Shire of Victoria Plains

Community News

May 2016

New Norcia Bypass Official

Ground Breaking Ceremony

Speakers and Dignitaries at the

Official opening of the New Norcia

Bypass

Left to right: Gus Ryder, Cr David Lovelock

Jim Chown, John Herbert, Warren Truss Margaret Drayton

Jim Chown MLC

John Herbert Gus Ryder

Above and Below:

Dignitaries and Officials at the Opening

Norm Fox

NEWS FROM THE CHAMBERS

Community Budget Requests

Council at its meeting in Bolgart on the 20th April considered the allocation of funds in the upcoming budget for requests received from local community groups. With the funding well over subscribed some groups had to settle for smaller grants and some projects were set aside to be considered as Shire projects in the main budget. The Yerecoin Golf Club building project will be referred to the Community Development Officer to see if state government funding is available. Successful groups will be advised of their funding allocation once the budget is finalised.

Clearing Permit Mogumber Reserve 8588

The CEO was authorised to apply for a clearing permit for Mogumber Reserve 8588 to allow the rodeo and other equine events to be held at the arena without the threat of prosecution for illegal clearing. The Mogumber Outback Club who run the events at the arena do not want to clear additional ground at this time and the permit is only to cover regrowth that may pop up in the area that has already been allegedly illegally cleared. While there appears to be considerable community support for the rodeo’s held at the reserve the vote in Council was a close 5/4 and further discussion is expected before the permit is obtained.

ALGA Congress in Canberra

Council at its April meeting voted to once again send 2 delegates to the Australian Local Government Association National Congress in Canberra in June 2016. The cost of sending the delegates will be about $7,000 but to be able to gain access to federal politicians to lobby for additional road funding for the Aglime Route and other issues was too good an opportunity to be missed particularly in an election year. The Shire President Cr David Lovelock and Cr Jim Kelly are expected to attend.

Funding for Moore Catchment Council

Council discussed a request for funding of $10,000 from the Moore Catchment Council (MCC) but as there are 8 shires within the MCC and only Victoria Plains and Gingin had been asked to contribute to their running cost Council resolved to decline the request unless similar support is requested from, and provided by other Shires in the catchment.

Other Issues Discussed by Council

As the April meeting was the annual visit to Bolgart there were community members present who made presentations to or asked questions of Council on current issues relevant to them a summary of some of these issue follows. Praise was given to the works crew for the cleanup in the reserve near the caravan park and other areas in town. A question was asked about the reduced hours and the manning of tip sites in Bolgart and Calingiri which is due to start from the 1st July 2016. Please see the article in this newsletter for further details. The volunteer driving scheme where volunteers drive other residents in a shire owned vehicle to appointments in Northam and Perth was also discussed. Regular readers of the newsletter would remember this being advertised for expressions of interest a couple of months ago and while there were plenty of volunteer drivers put their hand up not many people said they would use the scheme. More work will be done on this proposal including approaching neighbouring shires to see if a joint scheme could be arranged before a final decision is made. Now that the Be Active Coordinator position no longer exists a question was asked about whether an exercise program for older community members could be organised for Bolgart. This request will be forwarded to the Community Development Officer to see if any funding opportunities are available. Finally questions were asked about the availability of industrial blocks in Bolgart. Back in 2005 Lot 23 Emanuel Street at the top of the oval was rezoned industrial and Landcorp funding was sought for subdivision and servicing of the lot however that didn’t eventuate due to the proximity of the school. This process will now be recommenced with conditions put on what type of businesses can be set up there and the lot is being re surveyed to cut off the Playgroup building, skate park and cricket nets. Once this process is completed development costs will be sought and a decision made on the provision of industrial lots in Bolgart. Three submissions have been received from businesses requiring lots.

VP Open Doors Youth Project

The Shire is currently seeking Community feedback to help guide the creation of a Shire Youth Strategy. A survey which is part of the VP Open Doors Youth Project is currently available for young people aged between 12 - 25 to complete, and for all other interested parties a Stakeholder survey is also available.

For further information on the project and to access the survey link, please visit www.victoriaplains.wa.gov.au/community/youth.aspx Alternatively pick up a hard copy of the survey from the Shire administration or call Jaime Hawkins on 9628 7004.

Please take the time to participate. if you would like to see VP become a more vibrant and liveable community for youth and ultimately for all. This project is supported by the Department of Local Government and Communities

NEWS FROM THE CHAMBERS

Calingiri and Bolgart Landfill Site hours of Operation

Due to a significant increase in the amount of waste being dumped at the Calingiri and Bolgart landfill sites the shire is proposing to lock both sites and open them for reduced hours at which time they will be manned by a staff member.

This proposal will lead to increased costs which may be passed on to ratepayers however the cost of doing nothing and having to establish a new landfill site sooner will be much greater in the long run. Visitors to the Bolgart tip would have seen the new “donga” which together with a similar one at the Calingiri tip will be set up to provide basic facilities for staff working at the sites.

The proposed hours of operation at the these tips commencing on the 4th July 2016 are;

Bolgart Wednesday 9.00am – 11.30am

Saturday 9.00am – 11.30am

Calingiri Wednesday 12.30pm – 4.00pm

Saturday 12.30pm – 4.00pm

Sunday 9.00am – 3.00pm

Shops and businesses that can’t or will find it difficult to travel to the tip sites in these times or require more frequent access will be catered for separately and should contact shire CEO Harry Hawkins to discuss their specific needs.

Community members wishing to comment or make a submission on the reduced hours can send the details to the shire at PO Box 21 Calingiri or email reception@victoriaplains.wa.gov.au

Mogumber Landfill Site

There will be no change to operations at the Mogumber tip site where residents have a key to the tip gate. However there have been reports of some residents loaning their keys out to others from outside the shire so they can dump rubbish in Mogumber. If this is proven to be correct then tip privileges will be taken off those residents found to be doing this but if the problem is found to be widespread the lock will be changed and reduced hours implemented there as well.

Farm Waste Dumping

Farmers are also asked to refrain from dumping large volumes of mixed waste at tip sites. While you are ratepayers and have a right to access tip sites waste should be sorted and dumped in appropriate areas of the tip for recycling or alternatively dump mixed waste on your farms. It is not possible for shire staff to sort scrap metal and other recyclables from truck loads of construction, demolition or general waste.

RANGERS RANT

ALL DOMESTIC CATS, DOGS INCLUDING FARM DOGS MUST BE MICROCHIPPED

AND

REGISTERED

TO AVOID FINES PLEASE GET YOUR ANIMALS REGISTERED AT THE SHIRE OFFICE

FORMS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE SHIRE WEBSITE

www.victoriaplains.wa.gov.au

DUMPING OF USED OILS

OLD OILS ARE NOT TO BE TAKEN TO THE LOCAL TIPS.

PLEASE CONTACT THE SHIRE DEPOT ON 96287232

OILS CAN BE DISPOSED OF FREE OF CHARGE THROUGH THE SHIRE

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Have your say...

Shire Logo Proposals

On the following pages you will see 2 proposed potential new designs for a Shire logo. These are just

some ideas for consideration that have been created by a graphic designer following a brief

submitted by a group of local community representatives. Please understand that some adjustments

may be made to either design if Council choose to proceed, or it may be decided to obtain other

proposals.

If a new design is agreed upon, the changing of stationary and signage will be implemented gradually

with old stocks of stationary being used up before replacements are ordered. So the costs will be

kept minimal.

Why a new Shire Logo?

As many long term residents would know, there has been discussions regarding updating the logo

going on in Council and the community for many years. Various competitions have been run for local

artists to come up with a design, and whilst some have gone to a fantastic effort, nothing was ever

agreed upon by past Council members.

It has now come to a stage where, if the Shire is going to act on this, now is the time to do it. We are

lagging behind in these digital times as we do not have a quality high resolution digital version of the

current logo needed for most publications these days. After consulting with graphic designers and

obtaining several quotes we were informed that to have a “re-draw” of the current logo would

actually prove more expensive than to have a new design created.

It can be said that the current shire logo is quite outdated, but not historically significant having

been created some time in the 1970’s. It is very detailed, and some say “busy”, which makes it

difficult to use on a small scale for items such as stationary, and even on a larger scale on things such

as signs, it is still difficult to make out all the elements, especially if you are driving past.

About the designs:

As a widespread shire, with varied towns and elements the challenge was deciding on a brief which

would represent each town in a simple design that does not end up looking too ‘busy’ like the

current logo. Farming is obvious, but we didn’t want to have the typical wheat and sheep that is in

almost every other Wheatbelt shire logo. The options that the community reps came up with is

representing the 7 towns, with either 7 crops lines (Option A), or 7 stars (Option B) that are placed in

alignment with the location of each town on a map of Victoria Plains. We also have a pretty unique

connection with the night skies and space, with the ESA Space Station and observatories located in

the shire, so the stars are represented in each design. We also thought the space/stars element was

important because it connects with today’s modern farming technology, such as GPS. Other

elements which are important and were conveyed to the designer to incorporate, perhaps through

the use of colour were: New Norcia (olive green for the early olive groves); Moore River (blue);

Canola (gold); early exploration and trails such as the Rabbit Proof Fence and Pilgrim Trail (earthy

brown tones).

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Option A

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Option B

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PACKAGES AVAILABLE AT THE SHIRE OFFICE

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OFFICE HOURS

Please call or email the

station before attending to

arrange a convenient

time to attend.

Wongan Hills Police

Phone: 9691 1333

Routine police attendance 131444

For urgent police attendance 000

Fax: 96711 628

Crimestoppers: 1800 333 000

Email: wongan.hills.police.station@police.wa.gov.au

Good day to you all,

I attended the ANZAC dawn service at 5.30am in Wongan Hills and

then at 11am in Calingiri. It was a sombre morning and I enjoyed both

events. Lest we forget.

POLICE ATTENDANCE

If you require non-urgent police attendance, please ring 131444

otherwise for urgent matters ring 000. Police Station is manned

Mon-Wed, during office hours.

GENERAL OFFENCES

On the evening of 31st March 2016, an 18 year old and a 28 year old male were assaulted by several people on

Johnston Street, Wongan Hills. Police iare seeking witnesses or information. Please contact Crimestoppers on

1800333000 or contact your local police

In the early hours of 1st April 2016 an assault occurred on an 18 years old male on Patterson Street, Wongan

Hills. Local police are conducting investigations and are seeking further information and witnesses. Any

information will be treated as confidential, if required please contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333000 or contact

your local police.

On Friday April 22, offender/s stole approx. 8-10 tons of fertiliser from a farm on Rifle Range Road, East Ballidu.

The offender/s would have required a truck to load the fertiliser. A trail of fertiliser was followed on to Rifle Range

Road, Hourigan Road, Ballidu East Road, Ballermina Road and Kondut Road. Please contact the local police if

you saw any suspicious activities during that weekend.

TRAFFIC—HOONING & TRAFFIC OFFENCES

Local police are aware of some vehicles hooning around the town. Rest assured while patrolling, we are looking

for those offending vehicles. Unfortunately information we received failed to meet the standard of proof beyond

reasonable doubt.

If you are caught hooning, be prepared to lose your vehicle for 28 days and your Motor Driver's Licence (MDL) for

six months and further monetary fines.

DRUGS

A 22 years old Wongan Hills man was charged with possess methamphetamines with intent to sell/supply. The

intelligence information supplied by the Wongan Hills Police led other police to search him and a quantity of drugs

were found in his possession.

Wongan Hills Police welcome any information you may have about illegal drugs in Wongan Hills and surrounding

areas. The information you provide will be confidential.

FACEBOOK & TWITTERS

Wongan Hills Police are now tweeting. Please search and FOLLOW US at WonganPol or Wongan Hills Police.

Because of the ongoing intelligence and information we have received, we have successfully actioned and will

continue to action it by applying for search warrants for searching premises.

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Attention parents of boarders or young people

away for school, study or travel:

Keeping young people in the area or attracting them back after study is something many around Victoria

Plains identify as being important.

The Shire is keen to hear from all our 12 – 25 year olds, regardless of whether they are currently away,

about what would make the area more appealing for youth.

Parents/family/friends, please encourage all youth to have their say by forwarding on the survey.

For everyone else, please fill in the survey, and also keep an ear out for a youth

engagement activity, coming to your area soon!

www.victoriaplains.wa.gov.au/community/youth.aspx

Hard copy surveys are also available at the Shire Office

To help us better understand the needs of the community, please take the time to participate in our survey. Bushfires impact on lives, communities and property. Would you know what to do? Your feedback is important

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FDFW562

At a Firey Women Workshop we will provide you with the information and tools to help you and your family survive a bush fire using the seven keys to survival.

By attending a workshop dedicated to women, you are taking important steps towards empowering and protecting yourself, your family and your community.

Please take the time to fill out survey , location and dates will be confirmed at a later date and there will be no cost to participants

Vicki Booth | Community Emergency Services Manager

Shire of Moora, PO Box 211 Moora, WA 6510

Mon, Tue & Wed

Telephone: 08 9651 0060| Mobile: 0409 137 645 | Fax:08 9651 1722

Email: cesm@moora.wa.gov.au |vicki.booth@dfes.wa.gov.au | Web: www.dfes.wa.gov.au

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CANCELLED

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ST JOHN AMBULANCE VICTORIA PLAINS SUB CENTRE

Membership forms are available at the Shire of Victoria Plains

A reminder

Membership will be due for renewal on

30th October 2016

For Sale

Pork Sides (approx. 30 kg) home delivered.

These are home grown pigs processed at Linley Valley.

Fresh sides for the home butcher $6 / kg.

Order now for the next delivery.

Phone: David or Valerie on 96275248

(until 9pm and weekends).

We now have a lovely range of

plants for sale, come and have a

browse

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ANNUAL CRAFT STALL FRIDAY 27th

MAY

FUND RAISING For DIABETES-TYPE1

CALINGIRI

Please contact: Von 96287086, Helen 96287153, Carole 96287244

ANY DONATIONS OF SALEABLE GOODS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED

ALSO ON THE SAME DAY

FIVE ROAD CAFE’

Cake & Coffee $7.00 - $2.00 of each coffee donated to The Cancer Council

CALINGIRI PROGRESS ARTS IN THE PARK

CHANGE OF DATE

On 14th May 2016 Calingiri Progress would like to take interested people down to the

“Swan” and visit some Sculptures, to be inspired for our Sculptures in the Park.

To express your interest please contact

Anne-Marie on 0429 940 930 or Barbara on 0429 900 667

Before 6th May 2016

COMING SOON

TO SHIRE OF VICTORIA PLAINS

LIBRARIES

ebooks, eaudio, emagazines

A Senior’s Joke

Paddy finds a sandwich with two wires stickin out of it.

He phones the police and says "Bejasus I've just found a sandwich dat looks like a

bomb."

The operator asks, "is it tickin?

Paddy says "No, oi tink it's beef"

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Due to the imminent award of a plant hire contract for construction works on the

Great Northern Highway – New Norcia Bypass, Viento Contracting Services are

seeking expressions of interest from persons who would be suitable for

employment on this project.

Vacancies include; Mobile Plant Operators, Drainage / Concrete Crew, Service

Crew and Heavy Duty Fitters.

Please submit resume along with cover letter and applicable licences and nationally accredited qualifications to hr@viento.com.au

ONLY WORKING SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES

Volunteer fire fighters are urging you to “Change your smoke alarm battery” as only working smoke alarms save lives. Research shows that WA is below average when it comes to home fire safety compliance rates with only two per cent of people testing their smoke alarms often enough. As we move into the winter months, the increased use of heaters and other electrical equipment means house fires are far more likely. Smoke alarms provide an essential early warning, giving you time to evacuate safely – but only if they work. We recommend using long-lasting 9V alkaline batteries and regularly testing alarms are working to ensure year-round protection. For information on Smoke Alarms, Batteries and Home Escape Plans visit the DFES website at www.dfes.wa.gov.au. For other inquiries call the Shire of Victoria Plains - Community Emergency Services Manager Vicki Booth on 0409 137 645.

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Come to Carrah to learn about the iconic Carnabys Cockatoos

Stroll through revegetated areas to see what can be grown for them

During afternoon tea hear from a grower of seedlings

Then wander through bushland to see the natural food sources

And hollows both natural and artifical

Carrah Farms 1173 Calingiri West Road Calingiri

Put Carrah Wildflower Walks into Google for a map

And it’s FREE

RSVP Sarah 0459 212 780 or carrahfarms@westnet.com.au before the 11th May for catering. This Moore Catchment Council project is being funded through Western Australian Government's State

Natural Resource Management Program

WATER CART FOR HIRE

House, garden, stock water,

OR

transfer your supply

Prompt delivery & service

12000 litre tank

Sprays & dribble bar for dust suppression

Very competitive rates

Contact. David Smith @ VP Water

0418 941 770

( SMS if no answer )

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Your local Mazda Dealer for Calingiri and surrounds

For all your motoring needs our team of experienced professionals will be happy to assist you in New Car Sales, Finance, Service and Repairs

and Genuine Mazda and Holden Parts and Accessories.

OUR SALES, SERVICE, PARTS, DETAILING AND ADMIN TEAM

Call 9622 0880 or drop in at our new dealership 1-3 Oliver Street, Northam WA (Next door to Mitre 10) www.northammazda.com.au www.northamholden.com.au

Wheatbelt locals Chris Allert and Kristi

Carter for all your New car sales needs for

both Holden and Mazda.

Service Manager Byron Slade and Service Advisor Nigel Kosick for all your service and maintenance requirements

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Love hits out at DFES move to control bush fire brigades

Member for Moore Shane Love MLA has hit out at suggestions that the Department of Fire and

Emergency Services (DFES) assume control of the state’s volunteer bush fire brigades.

Mr Love voiced his concerns following comments by WA Fire Commissioner Wayne Gregson and a recent

ABC radio interview in which Premier Colin Barnett suggested some Local Governments were not

interested in supporting their bush fire brigades and major fires were no longer a place for farmers with

their individual fire units.

The Premier said WA Fire Commissioner, Wayne Gregson had made a valid point in calling for bush fire

brigades to be brought under the direct control of DFES.

Mr Love, a former Local Government Councillor and Shire President, refuted the claims and said it should

be up to Local Government to decide whether they hand over control of brigades.

“In my experience, local volunteer farmers have served an absolutely vital role attending to and putting

out many fires over the years,” Mr Love said.

“These volunteers have local knowledge which should not be underestimated, particularly when it appears

DFES communications between central command and the fire front are often poor.

“Volunteers - whether farmers with their own private equipment or with Brigade units - arrive on the

scene in an extremely timely manner.

“This quick response prevents small fires turning into big blazes that can’t then be controlled.”

Mr Love said that in the event of major lightning that spans the region, all possible people power was

needed on the ground.

He said in his experience, Local Government had been supportive of volunteer bush fire brigades and the

network of volunteer Fire Control Officers who provide the command structure in the regions.

“Brigade meetings provide an opportunity to air a difference of opinion but I believe that Local

Government has a healthy respect for volunteers active in their local bush fire brigade,” Mr Love added.

“Some of these more experienced people have been putting out fires in their local area for 50 years or more

and experience like that cannot be treated with contempt.

“I fear the day when people bringing their city-centric ideas into the regions will destroy the volunteer

system.

“I think it would be very dangerous if we develop a culture where farmers who see smoke simply ring 000 and wait for someone else to come and put out a fire.”

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Shire Of Victoria Plains

PO Box 21

Calingiri WA 6569

www.victoriaplains.wa.gov.au

TO THE

HOUSEHOLDER

Postage

Paid

Ph: 9628 7004

Fax: 9628 7008

Email: reception@victoriaplains.wa.gov.au

Community Calender

NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS DUE BY

MIDDAY ON

LAST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH

Phone: 9628 7004 Fax: 9628 7008

Email:

reception@victoriaplains.wa.gov.au

FULL PAGE—$33.00

1/2 PAGE—$16.50

1/4 PAGE—$8.25

SHIRE OFFICE HOURS

MONDAY TO FRIDAY

GENERAL BUSINESS

8.30am-4.30pm

FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS

8.30am-4.00pm

BENDIGO BANK and TRANSPORT

LICENSING

9.00 am-4.00pm

5th May: Community Bus cancelled

12th May: Community Bus

13th May: Carnabys @ Carrah Farm

14TH May: Trip to the “Swan” Progress

19th May: Community Bus

20th May: Council Meeting

21st May: Shire Office opens at 9.30am

26th May: Community Bus

27th May: Annual Street Stall—Calingiri

28th May: Biggest Morning Tea, Bolgart

@VictoriaPlains

The Shire of Victoria Plains is now on

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