Speed Limits Scrapped and Property Prices Surge: Perth's Top Stories This Week

Perth locals are celebrating after plans to introduce sweeping 40 km/h speed limits across the city were scrapped. The proposal had drawn significant community pushback, with residents and motorists alike voicing concerns about the practicality and impact on traffic flow across suburban streets. Former West Coast Eagles player and prominent road safety commentator also entered the debate, publicly going to war over the rule in what has become one of the more spirited local conversations this week.

The decision to abandon the plans is being widely seen as a win for everyday Perth drivers who argued the blanket limit was unnecessary in areas already deemed safe. Authorities have not yet indicated whether a revised proposal may be put forward in the future, but for now, drivers can breathe a little easier. Read more at 7News Perth

Authorities have launched a new search for missing man Gus Lamont, reigniting public concern over a case that has gripped the Perth community. Details surrounding his disappearance remain limited, but the renewed effort signals investigators are pursuing fresh leads. Separately, a home in the metropolitan area was also struck by gunfire this week, adding to a broader sense of unease across parts of the city.

Both incidents have dominated headlines and social media discussion, with locals urging anyone with information on the Lamont case to come forward to police. The searches are ongoing and updates are expected in the coming days. Read more at 7News WA

Heavy rain lashing northern South Australia has caused significant flooding that has cut the East-West rail corridor — a critical freight and passenger link connecting Perth to the eastern states. The disruption is expected to have flow-on effects for supply chains, with freight operators already scrambling to find alternative transport solutions.

Closer to home, Perth itself has also been bracing for wet weather, with heavy rainfall forecast to continue. The Bureau of Meteorology has warned residents in low-lying areas to monitor conditions closely. While Collie and surrounds have reported wet but manageable conditions, the broader impact on WA's rail infrastructure is a developing story worth watching. Read more on Reddit r/Perth

Western Australia continues to be the standout performer in Australian property, with regional WA markets leading the national pack according to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures. The data confirms that WA has the fastest population growth in the country, fuelling demand for housing and driving prices upward across both metropolitan Perth and regional centres.

Agents and analysts alike are pointing to strong interstate migration, a robust resources sector, and relative affordability compared to Sydney and Melbourne as key drivers of the boom. For buyers, the window may be narrowing — but for property owners across the state, the numbers make for excellent reading. Read more at PerthNow

In another sign of WA's booming property landscape, farmland prices across the state are on the cusp of cracking the $10,000-per-hectare mark — a historic milestone driven by another year of nation-leading price growth. Demand from both domestic agricultural investors and international buyers has been particularly strong, with WA's agricultural sector buoyed by solid commodity prices and reliable export markets.

Industry observers note that WA farmland remains competitively priced compared to eastern Australian equivalents, even as values climb. If current trajectories hold, the $10,000-per-hectare threshold could be breached within months, cementing WA's status as Australia's hottest agricultural investment destination. Read more at Business News

The Bullabulling Gold Project in Western Australia has received a major financial shot in the arm, with Franco-Nevada announcing a A$220 million financing package with Minerals 260. The deal includes a A$50 million equity subscription, signalling strong international confidence in WA's gold sector at a time when gold prices remain elevated globally.

Bullabulling, located in the Goldfields region, is considered one of the more promising undeveloped gold deposits in the country. This level of investment not only highlights the enduring appeal of WA as a mining destination but is also expected to generate significant local employment and economic activity in the region as the project moves toward development. Read more at The Globe and Mail

That is your wrap-up of the biggest stories hitting Perth this week — from road rules and rainfall to record-breaking property prices and gold-backed billions. As always, Perth never has a dull moment. Stay dry, stay informed, and we will see you next week.