Mornings with Simon Beaumont

WA chief scientist Professor Peter Klinken and Aboriginal Elder Dr Noel Nannup joined Gareth Parker to discuss a campaign to preserve and heal WA's waterways.

Peter and Noel are Ni! Bilyada Waanginy or Listen! The Rivers are Speaking Ambassadors and the campaign is bringing Noongar Elders, scientists, artists, government representatives and other community leaders together for action to improve the state of WA waterways.

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Australian Medical Association President Dr Omar Khorshid says there are problems with Australia's road map to recovery from COVID-19. 

Dr Khorshid says we need a small level of social restrictions so if COVID-19 reemerges it does not run rife through the community.

"Are we still going to be completely isolated for years, is that really going to be acceptable for WA people?," he said. 

"Can we keep our borders perfect? The likelihood is that we can't, so lets put in a little bit more restrictions now and it would mean we can prepare for the long term fight?"

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Basil Zempilas will be sworn in as Perth's Lord Mayor this afternoon, but first he answered Gareth Parker's burning questions about how he will handle his new role. 

Basil explained his hopes and plans for the City and addressed the controversial Perth City Dining Hall, his new pay packet, the use of the mayoral car and driver and his ongoing media commitments. 

 

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Robbie Napper, senior lecturer of design at Monash University, says Australian cyclists place too much emphasis on sleek, fast, professional road bikes and not enough on practicality. 

Robbie told Gareth Parker more Australians would take up cycling and ride regularly if they purchased bikes that were more comfortable and could carry items such as shopping.

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Dogs' Refuge Home in Shenton Park is celebrating its 85th year in operation, President Karen Rhodes says the shelter survived on generous donations from the community. 

We also heard from Cliff - who adopted his Kelpie, Red, from the refuge 72 years ago.

 

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Deputy Police Commissioner Col Blanch joined Gareth Parker to discuss this week's massive drug bust and cash seizure, the 800 extra officers announced in the State Budget and an increased reward relating to a high profile murder.

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WA's Chief Mental Health Advocate Debora Colvin says the state's youth mental health service is in crisis and not enough is being done to improve the situation. 

The Mental Health Advocacy Service's annual report highlighted shortages with the level of service for young people suffering mental health issues. 

The report outlined some children were required to wait days in emergency departments for beds and sometimes left without even being admitted. 

Mrs Colin told Gareth Parker there was a large gap in service between initial support and serious mental health care for young people.  

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Gary Adshead describes a "ballistic" day at Parliament

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City of Fremantle is considering giving the owners of Clancy's Fish Pub a ten year free lease in exchange for fitting out a proposed pub in its controversial King's Square Development. 

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt explained the decision making process to Gareth Parker.

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6PR Mornings presenter Gareth Parker says Premier Mark McGowan is no longer following the health advice regarding the State's border closures. 

"If you think there is election politics involved, then I would agree with you," he said. 

Gareth also heard from WA business owners Kevin Williams and Larry Lopez about how the border ban is hurting their operations.

 

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