Council Update September 2021

Message from the Shire President

The Local Government election has been and gone. Firstly, I would like to thank my fellow Councillors for returning me to the role of Shire President. I would also like to congratulate Councillor Justin Bagley who has been elected as my Deputy.

In Mingenew we had three vacant seats and two nominations. I would like to warmly welcome Councillor Gavin Pearse on board and congratulate Councillor Anthony Smyth on his re-election. I also want to thank Helen and Robert Newton, who both retired at this election, for their years of contribution to the Shire.

We still have a vacant seat on Council and will be holding an extraordinary election to fill it. Nominations are open in the first week of November and the election is scheduled for 13 December.

The last month also saw several of my Council colleagues and I, along with our CEO, attend the annual WA Local Government Association convention. The convention is a great opportunity to find out what is going on in other local governments, and discuss the issues that we are facing. This year, there was a strong focus on mental health and the importance of people being connected, a topic which is increasingly important in regional communities like ours. I also want to recognise the work of our local painting group and Mingenew Primary School students, who received a commendation for their entry in the Showcase in Pixels banner competition.

Returning to the topic of mental health, this is an area that we can all play a positive role. I would encourage you to check in on your neighbours, encourage folks to come along to community events – especially those who may not get out often – and reach out for help should you ever need it.

Lastly, despite some unseasonal wet weather, most would be aware that the focus for many in our Shire is turning to harvest. Early signs are positive for our agricultural sector, with additional storage being added to Mingenew’s CBH site. After some of the challenges that 2021 has thrown at us, I wish everyone a safe and successful harvest season.

– Cr Gary Cosgrove, Shire President

Local Government Election Update

At the 2021 Local Government Ordinary Election there were three vacancies, with two nominees elected unopposed:

  • Gavin Pearse
  • Anthony Smyth

As a vacancy remains, the Shire will be holding an in-person election on Monday 13 December 2021. Although considered an in-person Extraordinary Election, voters may place an early vote or apply for a postal vote.

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 Monday 1 November 2021 and must be lodged by 4.00pm Monday 9 November 2021.

Enrolments

Enrolments closed on 27 August, and we will utilise the existing rolls. To check your enrolment status please click here.

More Information

Please visit the Shire’s website page for information at www.mingenew.wa.gov.au/elections  contact the Shire office on (08) 99281102 or email erin.greaves@mingenew.wa.gov.au with Election enquiries.

Mingenew Bank Building Expressions of Interest

With the Hinterland Collaborative team relocating overseas, the Shire will be once again making the bank building at 50 Midlands Road available for public expressions of interest. For more details, please click here.

Community Cropping Lease Expressions of Interest

With current leases on the Community Cropping land expiring at the end of the year, a public EoI process will take place for any organisations interested in retaining or taking on these leases. For details, please contact Erin Greaves on 08 9928 1102 or governance@mingenew.wa.gov.au or click here.

Audit & Risk Committee Independent Member Expressions of Interest

The Shire of Mingenew is seeking a suitably experienced and qualified independent member for its Audit and Risk Committee.

The Shire of Mingenew Audit and Risk Committee is responsible for reviewing and making recommendations to Council regarding financial management, risk management, internal controls, legislative compliance, internal and external audit planning and reporting.

In accordance with the terms of reference, appointment shall be for a period of up to three years, but members are eligible for reappointment. Meetings are held in Mingenew approximately 4 times per year.

The Local Government Act 1995 prevents the Shire from making payment to the successful applicant, however reimbursement of all reasonable expenses associated with performance of the role will be provided.

How to Apply

Applicants are requested to provide a recent CV and cover letter detailing:

  • Background, experience and qualifications relevant to the Audit Committee Terms of Reference
  • Any previous involvement in Local Government, Community Organisations and Committees thereof
  • Motivation for joining the Shire of Mingenew Audit Committee

Applications close 4pm Friday 26 November 2021. Late applications will not be accepted.

For more information or to submit your application please contact Nils Hay, Chief Executive Officer on 08 9928 1102 or ceo@mingenew.wa.gov.au. You can also obtain a copy of the Terms of Reference on the Shire website here.

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 at: https://mingenew.wa.gov.au/shire-news/waste-management-changes/ 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 (www.mingenew.wa.gov.au/feedback-form), 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.

Financial Assistance:

A range of funding is available to assist those impacted. 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.

  • 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 also remains open. 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.

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 (here). They can assist with any complaints or issues you may be having with your insurer.

More Information:

  • DFES Emergency Recovery Site: https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/emergencywa/recovery.html
  • 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
  • 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 Review – October

With the election looming, Council’s Ordinary October meeting was largely procedural in nature with the exception of discussion around the support of a WALGA proposal for Councillors to be paid superannuation. Council ultimately voted against the proposal.

A Special Meeting was held on October 20 to swear in Councillor Pearse, elect a President and Deputy President and allocate committee roles. Cr Gary Cosgrove and Cr Justin Bagley were elected unopposed to the positions of Shire President and Deputy Shire President respectively.

Minutes for Council Meetings can be obtained on the Shire website here.

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