What made the news in Cockburn – 28 Jan-5 Feb 2021

The Morrison government’s dawdling over whether to shift maintenance for the Navy’s submarine fleet to WA might indicate how far behind schedule its next generation of subs has fallen, says defence issues minister Paul Papalia. opens in a new window

A City of Melville councillor pushing for stricter cat control laws would like to follow the City of Cockburn’s lead and see them only allowed out on a leash. opens in a new window

A Cockburn family, including three children aged two to seven, has shared their Cape to Cape trek adventures after being inspired to explore WA after the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown. opens in a new window   

Wednesday, 3 February: Recfishwest has been forced to cancel its popular Snapper Guardians fish re-stocking program which had been set for this weekend. opens in a new window The popular, family-friendly annual event involves setting free 1000 juvenile snapper into Cockburn Sound to help repopulate the inlets’ fish numbers.

On 3 February, Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan advised the Honourable Kim Beazley AC, Governor of Western Australia, to issue the writs for the State election on Saturday March 13, 2021. opens in a new window

The Federal and State Governments have announced $70 million in joint funding to drive a $174 million+ recycling boom in WA. opens in a new window Jandakot based company Complete Tyre Solutions Pty Ltd will receive $3.5 million to establish a turnkey tyre recycling plant to process waste tyres including car, truck, construction and off the road tyres, into 3mm crumb rubber for use in local road building.

Tuesday, 2 February: Community facilities around Cockburn, Fremantle, Melville and East Fremantle will stay closed for the remainder of the mandatory five-day lockdown imposed on Sunday 31 January. opens in a new window

Both the Fremantle and Melville Cockburn’s Chambers of Commerce said it was too early to know the full impact of the five day lockdown imposed by the State Government on Sunday night, but businesses had already started to adapt. opens in a new window Melville Cockburn Chamber of Commerce executive officer Monique Williams said there was some apprehension in the business community, caused by a fear of the unknown.

Monday, 1 February: The City made the decision to cancel its annual Cockburn Central community concert, scheduled for Saturday 6 February, following the State Government’s 5-day COVID-19 lockdown announcement. opens in a new window Mayor Logan Howlett said as the event was due to attract a large gathering of people, the City did not believe it was prudent to stage the event, even if lockdown had ended.

Saturday, 30 January: Construction work is about to begin on the first of four Australian Marine Complex (AMC) infrastructure projects which will help grow WA's defence industry. opens in a new window The $87.6 million projects will enable the AMC to support the larger and more complex Royal Australian Navy vessels entering service in the coming years.

Thursday, 28 January: The State Government has committed $1 million+ to 27 projects supporting club development across the State including $30,000 to the City of Cockburn for a club development plan grant. opens in a new window

The City of Cockburn added five new deserving recipients to its coveted list of Australia Day Community Citizen of the Year Award winners. opens in a new window This year’s winners are Dan Robinson and Louise Keep (Overall), Layne Dixon (Youth under 25), Jean Bruce (Senior over 65) and Cockburn Chinese Community Association (Group or Event).