Shire President Update

Every four years, the Shire and the community have the opportunity to review and refresh our Strategic Community Plan (SCP), to ensure it continues to reflect our shared vision and priorities for the future.

The views of the Irwin community are at the heart of this process and your feedback helps shape Council’s decision-making, guide future projects and services, and set the direction for the Shire over the next decade and beyond.

To make it easy for everyone to get involved, we will be hosting two Community Drop-in Sessions on Thursday, 20 August at the Irwin Recreation Centre, from 10.00am to 1.00pm and 5.00pm to 8.00pm.

For those unable to attend in person, an online survey will also be available from 17 August to 6 September.

I would really encourage everyone to take the opportunity to share your ideas and help shape the future of our Shire.

I’m also pleased to share that, following a successful test by the Port Denison Volunteer Sea Rescue, the Port Denison Boat Ramp and new floating jetty were recently opened.

This marks an important milestone for our community and is has been great to see so many people out enjoying the new facilities. The new floating jetty has been designed to rise and fall with the tide, providing safer, more reliable access throughout the year. It also includes a longer access ramp, improving accessibility across varying tide levels, as well as steel pylon cages that meet current Australian safety standards. The cages will be fitted with rubber fenders in the not too distant future.

I once again acknowledge that this project has not been without its challenges, including unforeseen structural issues and storm damage, and I sincerely thank our community for your patience and understanding throughout the construction process.

My thanks also go to everyone involved in delivering this important project, particularly the WA Government through the Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme and the Small Grants Program, and the Port Denison Volunteer Sea Rescue for their ongoing support.

Finally, I would like to advise residents that 2026/27 rate notices can be expected later this month following Council’s adoption of the annual budget.

Each year, Council carefully prepares a budget that balances the needs of our growing community while delivering value for ratepayers. Rates account for a significant portion of the Shire’s operating revenue and fund many of the essential services we rely on every day.

These include maintaining our roads, footpaths, parks, foreshores and public infrastructure, providing waste collection and transfer station services, supporting local businesses and community organisations, and delivering libraries, recreation facilities, youth services, community events and a wide range of programs that contribute to the liveability of our Shire.

Thank you for your continued support.

CR Isabelle Scott