A Special Meeting of Council is to be held at 5:00pm on Tuesday, 5 July 2022 in the Council Chambers in accordance with Regulation 12(3) of the Local Government (Administration) Regulations 1996.

 

The purpose of this meeting will be to consider the appointment of a CEO based on recommendation from the CEO Recruitment Panel and to confirm the employment contract for the Temporary CEO, Mr Maurice Battilana. To ensure appropriate confidentiality is maintained during the recruitment process, as per Clause 14 of the Standards, the meeting will be closed to members of the public in accordance with s.5.23(2)(a)and (c).

 

Minutes of the meeting will be available from the Shire’s website www.mingenew.wa.gov.au/minutes.

 

Please contact Erin Greaves, Governance and Community Manager on 9928 1102 / 0477 287 144 or email governance@mingenew.wa.gov.au.

An Annual General Meeting of Electors is scheduled to be held on Monday, 7 February 2022 in the Council Chambers, 21 Victoria Street, Mingenew, commencing at 5:30pm.

 

The purpose of the meeting and order of business for matters to be discussed at the meeting are firstly, the contents of the 2020/21 Annual Report and then any other general business.

 

A copy of the 2020/21 Annual Report is available for download here, from the Shire Administration at 21 Victoria Street, Mingenew, or by emailing governance@mingenew.wa.gov.au.

 

Questions from Electors are welcome and may be submitted in advance to ensure a timely and accurate response can be provided.

 

For further information please contact the Shire on (08)9928 1102.

Date of Issue:                    19 October 2021

Closing Date & Time:       9am Monday, 29 November 2021

Lodgement Address:       governance@mingenew.wa.gov.au

More Information:          2021 Community Cropping Leases EOI Information Pack

Background and Overview

The Rifle Range Reserve and Airport Reserve have historically been leased by the Shire to local community groups to be managed and cropped as a fundraiser for those clubs/groups. The Rifle Range Reserve is currently leased by the Mingenew Football Club and the Airport Reserve is leased jointly by the Mingenew Turf Club and Mingenew Sports Club. No fees have been charged for the lease of these reserves.

The leases are due to expire on 15 December 2021 and Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are now sought from local community groups interested in taking on the cropping leases (default term 5 years with extension option). The purpose of seeking EOIs is to ensure the process is open, transparent and allows Council to make an informed decision that is in the best interest of the community, without fear or favour.

Current lessees have an opportunity to confirm their interest, capacity and demonstrate community benefit, and may support their submission with existing management plans / arrangements by completing the EOI or by providing a written submission that extends upon previous correspondence provided to the Shire in regard to the group’s future plans for the cropped area.

The Shire recognises the many contributions made by the current lessees in managing the leases, with a large portion of funds going back into infrastructure and activities that benefit their organisations and the wider community.

Alternative models will be considered if the proposals can demonstrate financial viability, responsible management of the land and positive community outcomes.

Community groups may collaborate and submit a joint submission, but sufficient information must be provided outlining how the partnership will be managed and should include a letter of support endorsed by the relevant parties.

Submissions that demonstrate an understanding of their organisation, their ability to manage the lease, sound land management practices and offer viable benefits to the community will be considered more highly than writing style and quantity of content.

The Vision

The Shire’s Vision as outlined in its Strategic Community Plan 2019-2029 is “Mingenew Shire is a safe, inclusive and connected community with a thriving local economy that provides opportunity for all to succeed.”

To that end, we will preference applications which are aligned with the Strategic Community Plan’s goals and values. This will include (but not be limited to) proposed uses which support:

• The provision of buildings, facilities and services to meet community needs
• Development of healthcare and recreation services for all the community to ensure the well-being and health of all age groups within the community
• Community volunteers to maximise impact of their contributions
• Continuing programs to improve the look and feel of the community public spaces, places and services to support an active and inclusive lifestyle

 Lessee Obligations

In relation to the leased area, lease holders will be responsible for:

• caring for and cropping the land efficiently to maximise community benefit
• installing and maintaining firebreaks in accordance with the Shire’s Annual Firebreak Notice
• control of noxious weeds and vermin
• identifying and protecting any rare and endangered species
• maintaining all boundary and internal fencing to a satisfactory condition (where applicable)
• holding adequate insurance to cover loss, damage or injury as a result of managing the land
• maintain a safe work area for their volunteers/members to operate within
• any other obligations that may be outlined and agreed to in a lease agreement

NOTE: Council will be establishing a more formal lease agreement for leasing these properties to ensure responsible management of the land and sustainable farming practices are used to benefit current and future users.

Your Submission

The application will be assessed according to:

• Alignment with Community Strategic Plan and/or your organisation’s goals
• Experience and capacity for applicant to responsibly manage the land/crop
• Risk Management planning

Proposals outside this scope will be considered but will need to include sufficient information to support the alternative model whilst meeting the strategic objectives. Note that the statutory disposal by lease process (that a local government must follow) differs for charitable purposes and business ventures. Please contact the Shire if you are considering an EOI for a commercial purpose.

The Shire reserves the right not to accept any or all submissions.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM

Making an Enquiry or Submission

Any enquiries, regarding the Expression of Interest process, including requests to inspect the property, should be directed to Erin Greaves, Governance and Community Manager:

T: (08)9928 1102

E: governance@mingenew.wa.gov.au

Submissions can be emailed to the above address, posted to PO Box 120, Mingenew WA 6522 or delivered by hand to 21 Victoria Street, Mingenew WA 6522.

Expressions of Interest will be received up to 9.00 am Monday, 29 November 2021.

Nominations are called for the Local Government Extraordinary Election to be held Monday, 13 December 2021 to fill the remaining (one) 4-year term vacancy, after insufficient nominees were received in the 2021 Ordinary Election.

 

Any person who is an Australian Citizen over the age of 18 years, who is an elector of the district and is not disqualified under the Local Government Act 1995, may nominate for Council.

 

Nominations for all vacancies open on Monday 1 November 2021

 

Nominations close at 4.00pm Monday 8 November 2021

 

NOMINATION REQUIREMENTS

Candidates are required to lodge with the RETURNING OFFER;

• A completed nomination form in the prescribed form, signed & witnessed. This form is available from the Shire of Mingenew, 21 Victoria Street, Mingenew or on our website.
• Complete the online Local Government Candidate Induction available at https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/local-government/local-governments/council-elections/induction-for-prospective-candidates (reference number from completed induction is to be included on the nomination form)
• A single A4 page profile containing not more than 800 characters of biographical information about the proposed candidate and statements of the candidate’s policies or beliefs
• A nomination deposit of $80 (cash, postal order or bank cheque)
• A recent passport size photograph (optional)

 

When an agent lodges a nomination on a candidate’s behalf, it must be in the prescribed form with a written authorisation, signed by the candidate.

 

The documents may be hand delivered to 21 Victoria Street Mingenew, posted to PO Box 120 Mingenew or emailed to the Returning Officer at enquiries@mingenew.wa.gov.au and must be received by the close of nominations. Further information is available at www.mingenew.wa.gov.au/elections/.

 

Nils Hay
Chief Executive Officer (Returning Officer)

A Special Meeting of Council is to be held at 5:30pm on Wednesday, 20 October 2021 in the Council Chambers in accordance with Regulation 12(3) of the Local Government (Administration) Regulations 1996.

The purpose of this meeting will be to:

• Swear in new Elected Members in accordance with s.2.29 of the Local Government Act 1995
• Conduct the Election for the positions of Shire President and Deputy President in accordance with s.5.12 and Schedule 2.3 of the Local Government Act 1995; and
• Appoint Council delegates to Committees and representatives for external Committees and groups.

The Agenda is available from the Shire’s website www.mingenew.wa.gov.au/council-agendas/.

 

Nils Hay
Chief Executive Officer

Resealing of the full length of Phillip Street and construction of new (redesigned) car parking in front of the Silver Chain and Day Care Centre/Playgroup is anticipated to commence on Tuesday, 28 September 2021. The timing is to coincide with school holidays so as to minimise any impact the works might have on the Primary School and Day Care Centre, although we do recognise that this will affect some services and residents.

 

Phillip Street, from Shenton Street to the Bowling Club, is expected to be closed in the first week of works (28 September – 1 October) which will mean road access to the Rec Centre will need to occur off Midlands Road.

 

The second week may require a partial closure of Phillip Street, between Shenton Street to Victoria Street, with traffic being restricted to a single lane at times as sealing works take place. These works are currently scheduled for Wednesday 6 October. The road will be sealed in sections, meaning that detours will change throughout the day.

 

Carparks at the Rec Centre, Museum/Shire and near the public toilets are also being resealed and there may be short-term closures of these areas between 5-7 October 2021. Updates will be provided closer to the date of works.

 

Access to the Silver Chain, Autumn Centre and Day Care building will be possible and parking can still occur on the north side of Phillip Street, however this will be limited during road sealing and carpark construction from 6-8 October. Please ensure you follow all safety signage and travel through the area with caution.

 

See our Facebook page and the website for any updates, as scheduling is dependent on contractor availability.

 

This project is fully funded through the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

 

Contact the Shire on (08)9928 1102 should you have any queries or concerns.

 

 

Nils Hay

Chief Executive Officer

You may be eligible to be enrolled to vote in the local government ordinary election on Saturday 16 October 2021 if you are an owner and/or occupier of rateable property in the Shire of Mingenew.

Residents

You are automatically enrolled to vote if you are on the State Electoral Roll as at 5.00 pm on Friday, 27 August 2021 (close of enrolments). If you are not already on the State Electoral Roll and meet the eligibility criteria, or if you have changed address recently, you must complete an enrolment form online at https://www.elections.wa.gov.au/enrol-vote.

Non-Resident Owners and Occupiers

All residents in a local government district who are enrolled on the State Electoral Roll are automatically enrolled on the corresponding local government roll. People who reside outside of the Shire but own property in the Shire or occupy property within the local government but are not enrolled for that property on the State Electoral Roll can apply to their local government to be included on the roll as an owner/occupier, as long as they are eligible electors. A body corporate may apply to have up to two eligible nominees to be included on the owner/occupier roll.

All eligible electors are allowed to vote once in any district for which they are enrolled. If a person lives within one district and owns or occupies property in a different district, then they may be entitled to a vote in both areas provided they are enrolled for those addresses. To obtain further information or to enroll as an owner/occupier, contact the Shire or visit our website at https://mingenew.wa.gov.au/elections/.

Please contact the Shire office on (08) 99281102 or email governance@mingenew.wa.gov.au to check your eligibility for the Owners and Occupiers Roll, to obtain enrolments forms or for any other Election enquiries.

Nils Hay, Chief Executive Officer (Returning Officer)

 

Main Roads Western Australia and it’s contractor Fortec Australia will soon commence the replacement of the bridge on Coalseam Road over the Lockier River on behalf of the Shire of Mingenew.

Works are scheduled to commence in late July 2021 and conclude in April 2022 weather dependent.

The works will involve intermittent single lane closures and speed restrictions while a side-track is constructed. The side-track will provide a detour for public vehicles including currently approved RAV vehicles around the bridge after it is demolished.

If you have any queries during the works, please contact Jordan Kippin 9323 6199.

The Shire of Mingenew is receipt of an application seeking to site a temporary workers accommodation camp upon Lot 686 Watson Road, Lockier.

The application is being advertised for comment to surrounding landowners and relevant government agencies prior to the application (and any received submissions) being presented to a meeting of Council for its consideration.

Please click on the following link – advertising letter attachments 5.5.21 to view a copy of the received application that provides further background.

Should you wish to make comment upon this application please click on the link above that includes the relevant submission form. Submissions must be received prior to 4:00 pm Friday 28 May 2021 and can be forwarded to the Shire office by mail to PO Box 120 Mingenew WA 6522, by fax on 9928 1128 or emailed to enquiries@mingenew.wa.gov.au.

The meeting of Council will be held on 17 June 2021 at the Council Chambers, 21 Victoria Street, Mingenew commencing at 4:30pm and is open to members of the public.

Please contact Erin Greaves, Governance Officer on 9928 1102 for further information.

The Shire thanks all those who attended the Community Information Session yesterday afternoon. After such a huge week it was great that you could take time out of your day!

For those of you who would like to review the information that was shared or you were not able to attend and would like to find out what was discussed, please check out some of the information from the session below.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD)

Mr Ralph Addis – Director General of DPIRD attended and provided an update on what his agency is doing to assist primary producers in their recovery. Assessments are currently being conducted to determine the scale of issues and identify priority needs to target any assistance. Mr Addis advised that assistance is being considered in terms of freight, repairing and replacing boundary fences, counselling services and financial assistance. Please see below for useful links and information sheets:

Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements – information is available here https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/emergency-response/disaster-recovery-funding-arrangements, to apply for funding follow this link.

Blazeaid – is a volunteer-based organisation that works with people in rural areas to rebuild fences and other structures following a disaster. Please complete the attached Blazeaid Form TC Seroja and return it to the Shire, or come in to the Shire office or CRC and collect a printed copy.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES)

Mr Stephen Summerton – Incident Control Manager and a number of Community Liaison Officers from DFES attended to update the community on their activities in Mingenew and the broader region. DFES are responsible for managing the various rescue teams including SES and Fire & Rescue.

If anyone has not yet made contact to report significant damage to their home or other infrastructure that poses a safety risk please contact SES on 132 500. Further information about the services SES provide can be found here https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/contactus/Pages/whentocalltheses.aspx. It was noted that SES generally do not assist with clearing debris or organising permanent or minor repairs; other volunteer services are available to help.

The Mingenew CRC is providing a matching service for community members requiring assistance with volunteers and service providers that can help. If you have skills or equipment available to lend a hand or you have jobs around your property as a result of the cyclone that you need assistance with e.g. clearing debris, mending fences etc. please contact the CRC on 9928 1264 to register your interest.

Services Australia manage a number of grants available for disaster relief – you can contact them on 180 2266 or they have an access point available at the Mingenew CRC.

DFES has a policy and program in place for addressing asbestos handling and disposal. Contractors are being brought in to ensure any asbestos that may be a hazard is stabilised and will implement removal programs as contractors become available. DFES have information available for community members that may have concerns regarding asbestos on their property.

Click here to view  a list of Contractors licenced to perform asbestos work in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996, supplied by DFES.

Western Power

Field Operations Leader – John Simpson advised that Western Power is doing everything they can to return the network to be fully operational. Now that power has been returned to townsites (with only isolated cases where this has not occured), Western Power is working through clearing any hazards as a priority. The challenges have been that the affected area stretches 700 km by 150 km across the Midwest / Wheatbelt. Three teams are currently working in the Mingenew area as well as a helicopter to conduct visual inspections over rural areas. Relevant community information is summarised below:

• During events such this we don’t inspect properties prior to re-energising the connection point to the customer. We ask customers to call Western Power on 13 13 51 if their power doesn’t automatically reconnect, or if they experience unusual electrical performance such as a shock or tingle.
• Where properties have been damaged, we recommend that customers engage a licensed electrical contractor to check the integrity of the electrical installation at their property.
• After any work is completed by a licensed electrical contractor, the work may be inspected by the WA Electrical Inspectors where it’s identified as a notifiable incident (e.g. shock or tingle) or on a sample basis for other electrical work. The WA Electrical Inspectors perform a statutory function on behalf of Government to undertake these inspections.
• When property owners return to their homes, they need to look for a tag or notification on the status of their electricity supply.
  • If there is a tag that says `Temporary disconnection’ the property owner or other person in charge must arrange for a private electrical contractor to complete the required works. Once all defects outlined on the tag have been rectified by the electrician, your supply can be reconnected.
  • If there is a tag that says `Information / Caution’, your connection can be reconnected to the network when power’s been restored. Once connected, you can flick your main switch to ‘On’.
• If you’re unsure what electrical infrastructure you’re responsible for on your property, visit the Building and Energy website’s ‘Private power poles and lines are your responsibility’ and also on our website
• If you’re unsure whether your property has been inspected by a WA Electrical Inspector, please call 13 10 87 between 8.30am-5.00pm.
• For extra precaution, when `network power’ has been restored, the advice from the Electrical Inspectors is that you conduct a visual safety check on all external electrical equipment (bore pumps, power points, external ground lighting) within your property prior to turning on. If you find any damaged electrical equipment you must contact an electrical contractor to have the problem rectified.
• Power fluctuations may occur when power is restored, so it’s helpful to unplug sensitive appliances prior to reconnecting. When reconnected, turn on appliances progressively, starting with lights and small appliances. If you experience any shocks, zaps or tingles report them immediately on 13 13 51.
• Before you connect a generator to your home you need to ensure it is safe to do so (as there can be a back flow of power into the network if the right equipment or process is not followed – this could cause injury to you or our workers), contact your local electrical contractor or Building and Energy  on 1300 489 099 to find out more.
• We understand that farmers’ properties and seeding activities have been affected by damaged electricity infrastructure, like poles down in paddocks. We’re working to minimize any impacts to properties. Where we can we’re reprioritising work to wait for paddocks to dry out.
• From a safety perspective, we’re reiterating to all customers: please stay 8 metres away from any downed poles or wires on your property. Interfering with our assets is not only dangerous, but can potentially delay our ability to restore power to affected areas. Farmers can call 13 10 87 to contact us about land access.
• We understand the frustration and know this is an important time on the farming calendar – but safety is our priority.

The Extended Outage Payment of $80 provided by Western Power has been doubled (to $160) for those affected by Tropical Cyclone Seroja. A claim can be made online by following this link https://www.westernpower.com.au/faults-outages/make-a-claim/extended-outage/. If you do not have access to a computer or the internet, the CRC or Shire have computers and staff that can assist. Note – you will require a copy of a recent Synergy bill for the affected property and your bank details (for the payment to be deposited into).

Western Power are also waiving fees related to network connections and reconnections for residents whose properties were impacted. For residents whose property has been destroyed, they are also waiving the cost of establishing a temporary builder supply (if required), which can be up to $555. Where property or network connections have been damaged but not destroyed reconnecting existing customers’ points and replacing meters will be free of charge as per normal practice.

Department of Communities

Matti Vitala outlined that the Department has a number of financial assistance programs available to those who have been displaced from their homes or been affected by the disaster. The Department is working with the Red Cross and other agencies to provide short-term accommodation options. The Shire has been maintaining a register of those whose homes have been damaged and not liveable – there are currently 23 adults and 4 children within the Shire of Mingenew that are displaced from their homes. Short term accommodation has been arranged for those affected. The Shire is lobbying the State Government to clarify medium to long term options and will keep the community informed. See http://www.dcp.wa.gov.au/CrisisAndEmergency/Pages/EmergencyServices.aspx for further information on the Department’s role or call the Disaster Response Hotline on 1800 032 965.

The Department of Communities is currently providing financial assistance of $200 per person  (including children) up to $800 per household.

Centrelink are also offering a payment of up to $1,000 per person 16 years old and over. Melissa Price’s office shares further information on federal support options here https://www.disasterassist.gov.au/Pages/disasters/current-disasters/Western-Australia/cyclone-seroja-11-12-april-2021.aspx.

Emotional assistance and first aid is available from a number of providers. It is important during this time that everyone looks out for each other – if you notice that someone might be struggling or they may be vulnerable please reach out to them. If you are frther concerned you cna have a confidential

The Lord Mayor Disaster Relief Fund will be available to assist individuals and information will be available soon regarding how people can access support. 100% of all donations go directly to those in need. If anyone would like to donate to the appeal or would like to find out more visit https://appealswa.org.au/.

Insurance Council Australia

Nick Weesener outlined that the Insurance Council Australia is the body responsible for managing industry response to a disaster. Insurers responding to those affected by TC Seroja will be prioritising claims and queries. Residents are encouraged to make contact with their insurers as soon as possible to assist in expediting the process. If people are able to take as many photos as possible to support their claims that is ideal. If infrastructure has been moved/removed before photos are taken, claims are not necessarily at risk and often other forms of evidence can be used. Food spoilage is often covered under contents insurance but you may need to check your policy or speak with your insurance company regarding excess fees. Reimbursement for fuel to operate generators might be considered; again clarification should be sought for individual policy holders.

If anyone experiences any difficulties with insurance claims please contact the Insurance Council’s dedicated hotline on 1800 734 621 or visit their website https://www.insurancecouncil.com.au/.

Water Corporation

Although representatives from the Water Corp were unable to attend yesterday’s meeting, they have provided the following information to share with the community:

“Power outages and wind damage is impacting non-potable water supply in the Mingenew area. Water Corporation can advise we have now sourced and installed temporary generators at most sites and commenced pumping water. We estimate water will be available to most properties within 5-7 days unless there is further unknown damage to the network. Properties north of Devils Creek Rd may not receive water for more than one week. Emergency water for stock is available for collection from a number of locations:

• The water tank located on Woongoondy-Tardun Rd, approx 7.5km west of the Wubin-Mullewa Rd intersection, or 1.3km west of the Dank Rd (track) intersection, Tardun (3 inch camlock fitting)
• The water tank located near intersection of Ardingly Rd South & Eves Rd, Woondoondy (3 inch camlock fitting) – please note the bore to this tank is saline, so it may not be suitable for some uses
• City of Greater Geraldton standpipes along Geraldton-Mount Magnet Rd, including the standpipe at the corner of Ardingly Rd and Geraldton-Mount Magnet Rd, please drop into the City office in Mullewa first to pick up a swipe card to access these
• Shire standpipe in Three Springs, please drop into the Shire office first to pick up a swipe card to access the standpipe.

We request that any damaged infrastructure is reported to Water Corporation on 13 13 75. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”

Water Corp – Community Assistance Flyer

Other matters raised

• CBH Mingenew have short term accommodation options available for those in need. Please contact the Shire if you have available accommodation or you require accommodation due to your home not being habitable.
• for those who will need to rebuild, owners/builders will still need to go through the development and building approval process however, the Shire will endeavour to ensure the process can be undertaken as quickly as possible (these process ensure that the proposed development is safe and in keeping with regulatory requirements and is therefore essential for future insurance and safety).
• It was clarified that the SOS function available on mobile phones only allows calls to ‘000’ or ‘012’ (mobile emergency number) – it cannot be used for other “emergency” calls.
• The Shire is coordinating with scrap metal collectors who may be able to assist residents with removal of metal items from properties. Further information will be shared in the next week. The Shire is also assessing options to make a dedicated space available at the tip. It was noted that tin is not recyclable.
• Winter sports facilities will most certainly be ready for the coming season. Due to some damage sustained, mainly at the Hockey Oval, work will be undertaken to make the areas safe. Please ensure children adhere to safety signage in the area.
• The Shire is working to clear the remaining tree branches and debris from town streets over the next week. Please ensure you move all items to the verge, separating out metal, green waste, asbestos* etc. for ease of collection. Again if anyone requires assistance on their property, register your interest at the Mingenew CRC and they will help to locate volunteers to give you a hand.

*Please read this flyer if you believe you may have property that contains asbestos requiring removal as your safety and the community’s is paramount. You are best to leave to a professional if you are unsure (and this should be covered by insurance).

The Shire is more than happy to provide assistance or refer you to the right agency should you have any needs or queries. Please call us on 9928 1102 or email enquiries@mingenew.wa.gov.au.

Meeting Minutes:

You can download a copy of the meeting minutes prepared by DFES (differs from the above) here.