ARCHITECTS have been appointed for the $2.1 million upgrade of Leeming Senior High School, which offers specialist science and Japanese programs. Appropriately, its science classrooms will get a big upgrade, as well as its art classrooms to support a thriving performing arts department.

MELVILLE council has launched a new community grants program for non-profits, small businesses and creative enterprises to help activate neighbourhood and economic hubs or build on their own sustainability. Applications will be accepted all year round or until the funds run dry. Mayor George Gear said the council was focused on encouraging participation. “Diversity is a key focus area when it comes to eligibility and grant guidelines – we would ideally look for events, activities or services that benefit a large and diverse group of people,” he said.

HARVEY BEACH’S jetty has been reopened after extensive repair works. Worn-through piles, decking and handrails were replaced, while the Fremantle Men’s Shed was rapt after scoring the left-over timber.

IT’S time for East Freo residents to consider ditching the elymus repens and transforming their verge into a little strip of Australiana. Under its proposed Waterwise Verge Policy, East Fremantle council wants residents to plant low-water native plants to keep the suburbs cooler and greener (which helps promote biodiversity). As part of its sustainability push, the council will also require pool owners to fit a cover so less precious water is evaporated. The council also has a new streetscape style guide out for consultation, which “encourages the use of the rights styles, colours, materials and treatments” within defined precincts to help maintain the feel of the area.

FREMANTLE council has beaten its long-term water savings targets by more than double. The city adopted a Water Conservation Strategy in 2014 with a target of 10 per cent savings, but through waterwise planting and hydro-zoning the city’s parks, it’s already slowed the meter by 20 per cent. Mayor Brad Pettitt said that’s been matched by a 5 per cent saving by the community. “Looking ahead we’re installing water efficient fixtures in the new Walyalup Civic Centre and we’re redesigning the irrigation system at the Fremantle Public Golf Course, which will result in ever greater water savings,” Dr Pettitt said.

Time to slow down in South Fremantle.

SPEED limits in a large area of Fremantle stretching from the port to South Beach are set to be reduced to 40kph. A committee of Fremantle council this week accepted a proposal to create a 40kmh speed zone in South Fremantle, covering all local roads west of Hampton Road. The new speed zone will adjoin an expanded 40 km/h zone covering the Fremantle city centre. Some distributor roads within the area will also have their speed limits reduced to 50 kmh, like South Street and Queen Victoria Street, while others, including Ord Street and Hampton Road, will retain their 60 kmh limit.The existing 30 kmh limit along Fremantle’s famous Cappuccino Strip will also be retained. The council has applied to Main Roads WA to make the change.