President's Report
July 2021
Vincent Street Streetscape Project
In exciting news for Beverley, Council have awarded a tender for the civil component (footpaths, road, curbing, drainage, street trees and furniture) of the Vincent Street Streetscape Project. The project has been scaled back to run from Hunt Road to Forrest Street. Unfortunately Vincent Street, east of Forrest Street and the Town Square were removed from the project due to budget constraints. In its entirety the project is expected to be $4.9M including the undergrounding of power. Council will raise a $1M loan for the project, use $685,000 from Reserves and $425,000 from General Revenue. $2.75M is funded through Federal Government grant funding including the BBRF and LRCI streams. Council will continue to look for any other funding to reduce its contribution.
The Vincent Street Streetscape Project will create a safe, green and vibrant public area, with better seating and lighting. Enhanced pedestrian movement in and around the business area through traffic calming devices and safe crossing places. Vincent Street will also receive new drainage, curbing and level footpaths.
The project is expected to commence in October 2021 and be completed by June 2022. There will be traffic delays and inconveniences during this period but the outcome for Beverley is expected to bring economic gain for local businesses through increased tourism, the attraction of new people to town due to increased liveability and will have long lasting benefit for our future generations.
Community Grants – Now Open
The first round of the 2021/22 Community Grants is now open. The grants are available for local incorporated groups. Terms and conditions apply so grab an application pack and see if you are eligible. A quick call to the Shire will also assist you in determining your eligibility. Applications close 4pm, Friday 30 July 2021.
Caravan Park Cabins
The construction of six onsite cabins has been completed. Landscaping and road works are to be completed in due course as is the commissioning of the solar farm and vanadium battery storage. The cabins are due to open in early August and the volume of enquiries received to date to utilise them has been encouraging.
Extension to the Playground Area at the Recreation Ground
Great news for our families and children, work is due to commence in early July at the playground located at the Recreation Ground on Forrest Street. We apologise in advance if there is any inconvenience caused during the works however there will be a new swing set, new play equipment and new table and chairs with a covering patio. We trust everyone will enjoy the changes.
Avondale Machinery Farm
Thank you to the members of the public who have provided comment on the 150 Square Report addressing the future of the Avondale Farm Machinery Museum. Council will now review all the comments to determine an appropriate way forward.
Local Government Elections – October 2021
There are possibly some retirements coming from some of our current Councillors who finish their terms in October this year. Council would like to see the Beverley Community fully represented so please consider the role of Councillor, there are 11 Ordinary Council meetings a year on the 4th Tuesday of each Month (except Jan). If you are interested in becoming a Councillor, please do not hesitate to have a chat with a current Councillor. Later in the year the Shire will hold information sessions.
Strategic Community Plan
Council have completed a Minor Review of the Shire of Beverley Strategic Community Plan and it is now available for public comment. A major review with community consultation sessions will be held in 2023. The Minor Review document is available via the front counter, the Shire website or it can be emailed to you. Please comment by 6 August.
Rates - Changes to the Discount Period
Council will soon meet to adopt the 2021/22 budget which includes rate setting. A reminder that when your rates come out this year, the discount period will be reduced from 35 days to 21 days. When you receive your notice, please read it carefully and take note of the date you must pay by to receive the 10% discount. The Shire of Beverley is one of the last Local Governments to still offer an early payment discount so please take advantage of it.
COVID – Stage 5
On 23 June 2021, the State moved into Phase 5 Restrictions which means the 2sqm rule and 75% capacity rule has been lifted. Thank you to everyone who abided by these rules when booking or using Shire facilities. You will however still need to “check-in” using the WA Safe App.
Cr Don Davis
Shire President