President's Report

Minutes of the Monthly Council Meetings 

These are available on the shire website. Since February this year the meetings have been digitally recorded which is also uploaded to the shire website.

Wind Farms Local Planning Policy 

This is a new planning policy for the Shire of Beverley which seeks to ensure that any proposed wind energy project is developed in a manner that minimises negative impacts and maximises the benefits to the community and the environment. The policy was advertised following the June Council meeting and following a review of the submissions received Council have resolved to proceed and publish notices to this effect as required in the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015.

Shire Community Grant Programme 

The next round of the Shire Community Grant Programme will open in January 2026 if you wish to start working on your applications. Applications close toward the end of January 2026. This is the second round in the grants programme for the 25/26 financial year.

Sporting Facilities 

Work on the netball courts is underway and redevelopment of the swimming pool Stage 1 continues. Council looks forward to the completion of both projects which will provide refurbishments to important community facilities. Funding opportunities continue to be investigated that would enable the Shire to progress Stage 2 of the swimming pool redevelopment. Stage 2 includes new change facilities, gym, community space and the entry realigned to the oval area.

Camping on Private Land 

The State Government introduced an amendment in 2024 to the Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Regulations 1997 whereby a person may apply to a local Government for approval to camp on private land for up to 24 months. This was supposedly a solution to assist with the current housing crisis however was without consideration of the health and safety of potential applicants nor guidance to Local Government as to how it should be managed. Council adopted a policy at the October meeting to establish a framework for preparing and considering such applications. The Shire of Esperance are recognised for their assistance.

Various Works Activities 

The oval and town lawns have been verti-mowed and fertilised.  New turf has been laid at the swimming pool and reticulation completed. The Water Corporation are currently commissioning the annual start up at the reuse treatment plant and this water will be mixed with the shires harvested water for use on the oval. Bridge maintenance continues, most recently on Yenyening Lakes Rd. This maintenance programme of our bridges is a financial challenge however is important for not only the integrity of our many bridges but to also enable access to external funding when upgrades are necessary.

Roe Tourism AGM 

The Roe Tourism Association, a collaborative partnership between the Shires of Beverley, Bruce Rock, Corrigin, Kondinin, Kulin, Lake Grace, Narembeen and Quairading, held its AGM at the Cornerstone in Beverley on 17 November. Attendees were very impressed by the main street redevelopment and our Visitor Centre.

Road Safety 

With the heavy traffic around over the harvesting period take extra care on the roads and drive to the conditions rather than the speed limit.

Another year almost over!

As 2025 draws to a close I’ll take the opportunity on behalf of Council and staff to wish our community a Happy and Safe Christmas!

Dee Ridgway

Beverley Shire President