Council Connections

Local Planning Policy – Development for which Development Approval not Required

After an advertising period during which no submissions were received, the draft Local Planning Policy – Development for which Development Approval not Required came back to Council, who voted to proceed with it. The Policy is one of several actions being implemented to improve customer experience, reduce approval times, and improve internal efficiencies to support small business, and sets out conditions under which Development Approval does not need to be obtained. Processes streamlined are changes of use for small business premises where the required parking standards are the same or less, mobile food vans associated with an event, and camping associated with events. Local Planning Policies are available at esperance.wa.gov.au/planning-policies.

Body Worn Camera Policy

Council endorsed a policy for the use of Body Worn Cameras (BWC) by Shire compliance and enforcement officers and approved a trial of the cameras, after a number of adverse incidents involving Shire officers. Use of the cameras will be in accordance with Shire policies and procedures and state and federal legislation, attached to a prominent location on the officer’s clothing, and where reasonably practical notice will be given verbally that the BWC is switched on and recording. BWCs have been shown to de-escalate situations, and they are expected to reduce aggression and complaints against Shire officers, increase their safety, and evidence of enforcement and prosecutions.

Historic Building To Be Partially Retained

Council supported RAC Parks and Resorts request to amend their lease over Reserve 53801, next to RAC Esperance Holiday Park, to enable a large section of the existing Blue Waters Lodge to be retained on site. The original plans included demolition of the building, or relocation if a community group came forward with a proposal to move it. No community group has expressed interest, so the RAC proposal to keep some of the building is a way to preserve a part of this historic structure. Under the amended plan, a portion of the building will be turned into family accommodation.

Mingle with the Grantmakers

Applying for a grant can be intimidating, so it’s no wonder the feedback for the Shire’s informal Mingle with the Grantmakers information session was positive. This event brought together funding bodies such as Horizon Power, Mt Burdett Foundation, Esperance Ag Fund, Lotterywest, Healthway, Esperance District Recreation Association, as well as the Shire of Esperance, to discuss funding opportunities and give tips on applying. Shire Community Development staff arranged this event as an opportunity for attendees to chat about their projects, explore funding avenues, and create connections. The Shire’s Annual Grants for amounts of over $3,000 are open for applications until March 14, details at esperance.wa.gov.au/community-grants-program.