In this month’s Community News read about changes to our Councillor line-up, how our major projects are progressing and the advocacy being undertaken by our Shire President and CEO.
Shire President Update
It has been a busy period for the Shire, with several important projects and issues progressing across our community.
I would like to firstly acknowledge Cr Lesley Berecz, following her resignation from Council. Lesley has made a valuable contribution to the Shire during her time as a Councillor, and I thank her for her commitment and service to our community. I wish her all the very best for the future.
I am pleased to advise that Tom Coffey has accepted the Councillor vacancy arising from Lesley’s resignation. Tom was the first eligible candidate available to backfill the vacancy from the October 2025 Council election. He will make his declaration and be sworn in at the October Ordinary Council Meeting.
This month there has been plenty of positive progress on our major infrastructure projects. The Milo Road Upgrade Project is now moving into the tender process. The $6.7 million-plus project includes $5 million in Australian Government funding through the Bridges Renewal Program and $600,000 in funding from Mitsui E&P Australia and Beach Energy.
The Port Denison Foreshore Redevelopment is also progressing, with the tender process underway and construction expected to commence in November. The $4.5 million project will deliver an all-ages play space, pavilion, event area, open lawns and heritage interpretation, creating a more welcoming and accessible foreshore for our community.
CEO Shane Ivers and I have met with NOPSEMA, Australia’s independent regulator for offshore energy safety, regarding the Cliff Head platform. This was my second meeting with the regulator, and I am grateful for their open and clear communication and their willingness to keep the Shire informed as the future of the platform is considered.
Finally, one of our key areas of advocacy continues to be the $850 million Belisama Gas Project near the Irwin-Mingenew boundary. The Shire supports responsible investment and the economic opportunities the project may bring to the region. However, we are seeking changes to the current approval to ensure Irwin ratepayers are not left paying for road damage or maintenance resulting from project traffic.
The current approval gives the Shire of Mingenew and Main Roads WA a role in traffic management decisions but does not provide Irwin with an equivalent role where our roads may be affected. We are seeking clear requirements for all project-controlled traffic to use the approved Mingenew route unless the Shire agrees otherwise. If Irwin roads are required, we want appropriate agreements in place beforehand to cover road upgrades, maintenance, monitoring and repairs.
Rest assured we are working to seek a practical resolution and protect the interests of our community.
CR Isabelle Scott
Restricted Burning Period underway
The Restricted Burning Period is now underway, and the Shire of Irwin is reminding landowners and residents to take extra care when undertaking any burning activities.
The first day of the restricted period saw an escaped burn in the Shire of Irwin, resulting in all Shire brigades being called to respond and protect nearby assets and property. The incident is a timely reminder of the importance of following permit conditions, having the appropriate equipment available and ensuring burns are carefully managed at all times.
Burning periods
The Shire’s annual burning periods are:
- Restricted: 1 October to 31 October
- Prohibited: 1 November to 28 February
- Restricted: 1 March to 15 May
- Unrestricted: 16 May to 30 September
During the Restricted Burning Period, permits are required for all burning, including windrows, stubble, grass and bush.
Permits can be requested through a Fire Control Officer listed on the Shire’s Firebreak Notice or via the Shire website.
All burns must also be registered by calling (08) 9395 9209.
Burning is not permitted when a High, Extreme or Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating applies, or when a Total Fire Ban or Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban has been declared.
Any escaped burn must be reported immediately by calling 000.
Firebreaks and campfires
Firebreaks must be installed and maintained clear of flammable materials from 15 October 2026 to 15 May 2027 inclusive.
Maintaining clear and accessible firebreaks helps ensure firefighting crews can safely access properties and respond effectively in the event of a bushfire.
Campfires are also prohibited from 1 October to 16 May.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about bushfire conditions, Fire Danger Ratings, Total Fire Bans and current warnings through www.emergancy.wa.gov.au
With the bushfire season now underway, everyone has a role to play in reducing the risk of fire. If you are planning to burn, make sure you have the required permit, understand and follow all conditions, have the appropriate equipment available and never leave a fire unattended.
Granny’s Beach works
The Shire will soon undertake temporary works at Granny’s Beach to remove and make safe a section of the storm-damaged wall, helping prepare the area for the upcoming summer season.
Works will commence on Monday, 19 October. For everyone’s safety, Granny’s Beach will be temporarily closed to the public while the works are underway.
These works are an important step towards making the area safe, while the Shire continues to assess options for the longer-term rehabilitation of Granny’s Beach.
Nominate a local legend!
Every community has people who quietly go above and beyond, volunteers who give their time, individuals who lend a helping hand, and organisations that work to make a positive difference for others.
The Community Citizen of the Year Awards provide an opportunity to recognise these people and celebrate the valuable contribution they make to our community.
The Shire of Irwin is encouraging residents to nominate an individual or organisation that has made a meaningful contribution to the community. Whether through volunteering, supporting local initiatives, helping others or making a difference in everyday life.
Nominations can be made online at citizenshipawards.com.au/nominate, or nomination forms are available from the Shire Administration Office.
Nominations close 31 October.
