Published on Thursday, 24 September 2026 at 9:42:50 AM
There was plenty on the agenda at our September Council Meeting, with a good mix of planning for the future and decisions about what’s happening across our Shire right now.
Planning for the future
One of the bigger items was our draft Council Plan 2026–2036, which Council endorsed for public comment.
This is an important piece of work because it sets out where we want to be over the next 10 years and the priorities that will guide us along the way.
The Plan has been shaped by what our community has told us, including through the recent Community Scorecard, which received a fantastic 280 responses.
Over the next month, we’ll be asking everyone to take a look at the draft Plan and let us know what you think.
We also adopted our Workforce Plan 2026–2030, along with updated Local Emergency Management Arrangements and Local Recovery Plan. This planning help make sure we have the right people and planning in place to deliver our services and to support our communities when emergencies occur.
Medical services
We also considered our local medical services, with Council awarding a new contract to Livingston Medical, who have been providing medical services in Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun under the previous contract. The Shire continues to advocate for health care in the district, and it making a significant financial contribution of more than a quarter of a million dollars in cash, provision of the surgeries and housing for the doctor.
Firebreak Notice update
Council endorsed a motion update the 2026/2027 notice to ensure it is clear that approval is required for the keeping of livestock and that all firebreaks in Steerdale Meadows, Krystal Park and Blue Vista can be a slashed or mulched firebreak regardless of if keeping stock or not.
Variations are still required by 1 October if landowners cannot meet the requirements of the notice.
Other matters
There were also several planning matters considered. Council approved additional permanent grain storage at the CBH West River facility, as well as upgrades to the mining accommodation village in Queen Street, Ravensthorpe, which have been approved.
And, with bushfire season very much on our minds, Council reviewed our Camping and Cooking Fires Policy and Burning Restrictions Policy to make sure our local requirements are clear and up to date.
It was a busy meeting, with plenty happening across the Shire, and I’ll keep you updated as these projects and plans move forward.
Cr Rachel Gibson
Shire President
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