Rural Convenience
The Shire of Waroona stretches from ‘sea to scarp’, the Indian Ocean to the Darling Range, and incorporates the localities of Waroona, Hamel, Preston Beach and Lake Clifton.
You will find pristine beaches, unspoilt lakes of the coastal plains, fertile farmlands and peaceful jarrah forests.
The Waroona town site is located off the South Western Highway, about 108 kilometres from Perth.
It can be reached by road from Perth via Mandurah or Armadale and is a comfortable 90-minute drive from the city centre.
The Waroona town site has a population of approximately 2,500 people and a total Shire population of 3,772.
The Shire boasts a range of diverse industries including earthmoving, Wagerup Alumina Refinery, Bauxite mining, engineering, beef, sheep, forestry, horticulture, tourism, dairy and is an important destination for tourists enjoying activities with the State Forests, beaches and the many waterways both natural and man–made.
I love the country lifestyle, the friendly community–minded people of our Shire and its close proximity to the city.
Although only a rather smaller council in the Peel Region, we have wonderful facilities, some of which have been brought together by a strong community involvement.
We are fortunate to have a unique natural environment including coastline, escarpment, forests and national parkland, part of which is Ramsar listed.
Over 20 years in local government
I was elected on Waroona Shire Council in 1992, and became Shire President in 2013.
I had been on many Community Groups as Secretary, Treasurer and Chairperson.
When I saw a vacancy in council, I decided that I would like to take the challenge to do something more for the community.
I work part time as the Manager of the Harvey Community Resource Centre, which is part of the 100 or so Community Resource Centers funded through the Royalties to Regions Program in Western Australia.
We work closely with all Government Services providing information to the Community.
I am also Chair of the Waroona Community Resource Centre.
These roles enable us to work closely with all Community Members and see the needs of our Communities.
I also work as a Totalisator Manager on a course at the Pinjarra Paceway.
The key challenge currently facing rural councils are the uncertain follow–on effects in terms of the State Government’s reform
of councils.
Ongoing funding, especially for roads, as grants make up a significant portion of total income as distinct from rates is also a difficulty.
Another challenge is to keep communities vibrant & attractive as a place to live, while we also face a lack of business investment.
Waroona currently faces a few challenges in particular.
As a small council located in a dynamic region of the state, we have a challenge to work with the region & larger Council’s to
ensure viability.
We also have a large transient population from mining.
There is also the potential expansion of the Preston Beach coastal area, the limited residential land remaining on the coast undeveloped.
Additionally there is the potential expansion of Wagerup Refinery by Alcoa, which we hope to address with long term planning and a well–developed Community Strategic Plan.
Achievements on council
Construction of the Waroona Recreation Centre with sprung basketball courts and an indoor 25 metre pool was an inspirational project comprising of strong community, local organisation and Shire support.
The facility, constructed in the 1980s has been instrumental in forming the sporting prowess of the youth in our community.
The best advice I have received is to enjoy what you are doing, do your best and remember you can’t please everyone all the time.
I would like the community to take away the impression that I have worked for the best outcomes to make Waroona Shire a sustainable Community.
