Minningup planning 'in its infancy'

THE Collie Shire Council has responded to a range of questions put to it by Minningup Pool development opponents, stating planning for an eco-development “is still in its infancy” and will take several years to finalise.

The council distinguishes between the eco-development and planning for dayuse upgrades, which it states are approximately 90 percent complete.

It notes concept plans for the eco-accommodation are not yet prepared, nor the supporting business case.

The council states that it “is in the process of land tenure arrangements to enable it to lease a portion of the reserve to an eco-tourism accommodation provider”.

Responding to questions about dissatisfaction with the community consultation process, the council states “extensive community and stakeholder engagement has been conducted”.

It notes “feedback continues to differ”, with some community members wanting no work undertaken, while others have indicated they’d like to see upgrades made to the day-use areas.

“Further community input for the eco-accommodation will be sought once concept plans have been produced by that proponent,” the council states.

It adds that shire officers will meet with members of the public to provide advice about the plans or aspects of the planning they don’t understand.

Celebrating local chaplains

A CHAPLAINCY dedication ceremony will take place at the Collie Baptist Church on Wednesday.

YouthCare Collie support team secretary Raewyn Jones said the yearly celebration is a confirmation of the iwork chaplains do within local schools.

Miners scoop aged care silver

THE Collie Miners team, representing Community Home Care Collie, last week took home the silver medal at the LiveLighter Games in Bunbury.

They are held annually in metropolitan and regional areas around the state.

“The chaplains will make it known that they are willing to take the role of chaplain seriously and do their best for the students,” she said.

The event, which includes snacks, will start at 4.30pm and is expected to end at about 6pm. All are welcome.

It was a closely fought contest, with not much separating first and second place at the final whistle. Teams including Bunbury, Harvey, Bridgetown and Busselton competed.

The games, conducted by the Seniors Recreation Council of WA, offer seniors the opportunity to be part of a team and enjoy social interaction.

“Our team won silver, ending with a very narrow gap on the scoreboard between gold and silver,” Fiona Pither, Collie lifestyle and wellness coordinator, said.

“It was a great day out, with happy competitors all interacting between one another and other competing teams.

“Lots of fun and laughs were had by all.”