State ramps up border checks
QUARANTINE WA inspectors and detector dogs have been on the biosecurity frontline this festive season making sure no unwanted “gifts” put the State at risk.
A spokesperson for WA Food and Agriculture minister Jackie Jarvis said the Christmas period was the busiest time for travel and parcel deliveries, with detector dogs be on duty to sniff out potential risk items at the Perth Domestic Airport, freight yards and mail centres across the metropolitan area.
“Some of the prohibited items include fresh fruit and vegetables, honey, seeds, plants, bunches of flowers and walnuts in the shell which can all carry unwanted pests, diseases and weeds,” she said.
Mobile connectivity upgrade for Esperance
Photo: Telstra/Supplied
TELSTRA said it was to upgrade mobile phone connectivity in several regional communities including Esperance.
WA regional general manager Boyd Brown said they were investing up to $300 million in infrastructure upgrades.
He said there were seven projects in several Goldfields- Esperance communities as part of the WA Government’s Regional Connectivity Program including wide coverage towers known as “macrocells”.
Mr Brown said these communities included Beaumont, Merivale, Munglinup, and Tjuntjuntjara Community.
He said Telstra’s community engagement strategy involved collaboration with local governments, regional development commissions, members of parliament, and community stakeholders.
Repeated fireworks delays
Technical issues and safety concerns delayed the New Year’s Eve fireworks display was delayed and then disrupted it again at the Esperance foreshore.
Rotary Club of Esperance organising committee chair Rod Taylor said a faulty wireless signal was the cause.
“All the faults were recognised but the start time was booked in for 9 o’clock and the signal and technology all started faulting at around that time,” he said.
“It started its synchronisation and we had about a minute of fireworks and technology collapsed again and the technicians went out again and adjusted the fireworks and it started again and it failed again.
“In all they had three failures — they were able to fire the finale display but we couldn’t get all the middle part of the display.”
Shire tackles housing crisis
RAVENSTHORPE Shire Council is inviting public comment for two policies aimed at enhancing sustainable development and promoting responsible housing options within the Shire.
The draft Chalet Policy outlines regulations and guidelines for the establishment and operation of chalets within the Shire of Ravensthorpe in areas zoned as Rural. Chalets are often sought after for tourism and short-term accommodation and have the potential to play a significant role in the local economy.
A spokesperson said the policy sought to strike a balance between encouraging tourism and preserving the natural beauty and character of the region, as well as ensuring the amenity of the rural land. It addresses issues such as building standards, environmental impact, and community engagement to ensure responsible and sustainable chalet development.
In addition to the draft Chalet Policy, Council also endorsed the draft Tiny Houses Policy. Recognizing the growing interest in alternative and compact housing solutions, the policy aims to provide a framework for the establishment and regulation of tiny houses within the Shire of Ravensthorpe. Tiny houses have gained popularity for their minimal environmental footprint and affordability, making them an attractive option for those looking to downsize or live more sustainably.
Surprise bush clearing
A Ravensthorpe resident said she was surprised to see a large amount of bush cleared near her block about 3km south east of the town.
At public question time last month Rosemary Jasper said the Shire bushfire mitigation officer had overseen about 50 to 60ha of bush chained west of Cordingup Road.
“I coincidentally happened to see the beginning of this operation and spoke to the officer at that time,” she said.
“I was informed the work was being carried out prior to burning the area in autumn.
“At that stage I wrongly assumed the bulldozers would only clear a 50m edge strip similar to what would normally be done prior to a prescribed burn.”
Ms Jasper said she was away for several days but was surprised to see the amount of bush cleared on her return.
