Published on Wednesday, 30 October 2024 at 9:00:00 AM
Hello, I’m Vivienne MacCarthy, President of the Shire of Donnybrook Balingup. Welcome to this Recap of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 23 October 2024.
Since introducing the ‘en-bloc’ process, Council has been able to conduct Meetings in a more efficient way. En-bloc approvals include items where general consensus has been indicated prior to the meeting. For example, minutes from previous meetings or committee meetings, and any other item where debate is not anticipated.
However, in these meeting summaries, I will continue to cover items of interest, regardless of whether they were approved using the en-bloc process, or individually.
What does 'en-bloc' mean?
"En bloc" is a French term meaning "all together" or "as a whole." In English, it is used to describe actions taken collectively rather than individually. This short-form, general term is used when referring to the part of our Council Meetings titled “Adoption by Exception” as per our Meeting Procedures Local Law (2017).
9.1.1: Development Application - Jalbrook Estate
At item 9.1.1, Council approved (with conditions) the Development Application for Jalbrook Estate’s Reception Centre, Camping Area, and Events. The development supports the Council Plan to create vibrant towns and boost our local economy by providing a venue that will support weddings for up to 80 guests, with camping opportunities provided for up to 50 guests, memorial services for up to 200 attendees, and public, ticketed events for up to 250 patrons.
The application came to Council for approval because objections had been received during the notice period. Concerns were raised about traffic, bushfire risk, noise, and services, with each of the concerns mitigated by applying conditions within the approval.
9.2.3: Budget Variation Request
During a full review of the Shire’s Crisis Management & Business Continuity Response Plan, the absence of an Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Disaster Recovery Plan was identified. This means that in the event of cyber attack, natural disaster or fire, or other emergency, the Shire’s information and communication systems may be compromised.
At item 9.2.3, Council approved the Budget Variation Request for $7,800 to be reallocated from administration overheads to provide for the development and testing of the ICT Disaster Recovery Plan.
9.2.4: Review of Local Laws
At item 9.2.4, Council approved the proposal to review all of the Shire’s 14 local laws, as required by the Local Government Act 1995 (section 3.16).
While the current laws are considered to be functional, regular reviews within an eight year period, ensure they reflect current practice and are applied efficiently. Six of the Shire’s laws are overdue for review, and eight are due for review by 2025.
Each review will be open to the public to make submissions which will then be considered by Council. There are currently two local laws open to public comment until 1 November 2024 – you can find these items on the Consultations page of our website.
View our Local Laws
View the Consultations page
9.3.1: Proposed Budget Variation
At item 9.3.1, Council addressed their 2024 - 2025 budgeting decision to reduce expenditure by withdrawing from a Tourist Partnership set up with the Bunbury Geographe Group of Councils, often referred to as BGGC.
The annual subscription for the partnership is $20,000, and during budget deliberations, Council believed that this money could serve better purpose in other areas. However, under the Memorandum of Understanding with the BGGC, withdrawal from the Tourist Partnership requires a specific notice period, which could not achieved in time to avoid the payment.
Item 9.3.1 approves a budget variation to apply funds to cover the expense. At the same time, to maximise value from this unplanned investment, a review of the Tourist Partnerships strategic framework is underway, with potential changes to its promotion and marketing approach expected before the current agreement expires in December 2024.
12.1.1: RFQ 334 - Bituminous Products 2024-25
At item 12.1.1, Council approved a request for quote (RFQ) for the supply and laying of bitumen road paving.
The Shire has successfully used external road paving contractors for many years and quotes were requested from eight suppliers for the Shire’s 24-25 road projects.
Three offers were received with the successful contract awarded in a confidential decision by Council.
Thank you for listening to this Recap of the Ordinary Council Meeting for October 2024. You can find more information and documents related to our Council Meetings on the Shire’s website.
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