INFORMATION BROCHURE 2009/2010

ADMINISTRATION

Eaton Administration Centre – 1 Council Drive, Eaton

Telephone: 9724 0000  Facsimile: 9724 0091

Office Hours: 8.30 am to 4.30 pm – Monday to Friday

Cashier Hours 8.30 am to 4.00 pm – Monday to Friday

Dardanup Office – 3 Little Street, Dardanup

Telephone: 97281422  Facsimile: 97281082

Office Hours: 9.00 am to 4.30 pm – Monday to Friday

Library Hours 9.00am to 4.30pm - Monday to Friday

Cashier Hours: 9.00 am to 4.00 pm – Monday to Friday

Web Page – www.dardanup.wa.gov.au

Email – records@dardanup.wa.gov.au

ELECTED MEMBERS

Shire President – Cr B G (Brad) Day	9725 2725
Deputy Shire President - Cr A (Andy) van Dijk	9725 2122
Cr P A (Peter) Bass	9725 4608
Cr C N (Carmel) Boyce	9725 1116
Cr J E (John) Gardiner	9728 3049
Cr K (Keith) Hopper	9728 1066
Cr C G (Cecil) Mountford	9728 3011
Cr B A (Betty) Murfit	9726 3052
Cr F (Frank) Papalia	9726 3178
Cr N (Noeline) Anderson	9725 0357

 OFFICERS

Chief Executive Officer	Mr Mark L Chester
Manager Building Services	Mr Peter Black
Manager Corporate and Community Services	Mr Phillip Rowe
Manager Financial Services	Mr Stuart Eaton
Manager Health Services	Mr Tim Batt
Manager Planning Services	Mr Rober Quinn
Manager Recreation Centre	Mr Ben Jordan
Manager Technical Services	Mr Luke Botica

DEPARTMENT CONTACTS

Adminisration, Eaton	9724 0000
Administration, Dardanup	9728 1422
Engineering, Town Planning	9724 0055
Building, Health	9724 0046
Chief Executive Officer	9724 0006
Principal Works Supervisor	9728 1422
Parks & Gardens Supervisor	0407 195 871
Senior Ranger	0419 918 287
Ranger	0427 240 033
Youth Counsellor	0417 214 402
Eaton Recreation Centre	9724 1400
Eaton Community Library	9724 4466

1. LIBRARY SERVICE

EATON COMMUNITY LIBRARY

The Eaton Community Library is located adjacent to the Eaton Community Recreation Centre at Eaton Community College, 20 Recreation Drive, Eaton.

Phone: 9724 4466

Normal Opening Hours

8.00am to 5.30pm - Monday to Friday

9.00am to 1.00pm - Saturday

School Holiday Opening Hours

9.30am to 5.30pm - Monday to Friday

9.00am to 1.00pm - Saturday

Eaton Community Library Programs

• Storytime - every Tuesday and Friday at 10.00am for preschool children
• Better Beginnings - an initiative to promote reading with newborns
• Teen’s Book Club - Thursday 3.30pm to 4.30pm for children 9+ years who have a love of reading
• Adult Book Club - Meets second Monday of the month at 1.30pm. New members welcome
• Montessori Project - Children 0 – 6. Sessions Thursday and Saturday mornings 9.30 – 11.00am
• Holiday craft activities held during school holidays

For more information regarding any of these programs please contact the Library on 9724 4466

DARDANUP PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Dardanup Library is located in the Shire Office at 3 Little Street, Dardanup.

Phone: 9728 1422

Opening Hours

9.00am to 4.30pm - Monday to Friday

GENERAL INFORMATION

Both libraries provide a great book selection with new items arriving all the time. If the resources you require are not available then the items can be borrowed from other libraries within Western Australia.

Your library also provides access to photocopiers, computers and internet.

Patrons can access the libraries’ catalogues and the State Library catalogue through Council’s website at www.dardanup.wa.gov.au  Simply click the Library link and select the required search field. Patrons can search for favourite authors/topics and request resources from around the State.

Membership at both libraries is free however adequate proof of current address and an alternative contact person must be given before registration can be effected.

Exciting new information services are available to Patrons through State Library and your local libraries.

ONLINE DATABASE ACCESS

Free to registered Patrons in your own home

• • Encyclopaedia Britannica

    Health and Wellness Resource Centre

  • Novelist - book reviews, favourite authors and genres

  • Tumble Books for Kids

  • Australia New Zealand Reference Centre

  • EBSCO - Business Source Elite

All services have a wealth of information.

Patron membership is required for free online access at home through the State Library website.

Contact your local library for further information and details on how to access the databases. 

2. EATON RECREATION CENTRE

18 Recreation Drive, Eaton

Phone: 9724 1400  Facsimile: 9724 1433

Email: eatonrec@dardanup.wa.gov.au

Website: www.eatonrec.dardanup.wa.gov.au

The Eaton Recreation Centre offers a wide range of sport, fitness and recreation opportunities in one of the South West's leading facilities. The centre boasts 3 competition sized multi sports courts, a state of the art fitness centre, group fitness/multi purpose room, crèche, meeting rooms and cafe facilities.

The fitness centre offers membership packages to suit everyone’s needs and expectations, and all first timers can have a FREE 14 day trial pass to see just how great the centre is. For more information regarding prices, programs and services available, please contact the friendly and helpful staff at the centre or view our website at www.eatonrec.dardanup.wa.gov.au

Opening Hours

5.30am to 8.30pm - Monday to Friday (8.00pm Winter)

8.00am to 4.00pm - Saturday

9.00am to 1.00pm - Sunday & Public Holidays

Creche

 8.30am to 12noon - Monday to Friday (Closed Public Holidays)

3. BUILDING CONTROL

All buildings within the Shire are subject to the provisions of the Uniform Building Regulations and the requirements of the Council's Town Planning Scheme.  Permission must be obtained from the Council before commencing any new building, or alterations to an existing building.

The term "building" includes swimming pools, dwellings, sheds, pergolas, patios and retaining walls, etc. The requirements apply to rural as well as townsite areas.

4. MUNICIPAL RATES

Council rates are raised to make up the deficit in Council’s budget each year, after expected grants and fees & charges are estimated. Rates are calculated by multiplying the valuation of your property by the rate in the dollar for your area. Your valuation is set by Landgate Valuation Services and will either be a Gross Rental Valuation (GRV) which applies to properties zoned Residential, Small Holding, Commercial and Industrial or an Unimproved Valuation (UV) for all properties zoned Rural. Objections to valuations must be made in writing within 60 days of the issue of the notice to: Landgate Valuation Services, 6th Floor Bunbury Tower, 61 Victoria Street, Bunbury WA 6230. Forms for objections can be obtained from either of Council’s Offices.

INSTALMENTS

Rates may be paid either in full, on or before the due date or by 4 instalments. To be eligible to pay by the instalment option, the first instalment amount, including all arrears must be paid on or before the due date. The instalment option is subject to a $27.00 administration fee and a instalment interest calculated at 5.5% pa on each instalment for the period between the due date of the 1st instalment and the due date of each subsequent instalment. Please see your rates notice for the cost of the instalment option.

LATE PAYMENT INTEREST

Council has resolved that an annual interest charge of 11% be applied on all overdue rates, which will start accruing after the due date of annual rates, instalments and interim rates. Interest will continue to accrue until the outstanding amount is paid. Please note that the late payment penalty interest also applies to any alternative payment arrangements, inclusive of fortnightly Direct Debits.

OUTSTANDING RATES

Rate accounts that remain outstanding after the due date will be recovered with legal action. Where such action is instigated ALL costs incurred by Council and/or Council’s administration fee of $27.00 will be added to the outstanding rates balance. Ratepayers experiencing difficulty in paying rates and charges should contact Council’s Rates Section as soon as possible to discuss arrangements to avoid unnecessary legal action.

DIRECT DEBITS

Council offers fortnightly direct debit facilities for payment of rates. For details and an application form please contact Council’s Rates Section.

SENIORS & PENSIONERS

Persons who hold a Seniors Card, Commonwealth Health Seniors Card and/or Pension Concession Card may be eligible to claim a rebate of up to 50% on their rates and Emergency Services Levy, or be eligible to defer payment of their rates. Please see the reverse of your rates notice for more information, or contact Council’s Rates Section.

ACCEPTED PAYMENT METHODS

B Pay	24 hour TELEPHONE and INTERNET Payments.  Telephone via your financial institution.  Biller Code: 798843 Ref: Your assessment number in TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER of your rates notice Internet www.bpay.com.au
Credit Card	24 Hour with MasterCard and Visa Phone: 1300 276 468 Bill Code: 000121 Ref: Assessment number in TOP RIGHT HAND CORNER of account.
Websites	Internet via Shire of Dardanup www.dardanup.wa.gov.au or BPAY www.bpay.com.au  Follow payment instructions.
Mail	Make cheques payable to the Shire of Dardanup, crossed ‘Not Negotiable’ and post with remittance advice located at bottom of the rate notice to:  Shire of Dardanup, PO Box 7016, EATON WA 6232
In Person	At Council Offices with cash, cheque or Eftpos

5. FINES ENFORCEMENT

The Shire of Dardanup issues infringements for failing to comply with Local Government Legislation, Acts, Regulations and Council Local Laws.

In the event you are issued an infringement notice for Dog, Parking, Litter or Bush Fire Act offences and the fine remains unpaid after the due date for payment, the Shire of Dardanup will lodge the unpaid infringement with the Fines Enforcement Registry. Non-payment may result in your Drivers Licence or Vehicle Registration being suspended.

6. DOG CONTROL

Dog owners have responsibilities under the Dog Act and Regulations, as well as under Local Laws, particularly those in townsites where the welfare of other people could be more adversely affected. The main requirements are:

(i) No more than two dogs to be kept, unless approved by the Council.

(ii) All dogs three months and older must be registered.

The dog registration fees are:

(Certificate of sterilisation must be produced)

(iii) A current registration tag must be worn by the dog when it is in a public place.

(iv) The name address or contact details of the dog’s owner must be on, or attached, to the dog’s collar.

(v) Dogs must be held on a leash, no more than 2 metres in length, when in public places within townsites, except in areas that have been set aside by the Local Authority as "Dog Exercise Areas". The following areas have been designated as Dog Exercise Areas in the Shire of Dardanup:

• Eaton Townsite – Pratt Road, Reserve 24359. From the prolongation of Foster Street, North West to the Collie River Bridge. (between the hours of 5.00am until 10.00am)
• Pratt Road Part of Reserve 25417, From the prolongation of Hands Avenue, North East to the end of the Reserve (Watson Street) (All hours)
• Burekup Townsite – Sportsground, between the school ground & Gardiner Street. (Dogs not permitted on school grounds)
• Dardanup Townsite – Sportsground, Ferguson Road.
• Dogs must be kept under adequate control in dog exercise areas.

(vi) Dogs are not permitted in any shop, or on any school grounds or premises.

(vii) Before any dog can be registered it is necessary that the owners sign a declaration that the property is properly fenced, or is capable of containing the dog in some other way.

(viii) It is an offence to permit your dog to excrete in a public place. If this does occur, you are required to remove the excreta immediately.

(iv) For information on 'Restricted Breed' dogs, please contact the Ranger.

Owners who disregard their responsibilities are liable to prosecution, and/or the impounding of their animals at the registered Dog Pound. Please ring the Shire Ranger on 0419918287/0427 240 033 or 97281422 during weekdays to arrange for your animal to be released, and 0419918287 on weekends between 8am and 4pm.

Rangers are not rostered on 24 hours per day or on 24 hour call. The rangers work varying hours depending on the time of year and numerous other contingencies.

7. LITTER CONTROL

The Litter Act and Regulations provide substantial penalties (Minimum $200) for various offences, including:

(i) Depositing of litter/rubbish on reserves, vacant land or without permission by the owner of the land or water, unless in an approved area.

(ii) Breaking of glass, metal and earthenware on any land or water, unless on private property with the owner’s consent.

(iii) Placing of household rubbish in a public litter bin.

(iv) Allowing any part of a load to be insecure, uncovered or escape from a vehicle upon any road or in public space.

(v) Leaving or posting publicity material in a public place, on a motor vehicle or any place other than a letter box.

(vi) Disposal of cigarette butts contravenes the Litter Act, the Road Traffic Code and the Bushfire Act.

(vii) Abandoning supermarket trolleys outside the grounds of the shopping centre.

8. STRAYING STOCK

Ranger Services is available for the control of unattended livestock on roadsides and public reserves and for other duties as may be decided by Council.

Property owners are urged to take precautions to prevent their stock from escaping by ensuring that their fences are adequately maintained to be stock proof and suitable to confine the livestock/animals at all times. Failure to do so will lead to strong action being taken by Council.

They also risk the possibility of a substantial claim for damages should their stock be responsible for an accident or injury.

Ranger contact numbers are:  

9728 1422 (Office Hours)

0419 918 287

0427 240 033

                                                                                                                                                   

9. FIRE HAZARD REDUCTION & PREVENTION – FIREBREAKS

Please see the Firebreak Order brochure, which summarises your responsibility under the Bush Fires Act 1954.

Fire Prevention Work must be completed by 30th November of each year and maintained until the close of the Restricted Burning Period

10. FIRE EMERGENCY

For all fire emergencies, please dial "000" in the first instance and give full details of the incident to the operator.

The Fire Control Officer for the area must be advised of any fire emergency. All property owners should acquaint themselves of the area in which they reside and record the phone numbers for fire emergency purposes. A list of Fire Control Officers, and contact telephone numbers are included in the Firebreak Order brochure.

Burning Permits must be obtained from the local Fire Control Officer during the Restricted Period.

11. RUBBISH REMOVAL AND RECYCLING SERVICE

Council provides a weekly service for the collection of household rubbish and a fortnightly collection for recyclable materials within the townsites of Dardanup, Burekup and Eaton, and also Padbury Fields, Copplestone and Hynes Road small holding areas.

For residents of the townsites of Eaton, Burekup and Dardanup, Council provides a Green waste and Hard waste Collection each financial year.

• Hard Waste - 10 to 14 August 2009
• Green Waste - 12 to 16 October 2009

The collection dates for both the hard waste and green waste collections are shown on your Recycling Calendar which is posted to each household and advertised in the Shire Newsletter.

Waste should be placed on the verge prior to 7.00am on Monday of the collection week. Further information regarding the collections and conditions will be publicised prior to the collection dates.

12. LANDFILL WASTE DISPOSAL FEES

Disposal fees have increased from July 2009 due to rising disposal and transport costs.

• Wheelie Bin (240L) $ 2.00
• Single Axle Trailer or Small Ute $15.00
• Dual Axel Trailer or Large Ute $18.00
• General Disposal Rate $43.00 per ton
• Green Waste Disposal $10.00 per trailer

Fees are being charged for green waste disposal as the Shire is no longer permitted to burn green waste from 2010.  The disposal fee is structured to cover the cost of mulching.

Regular users of the site may purchase tip passes from either Dardanup or Eaton administration offices.

13. REFUSE DISPOSAL SITE

The Shire’s Refuse Disposal Site is located at Banksia Road, off Depiazzi Road, Dardanup.

The waste disposal site is open 7 days a week, excluding Christmas, Boxing and Good Friday, from 8.00am to 4.00pm.

The direct contact telephone number for the waste disposal site is 0408 334 097.

Opening times and days are being reveiwed and may be subject to change.

14. RECYCLING DROP OFF CENTRE

Recyclable items may be dropped off at the Recycling Yard or at the recycling station at the waste site, FREE of charge. Items such as whitegoods, glass, paper, cardboard, batteries, all metals, furniture, building materials and much more, may be accepted. Many of these items will be offered for resale. Contact the Shire for more details.

15.  ASBESTOS MATERIAL

ASBESTOS IS NO LONGER ACCEPTED AT THE SHIRE LANDFILL

Material containing asbestos may be disposed of at the Bunbury Harvey Regional Council landfill site at Stanley Road, Australind or to private landfill sites.

16. TOWN PLANNING

The whole of the Dardanup Shire is covered by Town Planning Schemes that control land use and development. The Schemes set out zones where residential, industrial, commercial, rural and small holding development can occur. The scheme maps and text, and other town planning documents are available for public viewing at our Eaton office.

There are many restrictions placed on land use and development within the Shire and therefore prospective developers should make enquiries to our Planning Department before purchasing land, finalising plans or commencing development.

17. TOWNSITE STREET VERGES

Council has a policy relating to treatment of street verges. A copy of the policy should be obtained prior to any planting of vegetation or the placing of any obstructions (eg. rockeries).

Council supports the landscaping of street verges by adjoining property owners, but permission must be obtained before planting trees/shrubs, or the placing of any obstruction such as rocks, logs, etc.

18. ROAD VERGE MAINTENANCE

It is the Council’s policy to preserve roadside vegetation. Unrestricted burning of roadsides is no longer permitted.

Approval to burn is required from a Fire Control Officer, and approval for chemical spraying is required from the Shire.

Tree planting by property owners is encouraged but to ensure that Council’s policies are complied with, it is necessary that approval be obtained before any plantings take place.

19. DRIVEWAY CROSSOVERS

The Council has a scheme to assist with the cost of providing an entrance driveway across street and road verges. Property owners should contact the Shire Office before commencing or arranging installation of a crossover. No subsidy is available for any crossover that has been provided without Council’s prior approval.

20. COUNCIL MEETINGS

All meetings of Council are open to the public and interested persons are invited to attend and observe proceedings. The public have the opportunity to ask the council questions relevant to the meeting agenda both at the start and at the end of the meeting.

Ordinary meetings of Council are held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month commencing at 4.30 pm. The first meeting in each month is held at Dardanup and the second meeting at Eaton. Changes to dates, times and venues will be publicised.

Copies of Council minutes are available for public inspection at the Eaton and Dardanup Offices, the Burekup and Dardanup Post Offices, Libraries and the Shire of Dardanup website www.dardanup.wa.gov.au

21. HOME AND COMMUNITY CARE

Home & Community Care (HACC) provides services to assist the aged, people with a disability and also their carers to enable them to stay living in their homes and community longer. The service is jointly funded by the Commonwealth & State governments. Home maintenance, gardening, domestic assistance, transport, respite & social support services are available.

If you feel you could benefit from any of these services, please contact Capel/Dardanup HACC on 9725 0577, or visit in person at 2 Albatross Crescent, Eaton and one of our helpful staff will call to your home and discuss your needs.

Council has implemented a Disability Services Plan for the Shire and encourages community input into the contingency development of the Plan. Copies of the Plan are available upon request.

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE