Published on Wednesday, 3 April 2024 at 3:41:39 PM

News from the Shire of Dardanup Council Meeting on Wednesday, 27 March 2024

From the Shire President Cr Tyrrell Gardiner:

Final Council Meeting in old chambers

The Shire of Dardanup held its final meeting in the old chambers last night, commemorating 26 years in the Council Drive building.

Former Shire President and Honorary Freeman Mick Bennett shared a few of the highlights during his tenure in the building, which opened in 1998.

Around 700 Ordinary Council Meetings have been held in the chambers, as well as countless other meetings.

It’s definitely the end of an era, but we are grateful for the opportunity we have in the new Library, Administration and Community Building, which opened to the public last week.

Adoption of Advocacy and Strategic Plans

Council adopted the Shire’s Advocacy and Strategic Plans for engagement that identify strategic initiatives and projects to advance the community.

In 2020, the Shire developed a 2050 Vision to guide the future development of the Shire and has been working towards implementing this vision.

The Advocacy and Strategic Plans also promote regional development and are aligned with the priorities of the other 12 councils in the south-west zone and Bunbury Geographe.

Council will engage consultants to assist in building and strengthening relationships with key stakeholders in the State and Federal Government to progress the Shire’s advocacy objectives by securing relevant funding.

Community Safety and Crime Prevention Plan 2023-2028

Council will seek community input for its Community Safety and Crime Prevention Plan 2023-2028 in April.

The draft plan has been largely informed by community consultation undertaken during July-October 2023 with feedback received from key stakeholders including, WA Police.

More information on the public input will be promoted via the Shire’s key communications platforms, including its website, enewsletter, printed articles, advertising and newsletters plus social media.
 

Community and Event Grants Round 2 2023-2024

Applications for Round 2 of the Shire’s Community and Event Grants 2023/2024 were last night approved by Council.

Council allocated $26,598 to Community Grants for 2023/2024 and $10,000 to Minor Community Event Assistance.

These grants are aimed at providing financial support to community groups and organisations that promote the Shire as a positive, supportive and caring community.

Pratt Road Bore

Council last night endorsed the Shire’s bid to apply for State Government funding to support the construction of a new Yarragadee Irrigation Production Bore to improve water quality.

The grant application was today submitted to the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) Community Sport and Recreation Facility Fund (CSRFF) for the bore, which is currently planned in the Shire’s 2023-2024 scheduled works. The grant would support 50% of the project cost, which is estimated at $434,747.

The current Leederville bore water contains high levels of iron, which causes excessive brown staining of the Shire’s infrastructure and turf on Eaton Oval and the foreshore surrounds.

Transfer of Crown Land reserves under South West Native Title Settlement

Council acknowledged the transfer of unallocated Crown Land reserves on Wellington Mill Road to the Noongar People as part of the South West Native Title Settlement.

The officer recommendation was passed with the addition of historical information regarding previous use with one of the lots, which was the site of the former hospital for Wellington Mill during its heyday as a bustling sawmill town with a population of about 800.

Additional details emerged during the meeting, shedding light on an access track and water pipes that traverse one of the lots, alongside revelations that the State Government had previously extended an offer to adjoining landholders for the purchase of these lots, an offer that was withdrawn.

This process is driven by the State Government’s Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, which requested Council consider the proposed transfer and provide advice to the department.

For more information on the Council Meeting outcomes, please click here.

At the last Shire of Dardanup Council meeting held in the old chambers are (front, from left) CEO André Schönfeldt, former Shire President and now Honorary Freeman Mick Bennett and Shire President Cr Tyrrell Gardiner, (back, from left) Cr Jack Manoni, Cr Annette Webster, Cr Mark Hutchinson, Cr Stacey Gillespie, Cr Taneta Bell, Cr Luke Davies. Absent for photo: Cr Tony Jenour.

Media contact: Tahnia Creedon, Communications Officer | tahnia.creedon@dardanup.wa.gov.au | 0436 942 509.

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