Darlington Community Recreation Advisory Group (DCRAG)

Recent meeting of DCRAG delegates held and discussed a number of major issues and organizations provided a current update on their activities.

The Noisebin group, displayed their projects system of taking in the waste receptacle and how sound and lights will emanate from its container. It has been well publicised in the Review so looking forward to the final 'build' and location near the skatepark gazebo.

noted that this area was subject to significant water flows to a “seasonal wetland”. Chris Arnold, Wetlands Rehabilitation Action Plan (WRAP) coordinator is involved in the detailed planning. Chris is also pleased with Shire’s assistance and interest in this very ambitious environmental project, and is currently planning future funding opportunities and possibly a Friends Group for the area.

Discussion also held with regards to the proposed BBQ extension, mostly related to the size of the extension. The Darlington Club, instigators of the original suggestion, together with feedback from DRRA, are reviewing plans for moving forward on this community/Shire project.

Excessive sign is unwanted in our village and recreation area Recently several new dog exercise area” signs have appeared on the north side of the oval and the cricket nets, bringing the tally to seven in the recreation area. As well as an unnecessary cost, the poles present a physical hazard to the people trying to recreate on the oval area. DCRAG advocates for discussion with the Shire before any signage installation and the use of existing infrastructure to accommodate signage rather than poles. Awaiting Shire feedback.

The DCRAG subcommittee on the proposed Sport’s Clubs Oval widening and realignment project was formally disbanded. Information gathered over the past 12 months will be handed to the Shire for consideration when later this year it will undertake a whole-of-shire recreation review called Recreation Facilities

Informing Strategy 2023/2024. The committee were sincerely thanked for their efforts as they had received many comments in a very diverse community of views. Please now send your feedback directly to the Shire: Attention Kirk Kitchen, shire@ mundaring.wa.gov.au.

The bollards replacement program will also commence shortly. The bollards will now be replaced in their current position, due to high power electrical cables being located underground.

Infill planting and species selection along Pine Terrace, as part of DCRAG/Shire Tree management program was noted. Availability of tree stock may affect the Shire’s final decision regarding species.

With continuation of the Local Area Masterplan Phase II, it was

The History Group have several projects in the recreation area including an area near the hall for the Tribute Garden and Six Seasons Gardens, reflecting Indigenous culture in Darlington and our colonial history. The trail head walk project is still progressing with Shire support received.

Please check the website for further information: https://www.darlingtonvillage.org/community-groups/ darlington-community-recreation-advisory-group-dcrag/

Colin James | Secretary Trish Cook | Chair

1906

New Directions and Emerging Issues

Verge Collection and Organic Waste Bins. Cr. Luke Ellery reported the Shire is considering changes to the annual verge collection, including an on-demand collection system. Additionally, in 2024, a further bin will be provided for food and organic waste to all residents, and will be collected by the Shire. The cost of these services will be added to overall waste collection costs.

Halloween’s Future. There have been widespread complaints about the broad advertising of the event last year, which resulted in large crowds coming to Darlington, causing disruption and anti-social behaviour. Discussions are underway on how to retain the family friendly community feel of Halloween that Darlington has enjoyed the last few years, when costumed kids with parents in tow wandered from house to house politely collecting Treats as night fell, ending up at the park to burn off the sugar highs before heading home to dream of dragons. Before it gets out of hand on October 31, 2023 DRAA is considering options and welcomes input from the community.

Follow-Ups and Ongoing Issues

Signage at the Darlington Oval. Signage pollution at the oval is out of hand. Two more huge signs on tall poles popped up overnight, to now number eight signs on one small recreation space, when two signs would be sufficient to remind dog walkers of their duty of care. There are two signs for No Horses, as well. It was reported to a DRRA meeting that questions to the Shire would not be permitted “due to budgetary constraints”. The community applauds the idea of a greater focus on community placemaking, and wants further discussions relating to lack of planning regarding signage in the village. Discussions will be held with representation at a Shire Council meeting where this issue will be raised.

Signage at the Post Office. Aaron, at the Post Office, asked if DRRA could assist with an escalating problem with vehicles parking long term directly in front of the business. DRRA represented the issue to the Shire, with Officers subsequently recommending two dedicated parking bays with 10 minute parking. No Shire decisions were made pending further communication with DRRA and Aaron from the post office. Poul Dahl, DRRA, will report back after attending a Shire meeting where this item is on the agenda. Designs for the BBQ near the playground are more modest, based on feedback from DRRA and community members and are nearing finalisation. DRRA thanks the Darlington Social Club for their considerable efforts over several years in spearheading this project. And thanks to Peter Kitely for his part in the design process. A $25,000 grant from the Shire awaits our final decision and implementation discussions.

Mundaring Town Centre revitalisation project: Significant financial investment by the Shire for a Multi Purpose Community

For more detailed information about the above topics you can request minutes of the last DRRA meeting from DRRA Secretary Julia Richardson richardsonj0102@gmail.com or read previous issues of the Darlington Review’s DRRA notes at www.darlingtonreview.com.au

Facility and Cultural Precinct has significant implications for future Shire development, including Darlington. The project is funded for three years for the first stage of consultation to ensure community involvement. Existing buildings will be repurposed in the second stage. President Anthony Spagnolo, DRRA Chair, has been invited to participate in discussion/information sessions about the project. DRRA member Peter Kitely, attends consultation meetings to keep the community informed as the project proceeds.

New Directions and Emerging Issues

Darlington’s Bridges. Residents treasure the old bridges in their area and are united in preferring they be repaired, not replaced, but this must first be agreed to by a Shire that much prefers to rebuild. Two bridges are currently being discussed: Glebe Road Bridge, pictured above, and Mofflin Road Bridge. Planned repairs to Mofflin Bridge have been postponed pending further inspection. Residents have established a Friends of Mofflin Bridge, researched its history, and represented their preferences at a recent DRRA meeting. Poul Dahl, DRRA, recently doorknocked the Glebe Bridge area to confirm community preferences for repair. DRRA liaises with Shane Purdy, the Shire’s Infrastructure Director on these issues.

Introducing DRRA's Committee

Anthony Spagnolo, DRRA’s Chair, is a dedicated advocate for community driven planning and architectural reform and has deep roots in the Perth Hills region. Hailing from Darlington, his family has had a strong connection to this area for several generations. In addition to his personal ties, Anthony’s extended family resides in Parkerville and Glen Forrest, and run a small business on Nichol Street in Mundaring Town Centre. He is pictured with wife Abigael and daughter Gloria, now 20 months old.

NEXT DRRA MEETING: 6 July, 7:30 pm, at Darlington Hall. Halloween: Community discussion: options for a safe Halloween and opinions on proliferating signage in the village.