Inside Ashburton December 2014
In This Issue Skippers set to fly out of Onslow airport
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Upgrade in store for Old Onslow
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United by a vision for the future 4 Shire addressing unauthorised accommodation in industrial areas 5 Recent Tom Price fires a reminder to be prepared
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Former councillors remembered 8
Pannawonica gets creative in the Wellbeing Wood. Photo Denise Gallanagh-Wood.
Happiness spreads throughout Pannawonica As part of Mental Health Week (6-12 October), the locals in Pannawonica put on their happy faces and created an amazing Happy Panna video. The whole town was involved in the making of the video, which the Shire of Ashburton helped facilitate. Pannawonica now joins an international movement making videos to the sounds of Pharrell Williams’ song ‘Happy’. The Happy Panna video was one of the highlights of Mental Health Week and showcases the town’s great community spirit as well as some of the activities that people can be involved in, which in turn, help boost personal wellbeing. The ‘Happy Panna’ video is available on YouTube and has proven popular among the wider population having received around 3,000 views. The video is just one of the activities facilitated by the Shire of Ashburton and Pannawonica residents for Mental Health Week.
A team of 15 knitters put their knitting and crocheting skills to good use, along with a number of enthusiastic school children, to create a colourful Wellbeing Wood. ‘Yarn Bombing’ of trees throughout the town helped bring out the true colours of Pannawonica and created a community focal point of celebration and togetherness. These colourful yarn creations were combined with messages of hope and wellness, reinforcing happiness and mental wellbeing within the community. Shire President Kerry White praised Pannawonica’s approach to mental health and to the overall wellbeing of the entire community. “A range of events were hosted throughout Mental Health Week to reinforce the connections between a healthy body and a healthy mind, as well as emphasise the positive effects on mental health that are generated through being part of your local community,” said Cr White.
“Pannawonica has shown us that living within a remote town can be an enriched lifestyle of fun, happiness and great community spirit.” During the week Pannawonica Men’s Shed hosted an evening of pizza, camaraderie and an informative presentation on men’s health. Local teenagers embarked on a program of ‘random acts of kindness,’ offering a helping hand to neighbours, children and local groups. Adults were given the opportunity to learn some new moves by participating in a dance workshop, and the Pannawonica Book Club hosted a discussion on feel good books and movies. Pannawonica may only be a small town with 700 residents, but its community spirit is enormous! This activity met Community Goal 1 of the Corporate Business Plan – Vibrant & Active Communities
Inside Ashburton | December 2014 | 1
Skippers set to fly out of Onslow airport The Onslow Airport recently received approval for regular passenger transport (RPT) flights from the regulatory authorities for Category 6 services (planes under 20 tonnes). The rules for Category 6 RPT services means passenger and baggage screening is not required, thus providing residents with the ability to access flights to/from Onslow on these smaller style planes. General paying passengers can fly to Perth from Onslow, and return, on a Skippers Airline flight. Skippers, who were expected to make the first flight on Monday 17 November, are scheduled to fly Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Deputy Shire President Linton Rumble said he was delighted to hear the news and encourages all Onslow residents to get on board.
“This is a significant step,” Cr Rumble said. “And the timing couldn’t be better with Christmas just around the corner. “We hope to see residents and businesses making use of the flights. “In recognition of the significance of securing airline flights to Onslow, Council agreed in July to waiver airport fees for Skippers for a six-month period. “The waiving of fees, whilst costing some $90,000, lowers the commercial risk of Skippers to enable it to commit to this passenger air service to the Onslow district.” Skippers will use the existing temporary terminal. The Shire is aiming to have the main terminal completed by early 2015 but there will be other works undertaken into early-mid 2015, like civil works ‘landside’ of the airport, before the airport is officially opened.
Skippers will fly between Perth and Onslow. Photo Skippers Airline.
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Note: Category 3 approval is for 20+tonne aircraft which is a large ‘standard’ QANTAS or Virgin plane for example, and does require passenger and baggage screening. “The cost of running the screening is expensive and will be part of the commercial decision airlines make in determining flights,” Cr Rumble said. Skippers reservation contacts: Terminal phone number 08 9479 1244 Reservations hotline 1300 729 924 Email address for booking enquires reservations@skippers.com.au This activity met Community Goal 4 of the Corporate Business Plan – Distinctive & Well Services Places
Upgrade in store for Old Onslow
Entries open for 2015 My Pilbara Adventure competition Island hopping in the Dampier Archipelago and exploring the ancient gorges of Karijini are just some of the experiences on offer for the winner of the 2015 My Pilbara Adventure competition. Entries close Friday 23 January 2015 at midnight.
Photo of Old Onslow by Peter Bellingham.
The historic ruins of Old Onslow town site are recognised as having exceptional heritage significance, and after years of exposure to the harsh climate and vandalism, work is beginning to help conserve the site and prepare for future tourism opportunities. The stone remains of the once proud gaol, courthouse, police station and living quarters are the most significant remnants of the Old Onslow town site – a reminder of an important time in the history of the North West, the Ashburton district and the State. Shire of Ashburton councillors recently voted to support a memorandum of understanding with the Pilbara Regional Council (PRC) to manage the conservation works, using $1 million in funding from the Chevron-operated Wheatstone Project’s Onslow infrastructure package. Shire President Kerry White said appointing the PRC was the first step towards deciding what must be done to preserve Old Onslow long-term.
“The long-term aim is to conserve the local attraction so both residents and tourists can enjoy it,” she said. The initial funds will go towards safety and stabilisation works, such as installing educational signage and barriers. Detailed plans will also be developed for the ongoing conservation management of the site and to identify future tourism opportunities. The original town of Onslow was established more than 120 years ago, serving as, amongst other things, a port town for the wool industry at the mouth of the Ashburton River. Repeated cyclone damage in 1925 saw the town moved to its current location, 20 km away at Beadon Creek.
Launched by the Pilbara Development Commission at the Perth Royal Show on World Tourism Day, the second instalment of the popular tourism competition promises the winner a 12-day adventure of a lifetime. The campaign highlights the world class natural attractions in the Pilbara on offer for visitors. Entries can be submitted via the website www.mypilbaraadventure.com.au terms and conditions apply and can be read in full on the website.
This activity met Community Goal 3 of the Corporate Business Plan – Unique Heritage & Environment Mackerel Islands.
Pilbara features on Channel 9 program Destinations WA Episodes on Karijini, Millstream and life in the Pilbara featured on Channel 9 program Destinations WA in October. Showcased in a one-hour primetime special – and seen around Australia and New Zealand – the second series of Destinations WA kicked off with Tod Johnston’s road trip through the Pilbara. If you missed the episodes and would like to catch up just go to the Destination WA website: www.destinationwa.tv Photos of Tod Johnston at Karijini by Destinations WA.
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United by a vision for the future
A lot can happen in a decade – and the Shire of Ashburton wants to make sure it does! Through consultation with community groups, youth groups, other government agencies, service providers and business groups both small and large, the Shire of Ashburton compiled its Community Strategic Plan to 2022.
Generally, the overall vision within the community won’t have changed, but the priorities might have.”
Shire President Kerry White highlighted how listening to communities as part of the planning process led to a far better understanding of residents’ concerns and aspirations.
“In developing and carrying out both the Corporate Business Plan and Community Strategic Plan, we must continually consider key elements of objectives such as the overall cost, resources required, who will benefit, and so on,” said Cr White.
“There’s a lot we can and are doing to realise our vision for the future and to keep the community updated in regards to the progress we are making, articles within Inside Ashburton that relate to a community goal or objective being met will be highlighted with a new ‘thumbs up’ logo,” Cr White said. “Local governments in Western Australia have moved to an integrated planning approach in relation to strategic planning,” said Cr White. “Our strategic plan was the result of community consultation and engagement at all our major centres and outlying communities, allowing the plan to become the vision for the whole Shire. “Although this plan is for 10 years and was adopted over a year ago, we will be ‘checking in’ with our communities every four years. 4 | Inside Ashburton | December 2014
As part of the ‘checking in’ process, a Corporate Business Plan has been compiled to determine what needs to be achieved over four years to meet the goals set out by the community in the 10-year Community Strategic Plan.
“Unfortunately, we can’t do everything. Like any business, Shire funds are limited and we have to carefully manage our finances to ensure we can still maintain our existing assets, such as roads and buildings. We must also be sure that what we are undertaking is sustainable in the long term.” Want to know more? The Shire of Ashburton’s 10-year Community Strategic Plan (2012-2022) and current Corporate Business Plan can be viewed at www. ashburton.wa.gov.au in ‘Publications’. This activity met Community Goal 5 of the Corporate Business Plan – Inspiring Governance.
Shire addressing unauthorised accommodation in industrial areas The Shire of Ashburton has launched an awareness campaign against unathorised accommodation in industrial areas with letters being sent to landowners and lessees in Paraburdoo in October. A shortage of housing has led to workers living in unauthorised accommodation within the Shire of Ashburton’s industrial areas. The Shire’s Town Planning Scheme does not permit normal residential accommodation in industrial areas, but does take ‘caretakers’ dwellings’ into consideration. These dwellings must have only one bedroom and not exceed 80m2. Shire President Kerry White said that the Shire initially carried out inspections of the Paraburdoo Light Industrial Area in November 2012. “We inspected all lots and uncovered 68 unauthorised units and rooms that were, or could be, used for residential accommodation.” Despite non-compliant lot owners being subsequently asked to no longer house
workers on site, a review earlier this year found that unauthorised accommodation was still being utilised. “While we considered making changes to allow such accommodation, it is not good planning practice,” said Cr White. “Therefore, the Shire has recently made recommendations to enforce the current laws with audits to take place in the near future.” Letters providing advice and outlining the Shire’s intentions have been sent to all light industrial landowners throughout the Shire. “We have also hand-delivered a similar letter to each lot to ensure lessee awareness,” said Cr White. “We want to work together to help affected parties do the right thing. Therefore, we are incorporating an ‘amnesty period’ to allow owners or occupiers to approach us for help without fear of prosecution.” The amnesty period for Paraburdoo owners or occupiers currently providing
unauthorised accommodation will conclude on 31 March 2015, while the amnesty period within Tom Price and Onslow will conclude six months from the date of notification. “During this amnesty period, the Shire has been promoting the issue in the media, helping to ensure that all stakeholders are well aware of specific dates and events, including audits,” said Cr White. “These audits will take place at the conclusion of the amnesty periods to identify and potentially prosecute those who are still providing unauthorised accommodation in our light industrial areas. “We are also working to help solve the housing shortage that is contributing to the problem. As Rio Tinto owns much of the land in Paraburdoo, they have offered to make 40 or so vacant lots available for housing to be built upon.” This activity met Community Goal 4 of the Corporate Business Plan – Distinctive & well planned towns.
Councillors to make greater use of technology to overcome tyranny of distance
Photo of councillors and CEO Neil Hartley, by Elly Lukale. Councillors usually only meet face-to-face once a month.
Shire of Ashburton councillors have agreed on an innovative way to help overcome the challenges of providing good governance in a large and remote Shire like ours.
Most councillors – and key staff – regularly travel vast distances to attend monthly council meetings held throughout the Shire’s four towns of Tom Price, Paraburdoo, Pannawonica and Onslow.
Shire President Kerry White said that in 2015 councillors will be trialling a new method of meeting more regularly than one full day per month; they will connect via tele or video conference to discuss matters of strategic importance. “For some subjects, like strategic planning or policy reviews, these take several hours to complete and cannot always be finalised on the one day per month we meet for the Council Meeting itself. This new method will be a way to workshop these topics in a timely but considered manner,” Cr White said. “Our Council Meeting days are already very full in any case and this is an excellent way to use technology to help us provide even better governance for our community whilst overcoming the tyranny of distance.” This activity met Community Goal 5 of the Corporate Business Plan – Inspiring Governance.
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Recent Tom Price fires a reminder to be prepared The fires in and around Tom Price, Marandoo and Pannawonica during September serve as a timely reminder to all our communities that we can’t be complacent when it comes to bush fires in the North West and the need to be prepared. The Shire’s Supervisor of Emergency Services, Morgwn Jones, congratulated the fire-fighting crews for their excellent work which prevented the loss of any key assets or infrastructure. “Hats off also to the Tom Price community for the wonderful support they offered,” he added. “The amount of food that was donated was incredible and very much appreciated by all of the crews on the fire ground. It truly was a great show of community spirit.” The fire that affected Marandoo and Tom Price burnt 103,174 hectares. Thank you especially to the crews from: • Tom Price Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade; • Tom Price Volunteer Fire & Rescue;
Cyclone season Mr Jones said that as we move into cyclone season, now is the time to ensure that we are prepared both at home and our places of work. “Please ensure that your property is clean and tidy with all loose materials secured,” he urged. “Remember, items like trampolines and outdoor furniture all have the potential to become missiles during a tropical cyclone. “Make sure you have your emergency kit stocked and ready to go. Do you have a home plan in place? Do you know where your local evacuation centre is? “Tropical Cyclone Christine in December 2013 is a reminder of how far cyclones can reach inland from the coast, while our residents on the coast know all about cyclones, we can’t be complacent. “Cyclones can be unpredictable and can intensify rapidly. You need to prepare for a cyclone even if it does not look like it is coming your way.”
• RTIO Tom Price ERT; • RTIO Marandoo ERT; • Paraburdoo Volunteer Fire & Rescue; • Karratha Volunteer Fire & Rescue; • Department of Parks & Wildlife; and • Department of Fire & Emergency Services and Speno Rail Services. RTIO Tom Price & Marandoo provided resources such as graders, water carts and dozers.
Tom Price fires came close to town in September. Photos Neil Hartley.
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COMMUNITY ALERT LEVELS Get ready for a cyclone
You need to start preparing for cyclonic weather.
Take action and get ready to shelter from a cyclone
You need to prepare for the arrival of a cyclone.
RED ALERT
Take shelter from the cyclone
You need to go shelter immediately.
ALL CLEAR
The cyclone danger has passed but take care
Wind and storm surge dangers have passed but you need to take care to avoid the dangers caused by damage.
BLUE ALERT
YELLOW ALERT
DO NOT DRIVE ON RED ALERT – IT IS DANGEROUS
Officers from the Shire will be carrying out inspections during cyclone season to ensure that all property owners have their properties prepared for cyclone season. For more information on bush fire or cyclones please visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au This activity met Community Goal 4 of the Corporate Business Plan – Distinctive & well serviced places.
Shire unveils plan to improve access and inclusion in our communities
Companion Card helps people with disability The Companion Card program is just one example of how the Shire of Ashburton is working to improve the quality of life for people with disability by facilitating their participation in mainstream community activities. Cardholders gain free entry for their companion at the Vic Hayton Memorial Swimming Pool in Tom Price, at the Paraburdoo Swimming Pool and Jim’s Gym in Onslow. Disability hoists are available at our swimming pools to make access to the water possible for those with limited mobility.
It is estimated that 405,500 Western Australians currently live with a disability – a figure that is expected to rise by a further 210,000 by 2026. Often, these disabilities make it difficult or impossible to partake in many everyday activities. In response to the needs of those living with disability, the Shire of Ashburton has released its updated 2013-2017 Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP). Shire President Kerry White said the DAIP is about providing equal opportunity in the community. “As a Shire, our role is to ensure public services, facilities and information is available to all community members, giving people with disability the opportunity and choice to participate in all aspects of community life.” Cr White said that while the Shire has already taken steps to ensure towns were accessible, there was scope for improvement. “The Shire is proud to have many existing facilities that are either universal in nature or specifically support people with a disability,” said Cr White. “For example, our public car parks have wheelchair access and ACROD parking, while the new Clem Thompson Memorial Pavilion was designed with wheelchair access, accessible toilets, ramps and automatic doors.
“The outcomes in the DAIP will be used as a guide to help the Shire take these measures to the next level. The 2013-2017 Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) is available at www. ashburton.wa.gov.au in ‘Publications’. You can also contact the Shire for a copy of the plan. This activity met Community Goal 1 of the Corporate Business Plan – Vibrant & Active communities.
With International Day of Disability falling on 3 December this year, the Shire and Disability Services Commission will host a community event which recognises the achievements of people with disability. This activity met Community Goal 1 of the Corporate Business Plan – Vibrant & Active communities.
New disability parking laws New disability parking regulations, prepared by the Department of Local Government and Communities, will take effect from December 1. The latest regulations follow a nationwide initiative to standardise parking provisions for people with disabilities. The WA laws were originally created in 1988. The main changes relate to ensuring consistent terminology and increasing penalties. More information is available from www.dlgc.wa.gov.au
Vic Hayton Memorial Swimming Pool in Tom Price. Photo Simmone Van Buerle.
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Former councillors remembered Two former Paraburdoo councillors, Rod Davies and Peter Foote, sadly passed away in August 2014. This feature is a tribute to their lives and contribution to their local community. Thank you to Rod and Peter’s families for sharing their memories and photos.
ROD DAVIES
After retiring, Rod travelled the world, and with a love of walking, completed many incredible walks, including the Cape to Cape, and Kokoda Track. Rod was always looking for new adventures and was planning to do a walking holiday in New Zealand later in the year. A tragic accident ended these plans, and Rod will be sadly missed by family and friends and many who remember him in the Ashburton community. Rest in Peace.
Rod was a long term member of the Paraburdoo community, working some 30 years for Hamersley Iron in a number of roles.
PETER FOOTE
Rod was also Justice of the Peace and is remembered for his active lifestyle (tennis and running) and for being a great family man.
Peter was elected to Council in 1991. As a 17 year veteran on Council, Peter took on many additional tasks as an elected member, and his many contributions were formally recognised when he was awarded the Centenary Medal in January 2001 ‘for outstanding service to the Paraburdoo community’. Peter was actively involved in the Paraburdoo Lion’s Club, Paraburdoo Gala Committee, Hash House Harriers and a variety of other local committees.
Rod and his wife Denise moved to Paraburdoo in 1971. Rod arrived first, with Denise and their four children – all under four and a half – a couple of weeks later. Elected to Council as a Paraburdoo councillor (1976-1979) Rod was a great contributor to the community, participating in many committees and groups such as the Para Gala Committee and Lions Club.
Peter moved to Paraburdoo in August 1978 working as a surveyor under contract to Hamersley Iron. As a surveyor Peter travelled extensively through the Pilbara, mainly for mining companies, developing a long term affinity with the landscape and people of the Pilbara.
Many people remember Peter’s great love of Rugby – recalling that he not only played in Paraburdoo, but was a former State player for Tasmania. Peter was a Paraburdoo councillor from 1991 to 2007. As a long term resident of Paraburdoo, Peter is remembered by many as a very generous, active and committed community member. Councillor Linton Rumble remembers him as: “a big man with a big heart and a big voice.”
Peter left Paraburdoo due to illness in October 2007, returning to New Zealand to live with his sister. We will remember Peter for his willingness to get involved and as an outstanding contributor to Paraburdoo and indeed, our entire Shire. Rest in Peace.
Banjima Road upgrade works in Karijini completed The Shire of Ashburton has recently completed road sealing works on 18kms of Banjima Road, within Karijini National Park. The upgrade, which improves public accessibility and safety for park users, reflects the Shire’s commitment to enhancing tourism in Ashburton. The construction phase took five months and was finished on time and within budget. This activity met Community Goal 4 of the Corporate Business Plan – Distinctive & well serviced places.
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Photo of Banjima Road upgrade by Greg West.
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Road Ribbons for Road Safety, make road safety a priority this festive season With the festive season upon us, the Shire or Ashburton is taking part in the Road Ribbon for Road Safety campaign. The RoadWise campaign reminds everyone about their responsibility for ensuring the roads are safe over the busy festive season.
We wish all our residents and readers a very happy and safe festive season.
ROAD RIBBON for Road Safety
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Shire offices in Tom Price, Paraburdoo and Onslow will close over the Christmas and New Year festive season from 2pm Tuesday 23 December, re-opening 9am Monday 5 January. Emergency contacts, rubbish collection and tip opening times during this period will be available on the Shire’s website at www. ashburton.wa.gov.au
We are urging residents to make sure they do the right thing on the roads – wear a seatbelt and never drink and drive, drive tired or speed. For more information visit www.roadwise.asn.au
Office closure over festive season
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This activity met Community Goal 1 of the Corporate Business Plan – Vibrant & Active communities.
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Inside Ashburton Publication is produced by the Shire of Ashburton. Editor: Kylie Hartley Feature Writers: Lydia Evans, Narelle Steele Contributors: Chevron, Department of Fire & Emergency Services Template Design: Design Collision
Poincina Street, Tom Price WA 6751 PO Box 567 Phone (08) 9188 4444 Freecall 1800 679 232 Fax (08) 9189 2252 Freecall Fax 1800 655 086 Email soa@ashburton.wa.gov.au
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Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/shireofashburton Disclaimer This newsletter is for general information purposes only. The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Shire of Ashburton. The Shire has taken all measures to ensure the contents in this publication is correct, however it accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or the completeness of the material. Readers are advised not to rely solely on this information when making any decision. The Shire of Ashburton reserves the right to change the publication as it sees fit. The Shire of Ashburton disclaims any responsibility or duty of care towards any person for loss or damage suffered as a result of this newsletter. Copyright The contents of this newsletter are subject to copyright under the laws of Australia. The copyright in materials in this newsletter as a whole is owned by the Shire of Ashburton. Third parties may own the copyright in some materials incorporated into this newsletter. In reference to the Copyright Act 1968, please feel free to reproduce parts of this newsletter for personal, educational or any other noncommercial purposes, provided that the Shire is aware of this.
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Upcoming Events December 2014 Date
Event
Location
1 December
Christmas Lights Installation
All towns
2 December
BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series
Tom Price
6 December
Community Christmas Concert & Parade
Onslow
7 December
Carols by Candlelight
Tom Price
7 December
Carols by Candlelight
Pannawonica
10 December, 1pm
Council Meeting
Multi-Purpose Centre, Onslow
12 December
Christmas Lights Walk
Paraburdoo
13 December
Christmas Lights Competition
All towns
13 December
Christmas Lights Bus Tour
Tom Price
14 December
Carols by Candlelight
Paraburdoo
16 – 31 January
School Holiday Program
All towns
26 January
Australia Day Celebrations
All towns
28 January, 1pm
Council Meeting
Clem Thompson Sports Pavilion, Stadium Road, Tom Price
4 February
Senior’s Morning Tea
Onslow
18 February, 1pm
Council Meeting
Ashburton Hall, Ashburton Ave, Paraburdoo
4 March
Senior’s Morning Tea
Onslow
18 March, 1pm
Council Meeting
Onslow Multi-Purpose Centre, Onslow
26 March
Welcome BBQ
Onslow
DECEMBER
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
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