early December and then we’re going to caretaker period and then nothing is going to happen until May next year after the election,” Cr Sutherland said.
“Whatever happens, this is not going to come into Parliament next week.”
But she was only joined by Crs Assunta Meleca, Josh Eveson, Steven Ostaszewskj and the mayor in voting agains the alternative, leaving Cr Latter successful with support from Crs Petersen-Pik, Dan Bull, Sally Palmer, Georgia Johnson and Lorna Clarke.
KINGS PARK’S wildflowers are fading early because of climate change, say activists who visited last weekend.
The group from Go Beyond Gas organised a walk through the park last weekend to connect with each other and marvel at the wildflower display.
But organiser Binu Ekanaike said the impacts of Perth’s drying and heating climate were already noticeable.
• Go Beyond Gas members in Kings Park.
“I loved the variety of flowers that you can’t see anywhere else in the world – especially the black and bright green kangaroo paws, the orchids and grevilleas,” she said.
“I felt the need to go to Kings Park as the season is ending too soon.
“The wildflowers are fading too fast this year due to climate change and I felt like we had to take the chance to appreciate our unique nature before it’s too late. “As you can see, the everlastings are dying off already as WA’s biggest fossil fuel companies watch on in the background.
“We need industry and government to step up their game in protecting nature.”
STIRLING has defended its use of artificial intelligence over resident artists after a local wit spotted a bodgied-up ad with a three-armed motorcyclist.
The City advertised a rider enhancement program on its Facebook page with an image generated through the Microsoft program Copilot.
“All workshop places were filled within 24 hours so the social media post was removed the day after it was published,” the City responded to Voice questions through an spokesperson.
But our eagle-eyed source says that’s not good enough.
“The same City which allegedly runs an art competition and other support for artists, relies on AI crap,” he said. “What hypocrisy.”
The council spokesperson said the art competition isn’t the only support artists receive.
“The City regularly engages local photographers and videographers to support the communication and marketing of events, initiatives and projects all over the city,” they said.
“The City supports local artists, photographers and creatives through a range of programs, including the Biennial Art Awards and Exhibition, regular Creatives + Connections networking and professional development workshops, and the Locally Led and Creative Communities stream of our Community Grants Program.
“Artists are also supported through acquisitions and commissions, including for the City’s Visual Art and Public Art Collections.
“The City has taken a pragmatic approach to generative AI since it started exploring the potential benefits of the technology in October 2023,” they said.
“The policy aims to ensure the City manages ethical, privacy and security implications, while identifying opportunities and leveraging the benefits of AI for the City and its community.”
THE recent advertising of a job at the City of Vincent is an interesting insight as to how the organisation is functioning, and the sort of money you can get in local government.
In October 2022 the director of community and business services left Vincent, but the position was not advertised.
Eight months later the council approved a budget which included $343,000 for “employee costs” for the director’s position for the next year – presumably the costs of the director and an executive assistant.
Some nine months later I noticed that the position had not been filled, but the budget had not been adjusted as part of the budget review.
To me it looked like a case of padding the budget.
So I asked some questions, and was told that the position was not vacant, and to look at the city’s organisation structure.
I did, and blow me down, the CEO was acting in the position.
So I asked some more questions.
The city did confirm that the CEO was not receiving any more payment for doing the extra job, and was told that the fact that the CEO was able to do the second job without spending any material time on it reflected the maturity of the organisation.
And also, no, they had not adjusted the budget to reflect the fact the position was vacant for about 18 months.
Fair enough, but then suddenly, and possibly by sheer coincidence, the position was filled in an acting capacity by one of the managers.
So, vacant for 18 months, then suddenly filled just after I asked some questions.
So what’s it worth?
As I write this, the position is being advertised at a package in the range of $235,000 to $273,000.
This includes 15.5 per cent super, a car, and possibly five weeks annual leave like the rest of the Vincent employees – yes, they get five weeks leave.
Interestingly, Vincent continually rewards their staff with a car, but tries to encourage the community to catch the bus – do as I say, not as I do.
Not bad for a position that was not substantially filled for 18 months because the organisation was so mature it did not need it to be filled.
IT’S always a dilemma – where do you go to eat with a group of folk on a birthday night out?
You don’t want something too heavy (try doing the macarena after a lamb bhuna) or too expensive (some folk are miserable) or too fancy (it can kill the momentum), so choosing a venue can be a bit of a nightmare.
A good option is a “Feed me” at a tapas-style restaurant – it’s light, sociable and fun and there’s always something on the menu that people like.
About four years ago I had a very enjoyable express business lunch at Apple Daily, which specialises in Asian fusion dishes, so I decided to book for a party of six on Saturday night.
They do an Asian Feast (minimum four people) for $79 or $89 with dessert.
Situated on the first floor of the Print Hall, Apple Daily looked as good as I remembered – beautiful floral wallpaper, burnished wood, upmarket fittings and demure lighting.
It has a classy air, like some colonial outpost in Indiana Jones, but it wasn’t stuffy and there was a lively buzz.
Not long after ordering, the food – a mix of small and large dishes and sides – started arriving.
My memories of prawn toast from the local Chinese is glorified pieces of burnt, desiccated bread with prawn flavouring, sesame seeds and a good helping of MSG.
But Apple Daily’s were airy, fluffy and light with a delicious mix of Hong Kong-style prawns, house mayo and fresh herbs.
It banished my PTSD and I now view prawn toast in a whole new light.
Another highlight from the smaller plates was the double cooked chicken skewer, which was super chargrilled with lovely soft chook and a tasty Thai herb marinade.
The BBQ corn on the cob was also a winner and had a lovely Thai chilli butter.
But the standout entree was the Kilawin catch of the day– a traditional Filipino fish dish that was a bit like ceviche.
After all those robust flavours, the acidic juices revitalised the palate, and I enjoyed the subtle flavours from the marinated raw fish. The small plates were impressive, but Apple Daily hit a home run on the mains.
There was charred lamb rump (domba bakar), pork belly dry ramen, slow braised beef shoulder (kare kare) and spicy tofu.
My favourite was the kare kare – super tender beef with a gorgeous peanut sauce.
With all that meat flowing, the achara salad was a Godsend.
A vibrant, zesty concoction that included radish, cucumber, green papaya and heirloom tomatoes, it freshened up the tastebuds and got them ready for the next exotic onslaught.
Another cracking side was the triple cooked potatoes with sriracha mustard mayo.
An exotic twist on comfort food, it hit the spot, and sometimes you can’t beat a good old spud (especially after a few drinky poos).
We didn’t get the dessert option and it was a good call, as we couldn’t finish all the dishes, which were high in quality and quantity.
The service was excellent throughout – polite, un-intrusive and efficient – and the food was out quickly on a busy night.
My only gripe would be the price of the wine – the cheapest bottle of white was just under $80 and usually there’s one on the menu a bit cheaper.
Apple Daily was as good as I remembered and the Asian Feast is perfect for a group of people on a night out.
I’m not talking about some deranged Clockwork Orange fans marauding around Perth with rubber truncheons, but the founding members of rock ’n’ roll power trio Triple Engine.
Seasoned rockers Chris Gibbs (guitar/vocals) and Craig Skelton (bass/vocals) have been performing in Perth for years and have played in more bands than you can shake a stick at – Stone Circle, Kingpin, The Skelton Collective and the Chris Gibbs Band to name a few – as well as a raft of tribute bands like KISSTake.
But the duo’s latest incarnation, Triple Engine, is one of their best yet and they’ve just released their self-titled debut album.
Featuring driving, infectious, upbeat rock with a good dollop of humour, there’s nods to Van Halen, Cream and Cheap Trick.
• Triple Engine (Chris Gibbs, Elliot Jebb and Craig Skelton) rock out in a garage.
“Once we had the band name, the overall mood and style of the band pretty much presented itself,” Gibbs says.
“Early songs had references to engines, movement, and the like. Coupled with the intent of getting back to rock music that featured positive energy and a sense of fun, a set of parameters developed organically and we very much enjoyed working towards and within those parameters.
“Our music has a sense of hope throughout, as well as that tongue-in-cheek, playful rock ’n’ roll energy that so many of our heroes did so well.”
The genesis of the album can be traced back to lockdown in 2020.
Unable to get into the studio to jam together, the three original members – Gibbs, Craig Skelton and Dan Skelton – began sharing musical ideas electronically and piecing songs together.
“We put together the single Love Thing entirely in that fashion. Later we were able to workshop songs in person, but we were very pleased with our earlier method and still trend to adopt that songwriting style to this day,” Gibbs says.
Starry sky mountain background nature remixed media
Featuring a classic Van Halen guitar sound, catchy chorus and some lovely melodic bass playing, Love Thing has a clever interlude about halfway through, showcasing the band’s chops, but it doesn’t sacrifice the less-is-more feel. The video for Love Thing was shot in a mechanic’s garage in York, but ironically Gibbs and Skelton don’t know their camshaft from their dipstick.
“If there’s a pun, it’s maybe that while we’re great with the mechanics of music, none of us are known for our real-world mechanical prowess!” Gibbs laughs.
“The overall idea [to wear boiler suits] came very quickly after the band name.
“It seemed a good way to lock in a direction and again, many of our heroes have at one stage or another taken similar approaches; bands like ZZ Top, Spy V. Spy and the like.”
Right now, the boys are getting ready to play a special album launch gig for Triple Engine at The Milk Bar in Inglewood.
Drummer Dan Skelton left the band a while back, so the youthful Elliot Jebb is now behind the kit and raring to go.
Gibbs says he’s at a stage in his career where he knows what he likes.
“Attempting to get people to think that we are decades younger, or are playing the latest musical styles is not an option and not something that we would be adept at, nor something that we would enjoy,” he says.
“We write and play the music that we love to hear, and we think that people pick up on that element of sincerity amongst all the notes and arrangements.
“It’s honest music that we loved writing, rehearsing and recording and it shows, so we lean into that when performing and have a bit of a laugh at our own expense.”
Triple Engine released their debut album this week and are playing The Milk Bar, 981 Beaufort Street in Inglewood, on Saturday November 2.
Get tix at oztix.com.au and for more info about the band check out their website tripleengine.net.
FOR a brief second, the Voice thought they were walking around a mini botanical gardens in Maylands.
Towering palms, ferns and trees dominate the courtyard outside this two bedroom one bathroom unit.
It makes for a spectacularly lush and green backdrop – a relaxing bolthole where all the stresses and strains of work fall off your shoulders as you return home every night.
The unit is no slouch either – a bright and airy affair with plenty of natural light streaming through the large windows.
The open plan lounge/dining/kitchen area has large floor tiles, high ceilings and nice views of the verdure in the aforementioned courtyard.
The stylish, modern kitchen is tucked around the corner, providing good noise separation.
In an era of blancmange white-on-white kitchens, it’s nice to see some sparkly black granite benchtops and cabinets and drawers with dark wood fascia.
It’s a pleasant contrast and pleasing on the eye.
The spacious bedrooms have split system air con and plenty of space for a large wardrobe.
The bathroom has been renovated and is a stunner – the chic floor and wall tiles complement the neutral colour scheme, and there’s a large rain shower in the corner.
It’s one of the best bathrooms the Voice has seen in a small unit.
This semi-renovated abode includes a laundry, separate toilet, and air con throughout.
Part of a quiet low-rise complex on Seventh Avenue, this apartment is close to all the cafes, restaurants and bars in the Eighth Avenue precinct, and there’s a bus stop only a 100 metres down the road and the local train station is nearby.
This is a cracking starter flat in a gorgeous leafy locale.
Mid to high $300,000s 19/44 Seventh Avenue,Maylands Beaucott Property 9272 2488 Agent Paul Owen 0411 601 420
RESIDENTS have failed in their bid to prevent 10 large trees being chopped down to make way for a social housing project in Mt Lawley.
The Save the Trees Community Action Group had been trying to get a stay on chainsaws felling the trees on the corner of East Parade and Guildford Road, but after an intervention from premier Roger Cook this week the work went on .
“We were disappointed with the premier’s announcement at 12noon today supporting minister Carey’s decision regarding the removal of trees as part of the East Parade redevelopment project,” the group said in a statement.
“We accept the site contains contaminants that require remediation.
“However, we believe there are other less dramatic remediation strategies,” they said, citing the Midland Workshops.
• Save the Trees Community Action Group’s linked arms weren’t enough to save this ficus.
The group says they want houses and they want trees, but believe good design includes both.
“We want a stay of destruction of trees, allowing time for a more considered and transparent process.
“We want the state government to work with the City of Vincent to review reports and options and to include community involvement in current and future planning of this development.”
Campaigner Paddy Cullen said the group only heard about the plans to cut the trees down a week earlier.
“The residents wrote to the relevant politicians but have not had any response,” Mr Cullen said.
“Endangered black cockatoos have been filmed roosting in the gum trees the day before they were chopped.
My Cullen said there were two large fig trees, a jacaranda and seven gum trees on the chopping block.
Seniors housing
Housing minister John Carey said the project, which involves 34 adjoining lots, would help deliver more than 80 social and affordable homes for seniors.
He says they would be well located near transport and amenities.
“In this regard I am saddened by some local residents’ suggestion this is not an appropriate location for social housing,” Mr Carey said.
“We fully acknowledge the concerns of residents and the community about the loss of trees, which is why the department have sought to retain more than 70 per cent of the trees on site, with 25of the 35 trees being retained.”
Planning lands and heritage director general Anthony Kannis said the land was zoned for urban, or residential development.
“The site will deliver a significant number of new social and affordable housing options.
“Unfortunately, some trees are being removed as significant asbestos contamination has been identified in the root systems of those trees.
“It would not be possible to remove and replant these trees.
“We commissioned reports that indicate asbestos contamination is present in areas of the site that are highly unlikely to be remediated without significant damage to the trees.
“Without significant remediation it would not be possible to achieve the goal of decontaminating the site, and therefore it would not be possible to deliver new housing.”
BAYSWATER’S Flourish Festival is returning from November 1 -30 after last year’s celebration of the city’s arts community proved a success.
Events include art, music, dance, photography and theatre.
“Art is an integral part of the Bayswater community, and the Flourish Community Arts Festival provides both residents and visitors with a special opportunity to support the local artists and arts organisations that make our City unique,” mayor Filomena Piffaretti said.
“This year’s program is packed with a range of free or low-cost events for all ages, from art exhibitions and workshops to community markets, theatre performances, live music and more.
“Whether you’re a budding artist looking to develop your skills or you simply love all things entertainment and culture, I encourage you to come along to the exciting events on offer.”
• Artist in residence Sarah Weston with mayor Filomena Piffaretti.
At the heart of the festival is the City’s Community Art Awards and Exhibition at The RISE in Maylands from November 3 -16. Visitors of the free exhibition can purchase their favourite artwork and vote for the People’s Choice Award.
Returning in 2024 is the RISE-Up Art Market from 8am to noon on Saturday November 16 at The RISE Amphitheatre.
There’s handcrafted goods created by Perth’s finest makers and a morning of entertainment including face painting, kids’ craft activities and live music.
Noongar artist Sarah Weston will take up residency at The RISE for the duration of the festival.
As the City’s Artist in Residence, Weston will share her art and culture through two free workshops.
Visitors can also drop into Weston’s studio space during opening hours to view pieces and even contribute to her latest artwork.
There’s also aFlourish Art Passport for kids, with special scavenger hunts to help them explore the wonderful world of art at the City’s libraries.
Perth Voice Interactive 