Published on Tuesday, 3 November 2026 at 9:00:00 AM
Below is the Shire President’s Recap of the Ordinary Council Meeting (OCM) that was held on Wednesday 28 October 2026.
Click the buttons below to jump to the item covered in this Recap:
Item 9.1.1: Reconsideration of DA P25071 – Pine Plantation, Noggerup
Item 9.1.2: RFT for Specific Bridge Works on Bendall Road & Brookhampton Road
Item 9.2.3: Volunteer Camp Host Program
Item 9.3.2: Draft Parking & Parking Facilities Local Law 2027 for Public Consultation
Item 9.3.3: Council's Role in Illegal Firewood Collection Management
Item 9.3.4: Council Plan Update - Quarter 1 of 2026-2027
Item 9.3.7: Donnybrook Historical Society - EOI for Land & Building Occupancy
Item 9.1.1: Reconsideration of DA P25071 – Pine Plantation, Noggerup
What did Council receive?
This item relates to Development Application (DA) P25071 for a pine plantation on Donnybrook-Boyup Brook Road in Noggerup, which was previously considered by Council in March and May 2026. At the May OCM, 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. Subsequently, the applicant has requested the decision be reviewed through the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT), seeking Development Approval from Council.
Through the SAT review process, Council is being given the opportunity to reconsider the original planning decision in light of the additional information obtained since the refusal was issued.
Following the mediation process and in light of the new information provided by the applicant, Officers have advised that the plantation is unlikely to result in an unacceptable impact on groundwater relied upon by the Noggerup community, based on the evidence available. The revised Fire Management Plan, increased setback to the front boundary and emergency management measures provide an appropriate framework for managing bushfire risk. The recommended conditions also establish controls for drainage, waterways, vegetation, harvesting and ongoing plantation management.
What was the outcome?
Council resolved to set aside the initial refusal (Council Resolution 70/05-26) and subsitute a new decision to grant conditional approval for DA 25071. The conditions of this approval and further advice are outlined in the report for this item, alongside the additional information provided by the applicant, are available within the Meeting Minutes and corresponding attachments.
Item 9.1.2: RFT for Specific Bridge Works on Bendall Road & Brookhampton Road
What did Council receive?
Over August and September 2026, the Shire advertised a Request for Tender (RFT) seeking a suitably qualified contractor to undertake bridge refurbishment works on Bridge 3639 (Bendall Road) and Bridge 3622A (Brookhampton Road), in accordance with the detailed design documentation provided by Main Roads WA (MRWA).
These works are identified within the Shire's current Bridge Asset Management Plan, contributing towards extending the operational life of the structures, reducing future maintenance demands, and ensuring the ongoing accessibility and resilience of the local road network for residents, industry and visitors alike.
A total of five (5) submissions were received for the bridge refurbishment works. Following a detailed evaluation against the selection criteria outlined in the RFT documentation, recommendations have been presented to Council for final determination of the contacts.
What was the outcome?
Council resolved to proceed with the Executive Recommendation (en-bloc), awarding the contract for these bridge works to Rhythm Civil and Contracting. The company has demonstrated a strong track record in the delivery of bridge refurbishment projects across a number of South West local governments, and has successfully completed similar works within the Shire in recent years.
This outcome will support the timely delivery of these critical bridge renewals, improving the condition, safety and serviceability of key bridge assets within the Shire's transport network.
Item 9.2.3: Volunteer Camp Host Program
What did Council receive?
The Shire has developed a Volunteer Camp Host Pilot Program to support the operation and visitor experience of the Donnybrook and Balingup Transit Parks. The program will engage trained volunteers to provide a welcoming presence, assist visitors and report maintenance or safety issues to Shire staff.
The item raised for consideration at this month’s meeting proposes for the Volunteer Camp Host Program to be implemented as a 12-month pilot to allow Council to evaluate program outcomes, visitor feedback, operational benefits and resource implications before determining whether the program should continue on an ongoing basis.
What was the outcome?
Council endorsed the Volunteer Camp Host Framework, which will be implemented over a 12-month pilot program at the Shire’s Transit Parks. The outcomes of the program and further recommendations for its future will be reported back to Council at a later date, once the pilot period has concluded.
Item 9.3.2: Draft Parking & Parking Facilities Local Law 2027 for Public Consultation
What did Council receive?
The Shire’s current Parking & Parking Facilities Local Law was adopted in 2000, and has not been significantly amended since then. The draft Parking & Parking Facilities Local Law 2027 has been developed to repeal and replace the existing Local Law, therefore providing a contemporary framework for the regulation of parking and Council-controlled parking facilities within the Shire.
Additionally, as part of a review of all local laws, Council resolved in August 2025 that this Local Law required amendment to modernize and make the Local Law fit for purpose. This has been included in our Council Plan as a priority project that contributes towards the following:
- Outcome 8: Safe, efficient and sustainable transport network
- Objective 8.2: Provide sufficient parking for all needs.
What was the outcome?
Council resolved to proceed with public consultation, noting that the effect of the proposed local law is to ensure a person parking a vehicle within the Shire complies with the provisions of this Local Law. The draft Local Law will be published and advertised for local public comment shortly.
Item 9.3.3: Council’s Role in Illegal Firewood Collection Management
What did Council receive?
At the OCM held in August 2026, Council resolved to begin investigating how other local governments in the South West, Great Southern and Perth Hills regions manage local firewood collection. This was considered through an Elected Member Motion brought forward by Cr Anita Lindemann following observations and community concerns regarding firewood collection in non-designated areas, the cutting of standing trees, informal vehicle access, habitat impacts and collection in environmentally sensitive areas. The Shire has since engaged with several local governments across the South West, Great Southern and Perth Hills regions to gain insight and further understanding their roles in managing lawful and unlawful firewood collection.
The recurring themes identified through the consultation were that responsibility for managing firewood collection on land managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions (DBCA) rests primarily with DBCA. The responses indicate that local government involvement is generally limited to referring enquiries to DBCA or another relevant State Government agency, and investigating unauthorised collection where it occurs on local government-managed land. The consultation did not identify any local governments that operate their own firewood collection areas, issue collection permits or undertake proactive patrol programs – instead, proactive measures included community education initiatives, and sharing information regarding lawful collection requirements and reporting processes.
In the Shire of Donnybrook Balingup, our Ranger Services may investigate reported incidents where an offender can be identified or sufficient evidence is available; however, routine patrols specifically targeting unlawful tree felling or firewood collection are not generally undertaken. Enforcement options also vary depending on the land tenure, circumstances of the incident and evidence available. Where ongoing issues are identified, preventative measures such as restricting vehicle access or temporary surveillance may also be considered.
What was the outcome?
Upon receiving the update, Council resolved to request the CEO to liaise with DBCA in the lead-up to winter 2027 to promote responsible and lawful firewood collection in designated collection areas, and provide guidance for the reporting of suspected illegal firewood collection. Additionally, Council also requested for a report to be prepared for submitting to WALGA South West Country Zone seeking a coordinated regional approach to improved management of firewood collection. This report is to be presented to Council for endorsement at the next OCM (November 2026) prior to submission.
Item 9.3.4: Council Plan Update – Quarter 1 of 2026-2027
This is the first quarterly update for the priority projects outlined in the Council Plan since its adoption earlier this year. A total of 59 items have been planned for action in the 2026-2027 period, and the report presented at this month’s meeting provides a summary of the overall progress made and highlights from July, August and September 2026 (Q1).
Find out how we’re making the magic happen!
Is there a particular project or topic that’s special to you? Want to know more about what else we’re working on this year? Here’s where you can find out the latest progress made:
- General Status Update – see the Minutes of this month’s OCM for the report presented to Council
- Detailed Project Updates – refer to the item attachments from this month’s OCM, or browse our reports on the page below, to see the status updates for each item and supporting commentary
View full Council Plan Updates & Reports
Item 9.3.7: Donnybrook Historical Society – EOI for Land & Building Occupancy
What did Council receive?
An Expression of Interest (EOI) has been received seeking Council’s support in the relocation and expansion of the Donnybrook Historical Society’s storage and display facilities.
The Historical Society currently occupies the museum at Lot 18, 44A Emerald Street, Donnybrook, however has expressed that the building and location are no longer considered suitable for its storage, collection management and display requirements. The EOI proposes to construct a storage shed and establish outdoor static displays on part of Reserve 9791 (53 South Western Highway, Donnybrook), known by locals as the open grass/gravel parking area near the southern exit of the main street in Donnybrook. This project would be funded through externally sourced grants, with the Society responsible for meeting all development and ongoing costs associated with the proposal.
The report presented to Council provides advice from the Department of Planning, Lands & Heritage (DPLH), along with further background information and the proposal submitted by the Historical Society.
What was the outcome?
Council provided in-principle support for the Historical Society’s initiative, with next steps to include:
- Update the Shire’s Property Management Framework to address land-only occupancy agreements and occupant-funded improvements, with amendments to be presented to Council for consideration
- Collaborating with the Historical Society to prepare a detailed project plan as per the Property Management Framework to be presented to Council for further consideration
- Discuss Crown land and reserve arrangements with DPLH for potential locations, where required
It was noted that building and occupancy arrangements will be determined following completion of the Economic and Tourism Strategy.
Council also noted that relocation may enable Lot 18, 44A Emerald Street, Donnybrook to be considered for potential housing or property development, with any future development or disposal subject to separate investigation and Council approval.
Thank you for reading this Recap of key items from the October 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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