With its two main towns, Derby and Fitzroy Crossing located 260 kilometres apart, the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley has its work cut out in providing community services.
“The Shire is heavily reliant on Government grants for new facilities and services, as well as maintaining current infrastructure and programs,” said CEO, Jonathan Throssell. “Any reduction in our grants has a major impact.
“Council has drawn up a 10 year financial plan to help meet current and future needs but we are experiencing a reduction in our rate revenue as some pastoral leases are now being operated by Aboriginal Pastoral companies that support Aboriginal communities. As such they can claim charitable status and exemption from rates. A broadening of our revenue base is needed to account for this.
“We are also very watchful of any cost shifting, particularly with the disbanding of ATSIC. The Shire is happy to deliver any additional services as long as they are all fully costed and resourced.”
Environmental health services are provided by Council to some 45 Aboriginal communities spread over the Shires 102,000 square kilometres. Work carried out by Council’s Environmental Health Officer and two Indigenous Environmental Health Field Support Officers is greatly appreciated by people living in these small, remote communities.
With many young families living in the Shire, Council provides a range of youth and recreational services. In the last 12 months, the ovals in Derby and Fitzroy Crossing have had flood lights installed. This has been a major boost for both townships with football matches and the like now able to be played in the cool of the evenings.
A new Youth Centre was officially opened in Derby on 9 April. The Shire’s Community Development and Youth Officers have worked with the local Youth Advisory Council to design the multipurpose centre and skate park. The skate park is still to be built as Council seeks a tenderer. Extensive consultation with local youth resulted in its preferred location adjacent to the Youth Centre. A number of programs will be run at the centre organised through the local schools and churches.
In Fitzroy Crossing, the Shire has joined with other State Government and community groups to obtain funding for a $6.3 million Community Resource Complex.
The proposed complex will house various government services, a telecentre, family daycare centre, the Jandamarra Interpretive Centre and a café. It will provide a range of services for local people and visitors to the region at the one location, as well as much needed office space for various community and government agencies. The Community Resource Centre will be owned and managed by an Incorporated Association. Land for the centre has been provided by traditional owners, the Bunuba Clan, which will have its administrative centre located in the complex.
“The Shire’s Community Development Department is relatively new,” said CEO, Jonathan Throssell. “But the community has shown strong support after seeing tremendous change in service levels and recreational opportunities.”
