Published on Thursday, 29 January 2026 at 5:04:45 PM
News from the Shire of Dardanup Council Meeting on Wednesday, 28 January 2026
From the Shire President Cr Tyrrell Gardiner:
A number of significant strategic, planning and infrastructure matters progressed at the Shire of Dardanup’s first Ordinary Council Meeting of 2026, with all items supported unanimously. Below is an overview of the decisions shaping the Shire’s direction for the year ahead.
Updated Advocacy Plan and Strategic Community Projects adopted
The Shire’s major advocacy documents received their annual update, ensuring priorities stay aligned with emerging growth opportunities. The revised Advocacy Plan and Strategic Community Projects outline key initiatives such as the Wanju transmission line relocation, Waterloo Intermodal Terminal, Charterhouse housing development, Dardanup water supply upgrades, and regional recreation and community precinct upgrades. Together, these strategies strengthen the Shire’s position when seeking external investment for major infrastructure, housing, and community projects.
Local Planning Policy endorsed for public consultation
An updated version of Local Planning Policy SDev CP505, governing public consultation requirements for planning matters, was endorsed for community advertising. The review clarifies when consultation is required, strengthens guidance for Development Assessment Panel applications, and streamlines processes to balance transparency with statutory timeframes. Advertising the draft marks the next step toward adopting the refined policy under Local Planning Scheme No. 9.
New road names approved for Dardanup West subdivision
As part of a new 22‑lot subdivision on Padbury Road, a fresh local road name has been selected: Paddys Place, with McHugh Court endorsed as an alternative. Both names honour the Garvey family, early settlers with longstanding ties to the locality. Extensions of Killarney Road and Summerhill Drive were also supported, ensuring continuity within the existing road network before the naming request proceeds to Landgate’s Geographical Names Committee.
Land acquisition to formalise Collie River Road alignment
A long‑standing land anomaly involving a section of Collie River Road and associated stormwater drainage infrastructure has moved toward resolution. A portion of privately owned Lot 8 will now be acquired by the Shire to bring the road fully into the public reserve, along with the creation of a formal drainage easement. This ensures the Shire can maintain and upgrade the assets without restrictions and addresses a legacy issue dating back to the original road construction.
Ratcliffe Road extension supported for dedication
A request will now be made to the Minister for Lands to dedicate a section of Forest Reserve 25 as road reserve, enabling Ratcliffe Road to formally extend through to a private property. The proponent has already upgraded the former access track to a local access rural (gravel) road standard and undertaken surveying at their own cost. Public advertising and agency consultation resulted in no objections, allowing the dedication process to progress.
Henty Road widening tender awarded
Following a competitive public tender process, Fulton Hogan Industries Pty Ltd has been selected to deliver the Henty Road Widening Project. Works will include widening to a 7.2‑metre seal, shoulder sealing, and the installation of audible edge and centre lines to enhance safety. The project is fully funded through the Australian Black Spot Program State and Federal road safety programs and is expected to commence shortly, with delivery targeted before mid‑2026, depending on contractor availability
Eaton Sports Pavilion – 2025 usage report received
The annual usage report highlighted strong community engagement at the Eaton Sports Pavilion and Glen Huon Oval throughout 2025. The facility supported club training, home fixtures, public events, private functions, and Shire‑run activities. The pavilion saw steady use throughout the year, with the Eaton Boomers Football Club among several regular users, alongside community programs, school holiday activities and events such as the South West Rose Society’s annual show.
Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee – transition underway
New legislative reforms commencing 1 January 2026 require all local governments to replace traditional Audit Committees with Audit, Risk and Improvement Committees. As part of these changes, the Shire will recruit an independent Presiding Member and independent Deputy Presiding Member. A revised committee charter has been supported to guide the transition, with the recruitment process to commence via an Expressions of Interest call.
Annual Electors Meeting
The Shire also held its Annual Electors Meeting after the OCM, where the Annual Report 2024/25 was officially adopted. For more information on this click here.
For more Council Meeting outcomes, please click here.
Media contact: Tahnia Creedon, Coordinator Communications and Marketing | tahnia.creedon@dardanup.wa.gov.au | 0436 942 509.
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