Message from The President

I am pleased to present the 2020/2021 Annual Report.

Over the past 12 months the Shire has had an extensive program through both the Administration and Works teams.

It has been a council priority to upgrade its finance system to the SynergySoft program. In preparation for the system going live on the 1st of July 2021, there has been extensive training and data input completed by staff. Congratulations to DCEO Lana Foote and staff on this achievement.

Once again, the roads crew have successfully completed a considerable program – this included $330,000 of renewal works and $980,000 worth of upgrades,

With Phase 1 and 2 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program (LRCIP), we have seen the construction of the Yalambee Units and upgrade of the Caravan Park Ablutions. Due to the statewide shortage of tradespeople and contractors, there has been an initial delay in the final completion of these projects – and often the talent of our works crew has been called upon to complete tasks.

We have yet to allocate funds to Phase three of the LRCIP – Shire of Koorda allocation $879,000.

While we are still under State of Emergency directions due to the COVID 19 Pandemic, at the start of 2021 restrictions eased to allow Sport to resume within the community. Our Winter Sports fixtures were affected by two lockdowns during the playing season.

Community celebrations were held for CWA Koorda Branch – celebrating their 90th Birthday and the Koorda Football Club celebrating 100yrs – truly inspirational efforts from volunteer organisations.

On the 11/12th of April, the WA Coastline was hit with Tropical Cyclone Seroja. This Tropical Cyclone system brought destructive winds and heavy rainfall to coastal areas and continued inland impacting additional communities. Through an extensive advocacy role, the Shire of Koorda was added to the disaster proclamation on the 25th of May, enabling affected landholders to apply for compensation.

In May 2021 the Shire received notification that the Koorda Bendigo Bank Agency would be closing. This presented immense challenges as staff were no longer able to complete daily banking requirements and the community ATM would not be able to be restocked locally. The closure was also felt across the community as it effected local employment at the Community Resource Centre, and the banking needs of our many not for profits.

Council and Staff participated in a WA Local Government Grants Commission Public Hearing in May this year. The Hearing, chaired by the Hon. Fred Riebeling, gave insight on the formula that is used to calculate each Local Governments allocation within the Financial Assistance Grants Scheme.

Council continues its focus on the Refuse Site – working individually and in collaboration with NEWROC with ASK Waste Management consultants.

Consultants were also commissioned to complete Townscaping community consultation and design, and Integrated Planning and Reporting consultation.

In closing, I would like to congratulate and thank Council and Staff for their commitment over the past 12 months and look forward to a successful 2021/2022.

Cr Jannah Stratford
Shire President