April Ordinary Council Meeting Outcomes

Source: Government of Western Australia

At the City of Wanneroo Ordinary Council Meeting on Tuesday 28 April, Council made the following decisions.

Rezoning supported to boost housing supply in Mindarie

Council supported the rezoning of 50 Salerno Drive, Mindarie from Private Community Purposes to Residential to make way for a housing development.

The land is under common ownership with the adjoining Peter Moyes Anglican Community School but has not been developed for educational purposes and currently contains scattered vegetation.

The subject site is approximately 3.25 hectares in size and is bounded by Salerno Drive, Quinns Road, Marmion Avenue and Quinns Baptist College.

CLE Town Planning has lodged the rezoning amendment on behalf of the landowner. The proposal seeks to allow part of the site to be developed as a residential precinct at R40 density.

The concept plan shows the site could accommodate 55 single houses, subject to the approval of future subdivision applications.

The remaining southwestern 0.49-hectare portion of the lot is intended to be retained as ‘Private Community Purpose’ for potential future educational use.

Council select Dowsing Group Pty Ltd to construct a new beach access way in Two Rocks

Dowsing Group Pty Ltd will construct a new beach access way in Two Rocks, south of Two Rocks Marina, after being selected as the tenderer for the project.

The project, part of City’s the 2026/2027 Capital Works Program will see the construction of the beach access way, carpark and lighting.

The tender submission from Dowsing Group Pty Ltd achieved the highest ranking and satisfied the overall value for money assessment in accordance with the City’s assessment criteria.

Step forward to support the City’s future waste transportation services

Council has chosen Appala Holdings for the transport of general waste and comingled recycling. These materials will be collected from the City’s waste transfer station and transported to designated processing or disposal facilities.

The contract will play a key role in supporting the City’s waste management operations, ensuring timely, efficient, and compliant movement of waste materials as part of broader environmental and resource recovery objectives.

For further information, please refer to the 28 April Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda.

Free session on planning permits for businesses coming in May

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

The City of Greater Bendigo is pleased to offer a free, easy to understand session to help businesses learn how planning permits work and how to apply for them.

Building your Business: A Practical Guide to Planning Permits is on Wednesday May 27 from 2.30pm to 4pm at Galkangu Bendigo GovHub, 189-229 Lyttleton Terrace, Bendigo.

The practical session will be run by City staff from the Economic Growth and Statutory Planning teams. It will explain when a planning permit is needed, how the application process works, and how businesses can move through the journey more smoothly.

Manager Economy & Experience James Myatt said the free session would help businesses better understand what is involved in statutory planning.

“Participants will hear directly from a planner, learn what information is needed for a strong application, and understand the difference between planning and building permits, including for home-based businesses,” Mr Myatt said.

“The free session is designed for all types of businesses, from new start-ups, home businesses, entrepreneurs to established businesses, who are seeking to expand on an existing site or move to new premises in the region.”

What you’ll learn:

  • Understand planning requirements for your business
  • If a planning permit is required for your business activity
  • What information is required for a successful planning application
  • How to avoid delays, unexpected costs, and common mistakes
  • When a home‑based business does (and does not) need approval
  • The difference between planning permits and building permits
  • How the statutory planning process works simply explained
  • Start or grow your business with planning confidence
  • Existing business owners looking to expand, relocate or change how you operate
  • Current applicants seeking clarification on planning processes or next steps

Booking is essential.

Course revamps to drive local golf revolution

Source: Government of Western Australia

Major upgrades to the City of Wanneroo’s public golf courses are set to modernise facilities, expand recreation opportunities and support the future of golf in the northern suburbs.

Carramar Golf Course is a step closer to a major refurbishment following development approval from the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC), while a separate development application is also under consideration for Marangaroo. 

Together, the proposed upgrades will deliver improved golf, hospitality and social facilities at both venues, helping the City respond to changing community expectations and growing interest in both on-course and off-course golf experiences. 

At Carramar, the revamped facilities will include a single-level, 33-bay undercover, floodlit driving range, 10 dedicated grass bays, automated ball distribution and collection, a refurbished pro shop with simulator and tuition room, a new commercial kitchen, lounge area, outdoor deck overlooking the 18th green, upgraded changerooms and an electric cart storage facility. 

At Marangaroo, subject to WAPC approval, plans include a new clubhouse comprising a fully integrated pro shop and changerooms, a two-level, 44-bay undercover driving range with smart golf technology, improved indoor and outdoor hospitality areas and extra parking. 

The Marangaroo course opened in 1988. Carramar was built in 1994. Both are managed by Belgravia Leisure on behalf of the City.  

The estimated project costs are $10 million for Carramar and $16 million for Marangaroo. In line with the City’s Long Term Financial Plan, and subject to budget adoption, funding is expected to come from a mix of reserves and loans. 

Construction could start as soon as August 2026.

Wanneroo Mayor Linda Aitken said Carramar and Marangaroo had been important community facilities for decades and the upgrades would help ensure they continued to meet the needs of current and future users. 

“Carramar and Marangaroo have long been valued public golf courses for our community, and these upgrades are about making sure they continue to serve them well into the future,” she said. 

“Golf is changing, and we are seeing growing demand for facilities that are more modern, accessible and welcoming to a broader range of users. 

“These upgrades will improve the experience for existing players while also creating more opportunities for women, young people, families and social players to get involved. 

“They will also strengthen the role our courses play as local destinations for recreation, social connection and hospitality.” 

The upgrades support the City’s Golf Courses Strategic Plan 2024-2039, which sets a long-term direction to modernise both courses and create more accessible, welcoming and financially sustainable public golf facilities. 

According to Golf Australia’s 2024-25 Participation Report, more than four million adults played the sport during that period – the highest total ever recorded. Off-course participation is also growing strongly, with 1.6 million Australians using driving ranges, indoor simulators and golf entertainment venues. 

In Western Australia, junior participation in MyGolf programs increased by 34 per cent to 3,022 participants, while 1,228 adults signed up to Get into Golf programs, 83.8 per cent of whom were women.  

Belgravia Leisure Business Operations Manager Douglas Bailey said the upgrades would better position both venues to meet growing demand and broaden their appeal.  

“Golf is no longer just about traditional course play. We are seeing more people engage through driving ranges, beginner programs and social formats and that is creating new opportunities for public courses like Carramar and Marangaroo,” he said. 

“These upgrades will make both venues more welcoming and accessible to a broader cross-section of the community, including younger people, women and those trying the game for the first time.  

“We are excited to work with the City to help deliver facilities that support participation, improve the customer experience and strengthen the role these courses play in the community.” 

Arrest – Aggravated assault – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 17-year-old male after an aggravated assault occurred in Alice Springs in the early hours of this morning.

Around 1:05am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of an aggravated assault at a restaurant on Todd Street.

It is alleged a 17-year-old male offender approached a female worker aged in her 20s and punched her in the face, before chasing after two nearby adult male delivery drivers and also physically assaulting them.

The offender also allegedly caused damage to the female victim’s vehicle parked nearby before fleeing the scene on foot.

Police responded and commenced investigations. The 17-year-old was arrested a short time later at a service station on Railway Terrace. He remains in police custody with charges expected to follow.

Investigations are ongoing and anyone with information is urged to call police on 131 444. Please quote reference P26124542. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.

Operation Chelsfield – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is continuing its search for missing 5-year-old Sharon Granites in Alice Springs.

Around 1:35am on Sunday morning, police received reports that Sharon could not be located at her residence on Marshall Court, Old Timers Camp, Alice Springs.

The exact timeline of events remains under investigation and police have received multiple reports.

Current investigations have a witness claiming to have seen Jefferson Lewis holding hands with Sharon at around 11pm that night. Shortly after this, a family member claims to have seen Sharon within the residence. At around 11:30pm, family notice she is missing from the residence. Police are contacted at 1:35am.

Police immediately responded and conducted initial enquiries. A crime scene was established a short distance from the town camp, and police can confirm items seized from the crime scene included a yellow adult t-shirt, a doona, and a pair of children’s underwear. They are currently undergoing forensic analysis.

Multiple police units have been deployed as part of the extensive search for Sharon, titled Operation Chelsfield, including members from the Search and Rescue Section, Cultural Reform, Mounted Unit, Dog Operations Unit, General Duties, Community Safety Engagement Team, Territory Response Group and Territory Safety Division.

Additional support has been provided by NT Fire and Emergency Services, the Australian Defence Force, the Australian Federal Police, Tangentyere Council, and the Central Land Council.

Resources deployed include helicopters, drones, ATVs, motorbikes, horses, and foot patrols, with search taskings also taking place overnight utilising drones with thermal imaging capability.

Multiple local organisations, community groups and businesses have also been providing support to the search effort.

The Northern Territory Police Force Commissioner Martin Dole APM said, “I’d like to commend our hardworking police officers who have been on the ground since Sharon was reported missing.

“I would also like to thank NT Fire and Emergency Services, the Australian Defence Force and the Australian Federal Police for providing their skills and resources.

“The incredible Alice Springs community has rallied around the search efforts, volunteering to take part in line searches and providing much appreciated food, water and support, and I thank everyone for their generosity.

“The Northern Territory Police Force will be relentless in its efforts to bring Sharon home.

“If you have any information, no matter how small, please contact police immediately.”

Police continue to seek public assistance to locate 47-year-old male, Jefferson Lewis, who police believe can assist with enquires.

Sharon was last seen wearing a dark blue short-sleeve T-shirt with a white ring stripe around the neck and a white ring stripe around the end of the sleeves, and a pair of black boxer style underwear.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Sharon or Jefferson Lewis, or who has any information at all, is urged to call police on 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.

Arrest – Aggravated Robbery – Bakewell

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Strike Force Trident has arrested a 15-year-old male relation to an aggravated robbery that occurred in Bakewell in the early hours of this morning. 

Around 3:50am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports an adult male was allegedly robbed while being threatened with an edged weapon at a service station on Lambrick Avenue.

The victim was returning to his car when the offender approached him, allegedly threatened him and demanded his car keys.

Fearing for his safety, the victim handed over his keys and the offender drove away.

The stolen vehicle is a red Toyota Camry and it was observed by CCTV on Howard Springs Road heading towards Whitewood Road.

Police initiated a pursuit after the vehicle failed to stop. The pursuit continued for about 10 minutes until sight of the vehicle was lost in the vicinity of the Stuart Highway and Girraween Road.

Around 2pm today SF Trident Detectives located and arrested a 15-year-old male offender at an address in Gray. He remains in custody.

Man charged in relation to offences allegedly committed in New Town area

Source: Tasmania Police

Man charged in relation to offences allegedly committed in New Town area

Wednesday, 29 April 2026 – 4:39 pm.

Police have today arrested and charged a 61-year-old man with several offences allegedly committed in the New Town area.
Police allege the man was involved in several incidents in the New Town area recently, where he committed assaults and threatening behaviours towards women.
The man has been charged with:

2x assault
3x threatening words to provoke a breach of the peace in a public place.

He appeared in the Hobart Magistrates Court this afternoon and was remanded until 11 May 2026.
If anyone believes they are a witness or victim of the man’s behaviour and they haven’t already spoken to police, they are asked to contact Hobart Police on 131 444 and quote OR803807.

Trainee constable charged

Source: Tasmania Police

Trainee constable charged

Wednesday, 29 April 2026 – 4:20 pm.

A 24-year-old trainee constable from southern Tasmania has this week been charged with one count of stealing.
The matter is scheduled to be heard in the Hobart Magistrates Court on 25 August, 2026.
The arrest and charge arose from an investigation by Tasmania Police Professional Standards Command into an alleged recent stealing incident.
The male trainee constable has been stood down, immediately.
It is not appropriate to make any further comment given the matter is now before the court.

Car parts dealer convicted

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

The owner of an online business has been convicted, fined and ordered to pay compensation to customers who paid him thousands of dollars for high-end car parts.

Daniel Wilde, 38, sold carburettors, race cylinder heads, oil pumps and other performance products through his business, Torqueline Garage Pty Ltd (ACN: 662 616 275).

The online business falsely implied on social media that products were in stock and ready for delivery, but the items were never supplied to paying customers.

Wilde pleaded guilty at the County Court to a single charge of wrongly accepting payment under the Australian Consumer Law. The charge covered 9 individual cases with goods valued at about $18,000.

He was also fined $9,000, with charges against Torqueline Garage withdrawn.

The court ordered Wilde to provide refunds, noting that 6 of the 9 customers involved as witnesses in the case against him had already been paid around $12,000 in compensation.

There may be other impacted Torqueline customers. If you want to pursue a refund or compensation, seek legal advice about your options.

Find more information about refunds, repairs and returns, or contact us for general information about your consumer rights, including when a product isn’t delivered.

Arrest – Aggravated Robbery – Casuarina

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Strike Force Trident has arrested a 10-year-old male in relation to an aggravated robbery that occurred in the carpark of a shopping centre in Casuarina yesterday.

Around 6:35pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports a 72-year-old female was driving out of the carpark when her vehicle was approached by several offenders at around 5:30pm.

A female from the group allegedly jumped on the bonnet of the vehicle, causing the victim to stop her car.

A male opened the driver’s side door and allegedly ripped the victim’s glasses from her face, while another unknown offender opened the front passenger door and stole the victim’s handbag from the front seat.

Security chased the group away from the area and the handbag was recovered and returned, however,  the victims phone and credit card remain missing.

Subsequent checks with her bank identified that several purchases had since been made with her credit card.

A 10-year-old male has been arrested and remains in custody.

Investigations are ongoing. Anyone who has any information is urged to call police on 000. Please quote reference NTP2600040965.

Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.