President's Report

January 2025

Beverley Early Years Network.

Beginning as a small group of concerned Mothers in 2016, the Beverley Early Years Network was formed to promote and assist early learning among pre-school children to better prepare them for their initiation into the education system. From here it has grown with membership of 12 mothers and 3 other interested volunteers.

On the 22nd November, the group was successful in winning an Award at the Western Australian Community Achievement Awards for their considerable efforts. Awarded the Gowrie WA Early Learning Community Award, the citation for this amply describes their achievements.

The Beverley Early Years Network fosters intergenerational connections and provides accessible resources for all. Since 2016, the Beverley Early Years Network has been a key resource for families, offering developmental support and educational activities. Starting with a small Storytime, they revitalised the Toy Library and launched programs like "Me @ 1, 2, 3," which brings health professionals together to assist young children’s growth. Their free activity tent at local shows has become a popular family attraction. By developing a comprehensive five-year plan, they are working to meet evolving needs and ensure sustainability. Their innovative initiatives make them an integral part of Beverley's support network for children and families.

Yet another volunteer community group helping to build a better Beverley. Congratulations to them all for this achievement.

Breach of Vehicle Movement Ban.

Towards the end of November, the Shire was advised of a breach of the Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban. To put it mildly, this is disappointing and totally unacceptable. The owners of the property were contacted by phone and a follow-up letter was sent. Those in charge of the movements on the property were unaware of this and have undertaken to speak with the offenders.

For those new to Beverley, these restrictions are sensibly imposed on relevant days, as fire is a very real danger in the Wheatbelt. It is land owners’ responsibility to find out if a Ban is in place. A Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban means you cannot move any type of vehicle through a paddock. The Shire of Beverley has an SMS text notification advising on the imposition and lifting of Harvest and Vehicle Movement Bans.  Please call the Shire of Beverley Administration Office on (08) 9646 1200 to register for this service.

 

Kokeby Fire 18 December.

Given the above incident, the importance of being aware of circumstances that can result in a fire, there was no better example of that than the fire that occurred within the Kokeby area on the afternoon of Wednesday 18th December.

Whilst the cause is yet unknown, the result could have been catastrophic. Thanks go to all the farmers, and Brigade volunteers who reacted so quickly and dealt with the situation as they did. Assisted by the Shire and two water bombers, the fire was contained before it could spread further. Without these efforts the weather conditions of the day could have resulted in the loss of houses and possibly life.

 

Proposed Retirement Village - 18 (Lot 4) Hunt Road

Public Notification (Planning Advertising) for this proposed development concluded on the 6th December 2024 and several submissions have been received, including some objections.

At the 10th December Annual Electors Meeting concerns were received from ratepayers as to the details of the proposal. In response to these concerns, the Shire have agreed to an extension of the Public Submission period until close of business on Friday 24th January 2025.

 

Cr David White

Shire President

 

Beverly 2035

What is Beverley 2035?

Beverley 2035 is a long-term vision for the Shire of Beverley to deliver economic benefit to Beverley over a long time frame. It is anticipated that the Beverley 2035 Concept Plan will provide direction for planning, funding and development over the next 10 years.

Council has identified the following long-term projects that form the Beverley 2035 vision, which are expected to benefit the community:

  1. Refurbish the Beverley Aquatic Centre;
  2. Industrial land servicing and release for development;
  3. Residential land servicing and release for development;
  4. Intergenerational Centre – aged care to child care;
  5. Essential worker accommodation;
  6. Relocation of the Shire depot;
  7. Caravan park expansion;
  8. Avon River Park development and Trails plan implementation;
  9. Creative spaces – Cultural Centre; and
  10. Recreation precinct development – Indoor Sports Centre and Function Centre.

Please download the Needs Analysis for more information. 

* Please note that roads, bridges, waste and general Council functions remain a yearly top priority and are considered separate to the above planning.

Council identified a $5M funding stream called Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program that will allow us to develop the Beverley 2035 plan. Council held three Community workshops facilitated by Mark Casserly to discuss the Beverley 2035 plan further including details of each identified long-term projects to determine that the Community is in support of Councils strategic vision and understood the projects and the process. The application was submitted in September 2024.

 

Cr David White

Shire President