Council Update March 2020

Message from the Shire President

Unfortunately, the ongoing COVID-19 situation is overshadowing all else at present. The Shire is closely monitoring events as it rapidly evolves and we are receiving regular updates from government and adjusting our operations accordingly. With events and activities cancelled for the next couple of months our thoughts now are firmly on the protection and support of our local community and businesses. We acknowledge and accept that the next few months will be challenging, but – like all things – this too shall pass.

Fortunately, the Mingenew Races were able to take place before the event ban was brought into effect and – given that it might be our last event for a few months – it’s a good thing it was such an excellent day out. Credit must go to the Mingenew Turf Club, many volunteers, and Council staff who helped to make this happen.

Through this challenging period, we encourage you to look after each other and to source your information from reputable outlets and keep an eye on the Shire’s communications to stay abreast of what changes may be happening in the local community. We also ask that you try to support local businesses as much as possible through this difficult period. Mingenew is a resilient community and together we will see this challenge through.

– Cr Gary Cosgrove, Shire President

Roads

Sealing crews have completed works on the Coalseam Road in the week starting 23 March and work has already recommenced on the Mingenew-Mullewa Road. This will be sealed around Easter – weather permitting.

COVID-19

For details on Council’s response to the COVID-19 situation, please check our COVID-19 webpage.

Burning Permits

On 27 March 2020 the FES Commissioner of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services Gazetted the Bush Fire (Restricted Burning Times) Amendment Notice 2020 which places the southern half of the State of WA (including the Shire of Mingenew) back under Restricted Burning from 27 March 2020 to 30 April 2020. Please see our Fires and Emergencies page for details and request a permit for any burning activities.

Mosquito Activity

Following recent rain, Shire officers will be testing and treating standing water for mosquito larvae and fogging. If you are have issues with mosquitos at your property, please let the Shire know (visit the office, call 9928 1102 or email enquiries@mingenew.wa.gov.au) so that we can investigate and treat the issue.

Scrap Metal Clean-up

The Shire is arranging for the free pick-up and disposal of any unwanted or abandoned vehicles, machinery or scrap metal. They don’t just look untidy, they also make great homes for vermin and breeding sites for mosquitoes. If you have some at your place, contact our CDO Margaret Rowe (9928 1102 or cdo@mingenew.wa.gov.au) for more information and to arrange a pick-up.  (And if your neighbours have some, make sure they know about this service!)

 Land and Housing Audit

Council is conducting an audit of available (for sale or rent) housing and land in and around Mingenew. If you own a house or land which is vacant, your input would be incredibly valuable. You can complete the survey online (click here) or pick one up at our front counter.

Road Condition Reports

As the wet weather comes in, the Shire will update the status of its roads on its website (here) and Facebook page. You can also subscribe to be added to our text message service by completing the registration form at the Shire Office or downloading it from our Resources page.

We ask that – when it is wet – motorists avoid non-essential travel on our unsealed roads, as this can cause damage to our road network, and diverts resources away from our ongoing road improvement efforts.

We also note that the section of the Coalseam Road servicing the Coalseam Conservation Park is currently open to local traffic only. This decision was taken as part of the Shire’s closure of campgrounds in late March.

Council Meeting Review

The Council Meeting 18 March 2020.

It included the adoption of a range of recent Committee Meeting minutes.

• At our recent Local Emergency management Committee meeting we endorsed a proposal to seek funding for a new, larger fire shed.
• At our Audit and Risk Committee we endorsed our annual Compliance Audit Return, triennial Regulation 17 Audit and – topically – the Shire’s Business Continuity Plan

Council also:

• Endorsed (and gratefully accepted) the gifting of the Turf Club’s coolroom to the Shire. The coolroom will be available for hire along with the recreation centre and turf bar buildings; and
• Endorsed a proposed regional road network upgrade plan from Main Roads WA; the proposal includes over $20m of upgrades to a number of Mingenew’s key grain freight routes and will be utilised in discussions with the Federal Government to see funding.

On March 26, Council held a brief Special Meeting in order to endorse some extra-budgetary expenditure to upgrade the Shire’s IT environment. This was requested in order to support Shire staff who are now working from home as a result of the COVID-19 situation.

For all the details, you can check the minutes on the Shire website (click here).