Holiday homes ‘not to blame’
Serena Kirby. Private homes rented as holiday accommodation are not the cause of Denmark’s housing shortage. The finding was revealed in Denmark Futures’ research over the past 18 months and presented at a community forum last month.
Community earns president’s praise
Patricia Gill. Shire president Ceinwen Gearon will resign after seven years in the job firm of the opinion that achievements over the time are not hers but the community’s. Dr Gearon says ‘her’ achievements have been a collaboration between the community, the Denmark Shire Council and Shire administration officers.
EPA calls for burning enquiry
The Environmental Protection Authority has recommended an independent scientific enquiry into prescribed burning practices in WA, particularly in the context of climate change. EPA chair Professor Matthew Tonts said an independent review under the 1986 EPA Act would call on the expertise of independent scientists to consider prescribed burning approaches and implementation. This follows Fire and Air Forum: Biodiversity, Environmental Sustainability and Human Health at WA University in May.
Art for the people – Chris takes a different look at the world
Serena Kirby. Denmarks’s newest art gallery, The Mixing Pot, recently showcased an exhibition of works by artist and co-owner Christine Harrison. Titled ‘Looking into the World’ the exhibition included a series of paintings that explored the theme of grief in its many forms and various stages.
Ocean Beach to close next year for club redevelopment
Patricia Gill. Ocean Beach will close in February for a sea wall and surf club redevelopment which is estimated to take two years to complete. The closure will coincide with the natural closure of the Wilson Inlet sand bar and the subsequent settling of ocean currents at the beach ... Work would initially start with the demolition of the patrol room and kiosk so the new sea wall could be constructed.
Golden wattle blitz on again
The Shire of Denmark will blitz Sydney golden wattle for a third consecutive year in an effort to eradicate the invasive weed in the shire. Over winter, Shire officers have mapped reported sightings of Sydney golden wattle and Tasmanian blackwood with a long-term aim to control the weeds.
Try a tree change: Ben’s top career tip
Serena Kirby. Arborist Ben McGovern is keen to dispel misconceptions about his profession and wants more young people to take up arboriculture as a career. Ben moved to Denmark with his family seven years ago and has been working with Ecologic Tree Service for the past four years. "We are all about caring for, and managing, trees," Ben said.
Shire stands by heritage precinct lease decision
The Denmark Shire Council has backed its decision to award the lease of the former Lions Club building to the Kwoorabup Nature School ... Heritage Precinct Alliance spokesperson Bev McGuinness labelled the council decision as ‘beyond disappointing’ ... "To listen to councillors parrot their support for heritage and community consultation, then turn around and confirm their flawed and unpopular decision to allow a heritage precinct belonging to the whole community to be taken over by a private school."
