Published on Saturday, 6 June 2026 at 3:00:00 PM
Below is the Shire President’s Recap of the Ordinary Council Meeting (OCM) that was held on Wednesday 27 May 2026.
Click the buttons below to jump to the item covered in this Recap:
Item 9.1.1: 5-year Forward Roadworks Program
Item 9.1.4: 2026-2027 Fire Prevention Order
Item 9.1.5: Development Application – Pine Plantation, Noggerup
Item 9.3.2: Strategic Risk Register
Item 9.3.3: Review of Council Representation
Item 9.3.5: Council Plan 2026-2036 (final draft)
Item 9.1.1: 5-year Forward Roadworks Program
What did Council receive?
The 5-year Forward Roadworks Program was presented to Council, which details the Shire’s intended roadworks from the 2026-2027 financial year through to 2030-2031. This program is a comprehensive plan outlining the road construction and improvement projects for this 5-year period, including details such as:
- The specific sections of roads to be worked on annually,
- The type of improvements planned (like resurfacing, widening, or new intersections), and
- The projected funding allocation for each year within that timeframe.
The 5-year Forward Roadworks Program is prepared based on multiple funding sources, with ours being the South West Regional Road Group (SWRRG), Roads to Recovery (R2R/RTR), Other and Own Source (Shire funds). This is a key factor considered in our routine revisions of strategic plans and documents, particularly the Asset Management Plans & Financial Informing Plans, Long-term Financial Plan and Annual Budget.
What was the outcome?
Council resolved to adopt the 5-year Roadworks Program and endorsed the appropriate steps to be taken to secure external funding, as detailed in these plans.
Item 9.1.4: 2026-2027 Fire Prevention Order
What did Council receive?
The Shire’s annual Fire Prevention Order determines the fire prevention requirements of owners or occupiers within the district, such as the installation of firebreaks or the removal of flammable materials that may contribute to the spread of fire. With each annual review, the Shire of Donnybrook Balingup Bush Fire Advisory Committee (BFAC) is provided an opportunity to review the requirements contained within the Order, with other updates such as dates and contact names are completed by Shire staff.
The latest review saw several changes to the Shire’s Fire Prevention Order, which have been introduced with the intent of reducing late-season noncompliance, improve community preparedness, and ensure that the Shire’s compliance framework remains consistent, fair and regionally aligned.
What was the outcome?
Council resolved to adopt the 2026-2027 Fire Prevention Order, as recommended by the BFAC, which results in the following updates to compliance dates:
- Townsites: Compliance required from 1 November, in line with the Restricted Burning Period
- All other properties: Compliance required from 15 November
At the same OCM, Council also received and endorsed the authorised Bush Fire Control Officers (BFCO) for the upcoming financial year. The contact details for our BFCOs for each locality in the district will be included in the Fire Prevention Order, which will be available via the Shire website and distributed with annual rates notices for the 2026-2027 period.
Item 9.1.5: Development Application – Pine Plantation, Noggerup
What did Council receive?
Council first received this Development Application for a Pine Plantation in Noggerup at the March OCM, however resolved to defer the item for consideration at a future meeting. Council requested information regarding the potential impact of the proposed plantation on the groundwater resource relied upon by the Noggerup townsite. The matter returned to Council for consideration at this month’s meeting.
Note: Item was considered prior to item 7.1.1 of this meeting.
What was the outcome?
Council resolved to refuse the application as there was not enough information to form an opinion on whether the proposed plantation would not impact on groundwater relied on by the Noggerup community, in addition to the increased bushfire risk caused by the plantation’s proximity to the townsite.
Note: The applicant may exercise the right to have the application decided by the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT).
Item 9.3.2: Strategic Risk Register
What did Council receive?
Council received a new Strategic Risk Register to support better long-term planning, governance and oversight. It sets out the key strategic risks that could affect delivery of the Council Plan and the Shire’s long-term sustainability, building on the Shire’s Organisational Risk Management Framework and supporting policy.
The register presented to Council groups these risks into key themes to help guide priorities, accountability and future monitoring. At a high level, they relate to:
- Organisational capacity and capability
- Growth, planning and place management
- Financial sustainability and delivery confidence
- Governance and stakeholder confidence
- Climate, environment and emergency management
- Compliance, records and ICT (information communication technology) resilience
- Workplace health and safety
What was the outcome?
Council resolved to adopt the Strategic Risk Register that was presented at this month’s meeting. Following this outcome, the Shire will develop treatment plans to ensure these risks are effectively managed and monitored through routine governance and reporting.
Item 9.3.3: Review of Council Representation
What did Council receive?
A statutory review of Council representation is underway, which focuses on ensuring the structure of Council remains appropriate, effective and reflective of our community. A discussion paper has been developed to present balanced and unbiased information. It doesn’t recommend a preferred option. Instead, it is designed to help the community objectively consider:
- Current Council representation arrangements
- The review process and legislative requirements
- Key factors influencing representation
- A range of possible scenarios (5-9 Councillors)
- The advantages and disadvantages of each option
What was the outcome?
Council endorsed the discussion paper, and has since invited submissions from the community. The purpose of this consultation is to capture community views on:
- What number of Councillors best represents the needs of the community
- Whether the current structure is effective
- Any benefits or concerns about increasing or reducing Councillor numbers
- Broader perspectives on representation and community access
This consultation item opened on Friday 29 May 2026, and closes on Monday 13 July 2026.
View Consultations & Have Your Say
Item 9.3.5: Council Plan 2026-2036 (final draft)
What did Council receive?
Council received the final draft of the Council Plan 2026-2036, which sets the Shire’s strategic direction and priorities for the next 10 years. The draft has been informed by community engagement, Elected Member workshops and internal planning, and was presented to Council for endorsement prior to being released for public consultation before final adoption is considered.
What was the outcome?
Council endorsed the draft Council Plan 2026-2036 and has since invited submissions from the community, focusing on the overall direction, priorities, and proposed projects within the document. This consultation item opened on Friday 29 May 2026, and closes on Friday 19 June 2026 – community feedback will help shape the final Council Plan ahead of its consideration for adoption.
View Consultations & Have Your Say
Thank you for reading this Recap of key items from the May 2026 OCM. You can browse information and documents related to Council Meetings via the Shire website. For further details on the items mentioned above, please refer to the reports and corresponding attachments within the Minutes of this Meeting.
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