Published on Tuesday, 31 March 2026 at 4:00:00 PM

The following update is from Shire President Vivienne MacCarthy, which was included in the opening announcements of the March 2026 Ordinary Council Meeting

You may recall that the Forest Products Commission (FPC) has embarked on a $300m, 10 year program to acquire land within a 150km radius of the FPC processing plant in Dardanup, for the purpose of boosting WA’s softwood timber supplies. In September 2025, FPC ceased paying rates on acquired land, resulting in approximately $9,500 reduction to the Shire’s 2025-2026 rates revenue.

The Warren Blackwood Alliance of Councils (WBAC), representing the Shires of Boyup Brook, Bridgetown-Greenbushes, Donnybrook Balingup, Manjimup and Nannup, has been coordinating a regional response on behalf of its member councils, together with the Shires of Cranbrook and West Arthur.

On Friday 19 March, the State Government confirmed that FPC will provide sponsorship funding in lieu of rates through to June 2027. The WBAC and partnering Shires welcomes this outcome as an important step in recognising the impact the loss of rate revenue has had on local governments and their communities. It provides some certainty for our councils as we plan and deliver essential services. While this commitment only provides short-term relief, it is important that the Shires now work together with the State Government and FPC to lock in a fair and sustainable funding arrangement for the future.

Throughout this process, I would like to acknowledge the constructive engagement from the State Government, including ongoing engagement and support from Minister Jarvis. For further updates, please refer to WBAC.

Visit the WBAC website

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