Council Update August 2021
Message from the Shire President
The tourist season is in full swing, with visitors once again flocking to our town – and the region – to enjoy what is one of the best wildflower seasons in years. Council, this month, awarded the lease of the Mingenew Tourist Centre to the Mingenew CRC and I commend the CRC team and their volunteers at the speed at which they have got things running there.
We have also had the 2021 Expo take place, and I want to congratulate the Board, staff and volunteers on another successful year of this iconic event. After the disappointment of not being able to hold an event last year, it’s encouraging that Expo was welcomed back by the community – and broader public – with open arms.
As part of Expo, we had several State politicians in town – and the opportunity to discuss with the Minister for Regional Development and our local MLC some of the challenges that our community is facing, in terms of housing shortages and difficulty for some of our farming business to obtain suitable staff for the upcoming season. These are matters that we, as a Council, are continuing to advocate on with every opportunity we are given.
This month also saw the Shire receive its interim audit report – one of two annual audit processes conducted by the WA Office of the Auditor General. Regulatory compliance and maintaining a strong financial control environment are key obligations of all local governments, and I want to recognise the hard work of our staff in delivering another positive audit outcome.
Finally, election season is once again upon us, with three Council seats open for election this year. Nominations open from 2-9 September, with the election to take place on October 16. Serving on Council is a very rewarding pursuit, and I would strongly encourage anyone who has been thinking about taking part in putting their hand up. Feel free to contact me – or my fellow Councillors – if you would like to get a first-hand view of the role.
– Cr Gary Cosgrove, Shire President
2021/22 Rates
Rates payments, including first instalments, are due by September 3. Thanks to everyone that has already paid!
You can find more information, including support arrangements if you are struggling with payments, on the Shire website here.
Local Government Elections
For the upcoming 2021 Local Government Ordinary Election there are three vacancies, with the following Councillors’ terms expiring:
- Cr Helen Newton
- Cr Robert Newton
- Cr Anthony Smyth
Should more nominations be received than the available positions, the Shire will be holding an in-person election on Saturday, 16 October 2021. Although considered an in-person election, voters may place an early vote or apply for a postal vote (more information to follow in the lead up to the election once nominations have been received).
Nominations
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 Thursday 2 September 2021 and must be lodged by 4.00pm Thursday 9 September 2021.
Ward System
Previously the Shire has been governed under a Ward system (with a Town Ward and Rural Ward). However, following a review of the Shire’s Ward system in 2020, Council made a decision to abolish the ward system, and this was granted by the Minister in December 2020. Therefore, this year’s election is conducted as a full District.
Enrolments
Enrolments closed on 27 August. To check your enrolment status please visit this website.
More Information
Please visit the Shire’s website here for information at contact the Shire office on (08) 99281102 or email erin.greaves@mingenew.wa.gov.au with Election enquiries.
Graffiti Art Workshop at Mingenew Skate Park
Council has secured funding to hold two graffiti art workshops to put a splash of colour on our new skate park. The workshops are free and will be taking place in the first week of the September school holidays (29 and 30 September)
Kids aged 10+ are encouraged to come along and take part; places will be limited though, so please register your interest. Contact Margaret Rowe, Community Development Officer, for more information – cdo@mingenew.wa.gov.au or 9928 1102
Mingenew Path Plan – Feedback Requested
The Shire is developing a walking and cycle path plan for the Mingenew townsite and we would love to get your feedback. Please click here for more information or drop by the Shire office to view the draft layout and complete a survey.
Skate Park Opening
We will be holding an opening for the skate park and new playgrounds on October 16 at 10.00am. The opening will feature a skateboarding display performance, as well as prize give-aways. Contact Margaret Rowe, Community Development Officer, for more information – cdo@mingenew.wa.gov.au or 9928 1102.
Mingenew Tourist Centre Lease Awarded
The Mingenew CRC has taken on the lease of the Mingenew Tourist Centre. If you would be interested in volunteering at the centre – or simply want the latest information on the wildflower season, drop by the centre or contact the CRC on (08) 9928 1264.
Coalseam Bridge Update
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 underway, with the side track largely completed. The side-track will provide a detour for public vehicles including currently approved RAV vehicles around the bridge after it is demolished.
The job is expected to conclude in April 2022 weather dependent.
If you have any queries during the works, please contact Jordan Kippin on 08 9323 6199.
Transfer Station: Now Open
Our transfer station is now open.
Hours are:
| Monday: | Closed |
| Tuesday: | 8am – 12pm |
| Wednesday: | 1pm – 5pm |
| Thursday: | Closed |
| Friday: | 8am – 12pm |
| Saturday: | 9am – 12pm |
| Sunday: | 9am – 12pm |
So far, the transition process has been relatively smooth. We would like to thank everyone for their patience. You can find more information online here or by contacting the Shire.
Providing Feedback
We welcome your feedback at the Shire, and have a purpose-built feedback form available on our website 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. We have recently had an announcement from the State and Federal Governments of a range of funding for primary producers, business owners and residential property owners. You can find those online here.
Local Recovery Coordination Group
As the Shire’s recovery process following Tropical Cyclone Seroja continues, we will be establishing a Local Recovery Coordination Group (LRCG).
The LRCG will operate instead of the Shire’s Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC). It is not a decision-making body, but will provide advice back to Council and help to inform regional recovery strategies as part of a community-led recovery process.
Members will be drawn from the existing LEMC, but other community members and organisations are invited to join the group. The group’s first meeting will take place in September (time and date to be confirmed), following the arrival of the DFES Community Recovery Officer (who will be based in Morawa and provide assistance to the LRCG).
A copy of the LRCG Terms of Reference can be obtained from the Shire Office or website (click here).
If you believe you have skills or experience that can aid our recovery process and you would be interested in being a part of the LRCG, please contact Nils Hay, CEO at ceo@mingenew.wa.gov.au or call 08 9928 1102 to express your interest.
Financial Assistance:
- Primary Producer Grants of up to $25,000 to assist with clean-up costs have been announced. Visit the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to register your interest here
- Small Business Recovery grants of up to $25,000 to assist with clean-up costs have been announced. Visit the Small Business Development Corporation to register your interest here
- The Department of Communities have Emergency Financial Assistance available for those looking to replace essential household contents, or repair their properties. Contact the Disaster Response Hotline on 1800 032 965
- The Australian Government is establishing a range of financial assistance measures for those affected. For more information visit this website or call 180 22 66. Impacted Mingenew residents will be eligible for Commonwealth assistance
- The Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund has been activated. It opened on 31 May. Copies of application forms are available from the Shire office.
- Services Australia Payment and Service Finder is an online tool that can be used to see what other payments and services are available, such as income support payments, child care subsidy and support for school aged children.
- If you need assistance accessing online payments and services, the please visit the Mingenew CRC and they will be able to assist you
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 (here). They can assist with any complaints or issues you may be having with your insurer.
More Information:
- DFES Emergency Recovery Site
- ABC Radio in the Mid West and Wheatbelt: 828AM or 531AM
- Department of Communities Disaster Response Hotline: 1800 032 965
- SES Emergency Assistance: 132 500
- In a life-threatening situation, always call 000
Mosquito Activity
If you are have 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.
Given the recent weather, there is more standing water around than usual and this can result in increased mosquito numbers. We can only do so much on our own, 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
- 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 as well
Council Meeting Review – August 2021
Council held a special meeting on August 10 to aware the lease of the Tourist Centre to the Mingenew CRC. At the August 18 Ordinary Council Meeting, Council adopted a range of further planning exemptions for those impacted by TC Seroja, reviewed several policies – including our Community Bus Policy – and made some minor amendments to the 2021-22 budget. Council also considered land access arrangements for the Mingenew Bakery lot.
Minutes for Council Meetings, which includes this year’s budget documentation, can be obtained on the Shire website here.