Published on Monday, 23 March 2026 at 12:22:07 PM
At last week’s Ordinary Council Meeting (pictured above) held in Hopetoun on Tuesday 17 March 2026, Councillors considered a range of items reflecting both future planning and service delivery across the Shire.
Council resolved to initiate an amendment to Local Planning Scheme No. 6 to allow consideration of a future unstaffed service station on part of Lot 109 South Coast Highway in Ravensthorpe, subject to the required approvals and a period of public consultation.
A short-term extension (one week) of the Acting Chief Executive Officer, Paul Anderson, was also approved to ensure continuity in operations before our new CEO Nicole O’Neill, arrives on Thursday 26 March 2026.
Council adopted several policy updates, including reviews of Related Party Disclosures and Regional Price Preference. New policies were also endorsed to provide clarity around legal representation for both Council Members and Shire employees.
Council supported the introduction of an official Shire of Ravensthorpe flag, including endorsement of a proposed design featuring the Shire logo. This will provide a unifying symbol for the community and for use at official events.
A proposed location near the corner of Hopetoun–Ravensthorpe Road and Jerdacuttup Road was supported for the Boeing 737 water bomber tail. This project continues to recognise the significant firefighting efforts in our region, with further planning and budgeting to be considered.
Council also adopted the statutory half-year budget review, with a projected end-of-year surplus of approximately $1.27 million.
To strengthen local firefighting capacity, Council endorsed retaining an existing water tanker as a backup resource after the arrival of a new tanker.
Council also considered behind closed doors an item to award contracts for upcoming roadworks, with Boral engaged for hot bitumen reseals and Lawry’s Electrical and Civil for the supply of sealing aggregate.
Finally, a proposal to name two unnamed roads in Ravensthorpe was deferred to allow for further investigation.
To watch a video of the meeting, or to read the agenda and minutes, please visit here.
As always, we appreciate the community’s interest in Council decisions and encourage you to stay engaged with what’s happening across the Shire.
Upcoming election
Just a reminder that our Extraordinary Postal Election will be held on Thursday 26 March 2026 to fill two Council vacancies, with four candidates nominated.
If you have not received your election package in the mail, please visit one of our Shire offices to arrange a replacement. Please note the Hopetoun office is closed on Wednesdays and the Ravensthorpe office is closed on Thursdays.
The Ravensthorpe Council Chamber will be open on election day (while the Shire office is closed) and completed ballots can be hand delivered there by 6 pm.
Cr Rachel Gibson
President
Shire of Ravensthorpe
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