Published on Tuesday, 28 April 2026 at 10:00:00 AM
Below is an update on recent Council activities, community highlights, and matters of local interest from Shire President Vivienne MacCarthy - this information is also featured in the Shire Connect section of the Preston Press, where we keep you informed on the latest Council news
TOP 20 BEST PRACTICE - Shire recognised by Auditor General for 2025 Financial Results
I am pleased to share that the Auditor General, Ms Caroline Spencer, has released the Local Government 2025 Financial Audit Results, with the Shire of Donnybrook Balingup recognised as a Top 20 Best Practice Entity.
The report summarises the audit results of 138 local government entities for the year ended 30 June 2025 and was tabled in Parliament on 15 April 2026. The Auditor General assesses entities on their financial reporting practices, including the quality, accuracy and timeliness of their financial reports.
With my extensive background in finance, I know that recognition such as this reflects expert professional knowledge, sustained hard work, a strong focus on end to end process improvement, and a genuine commitment to good governance and sound controls. It also relies on excellent leadership and teamwork across the organisation.
Congratulations to everyone who contributed to achieving this Top 20 result. It is an achievement the whole community can be proud of.
Annual Budget Preparations Progressing Smoothly
Following the adoption of the Long Term Financial Plan at the March Ordinary Council Meeting, work on the annual budget is continuing smoothly and on schedule.
Planning is guided by the community priorities identified through the 2025 Markyt Scorecard, which highlighted what matters most to residents. These include improving local roads and infrastructure, supporting community culture and events, engaging more openly on local issues, and addressing aged care, accommodation and housing needs.
Council Plan – Major Review
The annual budget enables the delivery of the Council Plan, and both are closely aligned. Community feedback has played a critical role in shaping where we are now, with the community priorities identified through the Markyt Scorecard being considered alongside shared community values highlighted during workshops held in February. These values – working together for better outcomes, being proactive and open to new ideas, making transparent decisions, and balancing environmental, economic and community sustainability – are essential in guiding not only the next phase of this major review, but also future strategic planning.
The updated Council Plan is expected to be presented to Council and released for public comment in May-June.
Economic Development & Tourism Strategy
Work on the Economic Development and Tourism Strategy is progressing well, with Lucid Economics appointed as the preferred supplier. This strategy will help establish a clear direction for sustainable economic growth and tourism development. Recent work has focused on refining scope and deliverables to ensure the strategy reflects current priorities, with stakeholder engagement now expected to commence in early May.
Community Engagement Framework
Finally, thank you to everyone who took part in the recent consultation on the draft Community Engagement Framework. Feedback has now closed, and work is underway to finalise the framework mid year. Once adopted, it will help strengthen how Council listens to, and works with, our community.
As always, thank you for your ongoing interest and involvement in shaping our Shire.
Important Reminders
- Following a recent safety incident and a subsequent risk review, the operating hours of the Donnybrook Waste Management Facility (DWMF) have changed to a new schedule, per the outcomes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held in March 2026
See current site hours & further details
- Council Meetings previously commenced from 3pm, however please be aware that from April onwards, they will instead start at 5pm (dates unchanged)
Council Meeting information & documents
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