Published on Friday, 4 April 2025 at 2:30:00 PM
Hello, I’m Vivienne MacCarthy, President of the Shire of Donnybrook Balingup. Welcome to the Recap of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 26 March 2025. I’d like to thank Deputy President Glover for presiding over the meeting while I attended online from Perth.
Before each meeting we share some announcements or notices. This month, we reminded everyone that we are now in the Restricted Burning Period, and permits are required for burning. If you have any questions or want to discuss obtaining a Permit to burn, please contact your local Fire Control Officer (FCO).
A contact list of all FCOs for each locality is available in the annual Fire Prevention Order.
More about Firebreaks & Prevention
Item 6.4: Delegate’s Report - Biodiversity
Moving onto the Ordinary Council Meeting agenda, at item 6.4, Cr Davy provided a report on her review of the impacts of Biodiversity Offset approvals. This item refers to companies who purchase cleared agricultural land across the state to conduct re-vegetation projects and earn carbon credits from the Commonwealth Government.
Last year, Council approved a biodiversity application for a project in Balingup. Correspondence has been received since then from an aggrieved party and the proponent. The proponent asked to meet with Council to better understand our expectations with respect to consultation for these projects.
Under delegation from me, Cr Davy met with a large and diverse group of ratepayers and stakeholders prior to speaking with the proponent. Feedback was consistent and suggested that we work with neighbouring Shires through the Warren Blackwood Alliance of Councils, and also the SW Country Zone of Councils, to develop policies which would ensure we create a consistent approach to approving these projects. You can listen to Cr Davy’s full report in the recording of the meeting.
Item 9.1.1: Council Policy COMD/CP-6 Events
At item 9.1.1 saw the adoption of a new Council Policy for events. Events are an important part of our community, and the preparation that goes into them can be complex, whether it’s a large festival or a small scale ceremony. The policy aligns with our Council Plan, which contains the following goals:
- Outcome 2: A safe and healthy community
- Objective 2.2: Facilitate, encourage and support a diverse range of festivals, community events, arts and cultural activities
- Outcome 10: A popular destination for visitors and tourists
- Objective 10.1: Encourage more people to stop, shop and experience the Shire of Donnybrook Balingup
The new policy outlines when an event application is required, and when an event application will be referred to Council for determination. Information relating to event preparation, including this new policy, is available on the Shire website.
Item 9.2.2: Intent to Apply – CSRFF Small Grant Fund
At item 9.2.2, Council reviewed and endorsed the submission of a Community Sporting & Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF) Small Grant application to the Department of Local Government, Sport & Cultural Industries* (DLGSC). The application is for the upgrade of the Donnybrook Recreation Centre’s poolside and dry side changing rooms.
The Recreation Centre is a key community facility that serves many members of our community. However, the existing changing rooms are outdated and lack modern accessibility, safety, and functionality. Upgrading them will ensure they are fit for purpose, improve user experience, and boost participation in sport and recreation. The outcome of the grant application will be shared as soon as possible.
* Note: From 1 July 2025 DLGSC will be renamed the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism & Sport.
Item 9.2.3: Statutory Budget Review as at 31 January 2025 (mid-year)
At item 9.2.3, the mid-year Statutory Budget Review for the period ending 31 January 2025 was received by Council, noting a budget surplus of $125,127. This is a welcome outcome that reflects the ongoing focus on improving the Shire’s financial position.
A number of variances make up the surplus, which include increases in operating revenues and expenses, non-operating grants and contributions, capital expenses, and proceeds from the disposal of assets. A summary can be found at item 9.2.3 of the meeting, with further details available in the corresponding report in the meeting attachments.
Item 10.1: Elected Member Motion – Join the Waterwise Council Program
At item 10.1, Council was asked to consider joining the Waterwise Council Program to enable the Shire to improve water efficiency, build climate resilience and maintain livable communities. Despite being aligned with our strategic goals and benefits to be gained, the Elected Member Recommendation by Cr Davy was not carried at this time, primarily due to resourcing constraints.
Item 10.2: Elected Member Motion – Investigate Reducing Elected Members for 2027 Elections
The recent and upcoming Local Government reforms have introduced changes to council sizes, establishing minimum and maximum numbers of Elected Members based on population. Under these reforms, our Shire could potentially reduce its number of Councillors from nine (9) to seven (7).
At item 10.2, Council requested the Chief Executive officer to help Councillors understand the process and timeline that would be required to achieve this outcome in for the 2027 Elections. The CEO will bring a report back to Council for consideration in it’s May Ordinary Council Meeting (to be held Wednesday 21 May 2025).
This report won’t impact the 2025 Ordinary Election when we will have five (5) elected members continuing their term for a further two (2) years. The other four (4) Elected Members reaching the end of their term, which will require the seats to be filled for a total of nine (9) Councillors.
Thank you for listening to this Recap covering the Ordinary Council Meeting for March 2025.
You can find more information and documents related to our Council Meetings on the Shire website.
View Council Meetings
Back to All News