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May 2017 News and Events in the Shire of Kalamunda


 
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Message from the
Shire President

One of our most loved historical artefacts, the Kalamunda History Village locomotive, has stood since October last year, shrink wrapped, following an asbestos finding. 

The Kalamunda History Village attracts over 13,000 visitors each year. The majority are coordinated through a very popular school excursion program, welcoming over 100 schools from the Perth metropolitan area. The locomotive has become a historically significant symbol for the Village, Kalamunda and the Perth Hills, since the Shire purchased it in 1968 and placed it on the Railway Reserve.

The asbestos fragments were spotted during maintenance works to clean and paint the train. The Shire acted quickly to close the Village and make the site safe, engaging an environmental consultant to test and confirm there was no further risk to the community. 

Since then, the History Village has returned to its usual hours of operation and is open to the public, but many people have asked, what’s happening with the train? We’ve had a big decision to make about what to do next with this beloved local icon. Naturally community safety is our top priority.

Our options varied from disposal, full remediation, permanent encapsulation, surrounding it in a sealed viewing enclosure or sealing in the asbestos with a protective coating. Each option came with varying associated costs, timeframes and statutory approval requirements.

We have chosen to see if we can get some external funding to offset the costs and have submitted an application for a Lotterywest Heritage and Conservation grant. But I am pleased to say Council decided to move toward full remediation and restoration of the locomotive.

This is the only option that will deliver permanent asbestos removal and return the train and History Village to the way it was, and how it has been enjoyed by so many over the years. Sometimes preserving the past is a critical part of building the future.

Andrew Waddell

Shire President

The Shire of Kalamunda has developed a concept plan to turn the drain along the Woodlupine Brook into a living stream. The concept plan relates to the section of Woodlupine Brook from Hardey Road East, through to Lenihan Corner in Wattle Grove.

CEO Rhonda Hardy said, “The Shire is seeking the community’s thoughts on the proposed concept plan. The plan includes a new recreational pathway network to provide improved continuous access along the public open space, open areas of grass for passive recreation, the enhancement of existing garden beds and realignment of the Brook.”

The Shire will host a drop in session at the Wattle Grove Nature Playground at 3:30pm – 5:00pm on Wednesday 17 May 2017 and encourages you to come along, view the plans and provide your thoughts. There will also be some fun activities for the kids, free fruit and refreshments.

The concept plan was developed by Syrinx environmental and takes into account the environmental value of the current site, proposing to retain all of the large mature trees along the length of the brook, as well as undertaking significant revegetation of the site.

Have your say on the draft concept plan here

The public comment period will close on the 29 May 2017.

To register your attendance at the drop-in session please phone 9257 9999 or email kala.shire@kalamunda.wa.gov.au

View more information about the Cell Nine works project

Shire Wins National Award

The Shire of Kalamunda has picked up a national award for its innovative youth engagement projects.

Winners of the 2017 National Awards for Local Government were announced today, with the Shire’s Youth Employment project taking out the category for ‘Youth Economic Participation’.

The award recognises the Shire’s work in delivering a local Careers Expo and a Young Creative Entrepreneurs project.

Shire President Andrew Waddell said, “The Kalamunda Careers Expo started with the idea of bringing together a wide range of career development providers, partners and schools for one day a year to make a lifetime of difference for young people.”

“Whilst the concept of a Careers Expo is not original in itself, it is unusual for Local Government to wholly manage one.”

“The Shire put together the first Expo in 2013.  Over 600 students and 30 exhibitors participated. This has become an annual event and we are now expanding the ‘reach’ beyond our own Shire boundaries, to help as many young people as possible make that all-important successful transition from school into employment.The Expo continues to meet youth employment challenges, always looking ahead to meet new demands and being innovative in its ideas.”

Building on the success of previous years, the 2016 Expo incorporated the option that school leavers could consider starting their own businesses. The Shire engaged specialist advisers to attend the Expo to engage young people with a passion that could be transitioned into commercial practice. This saw an extension of the Careers Expo into a training and mentoring opportunity for would-be entrepreneurs.

In partnership with the local Rotarians, young people were provided with free stalls from which to sell their creative product at the community markets. The opportunity was followed by a series of customised workshops to train young people in the practicalities of starting their own business and marketing their products”.

The Expo has developed each year in different ways and constantly seeks to be innovative, ‘tweaking’ individual aspects and increasing interactive elements. As well as the more traditional Exhibitors, the Expo includes a range of ‘Skill Development’ opportunities, reflecting the more ‘serial’ nature of contemporary careers.       

Young people unable to find paid work or entry level positions, with or without study options, are encouraged to seek out opportunities to build their skill portfolio so when employment opportunities arise, they are well-placed to capitalise. This area now includes specialist guidance on gap years, internships, volunteering, entrepreneur-ship and creativity.

The National Awards for Local Government recognise Australian local government achievements annually. The Awards highlight innovative and resourceful solutions that local governments have implemented to make a difference within their communities.

The Awards celebrate local government projects that are innovative, deliver better outcomes for communities, have the potential to be rolled out across the country and make a meaningful difference. The Awards are administered by the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development with support from sponsoring Australian Government departments, Optus Business and Woodside Energy Ltd.

Watch our video on YouTube here

Proposed MRS Amendment

The Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) intends to amend the Metropolitan Region Scheme (MRS) for land in the local government areas of Bassendean, Canning, Cockburn, Cottesloe, Fremantle, Gosnells, Joondalup, Kalamunda, Melville, Nedlands, Rockingham, Stirling, Swan, Victoria Park, Vincent and Wanneroo and is seeking public comment.

The amendment proposes to reserve a number of sites owned by Western Power and containing electricity infrastructure to the appropriate classification under the MRS. The amendment also contains a single proposal relating to the transfer of a portion of a Western Power site, surplus to requirements, to the Urban zone.

The WAPC certifies that, in its opinion, the proposed amendment does not constitute a substantial alteration to the MRS.

Comments to be received by 5pm on 30 June 2017
A colourful and dynamic exhibition “Spirit Of Me” officially opens at the Zig Zag Gallery on Friday 19 May 2017 at 5:30pm celebrating the latest works by Indigenous artist Nerolie Blurton (Bynder).
 
The program on opening night will consist of Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, dancers and a fashion show, so be sure to join in the celebrations!
 
“The exhibition reflects my journey from the beginning to who I am today. Respectfully expressing and connecting my diverse unique culture by blending the old with the new, in my own unique style,” Nerolie said.
 
“My painting ‘Spirit Of Me’ is my first painting for 2017. It was done for fun, healing and contemplating life and the new year ahead. It is an abstract contemporary piece blended with traditional dots in my own way.
 
“It represents 17 creatures on earth for the year (2017) to show they are all different but each have strengths of their own. It is about thinking outside the box this year and also being calmed with nature.”
 
“To look around us at the birds and all things in a deeper way. To relax and enjoy life as well. To take notice of the little things around.  Especially all the people that you care about and love.”
 
Nerolie said, “It is intentionally a little crazy and not-so-perfect way because life will get a bit crazy sometimes. But it’s about facing the challenges as they come and then getting your spirit back.”
 
Spirit In Me continues until Monday 5 June 2017. The Zig Zag Gallery is located at 50 Railway Road, Kalamunda. For further information contact the Zig Zag Cultural Centre on 9257 9998, zzcc@kalamunda.wa.gov.au or visit www.zzcc.com.au.

Have Your say - Draft Local Planning Policy P-Dev61

The Shire of Kalamunda has developed a draft Local Planning Policy which augments and is to be read in conjunction with the provisions of Local Planning Scheme No.3 and the Residential Design Codes, Clause 5.2.6 and Clause 7.3.1 relating to the provision of the appearance of retained dwellings.

The Shire is seeking community’s thoughts on the proposed Policy, which includes:

  • Outline the upgrades that may be required by the Shire to bring existing dwellings into compliance with the relevant clauses of the R Codes.
  • Detail both acceptable and unacceptable outcomes of the upgrades through the provision of a Schedule of Works.
  • Provision for the establishment of an enhanced and aesthetically pleasing streetscape through upgrade of the retained dwellings.
  • The impact of proposed grouped dwelling development on the amenity and character of residential or non-residential areas, as viewed from the street, public place or neighbouring property.
  • Visual examples of suitable upgrades.
  • Provision for a Schedule of Works Checklist to aid in documenting compliance with the requirements for works to be undertaken.

View Draft Local Planning Policy P-Dev61 – Grouped Dwellings – Upgrade and Retention
View Council Report and Minutes – Draft Local Planning Policy [OCM 55/2017]

The above documentation can also be viewed at the Shire of Kalamunda Administration, 2 Railway Road, Kalamunda during office hours.

Comments to be received by 5pm on 30 May 2017

Commemorative Planting

The annual commemoration of children born in the Shire of Kalamunda is held each July. This year, families will be invited to take part in a community planting day and help revegetate a local park or reserve where their child can play in the future. A plaque with all babies names will be installed at the park. Families will receive their own tree to take home for planting, together with a personalised certificate for their children.

For more information please contact the Customer Service Officer, on 9257 9999 or email: commemorativetrees@kalamunda.wa.gov.au. or Apply online
National Simultaneous Storytime: 24 May at 11am at the Kalamunda Library. Join our CEO for a reading of 'The Cow Tripped Over The Moon', followed by a visit with Old MacDonald Travelling Farm. Suitable for ages 2−5 years. Bookings essential. http://www.trybooking.com/PZMM

Sign up to E-Watch

Ewatch is an email-based system that connects residents to their local police and council. Residents who join ewatch receive regular email updates on crime trends and statistics, safety initiatives, emerging issues and events that are specific to their area.

Ewatch is a free service provided through WA Police and Neighbourhood Watch and is proudly supported by the WA Local Government Association.  To subscribe for the latest information and advice regarding community safety and crime prevention register at https://www.ewatch.com.au/Join-Form

Have your Say - Design Advisory Committees

The Shire of Kalamunda has developed a draft Local Planning Policy which augments and is to be read in conjunction with the provisions of Local Planning Scheme No.3 relating to the provision of a Design Advisory Committee. (DAC)

The Shire is seeking community’s thoughts on the proposed Policy, which includes:

  • The Role of the DAC
  • Shire Support
  • Membership
  • Appointment and Termination of Members
  • Code of Conduct / Confidentiality, Privacy and Operational Funding
  • Information required to be provided by the applicant
  • Presentation and Meeting method, Procedure and format of the DAC review advice

View Draft Local Planning Policy P-Dev60 – Design Advisory Committee
View Council Report and Minutes – Draft Local Planning Policy [OCM 55/2017]
View Amendment 84 for Local Planning Scheme No.3 [OCM 09/2016]

The above documentation can also be viewed at the Shire of Kalamunda Administration, 2 Railway Road, Kalamunda during office hours. Comment online now.

Go Native with Free Plants

Planting native species is a great way to help preserve the environment while also saving water, and the Shire of Kalamunda encourages residents to make the most of this year’s free Plants for Residents Program.
 
Held each winter, the Shire gives away free native seedlings to all residents. This year there will be two events for residents to choose from to collect free plants.
 
The first will be held in High Wycombe on Saturday 27 May from 9am to 12noon at Scott Reserve at 200 Newburn Road.
 
The second will be held in Gooseberry Hill on Sunday 4 June from 9am to 12noon at the Gooseberry Hill Community Hall at 42 Ledger Road.
 
Shire President Andrew Waddell said, “Plants to Residents provides free plants to ratepayers of the Shire to support the establishment of natural habitat in backyards and verges across the Shire.”
 
“All plants are tube stock or smaller, with over 40 different species to choose from including some annual favourites such as local wattle trees, banksias, kangaroo paws and bottle brush.”
 
“The program aims to promote the revegetation of residential and rural properties with local native trees, shrubs and groundcovers, all requiring less water and maintenance while providing environmentally-friendly habitats for local wildlife.”
 
“Planting not only improves landscape quality but also provides an array of benefits such as shade, as well as shelter for birds, reptiles and small mammals.”
 
Each eligible ratepayer will receive a total of 15 plants each for their property, however plants will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. The event will include free face painting as well as informative sessions with gardening expert and  “Inspired by Nature’ founder Lisa Passmore.
 
Residents must bring photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, a current Shire of Kalamunda Rates Notice to verify address and a container to carry plants.
 
For further information or a copy of the Species List contact Environmental Services on 9257 9806, environment@kalamunda.wa.gov.au or visit www.kalamunda.wa.gov.au/environment.

Key Dates:

  • Selection & Drop off artworks:
    Tuesday 27 June 2017 between 10am and 2pm
  • Collect artworks:
    Monday 10 July between 10am and 2pm
  • Exhibition dates:
    Friday 30 June to Sunday 9 July 2017
  • Exhibition Venue:
    Zig Zag Gallery, 50 Railway Road, Kalamunda 6076

Exhibition Information

  • Theme for this exhibition is ‘Makuru”
  • There is no entry fee. All pieces must be for sale.
  • The Official Opening event will be held Friday 30 June.
  • The Exhibition will be open to the public from Friday 30 June to Sunday 9 July 2017
  • Please complete and submit the following forms with this application:
    Shire of Kalamunda Suppliers Form
    ATO Suppliers form if you do not have an ABN
    These can be obtained from the Zig Zag Gallery

Download Application & Information Pack (PDF, 3MB)
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Our mailing address is:
kala.shire@kalamunda.wa.gov.au
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