Published on Friday, 1 August 2025 at 11:00:00 AM
Please be advised that these summaries are now being shared as text only, and will no longer be published as a video.
Below is the Shire President’s Recap of the Ordinary Council Meeting (OCM) that was held on Wednesday 23 July 2025.
Messages & Announcements from the Shire President
Before I begin, I’m pleased to share some exciting news: the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has announced a $3.3 million investment to help protect communities from bushfires. Our Shire will receive the third-largest allocation across the state – $270,840 – for fire mitigation work ahead of the peak fire season. This funding is a welcome boost to our continued efforts to protect lives, property, and our natural environment. It also reflects the strength of collaboration between our Shire, local brigades, and government agencies, and it’s encouraging to see this level of investment in regional resilience. With continued community support and strong partnerships, we’re well positioned to meet future challenges together.
Next, I’d like to share that Cr Deanna Shand has announced that she will be resigning from her position in Council effective 4 August 2025. Her time and dedication have been greatly appreciated, and on behalf of fellow Councillors and the community, we wish her all the best in her future endeavours. At this point in time, we will be continuing with eight (8) Elected Members, noting that we will soon be entering the Caretaker Period ahead of the Local Government Elections in October. The Shire is facilitating a Candidate Information Session on Thursday 7 August 2025 from 5:00pm to 6:30pm at the Council Chambers, and there are several other resources available should you wish you learn more about becoming a Councillor.
View the Candidate Information Session event details
The WA Local Government Association (WALGA), together with the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS) and the WA Electoral Commission (WAEC), will be hosting an Election Candidate Information webinar ahead of the opening of nominations for the 2025 Local Government Elections. For further information about the Local Government Elections and the role of Council, please refer to the LGIRS and WAEC websites.
Item 9.2.2: Statement of Financial Activity report for the period ending 30 June 2025
At item 9.2.2, Council received the Statement of Financial Activity report for the period ending 30 June 2025. To summarise the results from the report, the Shire has collected a total of 95.3% of rates and service charges for the 2024-2025 financial year, which is just slightly less in comparison to the same time in the prior financial year. Additionally, the end-of-year surplus (what’s left over after collecting rates and paying expenses) was $1.66m, which is much higher than the expected budget surplus of $125,000. The main reason for this difference is that we received an early payment of the Financial Assistance Grant in June, which is meant for the 2025-2026 financial year. Excluding this early payment, the adjusted surplus balance aligns with the budget at $125,157.
These results have not only met but exceeded expectations, reflecting a collaborative commitment to sound financial management by Councillors, Shire staff and the community. Further details can be found in the item report within the Meeting Minutes and corresponding attachments.
Item 9.2.4: Council Policy for Caretaker Provisions and Local Government Elections
At item 9.2.4, Council adopted amendments to the Council Policy for Caretaker Provisions and Local Government Elections (EXE/CP-6), which were undertaken in accordance with the Policy Framework process. Additionally, the recent legislative reforms to the Local Government Act 1995 (the Act) comprise mandatory caretaker period provisions for uniform application across all Western Australian local governments. The caretaker provisions aim to ensure ethical and appropriate decision-making by local governments during election periods.
A review of the existing policy has identified several amendments required to align with the legislative changes. The most significant amendment is the change from discretionary to mandatory application of several provisions related to ‘Significant Acts’ and the associated restrictions during a Caretaker Period, as defined in the Act. Further information can be found in the item report within the Meeting Minutes and the corresponding attachments.
Item 9.3.1: Endorsement of Shire of Donnybrook Balingup Organisational Values
At item 9.3.1, Council received and endorsed the new Shire of Donnybrook Balingup Organisational Values. These shared values were developed collaboratively through extensive engagement with staff and Councillors, and are essential in guiding workplace behaviour, decision-making, and fostering a cohesive and respectful culture. The new values will serve as a unifying framework that supports consistent leadership and accountability, a unified culture, builds trust, and enables the effective delivery of strategic outcomes that reflect the collective aspirations of the organisation and the community we serve.
Further information can be found in the item report within the Meeting Minutes and the corresponding attachments.
Item 12.1.1: RFT 05-2425 Wet Plant Hire & Minor Civil Work Services
Item 12.1.1 was considered by Council behind closed doors as a confidential item. It was resolved that the panel contract for RFT 05-2425 Wet Plant Hire & Minor Civil Works are to be awarded to the following:
- Carbone Bros Pty Ltd,
- Cardinal Contractors Pty Ltd,
- DBCEC (WA) Pty Ltd,
- Fulton Hogan Industries Pty Ltd,
- Geographe Civil Pty Ltd,
- Picton Civil Pty Ltd, and
- WA Concrete Pty Ltd.
The contracts for Wet Plant Hire will be for a period of three (3) years. Additionally, Council endorsed the awarding of contracts for Minor Civil Work – Drainage for a period of three (3) years) to DBCEC (WA) Pty Ltd and Carbone Bros Pty Ltd for a period of three (3) years.
The final part of this resolution was for no other contracts to be awarded for the remaining Minor Civil Work Categories under this RFT process.
Item 12.1.2: RFT 13-2425 Balingup Bowling Green Surface Replacement
Item 12.1.2 was also considered by Council behind closed doors as another confidential item. The final outcome saw the tender for the Balingup Bowling Green Surface Replacement awarded to Evergreen Synthetic Turf.
Thank you for reading this Recap of key items from the July 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting. You can find more information and documents related to our Council Meetings on the Shire website.
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