I write to you at a particularly busy time as Council approaches the end of this financial year, and finalises the budget in which we make preparation for providing another year of quality services to you, our community.
As you know, this has been a year like no other, and we as elected officials are very mindful of the ongoing economic impact of COVID-19, and the budget for 2020/21 has been developed with this very much in mind. We have made many adjustments to minimise the cost of our operations as much as possible. The budget will be discussed in detail at a Special Council Meeting that will be held on Tuesday 30 June 2020 commencing at 6pm in Council Chambers. At that meeting we will also consider the Town's Corporate Business Plan. Full details are available further on in this e-news bulletin.
Part of the calculation of our annual budget rests upon the rates that we charge property owners, and with this revenue (as well as other sources of income including grants) we are able to provide community facilities, improve local streets and roads, collect waste and recycling, maintain our parks, reserves, playgrounds and waterways, provide services for our children and seniors and those in need and much more. We understand that the calculation of rates varies year to year and can seem complex. To help, the WA Local Government Association has released some helpful resources that explain how rates are calculated and all the factors involved. Those resources, including a helpful video and answers to Frequently Asked Questions, are available on our website.
Please read on for other news including updates on important major projects including the endorsed Preston Point Road North precinct Masterplan, the works at Riverside Road, and many other important local issues.
Kind regards
Jim O'Neill
Mayor
Special Council Meeting
Notice is hereby given of a Special Council Meeting to be held on Tuesday, 30 June at 6pm in the Council Chamber to consider the following:
1. Adoption of 2020/21 Budget
2. Acceptance of review of Corporate Business Plan.
For July 2020, please also note these important dates:
Town Planning Committee Tuesday, 7 July 2020
Ordinary Council meeting, Tuesday 21 July 2020
To view the agendas for Council and committee meetings (once available) visit our website.
Please note that social distancing restrictions will be in place and the number of members of the public able to attend either meeting will be governed by State Government restrictions in force at that time. All efforts will be made to facilitate attendance within these guidelines, and all parties interested in attending are required to register their attendance by midday on the day of the meeting.
Register for e-rates and win!
There are less than two weeks to go for our ratepayers to register for e-rates before June 30 to go in the running for a great prize.
We are offering one lucky ratepayer the chance to win a $150 voucher that can be used at any local business in our Town if they register by the end of the financial year at midnight on Tuesday 30 June 2020. To register for e-rates, click here
Did you know that you can do many of your payment transactions with the Town of East Fremantle via our website? It's quick, easy, safe and available 24/7.
At our website you can...
We encourage all of our residents, local businesses and property owners to do their transactions online. If you experience any difficulty and need support, call our friendly customer service team on 9339 9339 or drop us a line to admin@eastfremantle.wa.gov.au
Your Rates Explained
The calculation of rates can seem complex and perplexing, so to help, the WA Local Government Association (WALGA) has prepared some useful resources that explain how rates are calculated.
All of these resources are also available at the Town's website.
Quinn's Winning Ideas
Readers of the e-news will recall our community survey about the future of the East Fremantle Oval. Our winning entry for our youth survey came from Quinn, aged 7, who suggested such things as a mud kitchen, giant zip line, and an adventure playground. He was also keen for us to start on the project soon so that so he could celebrate his eighth birthday there.
It took some time for his prize to arrive due to shipping delays caused by COVID-19 (and he was very patient) but today our CEO, Gary Tuffin, presented Quinn with his prize. Congratulations Quinn!
Plan Endorsed for Preston Point
The Town of East Fremantle at the Ordinary Council meeting held on 16 June 2020, endorsed a new Masterplan for the precinct north of Preston Point Road, overlooking the Swan River, to guide the site’s future development.
The vision includes improvements to facilities for community services, local sports and passive recreation.
The Town thanks everyone who contributed to the Masterplan, made possible through the Department of Sport and Recreation’s CSRF Fund, and is now seeking funding for its implementation.
Works Underway at Niergarup Track
The Town of East Fremantle has commenced works on the Niergarup Track. The Town has worked closely with nearby residents to ensure that they are informed about the works which will include:
resurfacing of the limestone path
the development of an environmental management plan, and
revegetation with low-growing shrubs and plants so as not to impinge upon views.
We know that this Track is a special place for our community, and we want to ensure it is preserved and maintained appropriately. Visit our website to view and download our latest fact sheet.
Does Your Business Have a COVID-19 Safety Plan?
It is wonderful to see so many local businesses open again, and it is important that these reopened businesses are providing a safe environment for staff and customers.
All premises that were required to close under Directions made under the Emergency Management Act must complete a COVID Safety Plan and display a COVID Safety Certificate before reopening.
Premises that were not required to close (but may have chosen to) under directions made under the Emergency Management Act are encouraged to voluntarily complete a COVID Safety Plan, and display a COVID Safety Plan Certificate.
Also, hospitality workers must also complete an online hygiene training course before they return to work.
Local businesses needing support with this process are encouraged to contact the Town's Environmental Health Officer by calling 9339 9339 or by email to admin@eastfremantle.wa.gov.au
Riverside Road Works Progressing Well
Works are progressing well on Riverside Road. With wet weather experienced last week and forecast again for this weekend, the works schedule will be delayed slightly, with completion due in mid-July.
Unfortunately, there have been many incidents of users of Riverside Road not following the Town's advice relating to cyclists dismounting at shared access points at the worksite and sharing the space with pedestrians.
The upgrades to Riverside Road, once complete, will make access for cyclists, pedestrians and all road users easier. While these works are underway, there is a short term reduction of access to the footpath. At the same time, usage of this space is peaking due to increased cycling and walking due to COVID19. We ask that all users maintain social distancing and to share these public spaces with courtesy and respect.
Cyclists we ask that you dismount when approaching areas shared with pedestrians at busy times. We look forward to sharing the newly improved shared access of this area when works are completed in mid July 2020.
A fact sheet relating to this project is available here.
Plastic Free July - A Full Month of Ideas
Going entirely plastic-free can seem daunting, so we are here to help with a whole month of great ideas on simple switches you can make to replace the plastic you use every day. Tune in to our Facebook and Instagram feeds for daily inspiration.
To sign up to participate, enter your details here
Climate Action in East Fremantle
At its June Council Meeting, the Town of East Fremantle endorsed the Terms of Reference for its Climate Action Reference Group (CARG), and we are now calling for expressions of interest from community members, relevant industry experts.
This action delivers on the commitments made at prior Council meetings in November 2019 and March 2020 in which the Town recognised the current climate emergency, delivered a call to action, and initiated a Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP).
CARG will be a Community Reference Group will:
assist in identifying targets, projects, and actions that the Town and its community can undertake to assist with meeting the challenges of the future in relation to climate change.
act as a conduit between the Council and community in providing recommendations to assist the Town in developing the CCAP and other sustainability issues.
The CCAP will be developed collaboratively with the community and be guided by local priorities and expertise to develop actions and strategies for the reduction of community-wide greenhouse gas emissions and find ways to prepare the community and Council to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Membership is on a voluntary basis, and no meeting fees are paid.
Interested community members are encouraged to view the Terms of Reference and submit an Expression of Interest form. If you have any questions about your application or eligibility, please call Connor Warn at the Town of East Fremantle on 9339 9339 or send an email toadmin@eastfremantle.wa.gov.au
To reduce unnecessary paper waste please submit your application in a digital format toadmin@eastfremantle.wa.gov.au by close of business Tuesday 11 July 2020.
Kerbside Collection and Waste Collection Information Updated
The Town of East Fremantle has recently updated all of our information relating to FOGO, recycling and bulk waste.
Green Waste:
21 September 2020
8 March 2021
Bulk Waste/White goods
12 October 2020
To view the full list of dos and don'ts and everything you ever wanted to know about waste management in the Town, click here
Community Resilience Scorecard
Together we are stronger. Join forces with communities in 139 local government areas to create a map of wellbeing and resilience levels. Complete a Community Resilience Scorecard today.
You might notice, later this month, some activity around the George Booth Park and Marjorie Green Park, where the two remaining Richmond Raceway Turnstile Booths are located.
Concerns were raised by members of the community regarding the use of the two open turnstile booths by people experiencing homelessness, creating a perception of the area being unsafe. Rather than simply blocking the two doorways and twelve windows, it was felt that this ‘issue’ presented an amazing opportunity to install some functional public art telling the story of the Richmond Raceway.
Watch this space for news of the official unveiling, proposed to coincide with the date that all horses celebrate their birthday, on the first day of August each year.
Mooring Pens for Lease
Keen to take the boat out and want to moor it in the Town of East Fremantle?
We currently have available 3 x 10m and 5 x 8m pens for lease. The pens are located on Riverside Road, opposite The Left Bank - read more
All Library Services Available
We are delighted to advise that in keeping with State Government directives, the Fremantle Library is now open.
Town of East Fremantle residents also can access library services from the City of Fremantle Library, including online resources and dropoffs of items by calling 9432 9766 or by sending an email to frelib@fremantle.wa.gov.au. You can also browse the Fremantle Library catalogue at fremantle.spydus.com
Planning Consultations
To find out about which planning and development matters are open for public viewing, comment and submission, visit our website at this link
Are Your Details Up to Date?
It is helpful for our customer service team to have up to date details for all of our residents, property owner, business proprietors and contractors/suppliers to have accurate contact information so that we can contact you when necessary. If you have moved, or any other contact details have changed, please get in touch by email to admin@eastfremantle.wa.gov.auor call us on 9339 9339 or by clicking on this link at our website.
