ABC South West

12/06/2025

Shoppers are warned Australian seafood prices will rise under plans to prevent commercial fishing in millions of hectares of ocean announced by the federal government at a UN conference this week.

Choose your news on the ABC NEWS app and stay in the know https://ab.co/abcnewsapp

Shoppers are warned Australian seafood prices will rise under plans to prevent commercial fishing in millions of hectares of ocean, announced by the federal government at a UN conference this week.

12/06/2025

Environment Minister Murray Watt flags possible delays to Woodside’s response to his provisional approval of an extension to the the controversial North West Shelf project.

Choose your news on the ABC NEWS app and stay in the know https://ab.co/abcnewsapp

Environment Minister Murray Watt flags possible delays to Woodside’s response to his provisional approval of an extension to the the controversial North West Shelf project.

12/06/2025

While existing properties can remain, the City of Busselton's decision bans all future unhosted short-stay accommodation from residential areas of the popular coastal WA region.

Choose your news on the ABC NEWS app and stay in the know https://ab.co/abcnewsapp

While existing properties can remain, the City of Busselton's decision bans all future unhosted short-stay accommodation from residential areas of the popular coastal WA region.

12/06/2025

Should short-stay rentals stay or go?

Un-hosted holiday homes will no longer be permitted in certain parts of Dunsborough, Busselton, Vasse and Yalyalup under changes to the local planning policy.

The City of Busselton says it's to make sure there is enough permanent housing left for the community in the popular tourist region.

The changes adopted in last night's council meeting will limit short-stay accommodation to existing tourism hotspots.

The City's Director of Community Planning, Gary Barbour says holiday homes won't be permitted in some residential and future growth areas.

Speaking on ABC South West Breakfast with Stan Shaw, Mr Barbour was asked about the issues around short-stay accomodation.

"The community was telling us there was quite a few issues," said Mr Barbour.

"They range from the amenity impacts – when people are on holidays, they generally like to have a good time- that can be disruptive if your got to get up early for work and things like that and you’ve got people next door to you constantly partying that can be quite disruptive."

Mr Barbour was asked if further changes to the policy will be expected.

"It's certainly something that the council really grappled with, whether to actually introduce a ban and say we won’t allow them anymore," said Mr Barbour.

"I think what they have ended up coming up with is a pretty reasonable balance that allows it in areas where it is appropriate."

🎧Listen to the full interview: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/southwestwa-breakfast/breakfast/105392568

12/06/2025

WARNING: This story contains the name and image of an Indigenous person who has died.

Symerien Brooking was just 10 when she died at Perth Children's Hospital last August — and her devastated parents are still searching for answers about how it happened.

Choose your news on the ABC NEWS app and stay in the know https://ab.co/abcnewsapp

Symerien Brooking was just 10 when she died at Perth Children's Hospital last August — and her devastated parents are still searching for answers about how it happened.

11/06/2025

Bunbury Detectives are trying to find 41-year-old Dennis Berry, and are seeking public information on his whereabouts.

Police believe Mr Berry may be able to assist with an ongoing investigation.

Mr Berry is described as 175cm tall, of slim build with blonde hair and blue eyes.

He is known to frequent the Carey Park area.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

11/06/2025

More than half of West Australian households consider their housing unaffordable, an increase of 91 per cent in just two years, according to a new report from the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre.

Choose your news on the ABC NEWS app and stay in the know: https://ab.co/abcnewsapp

More than half of West Australian households consider their housing unaffordable, an increase of 91 per cent in just two years, according to a new report from the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre.

11/06/2025

The City of Bunbury is proposing a 6.5 per cent property rate increase as it prepares its 2025/26 budget.

In addition to a recommended 5.5 per cent increase, a further 1 per cent will be added to boost services at the Withers Library and expand ranger resources.

The proposed rate increase follows a pledge from Bunbury councillors to return higher services to Withers Library.

In May, Councillors unanimously agreed to spend $300,000 on a new operating model at the library after community backlash saved it from closure earlier this year.

Bunbury Mayor, Jaysen Miguel, says council also voted to move from a general rate to a differential rate system at its meeting on Tuesday night.

"So council has determined that we'll look at differential rates and we'll adopt that, but if that is the case, it would be a more even split of a rate increase across all properties, rather than having one particular sector paying more than another sector," he says.

The City of Bunbury is expected to adopt its 2025/26 annual budget on July 29.

11/06/2025

An orphaned dingo pup that survived on a truckie's iced coffee grew to take a special place in Bunbury residents' hearts.

Choose your news on the ABC NEWS app and stay in the know: https://ab.co/abcnewsapp

An orphaned dingo pup that survived on a truckie's iced coffee grew to take a special place in Bunbury residents' hearts.

11/06/2025

: A blistering audit finds the government agency tasked with managing Western Australia's water is "not doing anywhere near enough" to protect the resource amid a drying climate.

Choose your news on the ABC NEWS app and stay in the know: https://ab.co/abcnewsapp

A blistering audit finds the government agency tasked with managing Western Australia's water is "not doing anywhere near enough" to protect the resource amid a drying climate.

11/06/2025

WA Health has announced this week that Donnybrook and Capel’s drinking water supply have been fluoridated, joining 94 per cent of the state already accessing it.

A 2016 Department of Health study found that children in un-fluoridated areas of the South West were more likely to experience poor dental health compared to those in with fluoridated water metropolitan areas.

WA's Chief Health Officer Dr Andy Robertson told Stan Shaw on ABC South West Breakfast that it was a very safe way to improve oral health.

“It works by preventing dental caries – we get cavities and they contribute to other diseases including some heart cardiovascular diseases and even rheumatoid arthritis.”

In 2018, a WA Heath survey of households in Bunbury, Dalyellup and Capel found about half of the population agreed with fluoridation of their water supply.

“There is more work in this space but in that same study it also showed that only about 20 per cent were opposed and around 30 per cent were unsure.” Dr Robertson said.

“We need to continue education in this space.”

🎧Listen to the full interview: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/southwestwa-breakfast/breakfast/105390788

11/06/2025

Strawberry sunrise 🌅😍

Stan Shaw regularly receives photos of stunning sunrises during ABC South West Breakfast so it'd be selfish of us not to share them! Post your sunrise photos 👇

This morning's sunrise was extra special with the presence of a "Strawberry Moon", so named because it marked the strawberry harvesting season for Native Americans.

Matt Woods from the Perth Observatory told Stan Shaw it also coincides with the northern hemisphere's summer solstice.

"It's also caused the honeymoon as well," said Mr Woods.

"What would actually happen in medieval Europe the couples when they marry would for a month drink mead made from honey... and in North America June is the best time to have a wedding because of the warmer weather."

Phil Smith from Bunbury witnessed the Strawberry Moon this morning.

"It was a magnificent moon set, full moon and of course at the same time the sun was coming up with a magnificent sunrise so what a morning," said Mr Smith.

Did you see it? Post your Strawberry Moon and sunrise photos below 👇