Special Council Meeting – 20 March 2024

A Special Meeting of Council is to be held at 5:00pm on Wednesday, 20 March 2024 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 :

  • Adoption of the 2023 Compliance Audit Return (on recommendation from the Audit & Risk Committee); and
  • Adoption of the Local Emergency Management Arrangements (on recommendation of the Local Emergency Management Committee).

 

Agendas and Minutes of the meeting will be available from the Shire’s website at https://mingenew.wa.gov.au/council-agendas/.

 

Matt Fanning

Chief Executive Officer

REED are hiring!

Regional Early Education and Development (REED) are currently seeking a Childcare Group Leader & Team Leader to support the REED Mingenew Service.

Further information can be found on REED’s website at https://reedwa.org.au/careers/, view the posting on Seek or download the job advertisement here.

REED has recently appointed a HR Administrator who is undertaking the recruitment process.

REED conduct interviews for all positions as applicants apply. If a candidate is deemed suitable for a particular job, they extend an offer for a position that aligns with both the applicant’s and REED’s values.

REED is currently offering an interim Attraction and Retention package to attract Diploma qualified Educators to the regions, positions are eligible for a package of up to $12,500 for some locations.  This package includes relocation costs, a sign on bonus and accommodation subsidies.

REED currently has accommodation available immediately for incoming staff.

Notice of Amendment to Fees & Charges 2023/24 – Septage Waste

In accordance with Section 6.19 of the Local Government Act 1995, the Shire of Mingenew hereby gives notice of its intention to amend the following Fees and Charges 2023/24:

Residential septic tank only              per 2,000 litres or less              $110 (including GST)

Townsite commercial                         per 1,000 litres                           $110 (including GST)

 

The effective commencement date of these fees and charges is Thursday, 21 December 2023.

 

Note: No septage generated outside Shire of Mingenew local government area or mining and resource sector will be accepted.

 

The amended Schedule of Fees and Charges is available at the Shire Office and on the website at www.mingenew.wa.gov.au.

 

Further details can be obtained by phone 08 9928 1102 or email enquiries@mingenew.wa.gov.au.

Community Assistance Scheme

Applications for the Community Assistance Scheme and Quick Response grants are open for 2022/2023.

Community Groups are invited to apply for grants up to $8,000 in cash/in-kind or both.

Quick Response grants up to $3,000.

For more information contact Margaret Rowe or email on cdo@mingenew.wa.gov.au.

2023 Council Meeting Dates

Council meetings are held bi-monthly on the third Wednesday of the month at 5:00pm in Council Chambers at 21 Victoria Street, Mingenew.

Concept Forums are held monthly on the third Wednesday which includes a open public session between 5-5:30pm every second month (off month for Council meetings). Members of the public are welcome to attend.

The meeting schedule for 2023 is as follows:

Council MeetingsConcept Forums
January 2023 - no meetingJanuary 2023 - no meetings
5pm, 15 February 202315 February 2023 - invite only
March 2023 - no meeting5pm, 15 March 2023 - public session open
5pm, 19 April 202319 April 2023 - invite only
May 2023 - no meeting5pm, 17 May 2023 - public session open
5pm, 21 June 202321 June 2023 - invite only
July 2023 - no meeting but likely that a Special Meeting will be called to consider the 2023 Annual Budget5pm, 19 July 2023 - public session open
5pm, 16 August 202316 August 2023 - invite only
September 2023 - no meeting5pm, 20 September 2023 - public session open
5pm, 18 October 202318 October 2023 - invite only
November 2023 - no meeting5pm, 15 November 2023 - public session open
5pm, 13 December 202313 December 2023 - invite only

 

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.

Notice of Special Meeting 16 November 2022

A Special Meeting of Council is to be held at 5:00pm on Wednesday, 16 November 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:

  1. Approval for the temporary occupation of a caravan upon 6 (Lots 15 & 16) Bride Street, Mingenew;
  2. Establishing a Special Purpose Reserve to receive donations for the Mingenew Day Care Project.

Agendas and Minutes of the meeting will be available from the Shire’s website at https://mingenew.wa.gov.au/council-agendas/.

 

Matt Fanning
Chief Executive Officer

Special Council Meeting – 10 August 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE: SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING

A Special Meeting of Council is to be held at 4:30pm on Tuesday, 10 August 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 consider any Expressions of Interest submitted for the lease and operation of the Mingenew Tourist Centre in 2021.

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

 

Nils Hay

Chief Executive Officer

6 August 2021

Share your vision for the Mingenew Spring Reserve

The Shire is seeking comments and suggestions from the community regarding the future use of the Mingenew Spring.

With the windmill refurbished and placed back in the Spring, Council is looking at further improvements to this area.

Please follow the survey link here to complete the online survey or you can download, print and complete a hard copy here – Mingenew Spring Survey. Copies of the survey are also available from the Shire Administration.

Please return all surveys to the Shire by midnight on Friday 13th August 2021.

For more information, contact Margaret Rowe, Community Development Officer on 9928 1102 or cdo@mingenew.wa.gov.au

April Ordinary Council Meeting Cancelled

PUBLIC NOTICE: APRIL COUNCIL MEETING CANCELLED

Due to the prioritisation of recovery efforts following TC Seroja, the Shire President advises that the April Ordinary Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 21 April 2021 has been cancelled. The next Ordinary Council meeting is scheduled for 19 May 2021.

This notice is in accordance with the requirements of r.12(3) of the Local Government (Administration) Regulations 1996.

 

Mosquito Control 2020 (test post)

In response to recent increases in mosquito activity, there Shire is engaged in a mosquito control program.

This includes:

  1. Treatment of standing water with a larvicide to kill mosquito larvae (‘wrigglers’)
  2. Fogging to control the adult population. To minimise impact on residents this will take place at dusk (when they are most active) from the week starting 23 March 2020. Fogging will only be intermittent and dependent upon wind and weather conditions

By utilising these methods in tandem – controlling adults and larvae – it is possible to break the mosquito breeding cycle and significantly reduce their population.

How Can I Help?

Are mosquitoes a problem at your place? They rarely travel far, so it is likely they are living and breeding on or near your property. We suggest you:

  1. Empty out standing water that they could breed in
  2. Tidy up any debris which might be serving as a breeding ground
  3. Let us know! 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 contact the Shire on 9928 1102 or email enquiries@mingenew.wa.gov.au to report mosquito problem areas.

What Products Do You Use?

We use a Pyrethrin-based fogging agent and the granules a formulation of bacteria specifically targeted to control mosquito larvae. We are aware of community concerns following previous fogging efforts and have made great effort to ensure that the products we use are as safe as possible for residents and pets, whilst also being effective against mosquitoes.

None of our products are considered hazardous by Work Safe Australia. That said, it is not advisable to inhale the vapour when fogging is taking place.

What Else Can I Do to Control Mosquitoes?

If you would like to know more, go to the Department of Health’s website to learn more about how you can protect yourself and your family: click here.