Ordinary Council Meeting - 23 April 2025

Decision No.

Item No.

Item Name

Decision

C.5283

9

Applications for Leave of Absence

That Council GRANT Cr M I Girak leave of absence from 7 July 2025 to 8 August 2025 (inclusive).

C.5284

10.1

Confirmation of Minutes from the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 26 March 2025.

That the minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on Wednesday, 26 March 2025 be confirmed as a true and correct record of that meeting.

C.5285

10.2

Notes from the Council Forum Meeting held 16 April 2025

That Council receive the notes from the Council Forum meeting held on Wednesday, 16 April 2025.

C.5286

12.1

Bush Fire Advisory Committee Meeting held on 18 March 2025

That Council RECEIVES the minutes from the Bush Fire Advisory Committee meeting held on 18 March 2025.

C.5287

12.1

Bush Fire Advisory Committee Meeting held on 18 March 2025

That Council:

1. ACKNOWLEDGES and thanks Mr Christopher Marris for his lengthy and consistent contribution to the Shire of Northam throughout his tenure as Chief Bush Fire Control Officer.
2. APPOINTS Justin Fox as the Chief Bush Fire Control Officer for the remainder of the 2024/25 and the 2025/26 fire seasons.
3. NOTES the following motions from the Resources to Risk Working Group and REQUESTS that the Chief Executive Officer report back to Bush Fire Advisory Committee and Council on the feasibility of the motions including the associated financial and resource implications:
   1. Motion 1:
      1. (R9.1A) That the Shire of Northam ensures that all future FEL and graders purchased or contracted to the Shire of Northam are fitted with both Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS) and Falling Object Protection System (FOPS).
      2. (R9.1B) Should currently owned or contracted FEL or graders not have FOPS or ROPS installed, and are not due to be replaced within 24 months of this recommendation, that the Shire of Northam retrospectively fit ROPS and FOPS to these machines, or engages in alternative arrangements to ensure that equipment with ROPS and FOPS are readily available for firefighting activities within the Shire of Northam.
   2.  Motion 2:
      1. (R9.2A) That the Shire of Northam establish supplier relationships with at least two local dozer contractors, to allow for the expedited hire of a dozer if required at a local incident and in the event that one cannot be sourced via Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) or Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). These dozers should be fitted with ROPS/FOPS.
   3. Motion 3:
      1. (R9.3A) That the Shire of Northam obtain for ongoing use a Collar tank/s, along with associated equipment (tarps, pump, piping/hose, etc.), to be ready for the 2025/26 fire season.
      2. (R9.3B) That the Shire of Northam subsequently provide training to the appropriate Shire of Northam staff (i.e. water cart drivers/operators), supporting services (i.e. SES) and Bush Fire Brigade (BFB) members on the use of Collar tanks.
      3. (R9.3C) That the Shire of Northam introduce a procedure for the use of Collar Tanks at all incidents where a Shire, DFES or private contractor water tanker has been requested, subject to the approval of the Incident Controller.
      4. (R9.3D) That the Shire of Northam develop a mobilisation plan for the Collar tanks in conjunction with the mobilisation of water tankers.
   4. Motion 4:
      1. (R9.4A) That the Shire of Northam purchases, makes and/or gets ongoing access to a fire support trailer or vehicle (i.e. small truck) for use at bushfires. It is recommended that the facility has the following provisions:
      2. Spotlights for lighting around where it is set up
      3. Generator and associated fuel
      4. Portable pump, for use with Collar tanks and/or to assist with pump out of other water sources such as dams
      5. Incident control signage and possible basic emergency road signage
      6. Safety equipment such as road cones, bunting etc.
      7. Storage of collar tank
      8. A diesel transfer tank, of at least 400ltr capacity
      9. (R9.4B) That the Shire of Northam develop a process internally and/or with a service such as the State Emergency Services (SES), to allow the timely deployment of the fire support trailer/vehicle to incidents within the Shire.
   5. Motion 6:
      1. (R9.6A) That a total of three Fire Support Vehicles (FSV) be in service for volunteer use in the medium term (within three years) within the Shire of Northam
      2. FSV1 – current, to remain primarily in the possession of the Chief or Deputy Chief Bushfire Control Officer/s to support incident controllers and would generally be used as the incident control point vehicle. This vehicle should continue to be the newest of the FSV’s, as it would be the most frequently used vehicle and the least used ‘off road’. As per current, this vehicle should have computer/printer support capabilities. It is understood that there is a provision currently within the Shire Budgets to replace this vehicle with a like-for-like, more modern version.
      3. FSV2 – it is recommended to be in place for the 2025/26 fire season. This would primarily be used as a Sector Commander vehicle and thus should be configured for off-road use. It is recommended that this be based with Northam Central BFB at the Northam Co-location Facility.
      4. FSV3 – it is recommended to be in place before the 2027/28 fire season, or ideally earlier. This would primarily be used as a Sector Commander vehicle and thus should be configured for off-road use. A location recommendation has not been made at this point and would be subject to the implementation of other recommendations within this report. Clackline Muresk BFB would be a consideration as a relatively central station with a spare bay.
      5. (R9.6B) The specification of FSV2 and FSV3 should support their primary role as sector commander vehicles. It is recommended that they:
      6. Are a dual cab 4x4 diesel utes with tray back
      7. Have a firefighting unit of approximately 400ltr be mounted for the protection of the crew and to be used in very light opportunistic firefighting such as small hopovers. This vehicle should not be used for routine front-line firefighting.
      8. This vehicle should be fitted with appropriate decals identifying it as a FIRE vehicle and a part of the Northam Shire Bushfire Service.
      9. This vehicle should be designated an emergency vehicle and be fitted with appropriate emergency red and blue lighting and sirens. This ensures that it can efficiently get to fire grounds in the same way fire appliances, other FSVs, Community Emergency Services Manager (CESM) vehicles, and DFES employee vehicles can. It also will mean that when the vehicle is parked on the road, it will be much safer for its crews and the crews around it due to the law which requires motorists to drive at 40km/hr past emergency vehicles with emergency lighting activated. There is also an inherent level of understanding by the community of the authority associated with emergency vehicles as opposed to private vehicles conducting similar duties. With appropriately designated and marked FSVs, these vehicles will better meet community expectations.
      10. This vehicle should be fitted with two WAERN radios in the same way that the current FSV, the CESM vehicle and all fire appliances in the Shire are. This will best support the roles of ground controller and sector commander, as these roles require monitoring and use of both the sector (or aircraft) channel and incident command channel. If used in the role of incident control, the expectation is to monitor the incident command channel and state command channel (COMCEN).
      11. Considering the available space on the tray area once fitted with a fire unit, it is suggested that a small toolbox be fitted to allow equipment such as spare PPC and PPE and a first aid kit to be carried along with a small refrigerator similar to the CESM vehicle, the current FSV and all local fire appliances.
   6. Motion 7:
      1. (R9.7A) That the Shire of Northam trials the provision of a chainsaw at Bakers Hill BFB and Grass Valley BFB, being the same type for each Brigade. These chainsaws should be 14” or smaller, with consideration of them being battery-operated for logistical purposes
      2. (R9.7B) That the Shire of Northam organises appropriate training and safety equipment for members of Bakers Hill and Grass Valley BFBs.  
   7. Motion 8:
      1. (R8.1A) That the Shire of Northam undertake a risk assessment for Spencers Brook Townsite. 
      2. (R8.2A) The Shire of Northam prepares a specific risk assessment and response plan for the Northam Army Training Facility, which reflects the actual expectations regarding responding to incidents in and impacting upon the Army Camp. The outcome of the risk assessment and response plan must be communicated actively with both Bush Fire Control Officers’s (BFCOs) and BFB members across the Northam Shire. 
      3. (R8.2B) A specific risk assessment and response plan be prepared for the Yonga Hill Detention Facility, ensuring that it only relates to the Facility lands and outlines what Bushfire Brigades and other Fire Brigades can and cannot do. 
      4. (R8.2C) That the Shire of Northam coordinate a biannual tour of Northam Army Training Facility and Yonga Hill Detention Facility to ensure familiarity for BFB and BFCOs. 
      5. (R8.3A) That the Shire of Northam have a risk assessment prepared either outlining current risks or lack of risks for the Irishtown Brigade District. 
      6. (R8.4A) That the Shire of Northam include the lack of egress for Grass Valley residents towards the east, south and southeast of the town site in future risk assessments. 
      7. (R8.4B) That the Shire of Northam investigate the development of an official emergency egress route in Grass Valley either through to the east of the townsite, either onto the Great Eastern Highway or to Grass Valley South Road. 
      8. (R8.5A) That the Shire of Northam undertake a risk assessment for the Muluckine locality.
      9. (R8.5B) That the Shire of Northam investigate the development of an emergency egress solution in Muluckine to allow residents to escape to the south and/or east. 
      10. (R8.6A) That the Shire of Northam undertakes a risk assessment for the Avon Industrial Complex, which includes current and future fire-related risks.
      11. (R8.7A) That the Shire of Northam undertake a risk assessment on the Northam Solar Complex. 
      12. (R8.7B) That the Shire of Northam coordinate a biannual tour of the Northam Solar Complex to ensure familiarity for BFB and BFCOs.
      13. (R8.7C) Risk assessments and further understanding to occur to appreciate the fire related risks posed by the development and operation of the proposed Hydrogen Plant. Changes to the Northam GFD should be considered and consulted on should the hydrogen plant project materialise. 
      14. (R8.8A) That the Shire of Northam undertake a risk assessment to recognise the risks associated with the proposed Hydrogen Plant and provide realistic potential solutions, which are then communicated to Brigade members. 
      15. (R8.8B) Create an understanding of current infrastructure and procedure capabilities in the case of a fire impacting the proposed Hydrogen Plant, and an understanding of any special requirements when defending or operating around the facility. This will need to be communicated with BFCOs and BFB members. 
      16. (R8.8C) That the Shire of Northam coordinate a biannual tour of the proposed Hydrogen Plant if it progresses, to ensure familiarity for BFB and BFCOs. 
      17. (R8.9A) That the Shire of Northam undertake a risk assessment regarding the fire risks associated with the transportation of Ammonium Nitrate within the Shire. 
      18. (R8.9B) Training and information to be given to all Brigade members in the Shire around scene appreciation and initial steps in relation to an ammonium nitrate incident.
      19. (R8.10A) The Shire to develop location specific Bushfire Emergency Plans as recommended in R2R19 and engage with relevant Brigades, Fire Ready Groups and residents within the Shire.
4. NOTES the following motion from the Firebreak and Fuel Load Notice Working Group:
   1. Motion 9: (this relates to Attachments 6.3.2, 6.3.3 and 6.3.4). They direct the appropriate personnel within the Shire review the proposed changes (noted in red), additions (noted in green) and feedback (noted in blue) to the Firebreak and Fuel Load Notice, as presented by the Rules and Regulation Working Group, to ensure legal compliance/wording while capturing the intent of the proposal. Post that process, that the revised Firebreak and Fuel Load Notice to be presented to the next Bush Fire Advisory Committee meeting for review
5. REQUESTS the Chief Executive Officer to consider amending the Shire of Northam's Firebreak and Fuel Load Notice based on the recommendations of the Working Group and presents the updated Notice to the Bush Fire Advisory Committee
6. NOTES the Brigades Report as provided.
7. REQUESTS the Chief Executive Officer to write to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services in relation to funding inconsistencies in relation to the Irishtown Bush Fire Brigade facility being located on private land.
8. That Council REQUESTS the Chief Executive Officer to investigate any available Shire owned parcels of land within the Irishtown Brigade area of responsibility for the potential location of a new fire station.
9. REQUESTS the Chief Executive Officer to apply to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services to replace the Irishtown 1:4 appliance with a 3.4-type appliance in the 2025/26 Local Government Grant Scheme Funding application.

C.5288

13.1.1

Australia Day Citizen of the Year Voting

That Council ENDORSES the proposed Terms of Reference for the Australia Day Community Citizen of the Year Selection Panel included as Attachment 13.1.1.1 to this report.

C.5289

13.3.1

Proposed Scheme Amendment No. 20 - 185 Wellington St, Northam

That Council:

1. In accordance with Regulation 50(2) of the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015, NOTES the submissions received in respect to Amendment No. 20 to the Shire of Northam Local Planning Scheme No. 6 and ENDORSES the response to the submissions as shown in Attachment 13.3.3.2.
2. In accordance with Regulation 50(3)(b) of the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015 DETERMINES to SUPPORT WITHOUT MODIFICATION Amendment No. 20 to the Shire of Northam of Local Planning Scheme No. 6 as shown in Attachment 13.3.3.1.
3. In accordance with Regulation 35(2) of the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015 (‘Regulations’), DETERMINES that the amendment is a standard amendment for the following reasons: a. is generally consistent with the objectives of the Local Planning Strategy; b. is anticipated to have minimal impact on surrounding land; and c. is anticipated to have no significant environmental, social, economic or governance impacts on land in the Scheme area.
4. AUTHORISES the Shire President and the Chief Executive Officer, in accordance with Section 9.49a of the Local Government Act 1995, to execute under Common Seal Amendment No. 20 to Shire of Northam Local Planning Scheme No. 6.

C.5290

13.3.2

Renaming Section of Lyon Street, Northam

That Council:

1. REQUESTS the Geographic Names Committee to rename the section of Lyon Street (north of Byfield Street) to Iwanoff Road, recognising the historical association of the name to the townsite of Northam.
2. REQUESTS the names Mouritzen, Atriplex, Panjang, Torquate and Capillosa be approved to be included on a road name database for the future naming of roads within the Shire of Northam.

C.5291

13.3.3

Child Safe Awareness Policy

That Council

ENDORSES the Child Safety Awareness Policy as per Attachments 13.3.3.1 and 13.3.3.2 to this report, subject to the following amendment:
a) Paragraph 3 under “Policy” be amended to:
“Training will be provided for Council Members, workers, volunteers, trainees, work experience students and anyone who undertakes work on behalf of the Shire of Northam”.

C.5292

13.4.1

Accounts & Statement of Accounts - March 2025

That Council

RECEIVES the payments for the period 1 March to 31 March 2025, as listed:

• Municipal Fund payment cheque numbers 28 to 39 = $123,624.61

• Municipal Fund EFT53588 to EFT53895 = $1,431,177.72

• Direct Debits = $6,812.91

• Superannuation = $105,679.31

• Payroll = $581,300.06 TOTAL: $2,248,594.61 that have been made in accordance with the delegated authority reference number (M/F/F/Regs LGA 1995 S5.42).

C.5293

13.4.2

Monthly Financial Report For The Period Ending 31 March 2025

That Council

RECEIVES the Financial Statements, prepared in accordance with the Local Government (Financial Management) Regulations, for the period ending 31 March 2025.

C.5294

13.4.2

Monthly Financial Report For The Period Ending 31 March 2025

That Council BY ABSOLUTE MAJORITY ADOPTS the amendments to the 2024/25 budget as presented below:

C.5295

14

Matters behind closed doors

That Council, in accordance with section 11.1(i) of the Shire of Northam Standing Orders Local Law 2018 and Section 5.23 (2) (A), (B) and (C) of the Local Government Act 1995, meet behind closed doors to consider agenda items:
14.1 Application under CP.29 Rates Hardship – A12909 as the matter relates to the personal affairs of a person.
14.2 Rates Write-off Request – A1479 as the matter relates to the personal affairs of a person.
14.3 Chief Executive Officer Review and Selection Committee Meeting Held on 26 March 2025 as the matter relates to an employee.

C.5296

14.1

Application under CP.29 Rates Hardship - A12909

That Council APPROVES the payment arrangement of $50.00 per fortnight for the current owner of A12909 until 30 June 2026.

C.5297

14.2

Rates Write-off Request - A1479

That Council:
1. APPROVES the write off of $6,063.73 of outstanding rates and charges for A1479 under Section 6.12(1)(c) of the Local Government Act 1995;
2. INSTRUCTS the Chief Executive Officer to seek approval from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services to write off $86.85 for the Emergency Service Levy and ESL Late Payment Interest associated with A1479.

C.5298

14.3

Chief Executive Officer Review and Selection Committee Meeting Held on 26 March 2025

That Council RECEIVES the minutes from the Chief Executive Officer Review and Selection Committee meeting held on 26 March 2025.

C.5299

14.3

Chief Executive Officer Review and Selection Committee Meeting Held on 26 March 2025

That Council ACCEPTS the Chief Executive Officer Key Performance Indicator Progress Report from 23 November 2024 to 21 March 2025, as presented in Attachment 6.1.1 of the Committee minutes.

C.5300

14

Matters behind closed doors

That Council move out from behind closed doors.