General

On 13 January 2022, the State Government announced that as part of the WA Safe Transition Plan to reopen WA’s borders, proof of vaccination will now be required to enter certain facilities from 31 January 2022. This will directly affect Shire facilities such as the Kununurra Leisure Centre and Peter Reid Memorial Hall. Any patrons aged 16 and over who enter the abovementioned facilities will be required to provide proof of vaccination, this includes members and anyone who wishes to hire Shire facilities.

Due to Water Corporation's planned lowering of Lake Kununurra these facilities will be temporarily closed

Expressions of Interest are invited for the lease over Lot 509 on Deposited Plan 66529, portion of Foreshore Reserve 50468, Millington Drive, Kununurra for the purpose of either water-based community, recreation or tourism on Lake Kununurra.

Expressions of Interest are invited to purchase Lots 401 and 402 on Deposited Plan 223234, Pearse Street, Wyndham.

At the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 14 December 2021, Council adopted the 2021-2026 Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP). Under the Disability Services Act 1993, it is a legislative requirement that the DAIP must be reviewed and actions updated at least every five years.

The Shire would like to advise that due to COVID restrictions in Malaysia, there will be a delay in receiving the waterslides to complete the Kununurra Water Playground. The works are now expected to be complete by Easter 2022, in time for the Ord Valley Muster.

On Wednesday 13 October 2021, the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley drew the winners of the Rates Incentive program – Draw A. Draw A was open to all rate assessments paid in full, including all arrears and outstanding interest charges. The competition closed on Friday 8 October 2021.

CleanAway wishes to advise that due to unforeseen circumstances, there will be a delay in waste delivery services in Kununurra and Wyndham until further notice.

A special Council Meeting was held today to swear in the newly elected Councillors and elect a Shire President and Deputy Shire President. The Shire would like to congratulate Cr David Menzel, Cr Anthony Chafer and Cr Narelle Brook on their re-election and welcome newly elected Council members Cr Chelsea NcNeil and Cr Dylan Hearty.

The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley has been awarded $7.5 million in BBRF (Building Better Regions Funding) grant funding for the first stage of the East Kimberley Regional Airport (EKRA) infrastructure upgrade.

The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley proposes to lease the café at the East Kimberley Regional Airport Terminal, being part Lot 200 on Deposited Plan 66654, to Timothy McClintock for a period of 5 years for the permitted purpose of café.

The Federal Government is supporting small to medium-sized businesses in the North with a $100 million Northern Australia Development Program (NADP). Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the program would assist Australian businesses who have taken the leap of starting a business in the North.

National Safe Work Month in October is a time to commit to a safe and healthy workplace. Vernon Lawrence, Chief Executive Officer at the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley, supports Safe Work Australia’s ‘think safe. work safe. be safe’ campaign and is encouraging other businesses to join in.

Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) Board has approved up to $32m loan to construct stage 1 of a cotton gin in Kununurra. Kimberley Cotton Company (KCC) and Namoi Cotton have worked closely on the design and operational planning for Stage 1 of the cotton gin, which can process cotton grown on up to 15,000 hectares in the region.

The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley is proposing to increase the areas where dogs can be legally exercised off lead in the areas of Lakeview Drive and Millington Drive, Kununurra, specifically:

Do you know someone who makes our community a better place Every community has local heroes. Auspire – The Australia Day Council WA, Community Citizen of the Year awards is your opportunity to acknowledge those making an outstanding contribution to our local community. Outstanding contribution and community service include areas such as; education, health, fund-raising, charitable and voluntary services, business, sport, arts, the environment, social inclusion or any other area that contributes to the advancement and wellbeing of a community.

The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley is committed to supporting not-for-profit, community-based sporting, cultural, environmental, service groups and associations. This support is to foster high-quality programs, community events, facilities and services that benefit the community, in alignment with the Council's Strategic Community Plan. The Community Grant Program aims to assist local community groups/organisations that make positive contributions to the quality of life within the local government area.

The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) from suitably experienced/qualified parties and individuals for the operation of a café at the East Kimberley Regional Airport Terminal.

The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley is pleased to advise that the 2021 Baby Tree Program application is now open. If you had a baby born in Kununurra from 1 Jan 2021 to 31 Dec 2021, you are eligible to have your baby’s name and birth month on the 2021 plaque.

During a routine inspection of the Wyndham Boat Ramp Floating Jetty, the Shire has noted a deterioration in the integrity of the pylons. Works will commence shortly to rectify the issue.

Today, the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley officially opened the new Kununurra Shared Loop Footpath at the Intersection of Coolibah Drive and Messmate Way. Shire President David Menzel officially opened the path with a cutting of a ribbon.

The Shire has engaged the services of Heritage Consultant Laura Gray (Heritage Intelligence (WA)) to review the Shire’s Municipal Heritage Inventory and update the document to a Local Heritage Survey, and to prepare a Heritage List that supports the statutory planning framework. Additionally, a Local Planning Policy will be created to protect nominated heritage places within the Shire. While the review will mainly focus on existing heritage sites within the Shire, the Shire welcomes suggestions of new places to be included in the Local Heritage Survey.

The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley advises that works on the Skate Park at Whitegum Park have been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. The Skate Park will be available for public use this weekend during the Saturday Markets.

The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley would like to advise that the next local government Ordinary Election will be held on 16 October 2021. Councillors are elected for terms of fours years within Western Australia.

The Shire would like to advise that Rates Notices for the 2021/22 Financial Year are due to be sent out the week starting 30 August 2021 with first payments due on 8 October 2021.

Council has adopted the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley Corporate Business Plan 2021 – 2025, which sets out the services and projects to be resourced and delivered over the next five-year period. Shire President David Menzel said the document is guided by the Shire’s Strategic Community Plan and Long-Term Financial Plan. It is the Shire’s five-year operational plan detailing services, initiatives and projects that will benefit the community.

The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley would like to advise that the Skate Park at White Gum Park will undergo a revamp from Wednesday 4 August 2021 – 13 August 2021.

The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley would like to advise that the 2021 reseal program will commence from Monday 19 July until Saturday 24 July 2021.

The Kununurra Agricultural Show is happening this weekend, and we are looking forward to all the great food, activities and fireworks. Unfortunately, loud noises (particularly fireworks) can cause serious anxiety and stress for some animals. The Shire Rangers would like to remind pet owners to take extra precautions to create a safe and secure space for their pets. The Shire Rangers have compiled a few tips to help ease your pets' fears:

In accordance with Section 5.4 (a)(i) of the Local Government Act 1995, the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley wishes to inform the public of two Special Council Meetings held this month: