Author: Matt Fanning

Message from the Shire President

As we say farewell to our outgoing CEO Nils Hay, I would like to thank Nils for his contribution to our community. His leadership throughout the pandemic and Seroja was outstanding. Nils leaves us with our Shire’s compliance and regulatory position in top order. Whilst some consider our roads and town ambiance aren’t what they would like, outside staffing being a huge issue, rest assured that council recognises this and have been working to correct it.

I am also happy to report that we are close to the appointment of his replacement. In the interim, a familiar fame to some – Maurice Battilana – will be returning for a couple of months as our Temporary CEO. Maurice will commence on 4 July and serve until our new permanent CEO commences.

Council remains on the search for a seventh person to fill our vacant Councillor position. As we didn’t receive any nominations for our extraordinary election, we are able to appoint a person to that position without undertaking the election process. If you would be interested, please reach out to me – or any of our Councillors – to discuss this. If we are unable to secure someone for the role, we will carry the vacancy through to our October 2023 election.

Lastly, I want to thank those who attended the recent community consultation around the Mingenew supermarket – particularly those who expressed a willingness to contribute financially to a community solution for the store. Council is working on some potential ownership models to facilitate this before we come back to the community with an update and to try to move to the next step.

– Cr Gary Cosgrove, Shire President

Vacant Councillor Position

At its June Ordinary Meeting Council decided to seek to appoint a person to the vacant Councillor position. If you would be interested in taking on this position, please get in contact with one of our Councillors to discuss the opportunity.

You can find contact information for all our Councillors on our website here.

Shire CEO Recruitment Update

Council received a strong response to the CEO recruitment process and hope to have a decision finalised by the end of June. In the interim, it has appointed Mr Maurice Battilana to serve as a temporary CEO whilst we wait for the new permanent CEO to commence.

Community Consultation Session: Mingenew Supermarket

Thank you to everyone who attended the recent community consultation session regarding the supermarket. Several key things came out from the discussion:

1. The community agree that keeping a shop in town is of great importance
2. There are community members willing to invest in a solution to do this (and thank you to those who have already generously offered pledges)
3. Council is willing to assist and facilitate the development of a solution, but do not intend to be actively involved in the management of funds or operations of the store.

Due to the CEO transition, Council have engaged a consultant to ensure this matter continues to receive a high level of focus. The consultant will be assessing the various community ownership models that exist and will then provide information back to the community for feedback. At that time we will also seek to determine the degree to which people are willing to invest in a solution.

We are also seeking cost estimates for any works required on the existing building. Please keep an eye on our website, Facebook Page and the Mingenew Matters for further updates.

Community Satisfaction Survey

Council has engaged an external organisation, Catalyse, to conduct a community satisfaction survey on its behalf. The results from this survey will provide a baseline for Council to measure its performance going forwards, but also allow us to benchmark ourselves against other local governments across WA and Australia.

If you have a Mingenew post office box, you should have already received a copy of the survey and self-addressed return envelope in the coming days. If you don’t have a Mingenew post office box and would like to complete a survey, you can pick up a copy from the Shire office.

Survey results must be sent back by 1 July 2022 and we hope to have the results collated in August.

Local Heritage Survey

Council has extended the response period for the Local Heritage Survey to Monday 1 August. The Local Heritage Survey (LHS) replaces the former Municipal Inventory of Heritage Places (last reviewed in 1996) to identify and prioritise places of local heritage significance and includes a Heritage List that provides some protections and management guidance under the Local Planning Scheme.

It doesn’t provide a comprehensive description of the Shire’s heritage places, but identifies sites that may require protection under Council’s planning scheme and helps Council place appropriate protections in place.

Members of the public, including landowners and community interest groups are invited to review the draft LHS and provide comment to assist in informing the final LHS.

More Information

To access a copy of the draft Local Heritage Survey, please visit the Shire’s website here or request a copy from the Shire office.

Consultant Laura Gray may be contacted on 0408 105 784 or emailed at laura.gray@bigpond.com.

Submissions

Submissions may be made by email to governance@mingenew.wa.gov.au or complete the submission form available at the Shire Office or on the Shire’s website.

Submissions close 9am Monday, 1 August 2022.

Shire Tenders

RFT1 22/23 Mingenew Tennis Clubhouse Reconstruction

The Shire of Mingenew (the Shire) invites tenders from suitably qualified and experienced contractors for building construction works at the Mingenew Tennis Club, Lot 110 (P240354) Bride Street, Mingenew WA 6522.

Where a Tenderer believes they can provide a better value for money solution which delivers comparable outcomes, they are encouraged to submit an Alternative Tender.

For queries contact Nils Hay on ceo@mingenew.wa.gov.au or 08 9928 1102.

To download the tender documentation, visit our website here.

This tender closes Monday 10 July 2022 at 10:00AM WST

Pulse Oximeters

The Shire is assisting the WA Health Department to distribute free Pulse Oximeters to eligible people, should they be needed for the COVID Care at Home program.

Who Is Eligible:

• Non-Aboriginal people over 65
• Aboriginal people over 50
• Pregnant women

How Do I Get One?

Eligible people can collect their free pulse oximeter from the Shire office during business hours (8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday).

When Do I Use It?

The pulse oximeter is to be used once you have become COVID-19 positive and entered the WA COVID Care at Home program.

How Do I Register for WA COVID Care at Home?

To register for WA COVID Care at Home you first need to have tested positive for COVID-19.

Find out more at: online here or call 1800 367 277.

Have Questions?

Shire staff are not qualified to provide advice or feedback regarding the operation of pulse oximeters (or any other health advice).

For general COVID-related queries, call 13-COVID (13 26843) or click here.

If you have a query about your pulse oximeter, or the results you are receiving, you should contact WA COVID Care at Home on 1800 367 277.

If you have a medical emergency, always call 000.

Dog and Cat Microchipping Services

Do you need your dog or cat microchipped? WA Contract Ranger Services can now microchip when they come to Mingenew.

Payment is required upfront and is cash only. Call the Shire on 9928 1102 to enquire or to book your cat or dog to be microchipped. Please make sure you are available and at your house on the date you’ve booked for. Other arrangements can also be made with the Ranger on the day

You can find out more about microchipping requirements and looking after dogs and cats here.

Providing Feedback

We welcome your feedback at the Shire, and have a purpose-built feedback form available on our website (click here), or at our office, if you have a comment, compliment, complaint, or request for service. Using the form will ensure that your feedback makes it to the correct person in our organisation and is properly captured in our records system.

Shire SMS Service

To improve our public communication the Shire sends out text messages for key fire, road and community-related matters. It’s easy and free to get on the list. If you would like to be added to the database, please fill in a form at the Shire office or complete one online here.

Mosquito Activity

If you are having issues with mosquitoes 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.

We can only do so much on our own though, so please help by:

• Emptying out standing water that they could breed in
• Tidying up any debris which might be serving as a breeding ground
• Consider treating your property residual sprays to control mosquitoes
• Let us know about issues in public areas. We can help treat standing water on or near your property which might be serving as a breeding ground that can’t be emptied out

You can find out more about controlling mosquitoes around your home through the Department of Health website here too.

Council Meeting Updates

At its June meeting Council confirmed arrangements for the period before the commencement of their new CEO. They also agreed to continue with two-monthly Council meetings for the remainder of 2022. The 2022-23 Corporate Business Plan was adopted, along with positions on the future of local Bush Fire Brigades and the North West Stock Route state heritage listing.

The minutes from this, and previous, meetings are available on the Shire website here.

Following the close of nominations on 7 June, the Shire had received no nominations.

If, at the close of nominations for an extraordinary election there are no candidates or the number of candidates is less than the number of offices to be filled at the election, the council may appoint (by Absolute Majority) to any unfilled office a person who would be eligible to be a candidate for election to the office and who is willing to accept the appointment.

Council will consider the matter at the 15 June 2022 Ordinary Council meeting.

For more information, see our Elections page.

Message from the Shire President

As the application period for our new CEO draws to a close, the nomination period for our vacant Councillor seat opens. Nominations run from 30 May to 6 June and, if you have ever considered joining the Shire of Mingenew as a Councillor, I would strongly encourage you to put your hand up.

I would also encourage you to attend the upcoming community consultation session, or speak to one of our existing Councillors, about the future of the Mingenew supermarket. Council has been grappling with this issue over the past few months, and we want community feedback before we commit any further resources to the matter.

– Cr Gary Cosgrove, Shire President

Message from the CEO

With the end of my four years in Mingenew fast approaching, I wanted to take this opportunity to say farewell and pass on a few thankyous. Firstly, to the staff at the Shire: it’s been a pleasure building and leading this fantastic team of people. Very few people would realise the huge amount of discretionary effort that they put in, or acknowledge the huge volume of work that is delivered for such a small organisation. Mingenew is lucky to have you.

Secondly, to our Councillors: The role of a Councillor is a largely thankless one, and the time and effort required to do the job well is significant. Those who put their hand up, for the most part, do so out of a desire to better this community and should be commended for doing so. I have been very fortunate that the vast majority of Councillors I have worked with in Mingenew have been constructive, considerate and congenial in their approach. I want to single out our Shire President, Gary Cosgrove, for his fair-minded support during the time we have worked together.

Lastly, to the community: I want to thank you for the role you have played in both my professional and personal life here in Mingenew. It’s been a privilege serving as the CEO of an engaged and passionate community like Mingenew, and I hope that my successor is welcomed warmly and supported in their role.

My new role, as CEO of the Mid West Development Commission, will see me continuing to engage with the Shire, so this is not really “goodbye” just “see you around”.

– Nils Hay, CEO 

Extraordinary Election

At the close of nominations for the Extraordinary Election, none were received. As a result, Council will now consider the next step it wishes to take. In this situation Council may consider appointing a person to the vacant seat. This matter will be discussed at the June 15 Ordinary Meeting of Council.

Community Consultation Session: Mingenew Supermarket

Council is holding a public consultation session to discuss the potential purchase of either the supermarket building at 52 Midlands Road, or the supermarket business by Council, or other potential local ownership models.

Council is concerned about the future of Mingenew’s only supermarket and wants to hear from the community before deciding on any course of action to intervene in current ownership arrangements.

The consultation session will take place at 5.00pm on Friday 10 June at the Mingenew Recreation Centre.

Community Satisfaction Survey

Council has engaged an external organisation, Catalyse, to conduct a community satisfaction survey on its behalf. The results from this survey will provide a baseline for Council to measure its performance going forwards, but also allow us to benchmark ourselves against other local governments across WA and Australia.

If you have a Mingenew post office box, you will receive a copy of the survey and self-addressed return envelope in the coming days. If you don’t have a Mingenew post office box and would like to complete a survey, you can pick up a copy from the Shire office.

Survey results must be sent back by 1 July 2022 and we hope to have the results collated in August.

Shire Tenders

RFT1 22/23 Mingenew Tennis Clubhouse Reconstruction

The Shire of Mingenew (the Shire) invites tenders from suitably qualified and experienced contractors for building construction works at the Mingenew Tennis Club, Lot 110 (P240354) Bride Street, Mingenew WA 6522.

Where a Tenderer believes they can provide a better value for money solution which delivers comparable outcomes, they are encouraged to submit an Alternative Tender.

For queries contact Nils Hay on ceo@mingenew.wa.gov.au or 08 9928 1102.

To download the tender documentation click here.

This tender closes Monday 10 July 2022 at 10:00AM WST

Temporary Worker Caravans 

Do you have, or are you planning to have, workers attend your property to carry out repairs or reconstruction works as a result of damage sustained during Tropical Cyclone Seroja? Or do you have seasonal farmhands who would ordinarily stay onsite but can no longer do so, due to damage caused by the Seroja?

Under the jointly funded Commonwealth and State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, funding has been made available to the Shire of Mingenew to provide temporary accommodation for workers following STC Seroja.

The accommodation is in the form of on-site, modern, airconditioned caravans, fully fitted out and ready for use. It is available for recovery workers and seasonal workers impacted by the cyclone.

How to book accommodation:

There are two steps to booking this accommodation.

The contractors and workers must register with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services to confirm eligibility. Registrations can be made online here or by calling 1800 490 678.

Check availability and make a booking at the Mingenew Spring Caravan Park by calling 08 9928 1019 or by emailing cvbafarr@bigpond.com. Accommodation payments are made directly to the Mingenew Spring Caravan Park.

If you want to know more about bookings and rates, please contact the Mingenew Spring Caravan Park.

If accommodation in town is not practical or if you would like to explore alternative temporary accommodation options, contact Paul Owen at GFG Consulting who will co-ordinate questions and requests on behalf of the Shire and liaise with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services. Paul can be contacted on 041 998 3537 or paul@gfgconsulting.com.au.

Pulse Oximeters

The Shire is assisting the WA Health Department to distribute free Pulse Oximeters to eligible people, should they be needed for the COVID Care at Home program.

Who Is Eligible:

• Non-Aboriginal people over 65
• Aboriginal people over 50
• Pregnant women

How Do I Get One?

Eligible people can collect their free pulse oximeter from the Shire office during business hours (8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday).

When Do I Use It?

The pulse oximeter is to be used once you have become COVID-19 positive and entered the WA COVID Care at Home program.

How Do I Register for WA COVID Care at Home?

To register for WA COVID Care at Home you first need to have tested positive for COVID-19.

You can find out more online here or call 1800 367 277.

Have Questions?

Shire staff are not qualified to provide advice or feedback regarding the operation of pulse oximeters (or any other health advice).

For general COVID-related queries, call 13-COVID (13 26843) or visit this website.

If you have a query about your pulse oximeter, or the results you are receiving, you should contact WA COVID Care at Home on 1800 367 277.

If you have a medical emergency, always call 000.

Dog and Cat Microchipping Services

Do you need your dog or cat microchipped? WA Contract Ranger Services can now microchip when they come to Mingenew.

Payment is required upfront and is cash only. Call the Shire on 9928 1102 to enquire or to book your cat or dog to be microchipped.

Please make sure you are available and at your house on the date you’ve booked for. Other arrangements can also be made with the Ranger on the day

You can find out more about microchipping requirements and looking after dogs and cats here.

Providing Feedback

We welcome your feedback at the Shire, and have a purpose-built feedback form available on our website (click here), or at our office, if you have a comment, compliment, complaint, or request for service. Using the form will ensure that your feedback makes it to the correct person in our organisation and is properly captured in our records system.

Shire SMS Service

To improve our public communication the Shire sends out text messages for key fire, road and community-related matters. It’s easy and free to get on the list. If you would like to be added to the database, please fill in a form at the Shire office or complete one online here.

Mosquito Activity

If you are having issues with mosquitoes 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.

We can only do so much on our own though, so please help by:

• Emptying out standing water that they could breed in
• Tidying up any debris which might be serving as a breeding ground
• Consider treating your property residual sprays to control mosquitoes
• Let us know about issues in public areas. We can help treat standing water on or near your property which might be serving as a breeding ground that can’t be emptied out

You can find out more about controlling mosquitoes around your home through the Department of Health as well; click here.

Council Meeting Updates

There was no ordinary Council meeting in May, but Council did hold an entry meeting for its interim audit. The agenda for the June 15 meeting will be online by close of business on Friday June 10. You can find that here.

The minutes from this, and previous, meetings are available on the Shire website here.

Council Meeting Attendance in 2022

At its 15 June Ordinary Meeting, Council will be considering whether to continue the trialed two-monthly Council Meeting frequency. If you have any feedback about this matter, please let us know ahead of the next meeting.

For more information, click here or contact Erin Greaves on 08 9928 1102 or governance@mingenew.wa.gov.au.

A public consultation session is being held to discuss the Mingenew Supermarket and potential options for its future ownership and operations.

Council would like to see ongoing service delivery for our community and wants feedback from residents and patrons to help to inform next steps.

Venue: Mingenew Recreation Centre

Date: Friday 10 June 2022

Time: From 5.00pm

For more information, contact the Shire on 08 9928 1102 or enquiries@mingenew.wa.gov.au.

The Shire will be holding an Extraordinary Election on Wednesday, 13 July 2022 to fill the office of Elected Member, following the resignation of Cr Gavin Pearse, for the remainder of his four-year term; with the term expiring 18 October 2025.

Call for Nominations

Nominations Open on Monday 30 May 2022 Nominations Close at 4:00pm on Monday 6 June 2022 Click here for details on eligibility and instruction on how to nominate.

Message from the Shire President

There are two major recruitment activities taking place at the moment. The first is the recruitment of a new Chief Executive Officer, as Nils Hay finishes up with us and moves to his new role as CEO at the Mid West Development Commission in Geraldton. I want to congratulate Nils on his new role, and thank him for his service to the Shire. Applications will open shortly for his successor.

We will also shortly be running an Extraordinary Election to fill the seat vacated by Gavin Pearse, who recently resigned from Council. If you would be interested in finding out more about the role of a Councillor, I would encourage you to contact me or one of my fellow elected members. Nominations will be open from 22 May to 29 May and the election will be taking place on 13 July 2022.

This month I was involved in the Community Recovery Planning workshop, which has taken place coincidentally with the anniversary of TC Seroja. Whilst many in our community have bounced back in the past year, there are still those who are battling with insurance companies and builders, struggling to attract staff or just plain worn out. It is clear that even with a strong farming season last year, and a reasonable start to the 2022 growing season, our local community and businesses are still facing challenges, and the number of local businesses for sale perhaps serves to underscore this fact.

Council is looking forward to the outcomes of the planning process so that we can work with the community and relevant stakeholders to try to address some of these issues. We have also been actively investigating ways that we and the broader community can be engaged to support local socioeconomic growth.

If you have ideas, or simply want to help, please feel free to have a chat with me or my fellow Councillors.

– Cr Gary Cosgrove, Shire President 

Shire Tenders
RFT10 21/22 Preferred Supplier Panel

The Shire of Mingenew is currently tendering for a Panel of Pre-qualified Providers for the Provision of:

• Wet hire of plant & equipment
• Electrical Services
• Plumbing Services
• Handyman Services
• Arbor Services
• Airconditioning and Refrigeration Services
• Supply and laying of concrete
• Supply and installation of kerbing
• Mechanical services
• Auto electrician services
• Painting services
• Pest Control
• Fire Management

The Initial Contract Period will be 1 August 2022 –31 July 2024(2 years); with three possible single (1) year extensions thereafter (given at the discretion of the Shire of Mingenew), total of five (5) years maximum.
For all enquiries, contact the Business Operations Manager, GFG Consulting, paul@gfgconsulting.com.au. To download the tender documentation, click here.

This tender closes Wednesday 8 June 2022 at 2:00PM WST. Local contractors are strongly encouraged to apply.

RFT1 22/23 Mingenew Tennis Clubhouse Reconstruction

The Shire of Mingenew (the Shire) invites tenders from suitably qualified and experienced contractors for building construction works at the Mingenew Tennis Club, Lot 110 (P240354) Bride Street, Mingenew WA 6522.

Where a Tenderer believes they can provide a better value for money solution which delivers comparable outcomes, they are encouraged to submit an Alternative Tender.

For queries contact Nils Hay on ceo@mingenew.wa.gov.au or 08 9928 1102.

To download the tender documentation, click here.

This tender closes Monday 10 July 2022 at 10:00AM WST

Draft Local Heritage Survey

At the Ordinary Council meeting held 20 April 2022, Council endorsed the release of a draft Local Heritage Survey for public consultation.

The Local Heritage Survey (LHS) replaces the former Municipal Inventory of Heritage Places (last reviewed in 1996) to identify and prioritise places of local heritage significance and includes a Heritage List that provides some protections and management guidance under the Local Planning Scheme.

Members of the public, including landowners and community interest groups are invited to review the draft LHS and provide comment to assist in informing the final LHS which will be presented at the 15 June 2022 Council meeting.

More Information

To access a copy of the draft Local Heritage Survey, please visit the Shire’s website (here) or request a copy from the Shire office.

Consultant Laura Gray may be contacted on 0408 105 784 or emailed at laura.gray@bigpond.com.

Submissions

Submissions may be made by email to governance@mingenew.wa.gov.au or complete the submission form available at the Shire Office or on the Shire’s website.

Submissions close 9am Monday, 23 May 2022.

Temporary Worker Caravans

Do you have, or are you planning to have, workers attend your property to carry out repairs or reconstruction works as a result of damage sustained during Tropical Cyclone Seroja? Or do you have seasonal farmhands who would ordinarily stay onsite but can no longer do so, due to damage caused by the Seroja?

Under the jointly funded Commonwealth and State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, funding has been made available to the Shire of Mingenew to provide temporary accommodation for workers following STC Seroja.

The accommodation is in the form of on-site, modern, airconditioned caravans, fully fitted out and ready for use. It is available for recovery workers and seasonal workers impacted by the cyclone.

How to book accommodation:

There are two steps to booking this accommodation.

The contractors and workers must register with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services to confirm eligibility. Registrations can be made online here or by calling 1800 490 678.

Check availability and make a booking at the Mingenew Spring Caravan Park by calling 08 9928 1019 or by emailing cvbafarr@bigpond.com. Accommodation payments are made directly to the Mingenew Spring Caravan Park.

If you want to know more about bookings and rates, please contact the Mingenew Spring Caravan Park.

If accommodation in town is not practical or if you would like to explore alternative temporary accommodation options, contact Paul Owen at GFG Consulting who will co-ordinate questions and requests on behalf of the Shire and liaise with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services. Paul can be contacted on 041 998 3537 or paul@gfgconsulting.com.au.

Pulse Oximeters

The Shire is assisting the WA Health Department to distribute free Pulse Oximeters to eligible people, should they be needed for the COVID Care at Home program.

Who Is Eligible:

• Non-Aboriginal people over 65
• Aboriginal people over 50
• Pregnant women

How Do I Get One?
Eligible people can collect their free pulse oximeter from the Shire office during business hours (8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday).

When Do I Use It?

The pulse oximeter is to be used once you have become COVID-19 positive and entered the WA COVID Care at Home program.

How Do I Register for WA COVID Care at Home?

To register for WA COVID Care at Home you first need to have tested positive for COVID-19.

You can find out more online here, or by calling 1800 367 277.

Have Questions?

Shire staff are not qualified to provide advice or feedback regarding the operation of pulse oximeters (or any other health advice).

For general COVID-related queries, call 13-COVID (13 26843) or visit the WA Government website.

If you have a query about your pulse oximeter, or the results you are receiving, you should contact WA COVID Care at Home on 1800 367 277.

If you have a medical emergency, always call 000.

Dog and Cat Microchipping Services

Do you need your dog or cat microchipped? WA Contract Ranger Services can now microchip when they come to Mingenew.

Payment is required upfront and is cash only. Call the Shire on 9928 1102 to enquire or to book your cat or dog to be microchipped.

Please make sure you are available and at your house on the date you’ve booked for. Other arrangements can also be made with the Ranger on the day

You can find out more about microchipping requirements and looking after dogs and cats online here.

Providing Feedback

We welcome your feedback at the Shire, and have a purpose-built feedback form available on our website (click here), or at our office, if you have a comment, compliment, complaint, or request for service. Using the form will ensure that your feedback makes it to the correct person in our organisation and is properly captured in our records system.

Shire SMS Service

To improve our public communication the Shire sends out text messages for key fire, road and community-related matters. It’s easy and free to get on the list. If you would like to be added to the database, please fill in a form at the Shire office or complete one online here.

TC Seroja

The Shire is continuing to maintain its website resources for those impacted by the cyclone. You can view it here.

Financial Assistance:

The State and Federal Governments continue to offer a range of funding for primary producers, business owners and residential property owners, including those who have insurance. If you have suffered any damage or loss, we strongly encourage you to check and see what you may be eligible for. A full list can be found here.

Assistance Hubs:

A permanent hub has been established in Morawa by DFES, Department of Communities and the Red Cross to assist anyone impacted. Officers from this hub will be at the Mingenew CRC every Monday if you want to ask questions or get some help.

Insurance:

If you have questions or need help with insurance claims, contact the Insurance Council catastrophe hotline on 1800 734 621 or visit their website (https://www.insurancecouncil.com.au/). They can assist with any complaints or issues you may be having with your insurer.

More Information:

• DFES Emergency Recovery Website
• ABC Radio in the Mid West and Wheatbelt: 828AM or 531AM
• Department of Communities Disaster Response Hotline: 1800 032 965
• In a life-threatening situation, always call 000

Mosquito Activity

If you are having issues with mosquitoes 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.

We can only do so much on our own though, so please help by:

• Emptying out standing water that they could breed in
• Tidying up any debris which might be serving as a breeding ground
• Consider treating your property residual sprays to control mosquitoes
• Let us know about issues in public areas. We can help treat standing water on or near your property which might be serving as a breeding ground that can’t be emptied out

You can find out more about controlling mosquitoes around your home through the Department of Health online here.

Local Emergency Management Committee

A LEMC meeting took place on May 9. Among other things, it considered feedback from the Community Recovery Planning Workshop that took place on April 4. Stay tuned for updates on this item as the Community Recovery Plan is developed.

Council Meeting Updates

At our April 20 Ordinary Meeting, Council adopted the recommendations and officer positions from the March Bush Fire Advisory Committee Meeting, adopted an updated Work Health and Safety Policy and Staff Attraction and Retention Plan, ruled on two tenders (linemarking work for the Mingenew-Mullewa Road and the purchase of a new prime mover) and endorsed a draft Local Heritage Survey document for public consultation. It also commenced the processes for the recruitment of a new CEO and holding of an Extraordinary Election.

The minutes from this, and previous, meetings are available on the Shire website, here.

Council Meeting Attendance in 2022

Council will be holding Ordinary Council Meetings at 5.00pm on the following dates: June 15, August 17, October 19 and December 14. The public can attend these meetings and participate in public question time.

We will only be holding Concept Forum meetings on: May 18, July 20, September 21 and November 16. Members of the public may still attend address Council on these dates between 5.00 and 5.30pm

For more information, click here or contact Erin Greaves on 08 9928 1102 or governance@mingenew.wa.gov.au.

 

Applications are now open for the best job in Local Government – CEO of the Shire of Mingenew!

For more information click here.

To be considered for the CEO position, applicants must address the Selection Criteria as detailed in the Application Package. To obtain a copy of the package, please contact Laura Russo, Business Liaison Manager at LO-GO Appointments on (08) 9380 4505 or wa@logoapp.com.au

Applications close at 5:00pm on Monday 30^th May 2022

Please Note:  Canvassing of Councillors will disqualify candidates.  The successful applicant is required to obtain relevant Police checks, undertake pre-employment medical, other relevant checks and to provide evidence of all claimed qualifications prior to commencing employment.

A Special Council Meeting has been called for 4.00pm on Monday 2 May 2022.

The meeting will consider the position description, selection criteria and draft contract to be used in the recruitment of a new Shire CEO.

An agenda is available here.

KEY MESSAGES FOR MID-WEST REGION
THURSDAY 24MARCH – 11.45am

Given the reducing risk the system is posing, further updates will only be provided should the situation change significantly for the worse.

LATEST BOM WEATHER UPDATE

Intensity: tropical low, sustained winds near the centre of 55 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 85 kilometres per hour.

Location: within 45 kilometres of 19.8 degrees South, 107.4 degrees East , 740 kilometres west northwest of Exmouth and 860 kilometres northwest of Carnarvon.

Movement: west southwest at 8 kilometres per hour .

Ex-tropical cyclone Charlotte is expected to remain well off the coast.

While the system will not redevelop into a tropical cyclone, gales may occur in southern and western quadrants from Friday

The risk that the system tracks close enough to the WA coast to produce damaging winds has reduced significantly.

An increase in rainfall across the western half of WA is likely over the weekend as the system drags tropical moisture southwards. There is the chance of some heavy falls from rain and thunderstorms over the weekend in a broad area across western parts of WA.

Tides over much of the west coast will be higher than normal over the weekend.

MONITORING

• DFES is monitoring the situation closely and commencing preparation operations, including liaising directly with Mid-West community members currently accommodated in State Recovery provided caravans.

PREPARATION MESSAGE

It is unlikely that the system will impact Mingenew, beyond bringing rainfall.

While many people are still living with the impact of Tropical Cyclone Seroja and rebuilding, we ask communities in the Midwest-Gascoyne region to remain calm but start to plan for the potential of bad weather. You can find more information on preparing here.

There are a few things you can do now:

• Plan – Chat with your household, neighbours, or your local community recovery officers, about what you will do if a cyclone is forecast to impact you. Consider:
  • Where will you go?
  • How will you get there?
  • When will you go?
• Clean up around your property
• Stay informed and to help avoid misinformation please monitor the Bureau of Meteorology for the latest information about the tropical low.
• Getting prepared can help manage your stress levels and wellbeing. Some tips from the Red Cross are to:
  • Ensure you have support around you – your community is there to help you.
  • Control your media exposure so you only get the information you need and do not get overwhelmed.
  • Include your children when talking about plans for your house and family – it will help them know what to do in an emergency and keep safe.

TARPS
The Insurance Council of Australia advises if a cyclone is forecast and you have a tarp on your roof, to:

• Check if its secure, but only if it’s safe to do so
• If it’s not secure, call your insurer to arrange an urgent repair.
• If you can’t check if a tarp is secure, call your insurer to arrange an urgent inspection.

WELLBEING

• The lingering impacts of Tropical Cyclone Seroja may cause some stress and anxiety throughout the Midwest-Gascoyne when hearing about the potential of a cyclone.
• Dealing with events like this over the longer term can be stressful and emotionally and physically exhausting.
• There is support available to help you look after yourself and your loved ones.
• We encourage you to visit one of the Community Recovery Centres in Kalbarri, Northampton, Geraldton or Morawa to ask questions and seek support.
• Alternatively, you can seek support by calling the Disaster Response Hotline on 1800 032 965.
• Events like this can cause stress and anxiety; and this is normal. If you are struggling reach out to a friend or family member. There are also a range of mental health services available online and over the phone, they include:
  • Desert Blue Connect (local rural counsellor) – 0419 348 006
  • Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636
  • Lifeline – 13 11 14
  • Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800
  • Virtual Psychologist – TEXT 0488 807 266
  • Mental Health First Aid Australia

MORE INFORMATION

• ABC Radio in the Mid West and Wheatbelt: 828AM or 531AM
• Bureau of Meteorology Cyclone Page
• Department of Fire and Emergency Services Cyclone Information Page
• SES Emergency Assistance: 132 500
• In a life-threatening situation, always call 000