Perth Voice Interactive

A GROUP of 22 cyclists ditched their skid lids on Saturday to ride from Maylands to the CBD as part of a national protest against helmet laws.

Australia was the first country to introduce mandatory helmets in 1990 and there’s been ongoing debate about whether they make cyclists safer or simply put people off a healthy past-time.

The Perth protest was organised by Freestyle Cyclists WA, and Liberal Democrat MP Aaron Stonehouse joined them for the illegal ride into the city.

The 27-year-old is WA’s youngest MP and after being elected last year he declared war on the “nanny state”, in keeping with his party’s libertarian ideology.

“Mandatory bicycle helmet laws are perhaps the most glaring example of nanny state paternalism and finger-wagging in Australia,” the MP says.

“Adults should be free to manage the risks involved in a bike ride, and not have the government imposing laws to protect us from ourselves.

“I’m not arguing for people not to wear a bicycle helmet. I’m arguing for the right of adults to decide for themselves whether they need one when they ride a bike.” Mr Stonehouse says cycling rates in cities like Seattle have “plummeted” after the introduction of mandatory helmet laws.

“Helmet laws only strengthen the idea that bicycles are a dangerous mode of transport. That leads to a decrease to the number of cyclists, and that again leads to a decrease in road safety, because the more cyclists there are, the more other road users will consider them.”

The Perth protest was trouble-free, but in Sydney the police deployed seven patrol cars to crack down on helmet-free protestors who were riding around Centennial Park. WA cyclists can be hit with a $50 fine for not wearing a helmet.

Butting heads

A 2011 study in New South Wales found helmet laws resulted in 29 per cent fewer head injuries, and a 2010 study found helmet-free riders were five times more likely to have intracranial bleeding or a skull fracture if they fell off.

But health researcher Colin Clark argues cycling improves people’s fitness and reduces the burden on the public health system. Helmet-free supporters say extra cyclists would make drivers more vigilant and less likely to crash into them, while there’d be less traffic congestion and the government would be more likely to improve cycling infrastructure.

by DAVID BELL

MORE paid parking in Mt Lawley could be the final straw for struggling businesses, say local traders.

Recently Stirling councillors voted to abolish free parking on Field Street and in more sections of Beaufort Street.

Motorists parking on Field Street or at 679/680 Beaufort Street will now get the first 60 minutes for free, but will then have to pay $2 per hour.

Michael Matusik says there are seven vacant shops near his business, Matusik Jewellers, on Beaufort Street.

“We’ve been here for nearly 40 years and we’ve never seen this many vacant businesses in the area,” he says.

Mt Lawley Hardware Store owner Glen Stagg says the timing of the decision is poor.

“I know it might be the way of the future; I just think at the moment it could be great to get Mount Lawley back on its feet again,” he says.

“Mount Lawley is a little bit quiet at the moment: I think all the businesses around here need all the help they can get to survive.”

Accountable

Stirling Cr Elizabeth Re, who voted against the paid parking, says the retail slump is not confined to Mount Lawley, but the new fees will make the situation worse.

She says the council did not specifically consult with Mount Lawley stakeholders before making their decision.

“Collectively finding the groups that are most affected and actually saying we’ll have a meeting with you is what they should be doing.”

“Consultation before the event saves the council from retrospective changes and shows the community we’re being open, transparent and accountable,” Cr Re says.

“They’re going and endorsing policies at the council level without consulting and advertising it to the public.”

Stirling council community development director Trevor Holland says 800 people responded to consultation on the city’s parking strategy.

Cr Re notes that councillors voted not to introduce paid parking at the Main Street plaza precinct in Osbourne Park after discussions were held with key stakeholders. “Why didn’t they do the same thing for Mount Lawley?” she asked.

by ALICE ANGELONI

THE Mount Lawley Society has delivered a letter to planning minister Rita Saffioti imploring her to preserve the character of Beaufort Street.

Stirling council created a local development plan for the street, following a consultation process so thorough and collaborative it won an award from the Planning Institute of Australia.

Character

But before the plan was signed off by the planning minister’s office, key parts were changed by the WA Planning Commission, including rules that developments had to be done in an architectural style sympathetic to the street.

The society was also concerned the WAPC inserted a clause that all new developments on the three kilometre stretc, from Walcott to Salisbury Street be a minimum of two storeys.

Friday’s letter asked Ms Safiotti to revert to the original plan, which has support from Maylands Labor MP Lisa Baker and Mt Lawley Labor MP Simon Millman.

“I’m eager to see the heritage and architectural character of our local area protected. I look forward to working with the minister so that we can arrive at an outcome the community is happy with,” said Mr Millman.

Society president Paul Collins says it was bizarre that the WAPC had sponsored the award Stirling won for the consultation that led to the plan’s creation.

“We hope Mr Millman and Ms Baker succeed in convincing the panning minister that we as community members know what is best for our community rather than letting the minister affirm the governing of our communities by bureaucratic elites.”

by DAVID BELL

LOCALS fought hard to save the 75-year-old tree at Mt Hawthorn Primary School, but the old Port Jackson Fig is now gone. The group Trees4Vincent petitioned education minister Sue Ellery to alter plans for a $3.5 million early learning centre at the primary school so the tree wouldn’t have to be removed. But despite a 1000-signature petition, the minister maintained the alternative ideas weren’t suitable and the tree’s now been removed.

A 15-YEAR-OLD boy has been charged with stabbing a woman five times outside Claisebrook train station on Saturday night around 9.20pm. The boy allegedly demanded Stella Trevisani’s phone and stabbed her five times, leaving her bleeding badly and requiring 300 stitches. The boy fronted the Perth children’s court on and attempted to plead guilty but the judge implored him to talk to a lawyer first, as he reportedly has learning difficulties and didn’t fully understand the charges. Ms Trevisani, 27, is on a working holiday and she’ll likely need months of rehabilitation. Her boyfriend Billy-Joe Birch has set up a gofundme page to raise money to replace the loss of income and help with physiotherapy, and it’s smashed the $10,000 target and was at $14,000 donated by 300 people, as of going to print.

THE Department of Health has issued a measles alert after two people came back to WA infected with the disease. One of the infected had been in Bali and the other in three South-east Asian countries. The department’s released a list of locations the two have been since returning to WA and warned the disease can remain infectious for four days. Local hotspots include Busy Bee Pharmacy in Northbridge on March 12, 12.30pm to 1pm, March 14 around 12.10pm to 12.45pm, and March 16 around 8.40am to 9.15am. They were also at the emergency department at Royal Perth Hospital on March 17, 11.30am to 2.30pm, and then in the acute care unit from 2pm to 7.30pm. Imported measles cases are treated as a public health emergency because of the speed it can spread and the danger to infants too young to be vaccinated, pregnant women and people with low immune systems. If you’ve been in any of those spots and notice a cough, runny nose, sore red eyes and a rash developing, the health department says “stay at home” and call ahead before going to your doctor so they can make preparations. For measles tips see http://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/J_M/Measles

A CON MAN pretending to be collecting for a wildlife charity is door knocking in Mt Lawley, says WA ScamNet.

The organisation received a report that a 12-year-old boy answered the door to a man holding an iPad, who claimed to be either from Wilde Life or The Wilderness Society.

The man asked the child a number of questions before his mum came to the door and asked what charity the man represented and to see his ID. He refused to do either. Both wildlife charities told Consumer Protection that the man was not from their organisation.

World Wide Fund for Nature told CP they have door knockers in the Mount Lawley area, but they carry ID and wear a black polo shirt with a panda emblem.

THERE was a huge turnout for the first meeting of new precinct group Northbridge Common, with about 180 people attending the sundowner at Stuart Street Reserve on Monday night.

The group, similar to Beaufort Street Network and Leederville Connect, is comprised of residents and business owners who want to improve the inner suburb.

The business collective OnWilliam had already created an action plan for parts of Northbridge, and NC will expand the concept to the rest of the suburb, which stretches from Roe to Bulwer Streets.

The idea for precinct groups was floated at last year’s Perth City Summit, organised by Perth MP John Carey, and so far West Perth Local and NC have been created.

Blown away

“I have to admit, I was blown away by the amount of people turning out,” Mr Carey says.

“What was really lovely is that out of all the events I’ve done, there was an incredible community feel there.

He says along with the hipster element you’d expect from Northbridge, “there was a lot of families with kids”.

He says the big turnout at the mixer demonstrates that there is a yearning for more of a community in that part of town.

Mr Carey says they’re aiming for “quick wins—things that add to Northbridge—before tackling longer-term actions and strategies to make it a more liveable community.”

He says the group’s goal is to work out “how to make Northbridge more connected, a stronger community and a better place to live.”

Activate Perth chairperson Anne-Maree Ferguson says they want to develop a Northbridge brand, and are planning to coordinate a series of community events and street activations across the city.

You can get in touch on the Northbridge Common Facebook page or contact Ms Ferguson on 0439 820 177.

by DAVID BELL

A PLAN to charge residents near the Maylands lakes an extra $4000 in rates has been axed by Bayswater councillors this week.

The ailing lakes are expensive to maintain and the council has budgeted about $1.25 million for improvements in the near future.

Bayswater council staff proposed charging the 313 residences near the lakes an extra $802 per year in rates, for the next five years, to pay for the work.

At Tuesday night’s council meeting, Kevin Hamersley from the Friends of Maylands Lakes implored councillors to scrap the idea.

“It is clearly evident that this item, discovered by residents at very late notice, has generated considerable anger, stress and anxiety, not only for the residents concerned, but also from those who reside in other wards of the city,” he said.

“The assumption that residents of the lakes estates should be responsible for the restoration costs is particularly galling”.

Mr Hamersley asked “Is the city oblivious to the fact that the lakes precinct is one of its major assets? That its parklands, playgrounds and cycle/walking paths are frequented by residents from across the entire metropolitan area? A major cycling, running and walking route runs the length of the lakes and is used by numerous clubs, visitors and commuters. People visiting Waterland and the Maylands boat ramp will often detour to the lakes precinct to stroll, picnic and take photographs.”

“Let’s not pretend that this project is improving residential amenity,” he said, pointing out there was an environmental and health-based impetus to fix the lakes because they were a “health hazard” from algae spores blowing around.

Health hazard

Ward councillor Elli Petersen-Pik agreed: “it’s not fair and not consistent for various reasons. The Maylands Lakes are currently accessible to the general public and enjoyed by many others including walkers and cyclists”.

He said it’s also a haven for animal life.

He pointed out residents there already pay high rates, which are based on how much rental income they could receive from their home, and they lived in a desirable spot beside the lakes.

Fellow ward councillor Catherine Ehrhardt said: “I’m very happy that a specified area rates will not be applied to the Peninsula Estate. The Maylands lakes are there to be enjoyed by everyone and our ratepayers deserve to be treated equally. If there was a time to do specified area rates it was back in 1998 when the lakes were completed, not 20 years later”.

Impost

Councillors also voted down Cr Petersen-Pik’s plan to charge extra rates to owners of vacant “eyesore” blocks. The plan was designed to encourage them to develop the blocks and ease the rates burden on the rest of the city.

Cr Ehrhardt said some blocks are owned by wealthy owners who are landbanking, and that double or triple rates wouldn’t force their hand.

She said at the other end of the scale there are others who can’t afford to develop blocks and the proposed plan would have been an impost.

by DAVID BELL