General

Harvest, Vehicle Movement and Hot Works Ban for Christmas Day and Boxing Day

Embargoed Until: N/A The Shire of Northam is home to an abundance of wildlife; both in and out of the river area. Included in this are many species of waterfowl that construct nests to keep their young safe from predators and other sources of harm In recent weeks, concerned community members have contacted Shire Rangers with reports that purposeful damage to eggs, habitats and birds has continued despite requests for this type of vandalism that endangers our unique animals to cease. Vandalising habitats and harming wildlife is an offence under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, and Penalties apply. If any member of our community observes negative behaviour of this nature, please contact the Shire of Northam during working hours or the police outside of these hours. Police: 9622 4260 Shire of Northam: 9622 6100 The Shire of Northam is confident that while a very small portion of our community is committing these acts, there is a much larger group looking out for the wellbeing of our local wildlife, and together we can ensure the safety of our treasured river residents. Date: 20 December 2021 Ends.

Pursuant to Reg 38A Bush Fires Regulations 1954, a Harvest, Vehicle Movement & Hot Works Ban for the Shire of Northam for 08/12/2021 from 1000hrs and to be reviewed at 1800hrs

Northam residents will soon have the opportunity pick up a bargain and have discarded items upcycled with the creation of a Tip Shop at the Old Quarry Road Waste Management Facility. The new waste transfer station and Tip Shop will further support the Shire’s sustainability agenda and significantly reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. Last financial year, a total of 33,882.6 tonnes of waste went to the Northam tip; 56% of which went to landfill. It is hoped that recent sustainability decisions such as this made by Council will assist in reducing the Shire’s carbon footprint. Shire of Northam, Chief Executive Office, Jason Whiteaker said, ‘The decision made by Council to invest in these improvements will not only improve safety and more efficient sorting and servicing at the Facility but also creates an opportunity for the community to turn someone else’s trash into treasure in an environmentally positive way’. Other recent improvements in the Shire include power and utility management reviews, transport initiatives and waterwise strategies at the Wundowie and Northam aquatic facilities which will lead to enhanced sustainability and a greener future. For details on the ways in which the Shire of Northam is modelling its commitment to sustainability, please visit the Shire of Northam website at www.northam.wa.gov.au.

Northam will install electric vehicle charging stations and adopt a new approach to purchasing renewable energy as part of Council’s focus on sustainability. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations The acceptance of an offer from Synergy Corporation for the provision of two electric vehicle charging outlets for placement in Northam came about as a product of State Government’s EV Strategy. An assessment of the locations identified by Synergy have resulted in the Northam Visitor Centre Car Park being selected as the preferred location. Northam is one of 45 locations pinpointed in the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategic Planning Report to receive EV charging capabilities in the next 3 years, and this project is made possible through the State Government’s $21 million Electric Vehicle Fund. WALGA- Synergy Power Purchase Agreement Synergy has recently proposed a collaborative purchasing package for WA local governments to get the best price from energy providers for contestable sites. The Shire of Northam has agreed to enter into a 3 year contract with the purchase of a percentage of renewable green energy each year, to increase exponentially year-on-year. This is currently the largest collaboration in Australia with 51 local governments in WA joining the agreement, followed by Victoria with 46 when they implemented a similar project. The Shire of Northam is currently assessing and quantifying its carbon footprint as an organisation. In recent years the Shire has made significant efforts to become more sustainable in its operations with initiatives such as: • • The installation of solar panels at 10 Shire of Northam facilities • • Gaining Waterwise accreditation for both aquatic facilities (including the introduction of pool blankets) • • The appointment of an Environmental Sustainability Officer • • The implementation of the Local Biodiversity Strategy • • Encouraging and sourcing best practices through the Cities Power Partnership Program • • Retro-fitting Shire buildings with LED lighting • • Installation of LED flood lights at the BMX track • • Hydrowise irrigation controllers that manage operations based on weather conditions saving on electricity and water Shire President Cr Chris Antonio said, ‘We want to showcase a commitment to sustainability moving forward, and to model the types of continuing sustainable decisions and behaviours we would like to see reflected by the local community’. In addition to the decisions regarding the Power Purchase Agreement and EV Charging Stations, Council also moved to support a Waste Transfer Station and Tip Shop at the Old Quarry Road Waste Management Facility in Northam to reduce the amount of waste placed into landfill. For details on the ways in which the Shire of Northam is modelling our commitment to sustainability, please visit the Shire of Northam website at www.northam.wa.gov.au.

Expressions of Interest for Disposal of Property by Lease The Shire of Northam is calling for expressions of interest in leasing the following property to a commercial business or a Shire of Northam charitable or community organisation: A portion of Reserve 44700 being Lot 29081 on Deposited Plan 218276 as contained in Certificate of Title Volume LR3145 Folio 833 Aphylla and Trimmer Road, being approximately with 55.48 hectares of cropping and grazing land. The land is currently zoned Agriculture, Parklands, Recreation. It is proposed that the lease be a minimum three years. The Lessees will be required to maintain firebreaks and fences. Once submissions are received the matter will go to Council for selection. Interested groups should apply in writing stating their organisation name, the required usage of the property and benefits proposed benefits to the local community by 30 November 2021. Queries regarding the lease should be directed to Cheryl Greenough on 9622 6100 or governance@northam.wa.gov.au Submissions should be made to: The Shire of Northam, PO Box 613, Northam WA 6401

A pop-up vaccination clinic will be at the corner of the Avon Mall (previously Northam Travel) on Fitzgerald Street from 8.30am on Saturday 6th November 2021.

Earthside Eco Bums reusable nappies are now available at the Northam Aquatic Facility, with a special design also available at the Bilya Koort Boodja Centre. These reusable nappies are hand designed in South West WA with limited edition artwork by WA artists. Normally $24.95 however currently $15 as they are subsidised by the Shire of Northam. Please note that all children that normally wear a nappy must wear a swim nappy when in the pool. Designed to fit from 4-14kgs they generally fit newborn to toilet training age. They provide an affordable alternative to disposable swim nappies as they are less expensive and reusable. If you have any queries please contact the Recreation Centre on 9622 5153

The Shire of Northam is seeking expressions of interest from community members to become a community representative on the following Committees; COMMUNITY SAFETY COMMITTEE • Up to two (2) community representatives. NYOONGAR CULTURAL ADVISORY GROUP • One representative from each of the following families; o Ryder o Garlett o Stack o Slater o McGuire o Kickett o Moody o Davis • Two other Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Community Representatives Individuals interested in being considered for one of the positions available should familiarise themselves with the committee's Terms of Reference and submit their interest no later than Thursday, 4th November 2021. Terms of Reference and application forms are available on the Shire of Northam’s Website at www.northam.wa.gov.au or by contacting Ms Alysha McCall on (08) 9622 6100.

The Shire of Northam is reviewing its Strategic Community Plan, and in our review we would like to invite local community members to attend a FUTYR® Community Workshop. The purpose of the workshop is to: • Provide an overview of recent findings from the 2021 MARKYT® Community Scorecard • Review actions to address community priorities and achieve the City’s vision In the workshop, we will be covering a broad range of community priorities including: • Community safety • Climate change and sustainability • Innovation and economic development • Sport and recreation • Art and culture • Access and inclusion • And more All members of the general community are invited to take part. There are two workshops to choose from: • Morning session: 10am-noon, Thursday, 28 October, 2021 • Evening session: 6pm-8pm, Thursday, 28 October, 2021 The workshops will take place in Northam and will be facilitated by CATALYSE Pty Ltd. We will confirm the venue once we have received RSVPs to ensure the venue can accommodate all guests safely. You can register for one of these workshops by visiting https://catalyse.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_23kkbVkNGRWg0iW If you have any questions, please contact Alysha McCall, Executive Assistant - CEO, at the Shire of Northam on eaceo@northam.wa.gov.au or phone (08) 9622 6114.

The Northam Aquatic Centre will be closed Wednesday 13 October This is for necessary staff training, we apologise for any inconvenience.

The Shire of Northam is developing a Trails Master Plan for the region. The intent of the Master Plan is to develop a suite of trail opportunities for both locals and visitors.    The Master Plan will cover non-motorised trails in the region including walking, running, mountain biking, cycling, horse riding and canoeing/kayaking. Common Ground Trails have been engaged to deliver the Master Plan and invite you to share your thoughts on opportunities for trails in the region via the following interactive mapping tool. Shire of Northam Trails Master Plan Mapping Tool The survey will be open for input until the 22nd October. There will also be a public open house information session held on the 12th October at Bilya Koort Boodja from 4pm to 6pm where you are invited to get more information about the project and share your ideas with the project team.

The Shire of Northam advises that the un-restricted burning period has been extended and will continue until Thursday 14th October 2021. Should weather conditions change significantly before that date this may be reviewed – please ensure that you keep yourself informed of any further changes (please visit the Shire of Northam website – www.northam.wa.gov.au) The Shire would like to remind residents that despite the greenness of the vegetation in some areas, there is still a risk of your fire escaping and becoming a danger to our community. Before you conduct your planned burn, please observe the following precautions - Confirm it has been two days but no more than 10 days since it last rained (5mm or greater). You can check at bom.gov.au/climate/data. - Check for mild weather conditions for the next several days at bom.gov.au/places/wa. - Do not burn if strong winds and dry conditions are forecast. - Ensure all equipment is available and in good working order. Include a metal rake, shovel, hose or another source of water. - Confirm that the people helping you with the burn are still available. - Notify all neighbours no less than four days prior to burning. This includes neighbours separated by a road, lane or waterway. Any further changes to the unrestricted burning period will be published on the Shire of Northam website. For more information on how you can conduct your burn safely, please visit the Department of Fire & Emergency Services, Planned Burning information website https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/plannedburning/ Please download the Burn Smart guide for more tips on how you can burn safely and continue to prepare your property over the winter burning season https://dfes.wa.gov.au/Documents/bcoe/BurnSmart_Guide_2021.pdf

The Shire of Northam gives notice of its intention to dispose of the following land in accordance with section 3.58(3) of the Local Government Act 1995: Lot 66 (276 Duke Street) Northam, Plan: P842 Title Ref: 1430/289 area 0.1229 hectares. Following an auction held 10 September 2021 the Shire intends to dispose of the abovementioned land to Peta-Lee Edds for the disposal price is $40,000. Written submissions with respect to the proposed sale may be lodged with the Shire prior to 4:30pm 8 October 2021. Submissions should be marked “276 Duke Street Northam” and addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Shire of Northam, PO Box 613 Northam WA 6401 or emailed to records@northam.wa.gov.au

The Shire of Northam gives notice of its intention to dispose of the following land in accordance with section 3.58(3) of the Local Government Act 1995: Lot 9 (9 Arnold Street) Northam, Plan: P279 Title Ref: 1339/764 area 0.1298 hectares. Following an auction held 10 September 2021 the Shire intends to dispose of the abovementioned land to Wimpy Property Developers WA P/L for the disposal price is $50,000 Written submissions with respect to the proposed sale may be lodged with the Shire prior to 4:30pm 18 October 2021. Submissions should be marked “9 Arnold Street Northam” and addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Shire of Northam, PO Box 613 Northam WA 6401 or emailed to records@northam.wa.gov.au

From September 14th 2021, the bushfire warning colours on Emergency WA are changing. The changes are the first step in WA’s adoption of the Australian Warning System (AWS). This means you’ll receive consistent bushfire information no matter where you live, work or travel.

The Shire of Northam Community Safety Committee is conducting a Community Safety & Crime Prevention Survey. The purpose of the survey is to identify the primary safety concerns of the Shire of Northam community and to hear what measures you would like to see taken to help improve your feelings of safety & security in the community.

You may be eligible to be enrolled to vote in the local government elections on 16 October 2021 if you live in or are an owner or occupier of rateable property in the Shire of Northam.

You can start your Census as soon as you receive instructions, if you know where you’ll be on Census night, Tuesday 10 August https://www.census.abs.gov.au/

EastLink WA is a culmination of more than 40 years of road planning activities for the north-eastern corridor of the Perth metropolitan area and Wheatbelt region, comprising several separate projects that have undergone different levels of planning and development.

The Shire of Northam have released a face book page specifically to raise the profile of volunteering within any of our local emergency service groups within the Northam district.