Commissioners for the City of Perth will implement a series of plans in an effort to support and revitalise the Central Business District’s core retail precinct.
At this evening’s Council meeting, Commissioner Andrew Hammond put forward a Notice of Motion outlining a number of strategies to address homelessness, parking and retail challenges in the City.
Chair Commissioner Eric Lumsden said the Notice of Motion was unanimously supported.
“The City will now look to implement a 12-month trial of up to three-hour free parking on weekends and public holidays in strategically located areas, to encourage people into the CBD and provide an economic injection into local businesses,” Chair Commissioner Lumsden said.
“Additionally, the City will consider appropriate locations for the establishment of a safe night space and support services hub to assist rough sleepers and people in need.
“It’s envisaged that by providing people with a safe space with the coordination of services, rough sleepers won’t need to seek shelter in doorways or shopfronts.”
Furthermore the City will facilitate a forum with key property and retail representatives to discuss challenges facing the CBD precinct, such as anti-social behaviour, economic factors, on-going parking initiatives and competition from major suburban shopping centres.
“A solution to homelessness and issues facing the retail and business sectors is not an overnight fix, but this is a start,” Chair Commissioner Lumsden said.
“The City will continue to maintain an open dialogue with the State Government while it develops its homeless strategy, as it will take a united front from all levels of government to find long-term solutions to tackling homelessness.”
Complementary to Commissioner Hammond’s motion, the City of Perth has also been working on an Interim ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾lessness Plan, focusing on City-led coordination of outreach homeless services.
An immediate plan to help people experiencing homelessness in the city, the Interim ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾lessness Plan aligns with the strategic direction of the broader Perth homelessness sector.
