05 September 2022

Shire President Update

It was an exciting 2021/2022 for the Shire of Irwin with my fellow Councillors and Shire Staff working hard to deliver a wide range of services and infrastructure projects on time and within budget. Major developments for the year included the Morton Terrace Revitalisation Project and Stage 2 of the Two Henry Road project in conjunction with the WA Country Health Service.

Each financial year, as our Shire grows, a new budget is prepared to support the needs of the entire community. While Council and Shire Staff work hard to leverage as much revenue from other sources as possible, including fees and charges, capital grants and contributions, around 50% of the total Shire Budget is dependent on rates revenue.

Our 2022/2023 Annual Budget has been prepared, with much consideration to ensure the continued delivery of services while allowing for the implementation of infrastructure projects. I commend our Shire CEO and Staff who once again have produced a balanced (minor surplus) Budget.

This year Council resolved a 4.5% increase on rates raised, this will allow Council to sustain current and future outcomes that enhance our community’s development. Priorities for this year include Surf Beach stabilisation works, the Kailis Drive Entry Statement, the Tree Planting Project, continued road renewals including Blackspot improvements to the entrance of the Dongara Health Service emergency department and continued upgrades and restoration works at Denison House.

On behalf of the Council and Staff I would like to thank our ratepayers for their continued support of our Shire. With industry continuing to flourish in our region we look forward to the exciting economic opportunities this year may bring.

Council News

The Shire of Irwin has recently received two grants from the WA State Government. 

The first grant was for $100 000, funded through the WA Government’s Community Water Supply Program.

The grant will help the Shire of Irwin expand emergency water supplies with the construction of three new water tanks, two new bores and an upgrade of an existing bore - helping the community to better prepare for the impacts of climate change.

The Community Emergency Water Supply Project will provide the community with a strategic water storage and supply of non-scheme water for livestock welfare, firefighting operations, and limited rural roads maintenance. The new tanks will be located at Mount Adams, Springfield and Allanooka.

The second grant was for $26,000, through the AWARE program which is facilitated by the WA State Emergency Management Committee.

The funds will be used to provide additional emergency management training to Shire of Irwin staff, elected members and Local Emergency Management Arrangements (LEMA) representatives, significantly enhancing emergency preparedness in the region.

Bushfire risk mitigation works are scheduled throughout the Shire and leading up to the next Bushfire Season.

Mulching and other associated treatments are being undertaken in the following areas and in and around our road networks - Kailis Drive Herbert Street, Coles Way, Irwin River Walking Trails, Clarkson Street, George Street, Brand Highway and Ocean Drive

For more information head here

Marshals Needed

The 2022 Denison Foreshore Sprint and Midwest Show and Shine is just around the corner on Sunday 25 September, and we desperately need volunteer marshals to support the event.

Please contact Leanne on 9927 0000 if you are able to volunteer a few hours on the day.

New Fire Danger Rating System

From September 1 the way that Australian fire agencies determine and communicate Fire Danger Ratings is changing.

The Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS) has been developed using the latest science to be more accurate and relevant to location.

The new system will be used across the country, so whether you’re at home or travelling, you will see the same system being used.

Community feedback was used throughout the design process to ensure it would be easy to understand and the advice provided on how to stay safe was clear.

Each fire danger rating has a clear set of messages including the actions the community can take to reduce their risk.

Roadside signs will be updated from today. The look and feel of the new signs will be the same in all states and territories across Australia.

Fire Danger Ratings, Total Fire Bans and warnings can be found on www.emergency.wa.gov.au You can find more information on the new system at mybushfireplan.wa.gov.au/FireDangerRatings/

Industry Update

Iluka recently held a Community Forum in Eneabba to give an update on their new Rare Earth Refinery.

The company plan to increase to the current Banksia worker’s camp by 124 rooms and build a new 300 bed camp, upgrade to the wastewater treatment in liaison with the Water Corp and undertake significant road upgrades.

There will be opportunities for local workers, businesses and contractors in the construction, operation and maintenance of the worker’s camp.

Expressions of interest can to be emailed to iluka.projet.tenders@fluor.com and further information can be found at www.iluka.com/engage/eneabba

To download the August edition of our Community News click here