Darlington Ratepayers and Residents Association (DRRA)

The recent meeting of the Darlington Residents and Ratepayers Association (DRRA) discussed various concerns of local residents. Chair of DRRA, Anthony Spagnolo, reported on attending the Shire meeting on April 12th and spoke to two submissions from DRRA. The first submission was for a design competition for the proposed new Mundaring town cultural precinct, and the second was for the adoption of a placemaking strategy in the Shire, both motions were supported at the Shire Annual Electors meeting and are being considered by councillors.

The meeting also discussed the Save Perth Hills campaign against the proposed north Stoneville development by Satterley Property Group. The proposed development was discussed, and concerns were raised about its implications on traffic flow, bushfire danger, flora and fauna, wastewater management, property values, and noise and light pollution. Peter Brazier and Debbie Bishop from the Save Perth Hills campaign provided an update to the meeting and raised these concerns. They also discussed an Electors Meeting at the Council Offices in Mundaring, which was to be held on April 19th, where they will review the Shire response to ensure that all concerns are incorporated.

The meeting also discussed the parking issues at the Darlington Post Office. The business owner of the Post Office, Aaron (pictured below), raised concerns about the lack of parking for customers, particularly for the elderly and/or those with a disability who need to park close by. The Shire has contacted DRRA and is considering a ten-minute parking bay or to allow Aaron to put up a sign during business hours indicating Post Office only bays. Aaron indicated his preference was to be allowed to place an A-frame sign indicating dedicated parking bay during his business hours which are Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm.

Additionally, the meeting discussed the Darlington Station Reserve, where the drinking station needs to be replaced. Gill Scott suggested that Friends of Darlington (FODS) will take the request to the Shire for an upgrade unless DRRA can do so. DRRA agreed to write to the Shire to request a replacement drinking station as well. The area was recently graded but now has several potholes which need to be filled, and Cr. Trish Cook has been working to ensure that the potholes are repaired.

The proposed BBQ upgrade at Darlington Oval was discussed, and the meeting resolved to pass on feedback requesting the proposed structure (sketch pictured above) be scaled back to accommodate two BBQs as opposed to the four.

The meeting also discussed the need for a more holistic approach to tree planting in the village. Raymond Leclezio raised concerns about the issue, and Liz Dumont recommended the formation of a specific community group tasked with oversight of tree planting. Ceri Kitely reported that current tree planting efforts may need more assistance with the oval tree planting strategy. DRRA will include the tree planting strategy as an agenda item in future community meetings.

The next DRRA meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 11 May 2023 at the Darlington Hall at 7:30 pm. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions on issues concerning the community

Remember

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