Another Perth beach has closed after authorities removed the tail of a whale carcass found off the shore at Sorrento. It is the second whale carcass to wash up on the city's beaches this week and the third in a month. Sorrento Beach has been closed since a fatal shark attack about five weeks ago, when Greg O'Neill was killed while swimming close to shore. On Thursday, a partial whale carcass led to the closure of all beaches at South Cottesloe. The state government is expanding its shark-tagging program and may use AI-powered drones to keep beachgoers safe.
Sorrento Beach in Perth's northern suburbs has been closed after a whale carcass was sighted on Sunday morning. The City of Joondalup closed the beach, and beaches in the area remain closed. The carcass was removed by 10.40am, but a shark advice alert remains because the carcass may attract sharks close to shore. Officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development are monitoring the situation. It follows a juvenile whale carcass that washed ashore at Dutch Inn Beach on Thursday, which was taken to the Red Hill Waste Management Facility.
Joondalup recorded the most venomous snake sightings in WA, with 1057, according to a new study. Geraldton ranked highest in the state for camping-area sightings, with 185. Snake catcher Marcus Cosentino says snakes are common across Perth and usually avoid people. He advises giving snakes space, keeping pets and children away, and calling an expert to remove them. He also says snakes are a natural part of the environment that people can live alongside.
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Work on a $525,000 makeover of Davidson Terrace in Joondalup is due to start this month, led by the City of Joondalup. The project will add greenery, wider footpaths, a pedestrian crossing, street furniture, public art and a bike lane. The design was shaped with feedback from a community project group, local residents and businesses. The city received a $75,000 grant through the Streets Alive program. Works will run in stages, with road closures and traffic changes during construction, and completion is expected in early December.
Reports of illegal fishing at lakes and park waterways in the City of Joondalup have increased. The city received four reports of unlawful fishing in the past month, most at Neil Hawkins Park in Joondalup. Rangers attended and investigated where appropriate. Updated signs at Sir James McCusker Park in Iluka warn of a modified penalty of $350 for taking, injuring or killing fauna. Mayor Daniel Kingston said the city took complaints seriously and urged residents to report any fishing they witness. Rangers will continue patrols over the summer holidays.
Ten artists from across Western Australia are in the running for the City of Joondalup's $25,000 Invitation Art Prize. Three of the shortlisted artists are First Nations, and the group includes regional artists from Kununurra to Bunbury. The works will be displayed at the Joondalup Contemporary Art Gallery from October 29 to December 12, with the winner announced on October 24. Visitors can also vote for the Popular Choice Award. Mayor Daniel Kingston said the exhibition explores place, memory, identity and the environment. Free public events include artist talks, workshops and Noongar stargazing.
A Connolly resident has launched a petition asking the City of Joondalup to review traffic calming measures on Fairway Circle. The petition has 159 signatures and will be presented at the next council meeting on Tuesday, October 27. Petition creator Reanna Bennett says speeding has increased with population growth, making pedestrians and cyclists feel unsafe. She is asking for an updated traffic assessment and possible measures such as slow points or pedestrian crossings. The city's chief executive, Craig Lloyd, says the concerns will be reviewed alongside available traffic data.
West Coast Relay for Life 2026 will be held at Arena Joondalup this weekend, with Warwick Senior High School leading the fundraising effort. The school has raised almost $24,000, with Year 10 co-ordinator Anthony Mayo credited for the success. The event, organised by Cancer Council WA, aims to raise funds for cancer research and support services. Warwick SHS associate principal Jason Tomlinson noted the school's consistent strong performance in the event.
A new bike pump track will launch at Ocean Reef Marina's community open day on November 21. The track sits in Marina Cove Park, beside the ocean-themed playground. Specialist designers Convic created it with landscape architects, in consultation with the City of Joondalup. It has connected concrete loops, including a beginner section for younger children and a larger main loop for more confident riders. Shade shelters, seating, trees and garden beds surround the track. Planning and Lands Minister John Carey said it will give local families a free place to ride.
Luxury furniture and homeware brand James Lane Design opens its first Western Australian store in Osborne Park on Thursday, 22 October. The Sydney-founded brand has expanded to more than two dozen showrooms. Two further WA stores are planned, in Joondalup in November and Midland in the summer. To mark the opening, the brand is offering 30 per cent off storewide and complimentary treats during the opening weekend. The Osborne Park store will open from 9am to 5pm on Thursday.
A 40-year-old cyclist has died in a suspected hit-and-run crash on North Lake Road in Bibra Lake, Western Australia. The man was declared dead at the scene after a collision with an unidentified vehicle about 5.20am on Tuesday. Major crash investigators are searching for the driver and the vehicle, and are asking anyone who saw the crash or the vehicle nearby to come forward. Information can be given to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Elsewhere, crashes on Neerabup Road and Albany Highway have since been cleared.
A 40-year-old cyclist has died in a suspected hit-and-run crash on North Lake Road in Bibra Lake, Western Australia. The man was declared dead at the scene after a collision with an unidentified vehicle about 5.20am on Tuesday. Major crash investigators are searching for the driver and the vehicle, and are asking anyone who saw the crash or the vehicle nearby to come forward. Information can be given to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Elsewhere, crashes on Neerabup Road and Albany Highway have since been cleared.
Bunnings stores across Western Australia held sausage sizzles on Saturday to raise money for Channel 7's 59th Telethon. The Joondalup store was one of 38 taking part, with a petting zoo, face painting, lion dancers and fire trucks drawing families. All proceeds from hot dogs and drinks will fund medical research, equipment and services for children across the state. Last year's barbecue raised $102,000, and organisers hope for a new record when the total is revealed during Sunday's broadcast.
The City of Joondalup wants to abolish its policy committee and major projects and finance committee from January 1, 2027. Their responsibilities would pass to the full council, which the city says would reduce planning delays and save money. Public participation rules at council meetings would also change, with deputation time cut from 15 minutes to five minutes. A final vote is expected at the October 27 meeting.
A Perth music teacher, David Hicks, 34, has been charged with 10 additional offences after police identified two more alleged victims. The charges include indecently dealing with a child over 13 and under 16, producing child exploitation material and using a listening device to record private conversations. Police allege that child exploitation material was found on electronic devices when they raided his home in Perth's north in September. Mr Hicks taught music at private schools across Perth and tutored outside school hours. He is due to appear in the Joondalup Magistrates Court on November 9.
