Shire Update November 2022
Day Care Upgrade Works
The Shire, in consultation with community and industry stakeholders, have been continually working to secure Federal and State Government funding to support the upgrade of the Mingenew Day Care Centre. Whilst we continue to work on financial support, we are also liaising with Regional Early Education & Development Inc (REED) to establish the most cost-effective facility design based on financial capacity that will ensure the facility meets current and future demand.
At a Special Council Meeting on 16 November, Council resolved to establish a special reserve for receiving donations/contributions towards the project. Amongst other initiatives, grain donations can be made to the Shire through CBH or Viterra. For details refer to the Shire’s web page.
In addition, Council will be releasing a survey for parents to identify the services required within a re-developed facility.
‘Big Ears’
The Shire has been liaising with various parties, including the original metalwork artist of ‘Big Ears’, to determine if it can be restored and replaced at Cecil Newton Park. We look forward to updating you further on this project in the coming weeks.
Mingenew Town Hall
A community survey is currently in development to gain necessary feedback from the community on the desired future of the Town Hall, in consideration of the social benefits, financial impacts and projected use. Watch this space for further updates on the Survey, how you can participate and where to go to access information on the options for consideration.
Co-working Space (former Road Board office)
From 1 November 2022, the Shire is opening bookings for use of the Mingenew Co-working Space at 21 Victoria Street, Mingenew (historically known as the Old Road Board Office), next door to the Shire. The project has been funded through the Commonwealth’s Drought Communities Programme – Extension.
The room is fitted out with two executive sized desks, two smaller desks, office chairs, guest chairs, lockable filing cabinet, small bar fridge, microwave, drink station with kettle, water cooler and is fully air-conditioned. The space is currently available for use during Shire business hours only (to utilise Shire toilet amenities), while we await repairs to the public toilets that were damaged during Cyclone Seroja. Please contact the Shire on 9928 1102 or email enquiries@mingenew.wa.gov.au to book or to find out more.
Mingenew Railway Station Restoration
Short-term bookings can now be made for the Mingenew Railway Station, while we work on a longer term plan to utilise and maximise the beautiful space that has been created. Please contact the Shire on 9928 1102 or email enquiries@mingenew.wa.gov.au to book or to find out more.
Skate Park
As you have probably noticed, there has been a hive of activity at the Skate Park Precinct over the last few weeks. New trees have been planted to ensure there is shade; the irrigation system has been fully installed and tested; turf has been installed and the Pump Track is starting to take shape.
Once the Pump Track is completed, installing the fence along the Midlands Road and Shenton Street boundaries is the final major component of the project.
We hope to have some drone footage of the area in the next week and look forward to sharing this with you.
Airstrip Upgrade
To update you on the Airstrip upgrade; a water tank has been installed and a diesel-powered standpipe filling station has been commissioned, gravel has been pushed for the airstrip and suitable runway lights are being sourced and quoted to ensure we can comply with Royal Flying Doctors’ Service (RDFS) minimum requirements. Once the Skatepark project is completed, further work will commence at the Airstrip.
Tennis Clubhouse
The old Tennis Clubhouse has been demolished. The new Clubhouse building has been ordered, with delivery anticipated in November/December of 2023.
Community Assistance Scheme
The 2022/23 Community Assistance Scheme is set to open in December. We are currently working on a slightly different model, with the Scheme open until the end of the financial year (30 June) or until the funds are fully allocated (whichever occurs first). The new model aims to streamline the application process and make provisions to support a broader range of activities.
If you have a project in-mind, feel free to contact Margaret Rowe, Community Development Officer on 9928 1102 or email cdo@mingenew.wa.gov.au to discuss how the Shire can assist and what you can do to prepare for your application.
Community Satisfaction Survey Results
In June 2022, 93 responses were received in the Community Satisfaction (MARKYT) survey and Council would like to share the results with the community. Look out for updates in the mail, on social media and on our website in the coming weeks.
Showcase in Pixels
Council attended the School assembly on 11 November where Jeremy and Margaret presented the school with the upper primary prize. A wonderful achievement!
Road Works
RDH are continuing flood damage repairs and are expected to complete their program in the first week of December. The Council crew have commenced flood damage repair works on Yarragadee West, Mooriary and Strawberry North-East Roads. These works will last for up to 4 weeks.
Bitumen patching works on Coalseam road will also be undertaken in the current period.
Christmas Closure
The Shire will be closing down for the Christmas period from 12 noon on Friday, 23 December 2022 and will reopen Monday, 9 January 2023. A skeleton crew will be operating to ensure essential activities continue. We will also be closed from the afternoon from 12 noon on Wednesday 21 December 2022.
For DOT transactions during this period, online services are available at https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/licensing.asp or can visit a neighbouring Licensing Centre.
For urgent matters, please call (08) 9928 1102 to access our After Hours service, who will direct your call to the relevant officer.