Agenda Attachment Document August 2021

Shire of Bruce Rock – Agenda Attachments 19 August 2021

Agenda Attachments Thursday 19 August 2021 Shire of Bruce Rock – Agenda Attachments 19 August 2021 HIRE O SHIRE OF BRUCE ROCK AGENDA ATTACHMENTS 19 AUGUST 2021 PAGE ITEM 9 MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS ATTACHMENT A – UNCONFIRMED COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JULY 2021 3 ATTACHMENT B – WORKS AND SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING 21 JULY 2021 45 ATTACHMENT C – UNCONFIRMED SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING 29 JULY 2021 48 ATTACHMENT D – BUSH FIRE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING 6 AUGUST 2021 53

ITEM 10.2 WEROC INC MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 2021 ATTACHMENT A – WEROC INC. BOARD MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 2021 56 ATTACHMENT B – LETTER FROM MINISTER SAFFIOTI 78 ATTACHMENT C – WEROC STRATEGIC WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN AND LANDFILL RATIONALISM 79 STUDY ATTACHMENT D – WHEATBELT MEDICAL STUDENT IMMERSION PROGRAM 2022 PROGRAM 89 PROPOSAL ATTACHMENT E – WEROC INC. TOURISM AUDIT (FINAL DRAFT) 92

ITEM 11.1.1 DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A COMMUNICATIONS REPEATER POINTS ON LOT 27457 CHAPMAN ROAD ARDATH, AND LOT 12460 HEALY ROAD, BABAKIN ATTACHMENT A – APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL FOR A COMMUNICATIONS 211 REPEATER POINT TOWER & ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE LOT 27457, ARDATH ATTACHMENT B - APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL FOR A COMMUNICATIONS 221 REPEATER POINT TOWER & ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE LOT 12460, BABAKIN

ITEM 11.3.2 LIST OF PAYMENTS ATTACHMENT A – LIST OF PAYMENTS JULY 2021 231

ITEM 11.4.1 AMENDMENT TO COMMUNITY BUS HIRE POLICY ATTACHMENT A – POLICY 6.3 – COMMUNITY BUS HIRE 235

Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______

SHIRE OF BRUCE ROCK

MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 15 JULY 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... 1 1. Declaration of Opening ...... 2 2. Record of Attendance/Apologies/Leave of Absence (Previously Approved) ...... 2 3. Declarations of Interest ...... 2 4. Response to Previous Public Questions Taken on Notice ...... 2 5. Public Question Time ...... 2 6. Petitions/Deputations/Presentations/Submissions ...... 2 7. Applications for Leave of Absence ...... 3 8. Announcements by Presiding Member ...... 3 9. Confirmation of Minutes ...... 3 10. Regional Reports ...... 4 10.1 WEROC Inc Meeting Minutes June 2021 ...... 4 10.2 WALGA Zone Minutes June 2021 ...... 7 11. Officers’ Reports ...... 9 11.1 Environmental Health Officer ...... 9 11.1.1 Western Australian Planning Commission Subdivision Application No. 160975 for Lots 50, and 51 Venemore Street, Shackleton...... 9 11.1.2 Western Australian Planning Commission Subdivision Application No. 160951 for Lots 15, and 19 Johnson Street, Bruce Rock...... 12 11.2 Manager of Works and Services ...... 15 11.2.1 Acquisition of Water Corp Low-Level Tank ...... 15 11.3 Manager of Finance ...... 17 11.3.1 Statement of Financial Activity ...... 17 11.3.2 List of Payments ...... 19 11.3.3 Community Budget Request – Bruce Rock Shackleton Ardath Cricket Club ...... 21 11.3.4 Extending Closure of Municipal Account held with Bendigo Bank Account ...... 23 11.4 Deputy Chief Executive Officer ...... 25 11.4.1 Shire President Stamp ...... 25 11.4.2 Shire Common Seal ...... 26 11.4.3 Recommendations for Appointment of Chief and Deputy Chief Bushfire Officers ..... 27 11.4.4 Extension of date/duration of Disability & Inclusion Plan ...... 29 11.4.5 Proposed Rectification of Boundaries of Reserve 14171 into Pikaring West Nature Reserve 23141, and dedication of constructed Road...... 31 11.4.6 Lease of the Equestrian Reserve...... 35 11.4.7 Amended Employee Code of Conduct ...... 37 11.5 Chief Executive Officer ...... 39 11.5.1 CEO Sick Leave and Appointment of Acting CEO ...... 39 11.5.2 Approval for Special Meeting of Council ...... 40 12. New Business of an urgent nature introduced by discussion of the meeting ...... 42 13. Confidential Items ...... 42 14. Closure of Meeting...... 42

1 Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______

SHIRE OF BRUCE ROCK

MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 15 JULY 2021

1. Declaration of Opening The Shire President Cr SA Strange declared the meeting open at 3.30pm

2. Record of Attendance/Apologies/Leave of Absence (Previously Approved) President Cr SA Strange Deputy President Cr R Rajagopalan Councillors Cr AR Crooks Cr KP Foss Cr NC Kilminster Cr PG Negri Cr BJ Waight Cr RA Waye Chief Executive Officer Mr DRS Mollenoyux Deputy Chief Executive Officer Mr A O’Toole Executive Assistant Mrs MJ Schilling Environmental Health Officer Mr J Goldacre (3.45pm – 3.50pm) Manager of Works and Services Mr D Holland (3.50pm – 4.00pm) Manager of Finance Mrs JL Bow (4.00pm – 4.16pm)

Leave of Absence Cr ISA Dolton

3. Declarations of Interest In accordance with Section 5.65 of the Local Government Act 1995 the following disclosures of financial interest were made at the Council meeting.

Date Name Item No Reason

In accordance with Section 5.65 of the Local Government Act 1995 the following disclosures of Closely Association Person and Impartiality interest were made at the Council meeting.

Date Name Item No Reason 15.07.21 Darren Mollenoyux 11.5.1 Applying for Leave 15.07.21 Alan O’Toole 11.5.1 Recommended to be Acting CEO

In accordance with Section 5.60B and 5.65 of the Local Government Act 1995 the following disclosures of Proximity interest were made at the Council meeting.

Date Name Item No Reason 15.07.21 Cr KP Foss 11.4.5 Landowner neighbouring Pikaring Reserve

4. Response to Previous Public Questions Taken on Notice

5. Public Question Time

6. Petitions/Deputations/Presentations/Submissions

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7. Applications for Leave of Absence

8. Announcements by Presiding Member

9. Confirmation of Minutes

COUNCIL DECISION Resolution OCM Jul 21 – 9.1

Moved: Cr Rajagopalan Seconded: Cr Foss

That the minutes of the Annual Electors Meeting held Thursday 17 June 2021 be received. Carried 8/0

COUNCIL DECISION Resolution OCM Jul 21 – 9.2

Moved: Cr Waye Seconded: Cr Waight

That the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held Thursday 17 June 2021 be confirmed as a true and correct record. Carried 8/0

3 Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______10. Regional Reports

Agenda Reference and Subject: 10.1 WEROC Inc Meeting Minutes June 2021 File Reference: 1.6.9.1 WEROC Inc. Agendas and Minutes Reporting Officer: Darren Mollenoyux, Chief Executive Officer Author: Darren Mollenoyux, Chief Executive Officer Disclosure of Interest Nil Attachments Item 10.1 Attachment A – WEROC Inc Board Meeting Minutes

Summary Council is asked to receive the minutes from the previous WEROC Inc Board Meeting.

Background The last WEROC Inc Board Meeting was held on the 23rd June 2021 at the Shire of Bruce Rock.

Comment To encourage the WEROC Inc partnership and promote a better understanding by all Councillors it is recommended that WEROC Inc minutes be read and received by Council.

The following items are highlighted for Council’s attention;

7.3 Regional Climate Alliance Program WEROC Board Members endorsed an application to the Regional Climate Alliance Program for the following potential projects;

(a) Planning and delivering resilient sport and recreation infrastructure to adapt to a hotter and drier climate; and (b) Reducing our carbon footprint through climate smart waste management practices that mitigate greenhouse emissions.

On the 5th July 2021 WEROC were informed that their application was unsuccessful and the two successful Alliances are the South Coast Alliance and Goldfields Voluntary Regional Organisation of Councils.

7.4 Tier 3 Rail Letter of Support Request The WEROC Board discussed a request that Local Governments write to Minister Saffioti’s office demonstrating their support of Tier 3 rail renewal and outlining the social and economic benefits it is anticipated to bring to the region.

The following resolution was made;

That WEROC Inc. send a letter to Minister Saffioti indicating its support of the WA Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements - Package 1, being invested in sustainable rail and road infrastructure.

7.6 Presentation on Strategic Waste Management Presentations were made at the WEROC meeting from two companies regarding their approach and proposal to undertake a Strategic Waste Management Audit and Plan for WEROC Shires.

Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______The meeting resolved the following; That the quote from ASK Waste Management to develop a Strategic Waste Management Plan and landfill rationalisation study be accepted.

7.7 GEOPark Presentation Following a presentation from presentation from Mr. Alan Briggs and Professor Ross Dowling on establishing a GEOPark within WEROC the Board held discussions on its potential involvement.

WEROC should not be the driver. WEROC will await the outcome of the tourism product audit before progressing with any new initiatives.

It was resolved that the Executive Officer thank Mr. Briggs and Professor Dowling for their presentation and advise that as WEROC are currently undertaking an audit of tourism product, no further action will be taken at this time.

9.1 Wheatbelt Medical Student Immersion Program On 27 May 2021, Ms. Betony Dawson, Project Coordinator Workforce Solutions at Rural Health West, provided an update on conversations between Curtin University and the University of Notre Dame with regard to the future delivery of WMSIP.

Ms. Dawson advised that Rural Health West had met with the Deans of the Curtin and Notre Dame medical schools the week prior and were in the process of completing a project plan for their approval. In essence the two Universities have agreed to commit to running the program together again in the same 10 towns at the same time, however they will be allocating all Curtin students to 5 towns and all Notre Dame students to the other 5 towns.

The Universities will each be responsible for the planning and delivery of the program in their allocated towns.

Consultation Nil

Statutory Implications Nil

Policy Implications Nil

Risk Implications

Risk: That Council does not receive the minutes or object to decisions of the WEROC Inc Board meeting. Likelihood Consequence Rating Rare Insignificant Low Action / Strategy This item has been evaluated against the Shire of Bruce Rock’s Risk Management Procedure’s Risk Matrix. The perceived level of risk is considered to be “Low” risk and will be managed by routine procedure and is unlikely to need specific application of resources.

Financial Implications Nil

Strategic Implications Shire of Bruce Rock – Strategic Community Plan 2017-2027 Governance Goal 12 Council leads the organisation in a strategic and flexible manner 12.2 Continue to build our voice and strategic projects within our regional groupings 5

Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______

Voting Requirements Simple Majority

COUNCIL DECISION Resolution OCM Jul 21 – 10.1

Moved: Cr Kilminster Seconded: Cr Crooks

That Council receives the minutes of the WEROC Board Meeting held on the 23rd June 2021 at the Shire of Bruce Rock Council Chambers. Carried 8/0

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Agenda Reference and Subject: 10.2 WALGA Zone Minutes June 2021 File Reference: 1.6.5.1 WALGA Zone Agendas and Minutes Reporting Officer: Darren Mollenoyux, Chief Executive Officer Author: Darren Mollenoyux, Chief Executive Officer Disclosure of Interest Nil Attachments Item 10.2 Attachment A – WALGA Zone Meeting Minutes

Summary Council is asked to receive the minutes from the previous WALGA Great Eastern Zone Meeting.

Background The recent WALGA Great Eastern Zone Meeting was held on the 28th June 2021 via videoconference.

Comment To encourage the improved awareness and promote a better understanding by all Councillors it is recommended that WALGA Zone minutes be read and received by Council.

The following items from the minutes are drawn to Councillors’ attention;

5.1 Presentation – Wheatbelt NRM Karl O’Callaghan, Chair, Wheatbelt Natural Resource Management gave a presentation and overview of Wheatbelt NRM’s current activities and how the organisation can work more collaboratively with Wheatbelt Local Governments.

5.4 Presentation - CBH Rob Dickie, Principal – Governance & Industry Relations, CBH Group, provided an update to the Zone on two key matters; • CBH’s site retirement strategy and process that will be followed for sites within the WALGA Zone that will be either leased to a third party (for non-grain related activities) or permanently removed from the CBH network; and • CBH’s emergency storage planning strategy for this harvest given the rainfall received so far and potential for a large grain receivals into our network this harvest.

6.3.1 Elected Member Training With the upcoming Local Government Elections in October 2021, the Zone addressed the best approach to providing financial support to Member Councils to undertake their required training.

The following resolution was made; 1. That the Zone provide a Training rebate of $1,000, payable per head through their Local Government for Elected Members to complete their Universal Training. 2. Zone Local Governments can still consider carrying out the training regionally if requiring in- person training.

7.3 Fire Bans on Public Holidays The Zone Executive Officer wrote to all Zone member Local Government CEOs requesting they raise an item at their local level to consider uniformity of fire bans on public holidays throughout the Zone and with neighbouring Local Governments.

Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______Each Local Government provided a response which evidenced that there is no real alignment with the policy between Local Governments. Discussion was held at the meeting that it would be very difficult to get uniformity at a Zone level, however it was requested that Local Governments raise this matter through their local DOAC for further consideration.

A full copy of the minutes and supporting documentation is provided as Attachment A.

Consultation Nil

Statutory Implications Nil

Policy Implications Nil

Risk Implications

Risk: That Council does not receive the minutes or object to decisions of the WALGA Great Eastern Zone meeting. Likelihood Consequence Rating Rare Insignificant Low Action / Strategy This item has been evaluated against the Shire of Bruce Rock’s Risk Management Procedure’s Risk Matrix. The perceived level of risk is considered to be “Low” risk and will be managed by routine procedure and is unlikely to need specific application of resources.

Financial Implications Nil

Voting Requirements Simple Majority

COUNCIL DECISION Resolution OCM Jul 21 – 10.2

Moved: Cr Negri Seconded: Cr Waight

That Council receives the minutes of the WALGA Great Eastern Zone Meeting held on the 28th June 2021 via videoconference. Carried 8/0

Mr J Goldacre entered the Council Chambers at 3.45pm.

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11. Officers’ Reports

11.1 Environmental Health Officer

Agenda Reference and Subject: 11.1.1 Western Australian Planning Commission Subdivision Application No. 160975 for Lots 50, and 51 Venemore Street, Shackleton. File Reference: A2484 51 Venemore Street, Shackleton Reporting Officer: Julian Goldacre, Environmental Health Officer Author: Julian Goldacre, Environmental Health Officer Disclosure of Interest Nil Attachments Item 11.1.1 Attachment A – WAPC Application 160975 documents

Summary To support application No. 160975 for Lots 50, and 51 Venemore Street, Shackleton for the amalgamation of said Lots to create one Lot of 2,251 square metres. Also, the provision of one condition relating to any crossovers proposed for the new Lot to either/or Venemore Street, and Hammond Street is to be constructed in accordance with the Shire of Bruce Rock Policy 9.4 Crossovers.

Background The Shire of Bruce Rock administration received correspondence by email dated 21/06/2021 at 3:22 PM from the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) titled application No. 160975 for the amalgamation (Subdivision) of Lots 50, and 51 Venemore Street, Shackleton. This application has been assessed pursuant to the Shire of Bruce Rock Local Planning Scheme No.3 (Scheme), and Shire of Bruce Rock Local Planning Strategy (Strategy).

Comment Attachment A details the proposal for the Subdivision of the two Lots to create a single larger Lot on the corner of Hammond and Venemore Streets, Shackleton (Application). There is an existing dwelling which is habitable as well as a shed of which both are to be retained. It is noted that Lot 51 has access to water and power utilities which currently service the dwelling on this Lot. The land has been declared to have no contamination and is determined to not be at risk to acid sulphate soils. The two Lots are not in a Bushfire Prone Area.

The Scheme text and map for the Shackleton townsite does not raise any issues for consideration and/or prohibition for the Subdivision of Lots 50 and 51. The two Lots are zoned ‘Townsite’ which would require development approval from Council for any development other than development controlled under State Planning Policy 7.3 known as the R Codes for residential matters. Furthermore, the Shire of Bruce Rock Local Planning Strategy (Strategy) lists Shackleton under ‘Strategy 13’ which supports to ‘rationalise the existing lot configuration via; ii) submitting an application for amalgamation to WAPC’. This implies that amalgamation of land within the townsite of Shackleton is a supported Planning Strategy.

Details for the proposed Subdivision provides no areas of concern from the local government perspective, other than the ATU matter listed below which will be rectified by this Subdivision application. Factors identified in the application, and on the property file are listed with comment by the Environmental Health Officer as follows: 9

Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______• Bushfire Prone Area – Not applicable. Bush Fire Area mapping viewed 5 July 2021 did not show the Lots to be affected by a bush fire zone. • Dept of Mines and Petroleum (Note – this is now the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety [DMIRS] - Not applicable as this will be dealt with during the application process by WAPC by referral to the relevant State Government agency dealing with mines and petroleum matters. • Western Power and Water Corporation - Not applicable as this will be dealt with during the application process by WAPC by referral to Western Power and Water Corporation for comment on utility services. • The apparatus for the treatment of sewage being an Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU) installed for the dwelling on Lot 51 has been installed and connected across the property boundary of Lot 50 which is not permitted under the applicable legislation. This subdivision proposal will rectify this situation and close the file on this matter. The applicant has been made aware of the issue and the EHO has been in discussing to resolve the matter in a mutually beneficial manner moving forward.

After review of the Subdivision as presented in Attachment A with regards to the Scheme, and Strategy this application in this instance has merit for Council endorsement of approval with a condition.

Consultation Nil

Statutory Implications Planning and Development Act 2005; and Shire of Bruce Rock Local Planning Scheme No.3.

Policy Implications Shire of Bruce Rock Policy 9.4 Crossovers, and Shire of Bruce Rock Local Planning Strategy

Risk Implications Risk: Application does not proceed due to WAPC refusal or applicant not undertaking approved subdivision within stated timeframe.

Likelihood Consequence Rating Unlikely Insignificant Low

Action / Strategy Low Risk: This item has been evaluated against the Shire of Bruce Rock’s Risk Management Procedure’s Risk Matrix. The perceived level of risk is considered to be “Low” risk and can be managed by routine procedure and is unlikely to need specific application of resources.

Financial Implications Nil

Strategic Implications Shire of Bruce Rock – Strategic Community Plan 2017-2027 Governance Goal 4 Workers and their families can work and reside in the Shire. 4.3 Promote existing residential land and plan for future commercial and residential land developments to meet current and future needs.

Voting Requirements Simple Majority

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OFFICER RECOMMENDATION AND COUNCIL DECISION Resolution OCM Jul 21 – 11.1.1

Moved: Cr Rajagopalan Seconded: Cr Crooks

That Council: 1.Endorse the Western Australian Planning Commission application for development approval of application No. 160975 for the amalgamation of Lots 50, and 51 Venemore Street, Shackleton to create one Lot of 2,251 square metres, as presented in Attachment A. With the following one condition: a) Should the amalgamated new Lot require the construction of a crossover then an application for such is required to be submitted to the Shire of Bruce Rock and the crossover is to be constructed in accordance with the Shire of Bruce Rock Policy 9.4 Crossovers. Carried 8/0

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Agenda Reference and Subject: 11.1.2 Western Australian Planning Commission Subdivision Application No. 160951 for Lots 15, and 19 Johnson Street, Bruce Rock. File Reference: A5204 Reporting Officer: Julian Goldacre, Environmental Health Officer Author: Julian Goldacre, Environmental Health Officer Disclosure of Interest Nil Attachments Item 11.1.2 Attachment A – WAPC Application 160951 Documents Summary To support application No. 160951 for Lots 15, and 19 Johnson Street, Bruce Rock for the amalgamation of said Lots to create one Lot of 1,531 square metres.

Background The Shire of Bruce Rock administration received correspondence by mail dated 16/06/2021 from the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) titled application No. 160951 for the amalgamation (Subdivision) of Lots 15, and 19 Johnson Street, Bruce Rock. This application has been assessed pursuant to the Shire of Bruce Rock Local Planning Scheme No.3 (Scheme), and Shire of Bruce Rock Local Planning Strategy (Strategy).

Comment Attachment A details the proposal for the Subdivision of the two Lots to create a single larger Lot on the corner of Johnson and Bath Street, Bruce Rock (Application). The current two Lots are vacant of any buildings as it was formerly the Masons Grocery and Hardware store which was destroyed by fire and subsequently demolished. It is noted that Lot 15 has access to water and power utilities. The land has been declared to have no contamination and is determined to not be at risk to acid sulphate soils. The two Lots are not in a declared Bushfire Prone Area.

The Scheme text and map for the Bruce Rock townsite does not raise any issues for consideration and/or prohibition for the Subdivision of Lots 15, and 19. The two Lots are zoned ‘Commercial’. The Shire of Bruce Rock Local Planning Strategy (Strategy) identifies through Strategy 2 that the Bruce Rock townsite is identified where commercial development support and enhancement is required to be promoted; Strategy 2 seeks to encourage commercial investors into the townsite of Bruce Rock. The amalgamation of the two Lots as proposed seeks to assist in future commercial development by removing the boundary line thus increasing the potential building footprint as buildings cannot cross cadastre boundary lines generally.

Details for the proposed Subdivision provides no areas of concern from the local government perspective. Factors identified in the application are listed with comment by the Environmental Health Officer as follows: • Bushfire Prone Area – Not applicable. Bush Fire Area mapping viewed 8 July 2021 did not show the Lots to be affected by a bush fire zone. • Dept of Mines and Petroleum (Note – this is now the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety [DMIRS] - Not a matter for consideration by the Shire of Bruce Rock as this will be dealt with during the application process by WAPC by referral to the relevant State Government agency dealing with mines and petroleum matters.

Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______• Western Power – Will need to notify before power connection of any development as they will require a maximum power demand report and an application for the connection of any development to the power grid. • The Department of Health WA – It is reasonably foreseen that the Dept. will not have any inputs or concerns regarding this Subdivision. In the past the Dept. has been known to provide information on sale of tobacco and alcohol products and their concerns about such products, although this is deemed as advice only. • Main Roads - It is reasonably foreseen that Main Roads will not have any concerns given the previous land use as a commercial activity will not change. • Water Corporation - It is reasonably foreseen that Water Corporation will require a water connection which is already present, and access to the STED which is available, and this will be dealt with as the Lot develops into the future; the request for such connections is expected.

After review of the Subdivision as presented in Attachment A with regards to the Scheme and Strategy, this application in this instance has merit for Council endorsement of approval.

Consultation Nil.

Statutory Implications Planning and Development Act 2005; and Shire of Bruce Rock Local Planning Scheme No.3.

Policy Implications Shire of Bruce Rock Local Planning Strategy.

Risk Implications Risk: Application does not proceed due to WAPC refusal or applicant not undertaking approved subdivision within stated timeframe.

Likelihood Consequence Rating Unlikely Insignificant Low

Financial Implications Nil

Strategic Implications Shire of Bruce Rock – Strategic Community Plan 2017-2027 Governance Goal 3 Assist the local economy to grow. Goal 3.7 Leverage economic opportunities and developments from successful local businesses

Voting Requirements Simple Majority

Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION AND COUNCIL DECISION Resolution OCM Jul 21 – 11.1.2

Moved: Cr Foss Seconded: Cr Rajagopalan

That Council: 1. Endorse the Western Australian Planning Commission application for development approval of application No. 160951 for Lots 15, and 19 Johnson Street, Bruce Rock for the amalgamation of said Lots to create one Lot of 1,531 square metres, as presented in Attachment A. Carried 8/0

Mr J Goldacre left the Council Chambers at 3.50pm and did not return. Mr D Holland entered the Council Chambers at 3.50pm.

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11.2 Manager of Works and Services

Agenda Reference and Subject: 11.2.1 Acquisition of Water Corp Low-Level Tank File Reference: A852 Lot 3P9446 Bruce Roc-York Road Bruce Rock Reporting Officer: David Holland, Manager of Works and Services Author: David Holland, Manager of Works and Services Disclosure of Interest Nil Attachments Item 11.1.1 Attachment A – Tank Bruce Rock Inspection Report

Summary To consider the acquisition of the Water Corporation low level tank on Reserve 19675.

Background This item seeks Council approval to acquire the low-level tank owned by Water Corp as part of the handover of the Reserve 19675.

Comment Water Corporation contacted the Shire’s Manager of Works David Holland regarding the takeover of the low-level tank on Reserve 19675. This is located on Noonajin Rd and is next to the old Water Corp dam utilised by Council for the supply and storage of rainwater. This is utilised to water the Shire’s Recreation Centre Oval and some of the gardens throughout the Bruce Rock town site.

After discussions with the CEO and EHO, and posing several questions on why Water Corp wished to relinquish the tank, the Shire received all answers requested (as per the Attachment). Included was the last Level 1 inspection completed in 2018 by Fremantle Commercial Diving (attached). We have concluded that the structure is sound and will be fit for purpose.

Consultation Darren Mollenoyux (Chief Executive Officer) Julian Goldacre (Environmental Health Officer)

Statutory Implications This procurement process has been completed in accordance with Section 3.75 of the Local Government Act, 1995 and Local Government (Function and General) Regulations 1996, Division 2 Tender Regulations

Policy Implications G.A 1.3 Policy in respect to the acquisition of assets and management. C.F 6.1 Policy in respect to ensure that the complex operates in an efficient and effective manner and gives best value to customers and is maintained to the highest standard.

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Risk Implications Risk: Not following the correct acquisition process could result in breach of procurement regulations and not securing the best result for the Shire

Likelihood Consequence Rating Possible Minor Moderate

Action / Strategy Correct procurement procedure followed. Contract and quality of work will be monitored during this period.

Financial Implications Council has a budget provision for the maintenance of dams and infrastructure for repairs and maintenance of this type of infrastructure. However, this would need to increase the annual maintenance budget to include the acquired tank.

Strategic Implications Shire of Bruce Rock – Strategic Community Plan 2017-2027 Infrastructure Goal 2.4 Support the improvement and maintenance of assets in a strategic way.

Governance Goal 12 Council leads the organisation in a strategic and flexible manner. 12.2 Continue to build our voice and strategic projects within our regional groupings.

Voting Requirements Absolute Majority

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION AND COUNCIL DECISION Resolution OCM Jul 21 – 11.2.1

Moved: Cr Crooks Seconded: Cr Waight

That Council acquire the Low-Level Tank and other infrastructure offered by Water Corporation with the conditions and access as stated by Water Corporation located at reserve 19675 Noonajin Road, Bruce Rock. CARRIED BY ABSOLUTE MAJORITY 8/0

Mr D Holland left the Council Chambers at 4.00pm and did not return. Mrs JL Bow entered the Council Chambers at 4.01pm. Mr D Mollenoyux left the Council Chambers at 4.03pm. Mr D Mollenoyux entered the Council Chambers at4.10pm.

Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______11.3 Manager of Finance

Agenda Reference and Subject: 11.3.1 Statement of Financial Activity File Reference: 8.2.6.2 Financial Reporting Reporting Officer: Jennifer Bow, Manager of Finance Author: Jennifer Bow, Manager of Finance Disclosure of Interest Nil Attachment: Item 11.3.1 Attachment A – Statement of Financial Activity June 2021

Summary A statement of financial activity must be produced monthly and presented to Council.

Background In accordance with the Local Government Act 1995, a Statement of Financial Activity must be presented to each Council meeting, including a comparison of actual year to date to the budget year to date and variances from it. It must also include explanations of any variances and any other associated information that would be useful for readers of the report.

Comment The financial statements for the month ending 30 June 2021 will be available to Councillors on the website Tuesday 13th July 2021.

Consultation Darren Mollenoyux, Chief Executive Officer Alan O’Toole, Deputy Chief Executive Officer David Holland, Manager of Works and Services Mike Darby, Senior Finance Officer and other staff

Statutory Implications r. 34 Local Government (Financial Management) Regulations 1996

34. Financial activity statement required each month (Act s. 6.4) (1) A local government is to prepare each month a statement of financial activity reporting on the revenue and expenditure, as set out in the annual budget under regulation 22(1)(d), for that month in the following detail — (a) annual budget estimates, taking into account any expenditure incurred for an additional purpose under section 6.8(1)(b) or (c); and (b) budget estimates to the end of the month to which the statement relates; and (c) actual amounts of expenditure, revenue and income to the end of the month to which the statement relates; and (d) material variances between the comparable amounts referred to in paragraphs (b) and (c); and (e) the net current assets at the end of the month to which the statement relates.

(4) A statement of financial activity, and the accompanying documents referred to in subregulation (2), are to be — (a) presented at an ordinary meeting of the council within 2 months after the end of the month to which the statement relates; and (b) recorded in the minutes of the meeting at which it is presented. 17

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Policy Implications Nil

Risk Implications Risk: Financial performance is not monitored against approved budget Likelihood Consequence Rating Possible Minor Moderate

Action / Strategy The monthly financial report tracks the Shire’s actual financial performance against its budgeted financial performance to ensure that the Council is able to monitor to Shire’s financial performance throughout the year.

Financial Implications Comparison of actual year to date to the 2020/21 Budget

Strategic Implications Shire of Bruce Rock – Strategic Community Plan 2017-2027 Governance Goal 12 Council leads the organisation in a strategic and flexible manner

Voting Requirements Simple Majority

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION AND COUNCIL DECISION Resolution OCM Jul 21 – 11.3.1

Moved: Cr Rajagopalan Seconded: Cr Kilminster

That the Statements of Financial Activity for the month ending 30 June 2021 as presented be received. Carried 8/0

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Agenda Reference and Subject: 11.3.2 List of Payments File Reference: 8.2.3.3 Accounts Payable (Creditors) Reporting Officer: Jennifer Bow, Manager of Finance Officer Author: Mike Darby, Senior Finance Officer Disclosure of Interest: Nil Attachments: Item 11.2.2 Attachment A – List of Payments June 2021

Summary List of payments made since the last Ordinary Council Meeting.

Background As the Chief Executive Officer has been delegated the authority to make payments from the municipal and trust funds, a list of payments made is to be presented to Council each month. Also, in accordance with Finance Policy Number 2.3, included is a list of payments made with the CEO’s credit card.

Comment Following is a list of payments made from Council’s Municipal and Trust Accounts and payments made with the CEO’s credit card for the month of June 2021.

If you have any queries regarding the list of payments, please advise prior to the meeting to enable staff to seek relevant information.

Consultation Nil

Statutory Implications s.6.10 Local Government Act 1995 r.13(1) Local Government (Financial Management) Regulations 1996

Policy Implications Nil

Risk Implications Risk: Payments are not monitored against approved budget and delegation.

Likelihood Consequence Rating Possible Minor Moderate Action / Strategy The monthly list of payments provides an open and transparent record of payments made under the appropriate approved delegations.

Financial Implications Payments must be made in accordance with 2020/21 Budget

Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______Strategic Implications Shire of Bruce Rock – Strategic Community Plan 2017-2027 Governance Goal 12 Council leads the organisation in a strategic and flexible manner

Voting Requirements Simple Majority

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION AND COUNCIL DECISION Resolution OCM Jul 21 – 11.3.2

Moved: Cr Waye Seconded: Cr Crooks

That Council endorse the list of payments from the: 1. Municipal Account consisting of: a. EFT voucher numbers EFT17567 to EFT117800 totalling $700,400.29 b. Cheque number 22 to 28 totalling $24,837.26 c. Trust Cheques d. Wages and Superannuation payments totalling $183,945.21, and e. Credit Card payments $571.52 With all payments totalling $909,182.76 for the month of June 2021. Carried 8/0

Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______

Agenda Reference and Subject: 11.3.3 Community Budget Request – Bruce Rock Shackleton Ardath Cricket Club File Reference: 8.2.7.2 Annual Budget – Requests for Consideration Reporting Officer: Jennifer Bow, Manager of Finance Officer Author: Jennifer Bow, Manager of Finance Officer Disclosure of Interest: Nil Attachments: Item 11.3.3 Attachment A – Letter from BRSACC

Summary The Bruce Rock Shackleton Ardath Cricket Club (BRSACC) have requested an amendment to their approved 2021/22 Community Budget Request.

Background At the April OCM, Council resolved to approve a Community Budget Request from the BRSACC for $847.33 to replace the cricket nets at the Bruce Rock Recreation Centre. On 7 July 2021 Council received a letter from BRSACC requesting to amend their budget request. The request in part read as below:

“The Cricket Club wishes to increase our original grant application from $847.33 to $3178.33 to cover the costs of supply and installation of the chain mesh netting at the cricket nets. Please refer to the quote provided by Eastern District Contractors to the value of $3178.33 inc GST. Due to the fact that the Cricket Club has to contribute 50% of the funds to undertake these improvements we wish to withdraw any required funds from our Pitch Replacement Fund to match the Shires 50% contribution.”

Comment BRSACC’s original Community Budget Request was submitted in April 2020 for the 2020/2021 budget and was deferred due to the financial implications of COVID-19. When requests for submissions were issued in March 2021, groups who applied in 2020 were given the opportunity to resubmit that application, which the BRSACC did. In the year’s difference the contractor was no longer able to source mesh that matches the existing nets for the repairs, which has created a need for the total replacement of the nets. The total replacement of the nets will also increase the safety of users of the cricket facility, the surrounding recreation facilities and campers utilising the free 72 hour RV camping site.

As per the Community Budget Request guidelines, community groups that are requesting between $1,001 and $5,000 must contribute 50% of the total project cost. The BRSACC have requested to withdraw $1,589.17 from their Sporting Facility Replace Reserve Fund (SFRRF) account to cover their 50% funding requirement.

This fund was established in 2018 and to date each sporting club that utilises facilities at the Bruce Rock Recreation Centre has contributed funds. Under the policy, 6.2 Turf Infrastructure Replacement Fund, the Shire will match contributions made to the fund of up to 50 cents for every dollar contributed up to a maximum of $2,000 per financial year.

The current balance of the BRSACC’s SFRRF is $21,469.69 and the reserve fund is invested until 13 December 2021. If Council agree with the BRSACC’s request, it would be stipulated that the funds could not be taken from the reserve until the term deposit expires as at 13 December 2021, otherwise all clubs will have the small amount of interest that is accruing on the funds reduced.

Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______Consultation Darren Mollenoyux, Chief Executive Officer Caris Negri, Community Development Officer Bruce Rock Shackleton Ardath Cricket Club

Statutory Implications S6.8(1) – A local government is not to incur expenditure from its municipal fund for an additional purpose except where the expenditure- (b) is authorised in advance by resolution.

Policy Implications 6.2 - Turf Infrastructure Replacement Fund

Risk Implications Risk: That the 2021-22 Budget does not reflect the forecast expenditure and revenue for the financial year.

Likelihood Consequence Rating Almost Certain Minor High

Action / Strategy This item has been evaluated against the Shire of Bruce Rock’s Risk Management Procedure’s Risk Matrix. The perceived level of risk is considered to be “High” risk. As a High Risk, the Manager of Finance will be monitoring the progress regularly.

Financial Implications The amended project total of $3,178 will be included in the 2021/22 budget, and the BRSACC’s SFRRF will decrease by $1,589.

Strategic Implications Shire of Bruce Rock – Strategic Community Plan 2017-2027 Infrastructure Goal 2 Maintain Shire owned facilities in a strategic manner and also to meet the community needs. 2.4 Support the improvement and maintenance of assets in a strategic manner

Voting Requirements Simple Majority

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION AND COUNCIL DECISION Resolution OCM Jul 21 – 11.3.3

Moved: Cr Kilminster Seconded: Cr Foss

That Council resolve to approve the Bruce Rock Shackleton Ardath Cricket Club’s amended Community Budget Request and a utilisation of $1,589.17 of funds from the Sporting Clubs Facility Replacement Reserve (GL1951903), pending final 2021/22 budget adoption. Carried 8/0

Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______

Agenda Reference and Subject: 11.3.4 Extending Closure of Municipal Account held with Bendigo Bank Account File Reference: 8.2.1.3 General Banking Reporting Officer: Jennifer Bow, Manager of Finance Author: Jennifer Bow, Manager of Finance Disclosure of Interest: Nil Attachments: Nil

Summary Council approved the transfer of Council’s banking to Bankwest in December 2020 and staff are requesting extending the closure date for the Municipal Account held with Bendigo Bank.

Background Staff recommended at the Special Meeting of Council in December 2020 to close the Municipal Account held with Bendigo Bank as at 30th June 2021.

Payments are still randomly being received into the Bendigo Bank account. Staff contact businesses or individuals when payments are received into the Bendigo Bank account.

With rates being due in early October, staff are requesting that the Bendigo Bank account closure can be extended to 31st October 2021.

Comment The request to extend the closure of the Municipal Account held with Bendigo Bank will ensure that payments made in error during the 2021 rating season are still received, and staff will contact anyone who deposits into the incorrect account. This additional time will ensure that anyone making payments to the Shire have the correct banking details.

Consultation Darren Mollenoyux, Chief Executive Officer Mike Darby, Senior Finance Officer

Statutory Implications Nil

Policy Implications Nil

Risk Implications Risk: That the Shire incurs unnecessary costs or disruptions with its banking. Likelihood Consequence Rating Likely Minor Low Action / Strategy This item has been evaluated against the Shire of Bruce Rock’s Risk Management Procedure’s Risk Matrix. The perceived level of risk is considered to be a “Low” risk and can be managed by routine procedure and is unlikely to need specific application of resources.

Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______

Financial Implications No financial implications.

Strategic Implications Shire of Bruce Rock – Strategic Community Plan 2017-2027 Goal 12 - Council leads the organisation in a strategic and flexible manner

Voting Requirements Simple Majority

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION AND COUNCIL DECISION Resolution OCM Jul 21 – 11.3.4

Moved: Cr Waye Seconded: Cr Rajagopalan

That the Council instruct staff to extend the closure of the Bendigo Bank Municipal Account and associated investment account, until the 31st October 2021, whereafter it will be closed and funds transferred to the Bankwest Municipal account. Carried 8/0

Mrs JL Bow left the Council Chambers at 4.16pm and did not return.

Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______

11.4 Deputy Chief Executive Officer

Agenda Reference and Subject: 11.4.1 Shire President Stamp File Reference: Reporting Officer: Alan O’Toole, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Author: Melissa Schilling, Executive Assistant Disclosure of Interest: Nil Attachments: Nil

Summary Use of Shire President Stamp June 2021.

Background Nil

Comment As per Council’s policy, the Shire President Stamp has been used during the months of June 2021 as follows:

• PTA Lease • Medical Centre Lease • Agreement with the West Australian

Consultation Nil

Statutory Implications Council Policy

Policy Implications Nil

Financial Implications Nil

Strategic Implications Shire of Bruce Rock Strategic Community Plan 2017-2027 Governance Goal 12 Council leads the organisation in a strategic and flexible manner

Voting Requirements Simple Majority

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION AND COUNCIL DECISION Resolution OCM Jul 21 – 11.4.1

Moved: Cr Waight Seconded: Cr Rajagopalan

That Council endorse the use of the Shire President Stamp during June 2021. Carried 8/0

Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______

Agenda Reference and Subject: 11.4.2 Shire Common Seal File Reference: Reporting Officer: Alan O’Toole, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Author: Melissa Schilling, Executive Assistant Disclosure of Interest: Nil Attachments: Nil

Summary Use of Shire Common Seal in June 2021.

Background Nil

Comment As per Council’s policy, the Shire Common Seal has been used during the months of June 2021 as follows:

• PTA Lease • Medical Centre Lease

Consultation Nil

Statutory Implications Council Policy

Policy Implications Nil

Financial Implications Nil

Strategic Implications Shire of Bruce Rock Strategic Community Plan 2017-2027 Governance Goal 12 Council leads the organisation in a strategic and flexible manner

Voting Requirements Simple Majority

Officer Recommendation That Council endorse the use of the Shire Common Seal during June 2021.

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION AND COUNCIL DECISION Resolution OCM Jul 21 – 11.4.2

Moved: Cr Waye Seconded: Cr Foss

That Council endorse the use of the Shire Common Seal during June 2021. Carried 8/0

Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______

Agenda Reference and Subject: 11.4.3 Recommendations for Appointment of Chief and Deputy Chief Bushfire Officers File Reference: 5.1.5.1 Bushfire Officers Reporting Officer: Alan O’Toole, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Author: Alan O’Toole, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Disclosure of Interest: Nil Attachments: Item 11.4.3 Attachment A – Policy 8.1 Bushfire Brigades and Governance Structure

Summary Council is requested to consider its recommendations for the appointment of a Chief and Deputy Chief Bushfire Control Officer.

Background Historically the positions of Chief Bushfire Control Officer (CBFCO) and Deputy Chief Bushfire Control Officer (DCBFCO) have always been undertaken by members of Council. At the June 2021 Council Meeting, Cr Dolton tendered his resignation as the Shire’s CBFCO. As Deputy Chief, Cr Crooks assumed responsibility as Acting Chief, but Council must now consider the permanent appointment(s) of these key roles for the future.

Comment It is essential that Council decide upon their recommendations for filling of the positions of CBFCO and DCBFCO, so that they can then be ratified at a meeting of the Shire’s Bushfire Advisory Committee which will be convened in August. This can then be brought back to Council for endorsement in September prior to the commencement of the next fire season.

Consultation Darren Mollenoyux, Chief Executive Officer

Statutory Implications Bushfires Act 1954

Policy Implications Nil

Risk Implications Risk: That Council does not recommend members of Council for these positions. Likelihood Consequence Rating Unlikely Moderate Moderate Action / Strategy This item has been evaluated against the Shire of Bruce Rock’s Risk Management Procedure’s Risk Matrix. The perceived level of risk is considered to be “Moderate” and will be managed by specific monitoring and response procedures.

Financial Implications Nil

Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______Strategic Implications Shire of Bruce Rock Strategic Community Plan 2017-2027

Governance Goal 10 Our organisation is well positioned and has capacity for the future Goal 12 Council leads the organisation in a strategic and flexible manner

Voting Requirements Simple Majority

Officer Recommendation That Council recommends Cr ______as Chief Bushfire Control Officer and Cr______as Deputy Chief Bushfire Control Officer.

Council decision varied to Officer Recommendation to nominate Cr Crooks as Chief Bush Fire Control Officer and Cr Negri as Deputy Chief Bushfire Control Officer.

COUNCIL DECISION Resolution OCM Jul 21 – 11.4.3

Moved: Cr Waight Seconded: Cr Rajagopalan

That Council recommends Cr Crooks as Chief Bushfire Control Officer and Cr Negri as Deputy Chief Bushfire Control Officer. Carried 8/0

Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______

Agenda Reference and Subject: 11.4.4 Extension of date/duration of Disability & Inclusion Plan File Reference: 2.3.1.2 Disability Access and Inclusion Plan Reporting Officer: Alan O’Toole, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Author: Alan O’Toole, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Disclosure of Interest: Nil Attachments: Item 11.4.4 Attachment A – OCM Resolution 12.4.3 October 2017

Summary Council is requested to extend the duration of the current Disability Access Inclusion Plan (“DAIP”) until October 2022.

Background The provisions of the Disability Services Act, Section 28, require that local governments review their Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) every five years. This was previously reviewed in 2017. The Shire is also required to submit an annual report on the progress of the DAIP, under the Disability Services Act 1993.

Comment In compiling this year’s Annual DAIP Progress Report, and when consulting with the Department of Communities, it became apparent that the current five-year DAIP, which was dated 2017-2021, should actually have run until October 2022, and indeed the October 2017 OCM Report makes reference to this in the “Summary” line. Richard Struik from the Department of Communities has advised that unless Council has a specific need to update its DAIP this year, which involves community consultation and advertising of the results, then it is totally acceptable to change the end date to 2022. This would then mean that the community consultation and advertising could take place in the early to mid-stages of 2022, and then a new DAIP would be adopted in October next year. Given that there is a lot happening for Council this year, and some community consultation and briefings are likely to be taking place regarding other important community matters, then shifting the review of the DAIP to 2022 will allow this to take place away from other considerations affecting Council and the community. If Council agree to this change then the date on the DAIP will become 2017-2022. To effect this it will only mean changing the date on the document and republishing it on the Shire’s website and making two hard copies for consultation should anybody request to read it.

Consultation Richard Struik, Department of Communities Darren Mollenoyux, Chief Executive Officer

Statutory Implications The provisions of Section 28 of the Disability Services Act 1993 are applicable.

Policy Implications Nil

Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______

Risk Implications Risk: That Council does not amend the duration of the DAIP to 2022. Likelihood Consequence Rating Unlikely Minor Low Action / Strategy This item has been evaluated against the Shire of Bruce Rock’s Risk Management Procedure’s Risk Matrix. The perceived level of risk is considered to be “Low” risk and can be managed by routine procedure, and is unlikely to need specific application of resources.

Financial Implications Nil

Strategic Implications Shire of Bruce Rock Strategic Community Plan 2017-2027

Governance Goal 10 Our organisation is well positioned and has capacity for the future Goal 12 Council leads the organisation in a strategic and flexible manner

Voting Requirements Simple Majority

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION AND COUNCIL DECISION Resolution OCM Jul 21 – 11.4.4

Moved: Cr Rajagopalan Seconded: Cr Kilminster

That Council resolves to extend the date of the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan to 2022 so that it covers the full legislated five-year period from 2017-2022. Carried 8/0

Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______

Agenda Reference and Subject: 11.4.5 Proposed Rectification of Boundaries of Reserve 14171 into Pikaring West Nature Reserve 23141, and dedication of constructed Road. File Reference: 2.3.1.2 Disability Access and Inclusion Plan Reporting Officer: Alan O’Toole, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Author: Alan O’Toole, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Disclosure of Interest: Cr KP Foss Attachments: Item 11.4.5 Attachment A – Letter from Department of Planning and Heritage Item 11.4.5 Attachment B – Proposed Options 1,2 and 3 Item 11.4.5 Attachment C – Letter from Shire of Bruce Rock 2013

Summary A request from the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage has been received to approve the rectification of boundaries of a Reserve, and the dedication of an adjoining constructed road.

Background Council has received a request from the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH), regarding the rectification of the boundaries of a Water and Rivers Commission Surplus Reserve (14171) which is currently located within the Shires of Bruce Rock and Quairading. The result of the rectification will be to move the whole of Reserve 14171 into the ‘A Class’ Reserve 23141 (known as Pikaring West Nature Reserve) which is located entirely within the Shire of Quairading, and is managed by the Conservation Commission of Western Australia. In addition, it is proposed to dedicate the constructed road (Old Beverley Road) located in the north of Reserve 14171, which is partially in the Shire of Bruce Rock and partially in the Shire of Quairading. The road will be dedicated under section 56 of the Land Administration Act.

Comment This matter has been identified as in need of resolution since at least 2012, and Council had previously considered it in 2013, but no action was taken at that time, and the DPLH now consider that consent out of date. The Shire Boundary with the Shire of Quairading will be impacted by the adjustments to Reserve 14171, and potentially the removal of Old Beverley Road Reserve from the Conservation Reserve. However, this is subject to the outcome of the Department’s negotiations with the adjoining landowner, who holds land in both Shires. The Department has proposed three options: Option 1 – Entering into a Land Exchange Agreement with the Landowner of Lots 25371 and 23845. • Approximately 1.7435ha will be excised from Reserve 14171 and added into Lot 25371 on Deposited Plan 164836 pursuant to section 87 of the Land Administration Act 1997 (LAA). • Approximately 4.5910ha will be excised from Lot 23845 on Deposited Plan 151246 and back to the State pursuant to section 152 of the Planning and Development Act 2005 (P&D Act). This land will be added into Reserve 14171. • The Land Exchange option will require a Form 1A Freehold Subdivision process. 31

Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______Option 2 – The Landowner of Lot 25371 purchasing portion of Reserve 14171. • Approximately 1.7435ha will be excised from Reserve 14171 and added into Lot 25371 on Deposited Plan 164836 pursuant to section 87 of the LAA. • This option will not require a Form 1A Freehold Subdivision process. Option 3 – The Landowner of Lot 25371 re-fences Lot 25371 to the correct lot boundary • No actions will be involved other than those involving purely crown land. Further advice will be provided to the Shire when DPLH has more clarity on how it is decided to proceed, but the Shire of Quairading has expressed a preference for Option 3 as this seems the least complex.

Consultation Darren Mollenoyux, Chief Executive Officer Dave Holland, Manager of Works Jennifer Bow, manager of Finance Mandy Schilling, Natural Resource Management Officer Graeme Fardon, Chief Executive Officer, Shire of Quairading

Statutory Implications Local Government Act 1995 Schedule 2.1 — Provisions about creating, changing the boundaries of, and abolishing districts

Land Administration Act 1997 56. Dedication of land as road (1) If in the district of a local government — (a) land is reserved or acquired for use by the public, or is used by the public, as a road under the care, control and management of the local government; or (b) in the case of land comprising a private road constructed and maintained to the satisfaction of the local government — (i) the holder of the freehold in that land applies to the local government, requesting it to do so; or (ii) those holders of the freehold in rateable land abutting the private road, the aggregate of the rateable value of whose land is greater than one half of the rateable value of all the rateable land abutting the private road, apply to the local government, requesting it to do so; or (c) land comprises a private road of which the public has had uninterrupted use for a period of not less than 10 years, and that land is described in a plan of survey, sketch plan or document, the local government may request the Minister to dedicate that land as a road. (2) If a local government resolves to make a request under subsection (1), it must — (a) in accordance with the regulations prepare and deliver the request to the Minister; and (b) provide the Minister with sufficient information in a plan of survey, sketch plan or document to describe the dimensions of the proposed road. (3) On receiving a request delivered to him or her under subsection (2), the Minister must consider the request and may then — (a) subject to subsection (5), by order grant the request; or (b) direct the relevant local government to reconsider the request, having regard to such matters as he or she thinks fit to mention in that direction; or (c) refuse the request. (4) On the Minister granting a request under subsection (3), the relevant local government is liable to indemnify the Minister against any claim for compensation (not being a claim for compensation in

Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______respect of land referred to in subsection (6)) in an amount equal to the amount of all costs and expenses reasonably incurred by the Minister in considering and granting the request. (5) To be dedicated under subsection (3)(a), land must immediately before the time of dedication be — (a) unallocated Crown land or, in the case of a private road, alienated land; and (b) designated in the relevant plan of survey, sketch plan or document as having the purpose of a road. (6) If land referred to in subsection (1)(b) or (c) is dedicated under subsection (3)(a), a person with an interest in that land (including a person who has the benefit of an easement created under section 167A of the TLA) is not entitled to compensation because of that dedication.

Policy Implications Nil

Risk Implications Risk: That Council does not support the proposed actions with regard to Reserve 14171, and the dedication of a constructed road. Likelihood Consequence Rating Unlikely Moderate Moderate Action / Strategy Council supports the changes as recommended in the Report.

Financial Implications There is no Financial Implication for the Road Dedication process, however there may been minor expenses for the drafting of Boundary adjustment plans. This can be accommodated on a shared basis with the Shire of Quairading.

Strategic Implications Shire of Bruce Rock Strategic Community Plan 2017-2027

Governance Goal 12 Council leads the organisation in a strategic and flexible manner Goal 13.2 Partner with external bodies to protect natural flora and fauna

Voting Requirements Simple Majority

Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION AND COUNCIL DECISION Resolution OCM Jul 21 – 11.4.5

Moved: Cr Waye Seconded: Cr Waight

That Council: - 1. Note the Advice from the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage on its intention to adjust the Boundaries of Reserve 14171 to include it with A Class Reserve 23141– Pikaring West Nature Reserve. 2. Reaffirm its support from March 2013 for the proposed amalgamation of the 2 Conservation Reserves as proposed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). 3. Notes the DPLH are negotiating with the Owners of Location 25371 on the adjustment of the Western boundary of Reserve 14171 which, depending on the outcome, may result in a joint proposal with the Shire of Quairading to the Local Government Advisory Board to adjust the Shire Boundary with the Shire of Quairading. 4. Notes that the constructed Old Beverley Road is within Reserve 14171 and declares that the section of the Old Beverley Road (shaded in Blue in the DPLH Plan dated 3/3/2021) as a Road under Section 56 of the Land Administration Act 1997. 5. Pursuant to Section 56(4) of the Land Administration Act 1997 Council indemnify the State of WA and the Minister for Lands for any claims of compensation as result of the Road Dedication. Carried 8/0

Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______

Agenda Reference and Subject: 11.4.6 Lease of the Equestrian Reserve File Reference: 2.4.1.4 Lease of Council Owned Property Reporting Officer: Alan O’Toole, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Author: Alan O’Toole, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Disclosure of Interest: Nil Attachments: Nil

Summary To consider Expressions of Interest for the Lease of the Equestrian Reserve located at Reserve 17601, Lot 211 Mitchell Street, Bruce Rock and approve the successful Lessee.

Background Reserve 17601 is Crown land which has been vested in the Shire of Bruce Rock for the purposes of equestrian or recreation. The land is 20,563 square metres and is located west of Mitchell Street and the Bruce Rock-Doodlakine Road. It is usually leased by Expression of Interest for a three year period to a resident, for the keeping, exercise and grazing of horses. For the past 13 years the Reserve has been leased to Mr John Keatley. The Reserve was last leased in June 2018 for $880 (incl GST) for a three year period, and is now due for re-leasing. In accordance with Council’s Long Term Financial Plan, an annual increase of 2% is to be added to Fees and Charges, and therefore the new Lease Fee will be $897.60 (incl. GST). At the June 2021 OCM, Council gave approval for a new Expression of Interest to be advertised, closing on Thursday 8th July.

Comment At the close of the Expressions of Interest (EOI) period, two EOIs were received. One was from the current Lessee, Mr John Keatley, and the other was from Malene and Gavin Brownley. Due to the commercial sensitivity of these documents, a summary of the EOI contents will be circulated for discussion at the meeting.

Consultation Darren Mollenoyux, Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Bow, Manager of Finance Mike Darby, Senior Finance Officer

Statutory Implications Nil

Policy Implications Nil

Risk Implications Risk: That Council does not support approve the granting of the Lease for the Equestrian Reserve. Likelihood Consequence Rating Unlikely Minor Low Action / Strategy This item has been evaluated against the Shire of Bruce Rock’s Risk Management Procedure’s Risk Matrix. The perceived level of risk is considered to be “Low” risk and can be managed by routine procedure and is unlikely to need specific application of resources. 35

Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______

Financial Implications Annual contribution for lease which will be included in the 2021-22 Budget.

Strategic Implications Shire of Bruce Rock Strategic Community Plan 2017-2027

Infrastructure Goal 2 Maintain Shire-owned facilities in a strategic manner and also to meet community needs

Community Goal 7 Our community are engaged and have a healthy lifestyle

Voting Requirements Simple Majority

Officer Recommendation That Council grants the Lease of the Equestrian Reserve 17601, Lot 211 Mitchell Street, Bruce Rock to ______for equestrian purposes for three years, for the annual contribution of $897.60 (incl. GST), increasing by 2% each year for the duration.

Council decision varied to Officer Recommendation to grant the Equestrian Reserve 17610, Lot 211 Mitchell Street Bruce Rock to Mr John Keatley and for staff to investigate options for further leasing of the equestrian reserve following the end of the three-year term, that includes possibly dividing the block to enable more than one lessee, and a review of the fee for the lease going forward.

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION AND COUNCIL DECISION Resolution OCM Jul 21 – 11.4.6

Moved: Cr Foss Seconded: Cr Rajagopalan

a) That Council grants the Lease of the Equestrian Reserve 17601, Lot 211 Mitchell Street, Bruce Rock to Mr John Keatley for equestrian purposes for three years, for the annual contribution of $897.60 (incl. GST), increasing by 2% each year for the duration. b) That Council staff investigate options for further leasing of the equestrian reserve following the end of the three year term, that includes possibly dividing the block to enable more than one lessee and a review of the fee for the lease going forward. Carried 8/0

Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______

Agenda Reference and Subject: 11.4.7 Amended Employee Code of Conduct File Reference: 2.3.3.1 Local Government Act 1995 Reporting Officer: Alan O’Toole, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Author: Alan O’Toole, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Disclosure of Interest: Attachments: Item 11.4.7 Attachment A –Employee Code of Conduct

Summary Council is asked to consider and endorse the implementation of amendments to the Code of Conduct for Employees.

Background Following the activity involved in the Local Government Act Review, including recommendations which have been subject to consultation with the Sector, on 3 February 2021 the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSCI) informed all Local Governments of new requirements under a variety of legislation, some of which needed to be implemented with immediate effect, with a further three month period to adapt the required documents and practices to individual Council requirements. The Employee Code of Conduct was subject to an interim review in February 2021 but has now been amended in full to ensure ongoing compliance.

Comment The above review and creation of Policies and procedures has been an ongoing process, and several items have been proposed for Council endorsement in the intervening period. WALGA has been assisting Local Governments by providing templates for the new documentation where possible. This amended Employee Code of Conduct has been developed in conjunction with WALGA’s template which was created in June, and has been compared and combined with Council’s current Code of Conduct, last adopted in February 2021 as noted above. In the new Code for Council’s consideration, one of the significant changes is that the CEO now has the discretion to decide the lower threshold specified as a reportable gift, up to a maximum of $300. (This aligns with the amount in the previous Code of Conduct). The CEO has decided that the $300 amount will remain in the amended Code of Conduct. Other changes include more detail given regarding Disclosure of Interests Relating to Impartiality, the addition of Principles Affecting Employment by the Shire, and more specific direction relating to Use of Local Government Finances.

Consultation Darren Mollenoyux - Chief Executive Officer Melissa Schilling - Executive Assistant

Statutory Implications New and amended Regulations as per the Local Government (Model Code of Conduct) Regulations 2021, Local Government (Administration) Amendment Regulations 2021 and Local Government Regulations Amendment (Employee Code of Conduct) Regulations 2021.

Policy Implications Nil

Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______

Risk Implications Risk: Council does not endorse the amended Employee Code of Conduct.

Likelihood Consequence Rating Unlikely Major Moderate

Action / Strategy To avoid non-compliance with the Local Government Act and subsidiary legislation, Council must endorse and /or adopt the amended Employee Code of Conduct.

Financial Implications Nil

Strategic Implications Shire of Bruce Rock – Strategic Community Plan 2017-2027 Governance Goal 10 Our organisation is well positioned and has capacity for the future. Goal 12 Council leads the organisation in a strategic and flexible manner.

Voting Requirements Absolute Majority

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION AND COUNCIL DECISION Resolution OCM Jul 21 – 11.4.7

Moved: Cr Waye Seconded: Cr Rajagopalan

That Council adopt the amended Employee Code of Conduct. CARRIED BY ABSOLUTE MAJORITY 8/0

Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______

11.5 Chief Executive Officer

Agenda Reference and Subject: 11.5.1 CEO Sick Leave and Appointment of Acting CEO File Reference: Personnel Reporting Officer: Darren Mollenoyux, Chief Executive Officer Author: Darren Mollenoyux, Chief Executive Officer Disclosure of Interest: Darren Mollenoyux, Chief Executive Officer Alan O’Toole, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Attachments: Nil

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION AND COUNCIL DECISION Resolution OCM Jul 21 – 11.5.1.1

Moved: Cr Foss Seconded: Cr Kilminster

In accordance with Section 5.23(2) of the Local Government Act 1995, the meeting is closed to the members of the public for this item as the following sub-section applied:

(b) the personal affairs of any person; Carried 8/0

COUNCIL DECISION Resolution OCM Jul 21 – 11.5.1.2

Moved: Cr Crooks Seconded: Cr Kilminster

That in accordance with Section 5.23(2) of the Local Government Act 1995, the meeting is reopened to the members of the public. Carried 8/0

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION AND COUNCIL DECISION Resolution OCM Jul 21 – 11.5.1.3

Moved: Cr Rajagopalan Seconded: Cr Waight

That Council: 1. Approve the sick leave of the Chief Executive Officer, Darren Mollenoyux for the period commencing on 16th July 2021 up to 30th July 2021, inclusive (or return sooner should medical certificate sign off occur). 2. Appoint the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Alan O’Toole as the Acting Chief Executive Officer for the period from 16th July 2021 up to 30th July 2021 inclusive or until the Chief Executive Officer returns from sick leave. 3. That Mr O’Toole is paid at higher duties, equivalent to the current CEO, during this period. Carried 8/0

Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______

Agenda Reference and Subject: 11.5.2 Approval for Special Meeting of Council File Reference: 2.1.2.7 Special Meetings of Council Reporting Officer: Darren Mollenoyux, Chief Executive Officer Author: Darren Mollenoyux, Chief Executive Officer Disclosure of Interest: Nil Attachments: Nil

Summary Council is asked to approve a Special Meeting of Council on Thursday 29th July 2021.

Background The preparation of the Draft Budget is currently being undertaken by Finance staff and traditionally the Draft Budget Workshop is held on the morning of the July Council Meeting. The Manager of Finance has indicated that due to various factors including delayed audit, workloads, gaining a clearer understanding of significant current projects and carried forwards plus the early July meeting date this year that it is not possible that the draft budget would be ready for the 15th July 2021.

Comment It is proposed that the Draft Budget Workshop be held in Council Chambers at a Special Meeting of Council at 4.00pm on the 29th July 2021. It is likely the meeting will take around two hours.

The adoption of the Budget would then take place at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on the 19th August 2021.

Consultation Jennifer Bow, Manager of Finance Senior Management Team

Statutory Implications Local Government Act 1995 - Sect 5.4 5.4. Calling council meetings An ordinary or a special meeting of a council is to be held —

a) if called for by either — (i) the mayor or president; or (ii) at least 1 / 3 of the councillors, (iii) in a notice to the CEO setting out the date and purpose of the proposed meeting; or b) if so decided by the council.

Local Government (Administration) Regulations 1996 - REG 12 Section (3) Subject to sub regulation (4), if a special meeting of a council is to be open to members of the public then the local government is to give local public notice of the date, time, place and purpose of the special meeting. (4) If a special meeting of a council is to be open to members of the public but, in the CEO’s opinion, it is not practicable to give local public notice of the matters referred to in sub regulation (3), then the local government is to give public notice of the date, time, place and purpose of the special meeting in the manner and to the extent that, in the CEO’s opinion, is practicable.

Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______Policy Implications Nil

Risk Implications Risk: If Council does not hold the Special Meeting the Draft Budget would be further delayed until 19 August 2021. Likelihood Consequence Rating Possible Minor Moderate Action / Strategy This item has been evaluated against the Shire of Bruce Rock’s Risk Management Procedure’s Risk Matrix. The perceived level of risk is considered to be “Medium” risk and will be managed by specific monitoring and response procedures.

Financial Implications Nil

Strategic Implications Shire of Bruce Rock Strategic Community Plan 2017-2027 Governance Goal 10 – Our organisation is well positioned and has capacity for the future 12.5 – Lead the organisation in a financially responsible and viable manner

Voting Requirements Simple Majority

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION AND COUNCIL DECISION Resolution OCM Jul 21 – 11.5.2

Moved: Cr Waight Seconded: Cr Rajagopalan

That Council set a Special Meeting of Council for Thursday 29th July 2021 commencing at 4.00pm, in Council Chambers, with the purpose of Presentation and Workshop of 2021/2022 Draft Budget. Carried 8/0

Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 15 JULY 2021 ______

12. New Business of an urgent nature introduced by discussion of the meeting

13. Confidential Items

14. Closure of Meeting

The Shire President Stephen Strange thanked everyone for their attendance and declared the meeting closed at 4.40pm.

These minutes were confirmed at a meeting on 19 August 2021.

______Cr Stephen Strange Shire President 19 August 2021

Shire of Bruce Rock Works and Services Committee Meeting held in Bruce Rock Shire Council Chambers on Wednesday the 21st July 2021, commencing at 4.00pm

MINUTES

1. Meeting Opened Cr Strange opened the Meeting at 4pm.

2. Attendance Cr SA Strange Shire President Cr R Rajagopalan Deputy President Cr K Foss Councillor Cr T Crooks Councillor David Holland Manager of Works & Services Brockman Williams Works Supervisor- Construction & Maintenance Alan O’Toole Deputy Chief Executive Officer

Apologies Darren Mollenoyux Chief Executive Officer Cr IS Dolton Councillor Cr BJ Waight Councillor Vern Jetta Works Supervisor- Town & Maintenance Damien Bow Rec Centre and Gardens Manager

3. Minutes That the minutes of the Works and Services Committee held on the 22nd of March 2020 be confirmed as a true and correct record. Moved: Cr Rajagopalan, Seconded: Cr Crooks

4. General Business Roads, Drainage & Paths

4.1 All Roads, Drainage & Paths • Roads Maintenance The crew have started and are approximately 60% through the maintenance grading works, with the great moisture we have had, we have been able to get difficult roads completed.

• R2R & Council Funded These are the proposed projects for the 21/22 year: • Totadgin Hall Rd, construction & seal 3.5km • Yarding North Rd, gravel re-sheet 1.2km • Yarding Ardath Rd, construction & seal including culverts through lake area 1.4km • Butcher St (Bath to Bruce St) asphalt and kerb replacement • Dampier St (Swan to Bath St) asphalt and kerb replacement

• RRG Program The sections of road for the 21/22 year are on the Old Beverley Rd, we have three sections to complete.

• Drainage Works There is no works scheduled for this year, only general maintenance works.

• Townsite Footpaths & Kerbing Proposed paths for 21/22: • Noonajin St (Bruce to Swan) • Bath St (Dampier to Noonajin St)

Proposed Kerbing for 21/22: • Butcher St (Bath to Swan St) • Bath St (Johnson to Butcher St) • Dampier St (Swan to Bath St) • Butcher St (Bath to Bruce St)

Note: These may be changed due to budgetary constraints.

• Blackspot Funding Cumminin & Narembeen Rd intersection projects are still in progress with one waiting for planting, and the other we have the clearing permits and will be started as soon as we complete the maintenance grading.

• Bridges Five Bridges to be completed for this year are: • Yarding Ardath 4059A • Yarding Ardath 6023 (Council funded) • Old Beverley Rd 6041 (carry forward) • Shackleton-Bilbarin 5130 • Belka East Rd 6008

• Other Funded Works • Regional Road Safety Program: BK-Corrigin Rd, edge widening and line marking, • Airstrip – RADS: apron up-grades, • WSFN: investigations and some drainage works, funding pending.

4.2 New Roads, Drainage & Paths 22/23 For Committee’s consideration for next meeting for next year’s budget submissions.

• Roads Maintenance As per ongoing maintenance program • R2R & Council Funded See Note below • RRG Program • Old Beverley Rd continuation 2km • Bruce Rock Doodlakine Rd, re-seal from boundary in bad areas, • Shackleton Kellerberrin Rd, re-seal sections in the “S” bends through the lakes. • Drainage Works See Note below • Townsite Footpaths See Note below • Blackspot Funding Dependent on available funding • Bridges • We have several bridges to complete these are with Main Roads now for approval.

Note: MOW will produce a 5-year road work and footpath plan by the end of financial year

5. Machinery and Vehicles These are the vehicles I have put up for the 21/22 year, • CEO, DCEO & EHO vehicles to be changed over. • 2 Supervisor’s vehicles to be changed over both dual cab vehicles. • 8 t tipper Town Crew • Patching Truck same vehicle upgraded to have a larger emulsion tank fitted. • Second of the 6 x 4 tippers • Loader not to be changed but a larger hire machine to be obtained for trials.

6. Dams and Water Capturing Works Plan a road trip to Railway Dam catchment when it is accessible.

7. Recreation Centre The Manager of Works provided an update on the drainage progress.

8. Other Matters The Main Roads’ request via Enviro to close Erikin West Rd to facilitate bridge replacement on BK-Quairading Rd was declined, as it was not thought necessary for the works to take place. A/DCEO to inform Enviro, and MOW to discuss with Main Roads whether replacement should take place later in the year, due to harvest and wet weather

9. Date Next Meeting TBA

10. Meeting Closure Cr Strange thanked everybody present and closed the meeting at 5.30pm.

These minutes were confirmed at a meeting on

______Cr Stephen Strange Shire President

– SPECIAL MEETING 7th March 2013 SHIRE OF BRUCE ROCK

MINUTES – SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING 29 JULY 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Declaration of Opening ...... 2 2. Record of Attendance / Apologies / Leave of Absence (Previously Approved) ...... 2 3. Declaration of Purpose of Meeting ...... 2 4. Declarations of Interest ...... 2 5. Response to Previous Public Questions Taken on Notice ...... 2 6. Public Question Time ...... 2 7. Announcements by Presiding Member ...... 2 8. Reports of Officers ...... 2 9. Confidential Items...... 3 9.1 Medical Services Agreement ...... 3 9.2 Draft 2021-22 Budget ...... 4 10. New Business of an urgent nature introduced by discussion of the meeting...... 5 11. Closure of Meeting...... 5

Agenda Special Meeting of Council Wednesday 29 July 2021 Commencing 4.00pm Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 29 July 2021 ______

SHIRE OF BRUCE ROCK

MINUTES – SPECIAL MEETING 29 JULY 2021

1. Declaration of Opening The Shire President Cr SA Strange declared the meeting open at 3.55pm.

2. Record of Attendance / Apologies / Leave of Absence (Previously Approved) President Cr SA Strange Deputy President Cr R Rajagopalan Councillors Cr AR Crooks Cr KP Foss Cr NC Kilminster Cr PG Negri Cr BJ Waight Cr RA Waye Chief Executive Officer Mr DRS Mollenoyux Deputy Chief Executive Officer Mr A O’Toole Executive Assistant Mrs MJ Schilling Manager of Works and Services Mr D Holland Manager of Finance Mrs JL Bow

Leave of Absence Cr ISA Dolton

3. Declaration of Purpose of Meeting

4. Declarations of Interest In accordance with Section 5.65 of the Local Government Act 1995 the following disclosures of financial interest were made at the Council meeting.

Date Name Item No Reason

In accordance with Section 5.65 of the Local Government Act 1995 the following disclosures of Closely Association Person and Impartiality interest were made at the Council meeting.

Date Name Item No Reason

In accordance with Section 5.60B and 5.65 of the Local Government Act 1995 the following disclosures of Proximity interest were made at the Council meeting.

Date Name Item No Reason

5. Response to Previous Public Questions Taken on Notice

6. Public Question Time

7. Announcements by Presiding Member

8. Reports of Officers 2 Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 29 July 2021 ______

9. Confidential Items

Agenda Reference and Subject: 9.1 Medical Services Agreement File Reference: 1.1.1.11 Medical Centre Staff Reporting Officer: Darren Mollenoyux, Chief Executive Officer Author: Darren Mollenoyux, Chief Executive Officer Disclosure of Interest: Nil Attachments: Nil

COUNCIL DECISION Resolution SCM Jul 21 – 9.1.1

Moved: Cr Kilminster Seconded: Cr Rajagopalan

That in accordance with Section 5.23(2) of the Local Government Act 1995, the meeting is closed to the members of the public for this item as the following sub-sections applied: (2) If a meeting is being held by a council or by a committee referred to in subsection (1)(b), the council or committee may close to members of the public the meeting, or part of the meeting, if the meeting or the part of the meeting deals with any of the following — (c) a contract entered into, or which may be entered into, by the local government and which relates to a matter to be discussed at the meeting; and (d) legal advice obtained, or which may be obtained, by the local government and which relates to a matter to be discussed at the meeting; and (e) a matter that if disclosed, would reveal — (ii) information that has a commercial value to a person; or (iii) information about the business, professional, commercial, or financial affairs of a person, Carried 7/0

COUNCIL DECISION Resolution SCM Jul 21 – 9.1.2

Moved: Cr Rajagopalan Seconded: Cr Kilminster

That in accordance with Section 5.23(2) of the Local Government Act 1995, Council reopens the meeting to the members of the public. Carried 7/0

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION AND COUNCIL DECISION Resolution SCM Jul 21 – 9.1.3

Moved: Cr Foss Seconded: Cr Waight

That Council endorses the Medical Services Agreement between the Shire of Bruce Rock and Livingstreams Medical Services Pty Ltd, as outlined in the confidential agreement document, as presented. Carried 7/0 3 Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 29 July 2021 ______

Agenda Reference and Subject: 9.2 Draft 2021-22 Budget File Reference: 8.2.7.1 Draft 2021-22 Budget Reporting Officer: Jennifer Bow, Manager of Finance Author: Jennifer Bow, Manager of Finance Disclosure of Interest: Nil Attachments: Nil

COUNCIL DECISION Resolution SCM Jul 21 – 9.2.1

Moved: Cr Rajagopalan Seconded: Cr Kilminster

That in accordance with Section 5.23(2) of the Local Government Act 1995, the meeting is closed to the members of the public for this item as the following sub-sections applied: (2) If a meeting is being held by a council or by a committee referred to in subsection (1)(b), the council or committee may close to members of the public the meeting, or part of the meeting, if the meeting or the part of the meeting deals with any of the following — (b) the personal affairs of any person; (e) a matter that if disclosed, would reveal — (ii) information that has a commercial value to a person; or (iii) information about the business, professional, commercial or financial affairs of a person, Carried 7/0

COUNCIL DECISION Resolution SCM Jul 21 – 9.2.2

Moved: Cr Rajagopalan Seconded: Cr Kilminster

That in accordance with Section 5.23(2) of the Local Government Act 1995, Council reopens the meeting to the members of the public. Carried 7/0

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION AND COUNCIL DECISION Resolution SCM Jul 21 – 9.2.3

Moved: Cr Rajagopalan Seconded: Cr Crooks

That Council receive the 2021-22 Draft Budget as presented and staff make relevant changes as discussed at the meeting. Carried 7/0

4 Shire of Bruce Rock – MINUTES 29 July 2021 ______

10. New Business of an urgent nature introduced by discussion of the meeting.

11. Closure of Meeting. The Shire President Stephen Strange thanked everyone for their attendance and declared the meeting closed at 6.45pm.

These minutes were confirmed at a meeting on 19 August 2021.

______Cr Stephen Strange Shire President 19 August 2021

5 Bush Fire Advisory Meeting – 6 August 2021

Bruce Rock Bush Fire Advisory Committee Meeting to be held in Bruce Rock Shire Council Chambers Friday 6 August 2021 commencing at 4.00pm

Minutes

1. Meeting Opened The Chair, Tony Crooks (A/CBFCO) opened the meeting at: 4.06pm

2. Attendance: Cr Tony Crooks – CBFCO, Bruce Rock Cr P Negri – DCBFCO, Bruce Rock Murray Boyd – Babakin BFB Perry Hodgkiss – Bruce Rock VFES Tony Irvine – Shackleton BFB Justin Corrigan – DFES Alan O’Toole - Minutes

Apologies: Trevor Cosgrove Greg Tippet Darren Mollenoyux Melissa Schilling

3. Minutes from Previous Meeting Minutes from the meeting held on Friday 19th March 2021

Moved: Murray Boyd Seconded: Justin Corrigan

4. Business Arising from Previous Meeting Nil

5. Brigade Reports

5.1. Bruce Rock VFES (Perry) Been a good off-season, plenty of training has been attended in the last six months. There are two new members who are contributing to a strong team. The pump trailer has been delivered to the VFES, but now needs to be plumbed in. Narembeen Hardware have the equipment and expertise to do this. Alan to contact on Monday to see if they can provide a quote to complete the works. The VFES AGM will be on the 20th September at the Ardath Hotel commencing at 12 noon followed by a lunch.

5.2. Babakin Bush Fire Brigade (Murray) Nothing much of note has happened at Babakin, the truck and tank have been used by various crew members over the close season just to keep them operational. The batteries will probably need replacing. Justin advised this can be accessed via the ESL funding. Bush Fire Advisory Meeting – 6 August 2021

5.3. Ardath Bush Fire Brigade No report.

5.4. Shackleton Bush Fire Brigade (Tony) Still awaiting delivery of the new truck, Justin said it is undergoing its final testing and sign off and should then be delivered to Shackleton as ready to use. The proposed painting on the side of the Fire Shed has not been completed as Alan is awaiting some sketches or an indicative design from Steve (the artist) to enable Council to give their approval. Alan to contact Steve to ask him about the design sketch. There is one new member of the Shackleton Brigade.

5.5. Korbelka Bush Fire Brigade No report.

5.6. DFES (Justin) It has been a difficult 12 months for DFES, coping with both fire and cyclone conditions bringing floods/storm damage, which shows the range of emergencies that can affect WA. There has been lots of training provided by DFES, and Bruce Rock VFES was commended for their participation, and also for being a strong and effective unit.

6. General Business

1. Ratification of positions of Chief Bushfire Control Officer and Deputy Chief Bushfire Control Officer. Congratulations and thanks are due to Crs. Tony Crooks and Phillip Negri on their recommendation for being the new Chief and Deputy Chief Bushfire Control Officers, respectively. Following the Local Government Elections in October the Councillors will be formally appointed to their new Committee positions. Gratitude and appreciation is also extended to Cr Ian Dolton for his long service as Chief Bushfire Control Officer for the Shire, which he has ended in advance of the Local Government Elections.

2. WA Fire Weather District Review The Committee was apprised of the new (proposed) Fire Weather Districts. With regard to Jilbadgie, this change excises the eastern part out of the District, which will moderate the impact of the extremes of temperature and conditions that are experienced further east. This could have the effect of lessening the number of Total Far Bans that are called for this region.

3. Western Power Bushfire Volunteers Grants Discussion took place regarding these grants of up to $2500 per Brigade, and how they could best be used by our crews. It was proposed that the “Iridium GO! Mobile” system could be purchased for each Brigade, which should remove the incidence of communication “drop-out” in the event of power outage or when working in communication “dead-spots”. Justin sourced some information which will assist in the application for these Bush Fire Advisory Meeting – 6 August 2021

grants. The outcome should be known in September with the funds being available to spend in October if successful.

4. Proposal for letters to be sent to property owners of properties who have been serially non-compliant in the past, warning of penalties to be imposed. A lot of discussion took place around this issue, including how best to achieve the compliance that the Shire is seeking. It was thought that, although the Shire does have capacity to fine and also to undertake works if a landowner is non-compliant, in the first instance encouragement to comply combined with the threat of on-the-spot penalties for non- compliance was the best way to go. Therefore, a letter will be sent stating the $250 penalty will be applied, but noting that this can increase to $5000 if continued non-compliance occurs.

7. Any other business • The seeking of consensus amongst Shires on what days burning is prohibited was discussed. This has been raised at DOAC level and is still in the process of consideration. It is uncertain whether there will be any favourable outcome as Shires have their own ideas and approaches to this issue. • The appointment of Dual Fire Officers with neighbouring Shires was raised. Historically, Bruce Rock has not been a strong supporter of this approach, largely because it is felt as unnecessary, but this can be raised again at the Council Information Session for further deliberation.

8. Date of Next Meeting March 2022, date to be arranged.

9. Meeting Closed The Chair, Cr Tony Crooks, thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 5.14pm.

WEROC Inc. Board Meeting MINUTES

Wednesday 11 August 2021

Shire of Yilgarn Council Chambers 23 Antares Street, Southern Cross

Commencing at 10.30am

WEROC Inc. | Incorporating the Shires of Bruce Rock, Kellerberrin, Merredin, Tammin, Westonia and Yilgarn A PO Box 5, MECKERING WA 6405 E [email protected] M 0428 871 202 W www.weroc.com.au WEROC Inc. Board Meeting Wednesday 11 August 2021 - Minutes

CONTENTS 1. OPENING AND ANNOUNCEMENTS...... 3 2. RECORD OF ATTENDANCE AND APOLOGIES ...... 3 2.1 Attendance ...... 3 2.2 Apologies ...... 3 2.3 Guests ...... 3 3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ...... 4 4. PRESENTATIONS ...... 4 4.1 Mr. Marcus Falconer, CEO Australia’s Golden Outback 10.30am ...... 4 4.2 Mr. Samuel Green & Mr. Giles Perryman, ASK Waste Management, 11.00am ...... 5 5. MINUTES OF MEETINGS ...... 5 5.1 Minutes of the WEROC Inc. Board Meeting held on Wednesday 23 June 2021 ...... 5 5.2 Business Arising – Status Report as of 1 August 2021 ...... 6 6. WEROC INC. FINANCE ...... 8 6.1 WEROC Inc. Financial Report as of 30 June 2021 ...... 8 6.2 WEROC Inc. Financial Report as of 31 July 2021 ...... 10 6.3 Income & Expenditure...... 11 7. MATTERS FOR DECISION ...... 12 7.1 WEROC Inc. Tourism Product Audit ...... 12 7.2 Customer Service Excellence Program ...... 15 7.3 Eastern Wheatbelt Co-Operative Marketing ...... 16 7.4 WEROC Inc. Strategic Projects Status Report & Next Steps ...... 17 7.5 Discussion and Decisions Arising from the Presentation by Mr. Marcus Falconer . 20 7.6 Discussion and Decisions Arising from the Presentation by Mr. Samuel Green & Mr. Giles Perryman ...... 21 8. EMERGING ISSUES ...... 21 9. OTHER MATTERS (FOR NOTING) ...... 21 9.1 Regional Climate Alliance Program ...... 21 9.2 Wheatbelt Region Parks & Reserves Management Plan 2021 ...... 22 9.3 Australia’s Golden Outback Membership 2021/22 ...... 22 10. FUTURE MEETINGS ...... 22 11. CLOSURE ...... 22

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WEROC Inc. Board Meeting Wednesday 11 August 2021 - Minutes

WEROC Inc. Wheatbelt East Regional Organisation of Councils Inc. Shires of Bruce Rock, Kellerberrin, Merredin, Tammin, Westonia, Yilgarn Minutes of the Board Meeting held in the Shire of Yilgarn Council Chambers on Wednesday 11 August 2021 commencing at 10.30am.

MINUTES 1. OPENING AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Mr. Ram Rajagopalan as Chair of WEROC Inc. welcomed Members of the Board and opened the meeting at 10.33am. Mr. Peter Clarke as the CEO of the host Council provided Members with an overview of the Shire of Yilgarn’s current initiatives. 2. RECORD OF ATTENDANCE AND APOLOGIES 2.1 Attendance Mr. Ram Rajagopalan (Chair) Mr. Peter Clarke Mr. Jamie Criddle Mr. Mark Dacombe Ms. Karin Day Mr. Wayne Della Bosca Ms. Julie Flockart Mr. Michael Greenwood Mr. Raymond Griffiths Ms. Codi Mullen proxy and voting delegate for Mr. Rod Forsyth Mr. Alan O’Toole proxy and voting delegate for Mr. Darren Mollenoyux

Ms. Rebekah Burges, Executive Officer 2.2 Apologies Mr. Darren Mollenoyux Mr. Rod Forsyth 2.3 Guests Mr. Nic Warren, Executive Manager Regulatory Services, Shire of Yilgarn Mr. Gary Martin, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Shire of Tammin Mr. Marcus Falconer, Chief Executive Officer, Australia’s Golden Outback joined the meeting at 10.30am and left at 11.20am

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WEROC Inc. Board Meeting Wednesday 11 August 2021 - Minutes

Mr. Samuel Green, Senior Consultant ASK Waste Management joined the meeting via videoconference at 11.20am and left at 11.35am Mr. Giles Perryman, Director ASK Waste Management joined the meeting via videoconference at 11.20am and left at 11.35am 3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST As per Clause 42 of the Associations Incorporation Act 2015, “a member of the management committee of an incorporated association who has a material personal interest in a matter being considered at a management committee meeting must, as soon as the member becomes aware of the interest, disclose the nature and extent of the interest to the management committee”. Name Agenda Item / Initiative Disclosure Rebekah Burges 7.1 Tourism Product Audit Rebekah Burges declares an interest as an associate consultant with 150 Square Strategic Solutions and the author of the WEROC Tourism Product Audit.

4. PRESENTATIONS 4.1 Mr. Marcus Falconer, CEO Australia’s Golden Outback 10.30am The Australia’s Golden Outback regional tourism organisation (RTO) have recently completed a strategic plan that will guide their activities over the next five years. The plan is structured around five key strategic pillars: 1. Efficient and effective marketing and promotion: Continue to promote and drive desire for the Golden Outback with a targeted marketing strategy; 2. Increase accessibility into the region and encourage regional dispersal: Support and work with Tourism WA to grow accessibility into the region and develop strategies and initiatives to encourage dispersal around the region; 3. Destination development: be a catalyst for destination and visitor experience development and capability building; 4. Driving industry engagement: Work with stakeholders to build a resilient, sustainable, and cohesive tourism industry; and 5. A high performing RTO: Optimize our efforts by collaborating with key regional stakeholders and Tourism WA. Mr. Marcus Falconer, CEO of Australia’s Golden Outback has requested an opportunity to present the new Strategic Plan to the WEROC Board and provide an update on their direction and tourism priorities. Comments from the meeting: • Mr. Falconer advised that Australia’s Golden Outback (AGO) had renewed its contract with Tourism WA (effective as of 1 July 2021) and that the terms of this new contract involve a focus on product development as well as promotion and marketing; • The AGO’s overarching brand is “road trip country” and their marketing strategy is to promote the region as a road trip destination; • The Shire of Esperance are trialing a destination development manager position that is funded by the Shire but reports to AGO. Mr. Falconer suggested that this model could work in the Wheatbelt

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WEROC Inc. Board Meeting Wednesday 11 August 2021 - Minutes

and be co-funded by the four co-op partners – Pioneers Pathway, NEW Travel, Roe Tourism and WEROC. Mr. Falconer left the meeting at 11.20am and did not return. 4.2 Mr. Samuel Green & Mr. Giles Perryman, ASK Waste Management, 11.00am At the WEROC Inc. Board meeting held on 23 June 2021, Mr. Samuel Green Senior Consultant with ASK Waste Management presented a proposal to complete a Strategic Waste Management Plan and landfill rationalization study for WEROC Local Governments. In response to this presentation, the Board resolved as follows: RESOLUTION: Moved: Mr. Raymond Griffiths Seconded: Mr. Darren Mollenoyux That the quote from ASK Waste Management to develop a Strategic Waste Management Plan and landfill rationalisation study be accepted. As per the proposal, the first step in initiating this project is a “kick-off” meeting to: • Confirm the project objectives and deliverables; • Discuss the proposed methodology; and • Confirm dates for site tours and meetings. Mr. Samuel Green and Mr. Giles Perryman will join the meeting via videoconference to address these points and any other items they need to clarify to commence the project. Comments from the meeting: • Mr. Perryman provided an overview of the process to develop the Strategic Waste Management Plan (SWMP) and landfill rationalization study for WEROC; • Mr. Green advised that he would be travelling in the region between Tuesday 31 August and Friday 3 September and would require access to waste sites; • Mr. Green will send meeting invites to each Shire along with a request for information; • The Board requested that Mr. Green present the Draft SWMP and landfill rationalization study at the WEROC Inc. Board meeting being held on 22 November 2021. Mr. Perryman and Mr. Green left the meeting at 11.35am and did not return. 5. MINUTES OF MEETINGS 5.1 Minutes of the WEROC Inc. Board Meeting held on Wednesday 23 June 2021 Minutes of the WEROC Inc. Board Meeting held in Bruce Rock on Wednesday 23 June 2021 have previously been circulated. Recommendation: That the Minutes of the WEROC Inc. Meeting held Wednesday 23 June 2021 be confirmed as a true and correct record.

RESOLUTION: Moved: Ms. Karin Day Seconded: Mr. Wayne Della Bosca That the Minutes of the WEROC Inc. Meeting held Wednesday 23 June 2021 be confirmed as a true and correct record. CARRIED

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WEROC Inc. Board Meeting Wednesday 11 August 2021 - Minutes

5.2 Business Arising – Status Report as of 1 August 2021 Attachment 1: Letter to Minister Saffioti RE: WA Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements. Actions Arising from the WEROC Inc. Board Meeting held on 23 June 2021. Agenda Item Action(s) Status 5.4 Business Arising 1) Advise the Shire of Merredin that the The Executive Officer advised Ms. – MoU with the Shire of Tammin’s annual Robyn McCarthy, Manager, CWVC of Central Wheatbelt contribution will increase to $2,500 the Board’s decisions relating to the Visitors Centre to align with other WEROC Member MoU, via email on Monday 28 June (CWVC) Councils; 2021. Ms. McCarthy advised, via return email, that there is no difference in the 2) Request that the MoU be updated to service provided to a WEROC Shire and explain the difference in service a Member Shire and therefore the provided to a WEROC Shire versus a MoU cannot be updated with this Member Shire so that it is clear why information. Ms. McCarthy suggested the contributions are different; that a discussion be had with the Shire 3) Bring the final MoU to the next of Cunderdin about increasing their fee meeting. to align with the WEROC Members. Ms. McCarthy referred this to the Shire of Merredin CEO for consideration. At the time of preparing this meeting agenda, the MOU had not been finalised. 7.1 Associate Advise WALGA that WEROC Inc. does not The Executive Officer advised WALGA Membership wish to renew its Associate Membership of the decision not to renew its of WALGA for the 2021-22 financial year. membership, via email on 5 July 2021. 7.4 Tier 3 Rail Send a letter to Minister Saffioti in A letter (see attachment 1) was sent to support of the WA Agricultural Supply Minister Saffioti on 8 July 2021. A copy Chain Improvements - Package 1, being was forwarded to the Wheatbelt Rail invested in sustainable rail and road Retention Alliance on the same day. No infrastructure. response has been received from the Ministers office. 7.5 Strategic Projects Contact CRISP wireless for an update on An email was sent to CRISP wireless on Status Report progress with their network expansion 8 July 2021 with a request for an enabled by the Digital Farm Grants update. Maree Gooch, chair of CRISP Program, which includes the Shires of wireless provided the Executive Officer Tammin and Yilgarn. with a verbal update on 29 July 2021. CRISP are currently waiting for funding agreements with both the State and Federal Government to be finalised before they can commence the planned expansion through the central and eastern Wheatbelt. They are also still confirming commitments from Local Governments in the expansion area. 7.6 Decisions Accept the quote from ASK Waste ASK Waste Management were advised resulting from Management to develop a Strategic on 24 June 2021 that there quote had Waste Management Plan and landfill been accepted. The initial step in rationalisation study for WEROC. commencing this project is an online 6 | P a g e

WEROC Inc. Board Meeting Wednesday 11 August 2021 - Minutes presentation by ASK “kick-off” meeting. This will take place Waste Management during the WEROC Inc. Board Meeting on 11 August 2021. 7.7. Decisions Thank Mr. Briggs and Professor Dowling The Executive Officer sent an email to resulting from for their presentation and advise that as Mr. Briggs and Mr. Dowling on 29 June presentation by Mr. WEROC are currently undertaking an 2021 advising that WEROC Inc. would Alan Briggs and audit of tourism product, no further not take any further action on this Professor Ross action will be taken at this time. initiative. Dowling 7.8 Decisions That the Executive Officer thank The Executive Officer sent an email to resulting from Dallywater Consulting for presenting to Dallywater Consulting on 1 July 2021, presentation by the WEROC Inc. Board and advise that thanking them for their proposal and Dallywater we will not be progressing with their presentation to the WEROC Board and Consulting proposal advising that we would not be engaging them to undertake this work. 9.1 Wheatbelt Write to Rural Health West with a On 5 July 2021 the Executive Officer Medical Student request that under the new program contacted Ms. Betony Dawson from Immersion Program model, WEROC work with only one Rural Health West with the Board’s University per year in order to reduce request. Ms. Dawson advised that a duplication. meeting had been held with the Deans of Medicine from both Universities and they had confirmed their commitment to the program continuing. They are still waiting on the Universities to decide on dates and what towns they would each like to send their students to. They would not guarantee that all students from one University will be sent to the five WEROC towns, but it may be possible for WEROC to just work in the planning process with one University each year. Ms. Dawson advised that she would provide an update once more information is available.

Recommendation: That the status report as of 1 August 2021 be received.

Comments from the meeting: • The Executive Officer provided a hard copy of a letter sent by CRISP wireless providing an update on the digital farm grants program funding and requesting support from WEROC Shires. • The Board requested that the Executive Officer ask CRISP to contact individual Shires directly as the proposed expansion of the network will be different for each Local Government area. RESOLUTION: Moved: Mr. Jamie Criddle Seconded: Mr. Raymond Griffiths That the status report as of 1 August 2021 be received. CARRIED

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6. WEROC INC. FINANCE 6.1 WEROC Inc. Financial Report as of 30 June 2021 Author: Rebekah Burges, Executive Officer Disclosure of Interest: No interest to disclose Date: 1 August 2021 Attachments: Nil Voting Requirement: Simple Majority At the WEROC Inc. Board Meeting held on 28 May 2020 the budget for the financial year commencing 1 July 2020 and ending 30 June 2021 was adopted. The WEROC Inc. Budget 2020-21 is used as the basis for the financial report. An explanation for each of the notations on the financial report is provided below. Note 1 Annual Financial contributions paid by the Shire’s of Bruce Rock, Kellerberrin, Merredin, Tammin, Westonia and Yilgarn. The one-off joining fee associated with new members of $30,000 was also paid by the Shire of Tammin. Note 2 The Westpac Community Solutions account stopped receiving interest in September 2020. Note 3 GST on the Annual Financial Contributions and new member fee. Note 4 GST Refunds for Q4 BAS 2019-2020 and Q3 BAS 2020-21. Refunds are less than budgeted due to the additional income from the Shire of Tammin joining WEROC Inc. Note 5 Executive Officer services for the months of July 2020 to May 2021. Note 6 Executive Officer travel to Board and other meetings. Note 7 Monthly subscription fee for Xero accounting software. Note 8 Payment to Audit Partners Australia for the audit of WEROC Inc. finances for the 2019-20 financial year. Note 9 Includes payments to 150 Square for WEROC Inc. Strategic Planning, WALGA for Associate Membership, the first instalment to the Customer Service Institute of Australia for the customer service training, and Australia’s Golden Outback for the co-operative digital marketing campaign in June 2020, a wildflower print advertising campaign in September 2020 and the Caravan and Camping Show in March 2021. Some budgeted expenses for the 2020-21 financial year will spill over into 2021-22. Note 10 Payments to PWD for the redevelopment of the WEROC Inc. website and monthly hosting fee. Note. Billing from PWD changed to Code Research Australia in June 2021. Note 11 Insurances for WEROC Inc. including workers compensation, Cyber insurance, Public and Products Liability, Associations and Officials Liability and Personal Accident – Volunteer Workers. Note 12 Payments to the ATO resulting from the Business Activity Statements for Q1 and Q2 2020- 21. The actual expenditure on this item is more than double the budgeted amount due to the additional income received as a result of the Shire of Tammin joining WEROC Inc.

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WEROC Inc. ABN 28 416 957 824 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021

Budget Actual to Variance Notes 2020/2021 30/06/2021

INCOME 0501 General Subscriptions $60,000.00 $102,000.00 $42,000.00 1 Consultancy & Project

504.01 Reserve $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 0575 Interest received $141.67 $64.09 -$77.58 2 584 Other Income $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 GST Output Tax $6,000.00 $10,200.00 $4,200.00 3 GST Refunds $5,771.24 $2,102.00 -$3,669.24 4

Total Receipts $71,912.91 $114,366.09 $42,453.18

EXPENSES 1545 Bank Fees & Charges $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 WEROC Inc. Executive 1661.01 $30,450.00 $29,693.17 $756.83 5 Services Executive Officer Travel and 1661.02 $2,162.40 $1,262.53 $899.87 6 Accommodation WEROC Executive Officer 1661.03 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Recruitment WEROC Financial Services 1687 $795.40 $409.05 $386.35 7 Accounting WEROC Financial Services 1687.03 $1,300.00 $879.95 $420.05 8 Audit 1585 WEROC Consultant Expenses $40,000.00 $10,280.29 $29,719.71 9 WEROC Management of 1850 $6,860.00 $6,860.00 $0.00 10 WEROC App & Website 1801 WEROC Meeting Expenses $500.00 $0.00 $500.00 1851 WEROC Insurance $5,056.67 $4,998.86 $57.81 11 1852 WEROC Legal Expenses $2,000.00 $0.00 $2,000.00 WEROC Incorporation 1853 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Expenses 1930 WEROC Sundry $300.00 $0.00 $300.00 3384 GST Input Tax $8,693.78 $5,238.45 $3,455.33 ATO Payments $3,117.28 $7,237.00 -$4,119.72 12 Total Payments $101,235.53 $66,859.30 $34,376.23

Net Position -$29,322.62 $47,506.79

OPENING CASH 1 July $136,811.40 $143,177.70

CASH BALANCE $107,488.78 $190,684.49 9 | P a g e

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Recommendation: That the WEROC Inc. financial report for the period 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021, be received.

RESOLUTION: Moved: Mr. Wayne Della Bosca Seconded: Ms. Julie Flockart That the WEROC Inc. financial report for the period 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021, be received. CARRIED

6.2 WEROC Inc. Financial Report as of 31 July 2021 Author: Rebekah Burges, Executive Officer Disclosure of Interest: No interest to disclose Date: 1 August 2021 Attachments: Nil Voting Requirement: Simple Majority At the WEROC Inc. Board Meeting held on 27 April 2021 the budget for the financial year commencing 1 July 2021 and ending 30 June 2022 was adopted. The WEROC Inc. Budget 2021-22 is used as the basis for the financial report. An explanation for each of the notations on the financial report is provided below. Note 1 Annual Financial contributions paid by the Shire’s of Kellerberrin, Tammin, Westonia and Yilgarn. Note 2 GST received. Note 3 GST Refund for Q4 BAS 2020-21. Note 4 Executive Officer services for the month of June 2021. Note 5 Executive Officer travel to Board and other meetings. Note 6 Monthly subscription fee for Xero accounting software. Note 7 GST paid.

WEROC Inc. ABN 28 416 957 824 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022

Budget Actual to Notes 2021/2022 31/07/2021

Income 0501 General Subscriptions $72,000.00 $48,000.00 1 504.01 Consultancy & Project Reserve $0.00 $0.00 0575 Interest received $0.00 $0.00 584 Other Income $0.00 $0.00 GST Output Tax $7,200.00 $4,800.00 2 GST Refunds $5,209.05 $1,436.00 3

Total Receipts $84,409.05 $54,236.00 10 | P a g e

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Expenses 1545 Bank Fees & Charges $0.00 1661.01 WEROC Inc. Executive Services $30,450.00 $2,740.91 4 1661.02 Executive Officer Travel and Accommodation $2,162.40 $266.64 5 1661.03 WEROC Executive Officer Recruitment $780.00 $0.00 1687 WEROC Financial Services Accounting $795.40 $45.45 6 1687.03 WEROC Financial Services Audit $1,000.00 $0.00 1585 WEROC Consultant Expenses $40,000.00 $0.00 1850 WEROC Management of WEROC App & Website $360.00 $0.00 1801 WEROC Meeting Expenses $500.00 $0.00 1851 WEROC Insurance $6,000.00 $0.00 1852 WEROC Legal Expenses $2,000.00 $0.00 1853 WEROC Incorporation Expenses $0.00 $0.00 1930 WEROC Sundry $300.00 $0.00 3384 GST Input Tax $8,434.78 $305.30 7

ATO Payments $4,654.28 $0.00

Total Payments $97,436.86 $3,358.30

Net Position -$13,027.81 $50,877.70

OPENING CASH 1 July $193,194.46 $190,684.49

CASH BALANCE $180,166.65 $241,562.19

Recommendation: That the WEROC Inc. financial report for the period 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021, be received.

Comments from the meeting: • The Board questioned whether the $40,000 allocated toward consultant expenses for 2021-22 would be sufficient to cover the Strategic Waste Management Project, Tourism Audit, and co-operative marketing expenses. • It was recommended that the consultant expenses budget for the 2021-22 financial year be increased to $70,000. RESOLUTION: Moved: Ms. Karin Day Seconded: Mr. Jamie Criddle That: 1. The WEROC Inc. financial report for the period 1 July 2021 to 31 July 2021, be received; and 2. The consultant expenses budget for the 2021-22 financial year be increased to $70,000. CARRIED 6.3 Income & Expenditure Author: Rebekah Burges, Executive Officer Disclosure of Interest: No interest to disclose 11 | P a g e

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Date: 1 August 2021 Attachments: Nil Voting Requirement: Simple Majority A summary of income and expenditure for the period 1 June 2021 to 31 July 2021 is provided below. Date Description Reference Credit Debit Opening Balance $193,522.69 2/06/2021 Payment: 150 Square Pty Ltd INV-0034 $2,772.20 3/06/2021 Payment: PWD Australia INV-24005 $33.00 30/06/2021 Payment: Code Research Australia INV-20742 $33.00 7/07/2021 ATO $1,436.00 14/07/2021 150 Square Pty Ltd INV-0041 $3,358.30 23/07/2021 Payment: Shire of Tammin INV-0007 $13,200.00 28/07/2021 Payment: Shire of Westonia INV-0009 $13,200.00 29/07/2021 Payment: Shire of Yilgarn INV-0010 $13,200.00 29/07/2021 Payment: Shire of Kellerberrin INV-0012 $13,200.00

TOTAL $54,236.00 $6,196.50 Closing Balance $241,562.19

Recommendation: That the WEROC Inc. summary of income and expenditure for the period 1 June 2021 to 31 July 2021 be received. That the Accounts Paid by WEROC Inc. for the period 1 June 2021 to 31 July 2021 totalling $6,196.50 be approved.

RESOLUTION: Moved: Ms. Karin Day Seconded: Mr. Jamie Criddle That: 1. The WEROC Inc. summary of income and expenditure for the period 1 June 2021 to 31 July 2021 be received. 2. The Accounts Paid by WEROC Inc. for the period 1 June 2021 to 31 July 2021 totalling $6,196.50 be approved. CARRIED 7. MATTERS FOR DECISION

7.1 WEROC Inc. Tourism Product Audit Author: Rebekah Burges, Executive Officer Disclosure of Interest: Ms. Rebekah Burges declares an interest as an associate consultant with 150 Square Strategic Solutions and the author of the WEROC Tourism Product Audit. Date: 1 August 2021 Attachments: Attachment 2: Final Draft WEROC Inc. Tourism Product Audit 12 | P a g e

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Attachment 3: Visitor Accommodation Study 2016 Financial Implications: Payment of $10,320 +GST to 150 Square Strategic Solutions on completion of the audit Voting Requirement: Simple Majority Background: At the WEROC Board Meeting held on 22 February 2021 the Executive Officer presented quotes from Economic Transitions and 150 Square Strategic Solutions to complete a tourism product audit for WEROC. The Board resolved as follows:

RESOLUTION: Moved: Ms. Karin Day Seconded: Mr. Wayne Della Bosca That WEROC Inc.: 1. Accept the quote from 150 Square Strategic Solutions, as tabled at the meeting, for the quoted price of $10,320 + GST; and 2. Not proceed with an application to Round 5 of the Building Better Regions Fund. Executive Officer Comment: On Tuesday 13 July 2021, the Executive Officer circulated the Draft WEROC Inc. Tourism Product Audit to all Members of the WEROC Inc. Board, inviting their input and requesting any feedback be provided by Monday 26 July 2021. Feedback received from the Shire’s of Westonia, Bruce Rock, Merredin and Yilgarn has been incorporated into the Final Draft, which is now presented for endorsement. Just to note, it was requested that all accommodation be included in the product audit rather than just caravan and camping, however this was purposely excluded from the scope of work due to a specific audit of accommodation having already been completed in recent years. A copy of the Visitor Accommodation Study is provided as an attachment. A summary of the recommendations provided in the WEROC Inc. Tourism Product Audit is provided below: 1. Caravan and Camping: develop a regional caravan and camping strategy; improve understanding of self-contained traveler needs and expectations through an RV survey; improve digital access to online bookings and visitor information on free and commercial caravan and camping sites in the region. 2. Trails: develop an Eastern Wheatbelt Trails Master Plan; ensure all trails are entered into the Trails WA database; co-operatively promote existing walk and drive trails. 3. Nature, Parks and Reserves: investigate opportunities to develop priority nature reserves including through immersive tourism experiences; consider investment in a tourism development fund. 4. Culture, Art and Heritage: identify respectful and appropriate opportunities for Aboriginal cultural and heritage tourism; develop art tourism in the region; improve cross-marketing of cultural, heritage and art assets to encourage multi-site visitation and longer stays. 5. Events: develop a regional event strategy/feasibility study to identify potential for a “show-stopping” event for the Eastern Wheatbelt and new community driven events that will drive both peak and off- season visitation. 6. Food and Drink: test the market and logistics for agritourism initiatives; undertake a “good food” promotion to showcase the region’s best food and drink offerings; provide industry support to build the capacity of food and drink businesses in the region. 7. Online Presence: build local capability and digital know how; advocate for improved access to digital infrastructure; encourage passive advertising through visitor reviews and social media advocacy.

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8. Utilise the right marketing channels: Prioritise the use of digital marketing; leverage key influencers to promote the region to a broader audience. 9. Attract the right visitors: develop interest-based marketing/promotion for key market segments; targeted marketing of the region to Perth residents to boost intrastate visitation; promote the Eastern Wheatbelt as a multi-experience destination to appeal to a wider market. 10. Create a distinctive brand: use the “Our Story: Spirit of Adventure” framework to develop a distinct brand for the Eastern Wheatbelt; build a library of visual assets to bring the story of the Eastern Wheatbelt to life; develop new signage and entry statements consistent with the brand. 11. Champion hero regional experiences: build a common vision around hero experiences/attractions in the region; use these hero experiences/attractions as a marketing hook to drive interest in the region; leverage existing tourism products to promote a broader offering of things to see and do around visits to the regions anchor attractions. The Executive Officer suggests that the Board consider and discuss the recommendations and agree on priority actions to inform an implementation plan. Feedback on priorities for WEROC from the perspective of the regional tourism groups is as follows: • Events: - Events are a good focus. - Need to find an iconic idea that is grounded in the Eastern Wheatbelt and attracts more than a day trip audience. Think along the lines of the Kulin Bush Races and Lake Perkolilli Red Dust Festival. - A series of connected wildflowers events or a walking festival are two possibilities. - Recommend conducting an event feasibility study that then informs a regional events strategy. • Trails: - A new touring route that highlights the nature-based attractions of the region such as the granite rocks and ties in Agri-tourism and Astro-tourism experiences has serious merit from both a product development and marketing point of view. • Branding: - A clear brand for WEROC or the Eastern Wheatbelt region as a destination is an essential first step. • Hero Experience/Attraction: - Need to agree on what the hero experiences/attractions are for the region and build experience and product development around them. - The focus could be on one of the six product clusters identified in the Tourism Product Audit. - The hero attractions/experiences need to highlight the regions point of difference. The granite outcrops are the most obvious differentiating feature. Recommendation: That: 1. The final draft of the WEROC Inc. Tourism Product Audit be adopted; 2. The Executive Officer prepare an implementation plan based on the priority actions agreed by the WEROC Inc. Board; and 3. Payment of $10,320 + GST to 150 Square Strategic Solutions for completing the WEROC Inc. Tourism Audit, be approved.

Comments from the meeting: • The Board requested additional time to consider the recommendations of the WEROC Tourism Audit and discuss the same with their respective Councils.

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• The reason for the exclusion of accommodation from the audit was acknowledged but it was noted that the information contained in the 2016 visitor accommodation study needs to be updated to reflect changes that have occurred over the past five years.

RESOLUTION: Moved: Ms. Julie Flockart Seconded: Ms. Karin Day That: 1. The final draft of the WEROC Inc. Tourism Product Audit be adopted; 2. Each Local Government to present the recommendations of the audit to their respective Council and discuss their priorities for action; 3. A workshop will be conducted at the next meeting of the WEROC Inc. Board to agree on actions for implementation; 4. Payment of $10,320 + GST to 150 Square Strategic Solutions for completing the WEROC Inc. Tourism Audit, is approved; 5. The Executive Officer to update the information contained in the 2016 visitor accommodation study for WEROC Shires; and 6. An additional 25 to 30 hours of the Executive Officer’s time is approved to complete the update of the visitor accommodation study. CARRIED 7.2 Customer Service Excellence Program Author: Rebekah Burges, Executive Officer Disclosure of Interest: No interest to disclose Date: 1 August 2021 Attachments: Nil Consultation: WEROC Inc. CEO’s and Customer Service Institute of Australia Financial Implications: Financial contribution from WEROC Inc. is budgeted for under the consultancy line item Voting Requirement: Simple Majority Background: At the WEROC Inc. Board Meeting held on Tuesday 27 April 2021, a proposal from the Customer Service Institute of Australia (CSIA) to deliver their customer service excellence program across five WEROC communities, was presented for consideration and the Board resolved as follows: RESOLUTION: Moved: Ms. Karin Day Seconded: Ms. Julie Flockart Subject to confirmed costs and clarity on the delivery of the program, WEROC will progress with a collaboration with the Wheatbelt Business Network to deliver the CSIA customer service program across the six WEROC Local Government areas. Subsequent to confirming costing and arrangements for program delivery, the Executive Officer liaised with WEROC CEOs on suitable dates for the five sessions and these were confirmed for the week of 26 to 30 July 2021. Executive Officer Comment: On Tuesday 20 July 2021, in response to a number of positive COVID tests in the community, the South Australian government announced a State-wide weeklong lockdown, and the Western Australian Government imposed a 14-day quarantine requirement on anyone travelling into the State from South Australia. On the same day, the Executive Officer received a phone call from CSIA advising that because their facilitator is based in Adelaide, the workshops scheduled for 26 to 30 July could not be conducted as planned. The 15 | P a g e

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Executive Officer contacted the WEROC CEOs via email to apprise them of the situation and provided the option to either postpone the workshop or continue as scheduled, with the facilitator conducting the sessions via videoconference. The majority response was that in-person delivery was preferable and therefore the workshops were postponed. The Executive Officer was advised by CSIA that the next available dates to conduct the workshops is the week of 29 November to 3 December 2021. An email was sent to the CEOs with the option to book in these dates or postpone until early 2022. An agreement could not be reached and so the item is presented for discussion by the Board. Recommendation: That: 1. The Board consider the options and agree on a suitable date to reschedule the CSIA customer service excellence workshops; and 2. The Executive Officer advise CSIA and registered participants of the rescheduled dates.

Comments from the meeting: • November to December is the busiest time of year for a lot of local businesses which will limit attendance. It is therefore preferable that the workshops be rescheduled for late February to early March 2022. • The Board questioned whether a refund of monies paid is an option if the workshops cannot be scheduled within the preferred timeframe. RESOLUTION: Moved: Ms. Karin Day Seconded: Mr. Jamie Criddle That: 1. The CSIA customer service workshops be rescheduled for late February to early March 2022; 2. The Executive Officer to confirm the terms of the contract and options regarding refunds; 3. The Executive Officer to advise registered participants of the revised schedule for the workshops once they are confirmed. CARRIED 7.3 Eastern Wheatbelt Co-Operative Marketing Author: Rebekah Burges, Executive Officer Disclosure of Interest: No interest to disclose Date: 1 August 2021 Attachments: Attachment 4: Co-Operative Logo Attachment 5: Script for the Eastern Wheatbelt Co-Op Marketing Campaign on Curtin Radio Consultation: Mr. Marcus Falconer, CEO Australia’s Golden Outback Financial Implications: Financial contribution from WEROC Inc. is budgeted for under the consultancy line item Voting Requirement: Simple Majority Background: At the WEROC Inc. Board Meeting held on 22 February 2021 an allocation of $3,000 toward co-operative marketing for the 2021-22 financial year was endorsed: RESOLUTION: Moved: Mr. Jamie Criddle Seconded: Mr. Rod Forsyth

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That WEROC Inc.: 1) Contribute $302 Inc. GST toward a shared display at the 2021 Perth Caravan and Camping Show; 2) Contribute up to $3,000 toward collaborative marketing campaigns for the remainder of the 2020-21 Financial Year; and 3) Allocate $3,000 in the 2021-22 Budget for collaborative marketing. Executive Officer Comment: On Friday 25 June 2021, a meeting hosted by Australia’s Golden Outback (AGO) was held to discuss co- operative marketing for the Eastern Wheatbelt in the 2021-22 financial year. As a result of this conversation AGO prepared the following proposal: Activity Cost (ex. GST) 1. One-week Eastern Wheatbelt takeover of AGO organic social media posts Free of charge as part of the campaign proposal 2. Two-week social media advertising posts (promotion four self-drive trails $5,000 and the Eastern Wheatbelt Visitor Guide) 3. Four-week Curtin Radio FM campaign: $10,000 - Week 1: 4 August - Week 2: 11 August - Week 3: 18 August - Week 4: 25 August 4. Half page Ad in AGO wildflower feature in the West Australian on 14 $5,000 August 2021 5. Half page Ad in Wheatbelt feature in the West Australia in March 2022 $5,000 TOTAL $25,000 The split for each co-op group (i.e., NEW Travel, Roe Tourism, WEROC and Pioneers Pathway) will be $3,000 +GST each. AGO will contribute the remaining $13,000 + GST. The focus of the marketing will be on wildflowers and the core self-drive trails (Pioneers Pathway, Wheatbelt Way, Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail and Pathways to Wave Rock) and is primarily aimed at encouraging further visitation throughout the Spring. All groups have agreed to the proposal. As the $3,000 allocation from WEROC Inc. for 2021-22 financial year has already been endorsed, this information is presented for noting only. Recommendation: That the information be noted.

RESOLUTION: Moved: Ms. Julie Flockart Seconded: Mr. Michael Greenwood That the information be noted. CARRIED 7.4 WEROC Inc. Strategic Projects Status Report & Next Steps Author: Rebekah Burges, Executive Officer Disclosure of Interest: No interest to disclose Date: 1 August 2021 Attachments: Nil

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Voting Requirement: Simple Majority Background: The WEROC Inc. Strategic Plan 2020, identifies five priorities and associated actions. An update on progress against the five strategic priorities is provided below and the next steps will be discussed. Priority Actions Progress Next Steps (For Discussion) Regional 1) Undertake a review of • Mr. Grant Arthur and Mr. Rob As per discussion waste existing waste Cossart from the Wheatbelt under agenda item management management service Development Commission have 7.4 delivery across the WEROC presented to the WEROC Inc. region including: Board on the Tammin Waste • Local Government Waste Disposal report. Management Plans; • The NEWROC CEO and EO have • Waste management presented to the WEROC Board services and infrastructure; on their regional waste • Recycling activities and management planning. capabilities; • ASK Waste Management and • Contract arrangements; Dallywater Consulting submitted and cost of delivery. quotes to develop a WEROC 2) Complete a cost-benefit Strategic Waste Management analysis for ownership of a Plan and a landfill rationalisation shared truck for municipal feasibility study. The quote from waste and recycling ASK Waste Management has collection. been accepted. 3) Develop a WEROC Waste Management Plan. Tourism 1) Conduct an audit of • A quote submitted by 150 As per discussion Product physical and digital tourism Square Strategic Solutions to under Agenda Item Development assets across the WEROC undertake a tourism asset audit 7.1 region. was accepted at the WEROC Inc. 2) Undertake desktop Board Meeting held on 22 research and consultation February 2021. with regional tourism • The Final Draft of the WEROC groups to better Tourism Product Audit has been understand: presented for endorsement. - The existing tourism market; - Trends in tourism product development; and - Future target markets for visitors to the Eastern Wheatbelt. 3) Develop a list of priorities for investment inclusive of cost estimates and possible funding opportunities for new product development.

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Local business • As per discussion 1) In partnership with the A proposal for a customer development under agenda item Wheatbelt Business service excellence program to 7.2 Network, Chambers of be delivered by the Customer Commerce and Community Service Institute of Australia Resource Centres, develop (CSIA) was accepted at the WEROC Inc. Board meeting held a targeted business improvement program on 27 April 2021. with a focus on: • The CSIA workshops were • Online reputational scheduled to take place during management (e.g. how to the week of 26-30 July 2021 but respond to negative were postponed due to COVID. reviews); and • Improved frontline customer experience (both physical and digital). 2) Develop a project plan/business case to support an application for funding to implement the program. Digital 1) Establish partnerships to • WEROC Inc. have provided connectivity collaboratively address letters of support for the CRISP deficiencies in digital wireless application to the connectivity and capacity Regional Connectivity Program across the Eastern and Digital Farms Grants Wheatbelt. Program. The application to the 2) Work with Digital Farm Grants Program telecommunications was successful and the project providers (e.g. Telstra, will include at least two WEROC Optus, NBN Co.) to target Member Councils – Tammin and improvements in fixed and Yilgarn. mobile connectivity. 3) Lend support to existing initiatives that have the potential to improve digital connectivity across the WEROC region (e.g. Crisp wireless, WA SuperNet). Ranger and 1) Complete a review of • An enquiry into the possibility of regulatory existing ranger service a regional CESM for WEROC Inc. services delivery arrangements and Local Governments was sent to solution costing across Member the Department of Fire and Councils Emergency Services and a 2) Investigate avenues to response has been received fund and engage a advising that it is not possible at this time. Regional Community Emergency Services • Mr. Darren Brown, Executive Manager. Officer of Bushfire Volunteers WA was invited to present to

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3) Implement a ranger and the WEROC Inc. Board and as a regulatory service solution result of his presentation for WEROC Member WEROC requested that the Councils. The solution will Great Eastern Country Zone include a provision to train consider a review of the additional Shire staff to Emergency Services Levy. support the ranger. • The WEROC Ranger and Emergency Services Audit has been completed.

Recommendation: That the Strategic Projects status report be received and discussed.

RESOLUTION: Moved: Ms. Julie Flockart Seconded: Mr. Raymond Griffiths That: 1. The Strategic Projects status report be received; and 2. At the next meeting of the WEROC Inc. Board the Strategic Priorities be reviewed and updated. CARRIED 7.5 Discussion and Decisions Arising from the Presentation by Mr. Marcus Falconer Author: Rebekah Burges, Executive Officer Disclosure of Interest: No interest to disclose Date: 1 August 2021 Attachments: Nil Voting Requirement: Simple Majority Executive Officer Comment: Following the presentation from Mr. Marcus Falconer it may be appropriate for the WEROC Inc. Board to consider what, if any, further action is required on this matter. Recommendation: That the information as presented by Mr. Falconer be considered, and the matter discussed.

Comments from the meeting: • The concept of a destination development officer as per the Esperance model, could have merit for the Eastern Wheatbelt. The Board would like to see how the position works in Esperance before giving this further consideration. RESOLUTION: Moved: Mr. Wayne Della Bosca Seconded: Ms. Julie Flockart That the information be noted. CARRIED

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7.6 Discussion and Decisions Arising from the Presentation by Mr. Samuel Green & Mr. Giles Perryman Author: Rebekah Burges, Executive Officer Disclosure of Interest: No interest to disclose Date: 1 August 2021 Attachments: Nil Voting Requirement: Simple Majority Executive Officer Comment: Following the presentation from Mr. Samuel Green and Mr. Giles Perryman it may be appropriate for the WEROC Inc. Board to consider what, if any, further action is required on this matter. Recommendation: That the information as presented by Mr. Green and Mr. Perryman be considered, and the matter discussed.

Comments from the meeting: • The Board would like ASK Waste Management to present their draft reports at the November meeting of the WEROC Inc. Board. • The Board requested a copy of the PowerPoint presentation given by Mr. Perryman and Mr. Green. RESOLUTION: Moved: Ms. Karin Day Seconded: Mr. Alan O’Toole That: • The Executive Officer invite ASK Waste Management to the WEROC Inc. Board meeting to be held on 22 November 2021; and • The Executive Officer to circulate the PowerPoint presentation given by Mr. Perryman and Mr. Green with the minutes of this meeting. CARRIED 8. EMERGING ISSUES

• Mr. Peter Clarke requested that all Shires advise the Executive Officer of their nominated representative to the WEROC Complaints Assessment Panel. • Mr. Jamie Criddle noted that the funding for the nurse practitioner that services several of the WEROC Shires may be under threat. Mr. Criddle will report back to the Board with any further information on this matter as it comes to hand. 9. OTHER MATTERS (FOR NOTING) 9.1 Regional Climate Alliance Program On Monday 5 July 2021, the Executive Officer was notified by Mr. Gary Middle, Acting Manager, Environment Policy, WALGA, that WEROC Inc.’s application to the Regional Climate Alliance Program was not successful. The two successful applicants were: • South Coast Alliance including the City of Albany and the Shires of Denmark, Jerramungup and Plantagenet; and • Goldfields Voluntary Regional Organisation of Councils including the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the Shires of Collgardie, Dundas, Esperance, Laverton, Leonora, Menzies, Ngaanyatiarraku and Wiluna.

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WEROC Inc. Board Meeting Wednesday 11 August 2021 - Minutes

The Executive Officer requested feedback on the WEROC application and was advised as follows: • The application was very competitive on all criteria except engagement. The two successful alliances set out a clear process were as the WEROC application was more generic. • The only other concern was the mention of waste. Waste to energy was relevant but the other two components are covered by other WALGA programs. The “other two components” Mr. Middle was referring to are the consolidation of landfill sites and initiatives to divert organic waste from landfill. 9.2 Wheatbelt Region Parks & Reserves Management Plan 2021 Attachment 6: Wheatbelt Region Submissions Summary Attachment 7: Wheatbelt Region Parks and Reserves Management Plan 2021 In 2019 WEROC made a public submission to the Wheatbelt Region Parks and Reserves Draft Management Plan. On 20 July 2021, the final Plan was released by the Minister for Environment. The Plan, which was prepared by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, has a 10-year horizon, and covers parks and reserves located across 48 Local Government’s totalling more than 1,118,168 hectares. The management plan and summary of public submissions made in 2019 are attached. 9.3 Australia’s Golden Outback Membership 2021/22 Attachment 8: AGO 2021-22 Membership Prospectus Australia’s Golden Outback (AGO) circulated their 2021/22 Membership Prospectus via email on 23 July 2021. Gold, silver, and bronze Membership levels are available at a cost of up to $300 +GST. All levels provide an opportunity to participate in co-operative marketing campaigns while silver and gold membership offer additional benefits including a listing on the AGO website. A copy of the Membership Prospectus is provided as an attachment. 10. FUTURE MEETINGS As per the approved schedule of meetings for 2021, the next General Meeting and Annual General Meeting will be held in either the Shire of Tammin or Merredin on Monday 22 November, commencing at 1.00pm. The venue will be confirmed when the location of the Great Eastern Country Zone meeting is confirmed. The schedule of meeting dates and locations for 2021 is as follows: Date Time Host Council Monday 22 February 1.00pm Shire of Kellerberrin Tuesday 27 April 1.00pm Zoom videoconference Wednesday 23 June 10.00am Shire of Bruce Rock Wednesday 11 August 10.00am Shire of Yilgarn Monday 22 November 1.00pm Shire of Tammin or Merredin

11. CLOSURE The Chair in closing the meeting, acknowledged that this was the final meeting for Mr. Peter Clarke and thanked him for his contribution to WEROC. This was also the final meeting for Mr. Ram Rajagopalan as Chair, and he thanked all Members for their contribution over the past two years. There being no further business the Chair closed the meeting at 1.34pm.

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Minister for Transport; Planning; Ports

Our ref: 72-33751

Ms Rebekah Burges Executive Officer Wheatbelt East Regional Organisation of Councils Inc. [email protected]

Dear Ms Burges

WA AGRICULTURAL SUPPLY CHAIN IMPROVEMENTS PACKAGE 1

Thank you for your correspondence dated 8 July 2021 regarding the Western Australian Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements (ASCI) Package 1.

The State Government is investing in regional transport infrastructure to support the agricultural freight task and manage its impacts on regional communities. Working with local and Federal governments, we are proud to have introduced several co-funded investment programs, including the Wheatbelt Secondary Freight Network program, Regional Road Safety program and most recently Package 1 of the WA ASCI program. These programs will enable significant road and rail upgrades to be delivered in the short to medium-term. They will generate regional employment and economic activity in the short to medium-term, while delivering a legacy of safer and more productive transport infrastructure for the regions.

The ASCI Package 1 includes $22 million for four rail sidings at Moora, Brookton, Broomehill, and Cranbrook. The remaining $178 million is still to be allocated, based on the directions set in the Revitalising Agricultural Region Freight Strategy and with a view to complement the $187.5 million Wheatbelt Secondary Freight Network program that focuses on road. The Government s allocation decision will aim to maximise grain tonnes attracted from road to rail per taxpayer dollar invested while balancing other stakeholders interests.

Improving the rail and road network in WA’s agricultural region is a priority for the Government and we are progressing regional stakeholder consultation to finalise the list of projects for Package 1 and develop a broader list for an Infrastructure Australia Stage 2 business case. The ASCI project team was in Merredin on 26 July 2021 to exchange views with the community and discuss freight infrastructure investments that will bring social, economic and safety benefits to this part of the Wheatbelt.

13 AUG 2021 Level 9, Dumas House, 2 Havelock Street, West Perth, Western Australia, 6005 Telephone: +61 8 6552 5500 Facsimile: +61 8 6552 5501 Email: [email protected] WEROC: Strategic Waste Management Plan and Landfill Rationalisation Study

0447 393363 Giles Perryman [email protected] Samuel Green www.askwm.com About ASK

Since 2007, experts in rural / regional ▪ Office locations ▪ Current projects Cooee Services:

▪ Strategic Waste Planning

▪ Landfill Closure and Rehabilitation

▪ Feasibility Assessment and Business Plans

▪ Environmental Approvals

▪ Operational Management and Environmental Compliance

▪ Facility Engineering and Design

▪ Cooee - Waste Facility Gatehouse App for small landfills and transfer stations Project Deliverables

1. Review and update the existing SWMP and inc. the Shire of Tammin; Including review of: • Existing waste management services and infrastructure and their capacity to meet current and future demand; • Recycling activities and capabilities; • Contract arrangements; and • Cost of delivering waste management services/infrastructure. 2. Complete a feasibility study for the establishment of a regional landfill site SWMP Process

•Site •Infrastructure •Objectives Infrastructure •Services •Goals • Who •Current •Recycling •Targets • What needs Action • How much Baseline services Analysis Vision Strategies •Contracts •Where do to be done Plan • When •Compliance you want to •Resources • How •Issues be?

• Opportunities for joint tendering; Draft • Shared waste management equipment/infrastructure; recommendations • Additional recycling facilities/activities; discussed and revised in liaison with WEROC • Introduction of new waste management technology; and • A reduction in the cost of waste management service delivery. Landfill Rationalisation Study •Sites (Enviro factors, remaining capacity, etc.) Assess •Waste quantities received

• Remote access, closure of high risk sites • Establishing transfer stations (locate in town?) Scenarios • Regional landfill(s) 1. Economic 2. Environmental 3. Compliance Feasibility 4. Social 5. Technical

• Findings, draw conclusions and make recommendations Report • Costed roadmap for rationalisation in the region Project Schedule

Meetings / Telecoms: Site tour: Facilities and Shire representatives Telecom: Discuss draft SWMP recommendations Discuss and agree landfill rationalisation scenarios Discuss and agreed preferred landfill rationalisation scenario Presentation: Optional presentation to WEROC of project outcomes WEROC: Immediate actions and info

0447 393363 Samuel Green [email protected] www.askwm.com Immediate tasks

1. Set tour dates and timetable (Week of 30 Aug?) 2. Decide SWMP objectives, examples inc: • Ensure waste is managed in a strategic, sustainable manner and is regulatory compliant. • Provision of quality waste services for the community and visitors. • Maximise cost effective waste diversion. • Improve the economies of scale through regional collaboration. • Ensure the delivery of waste services are sustainable (including financial, operational, and environmental). Information needed

Information needed: • Original SWMP • Waste data • No. of bin collection services • Waste fees and charges • Detailed breakdown of waste expenditure and revenue • Any other waste related reports or information… WEROC: SWMP and LRS Giles Perryman & Samuel Green

Advice 0447 393363 Service [email protected] Knowledge www.askwm.com Wheatbelt Medical Student Immersion Program 2022 Program Proposal

Proposed Program The Curtin Medical School, Dean of Medicine and School of Medicine Fremantle, Dean of Medicine have met and discussed the following amendments to the delivery of the Wheatbelt Medical Immersion Program in 2022. A summary of the general agreement between the Universities includes: • Universities will undertake their own Wheatbelt immersion program, each allocating staff and students to five of the ten existing Wheatbelt towns that are involved in the program. • The program will be run by both Universities on the same dates. • No new towns will be added in 2022. • Universities will contribute equal funding to the program based on forecast expenditure, to be managed by Rural Health West.

Responsibilities of the Universities Program Coordinators from Curtin University and University of Notre Dame will liaise and confirm: • The dates and duration for the 2022 program. • Determine their five allocated towns from Cunderdin, Kellerberrin, Merredin, Westonia, Southern Cross, Bruce Rock, Corrigin, Narrogin, Moora and Wongan Hills. • Determine learning outcomes and student requirements and code of conduct for the immersion. • Provide public liability and indemnity insurance for students and staff on the program. • Submit a risk management plan and other placement documentation as required by the Universities. • Allocate staff to a planning group • Allocate planning group staff members to complete tasks including: o Organise staff to attend the immersion program and payment, travel, reimbursements as per the University staff travel policies. o Work with Rural Health West and other program partners to coordinate itinerary of activities for each town including travel and visiting the cultural centre in Northam. o Liaise with local community to develop cultural engagement activity in each town, with assistance from Rural Health West. o Work with Rural Health West to allocate students to towns and billets based on town capacity. o Work with Rural Health West to coordinate a thank you dinner in each town. • Provide a staff orientation prior to the immersion, including academic and administration staff roles and responsibilities and briefing on all University processes and procedures for relevant scenarios.

Planning Group Each University will require a planning group to oversee the development and coordination of the immersion program. The roles within the Planning Group may include, but are not limited to: • Academic Lead for the Immersion Program • Program Coordinator/s • Placement Coordinator • Student Administration • Cultural Engagement Coordinator

Where possible these staff will previously have attended the program, and will be required to participate in the program orientation and briefing.

Responsibilities of Rural Health West Rural Health West will continue to provide administrative support to the Universities to coordinate the Wheatbelt Immersion Program. This includes: • Liaising with local Shires to facilitate delivery of the week, and establishing Shire commitment to providing in-kind support towards venues, community transport and activities. • Coordinating an appropriate number of students per location based on Shire capacity and host family availability. • Organise travel to/from and within towns over the week. • Recruitment and allocation of students to volunteer host families. • Coordinating an itinerary of activities with local health services, schools, St John and community groups. • Allocate approximately 8 staff members to provide administrative support for the Wheatbelt Immersion week. • Provide in-kind support towards the Rural Health West staff travel as required by the Rural Health West travel policy. • Manage budget and expenditure across key areas for each town including: o Bus transport to/from towns o Program activities o Venue hire o Accommodation for program staff o Additional transport where community bus cannot be provided o Catering (i.e. welcome afternoon tea and community thank you dinners) o Program speakers o Cultural engagement activities o Printing, stationery

Steering Group The Wheatbelt Medical Student Immersion Program Steering Group from 2018 – 2021 currently includes: • Country WA Primary Health Network, Regional Manager • Curtin University, Curtin Medical School Dean of Medicine • Rural Health West, Manager Workforce Solutions • Rural Health West, Sustainability Project Coordinator • University of Notre Dame, School of Medicine Fremantle Dean of Medicine • WE-ROC Secretariat Once the program proposal is finalised for 2022, the steering group members will be invited to participate and provide financial or in-kind support towards the 2022 program based on forecast program budget. The steering group will be asked to review the relevance of the Terms of Reference, and sign a Letter of Agreement for 2022.

WEROC INC.

TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT

ACTIVATING TOURISM IN THE EASTERN WHEATBELT | 2 0 2 1

WEROC Inc. Tourism Product Audit 2021 | 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Eastern Wheatbelt is an expansive area of approximately 43,000km2, encompassing six Local Government areas located between 180 – 400kms east of Western Australia’s Capital, Perth. The Eastern Wheatbelt’s most important tourism assets are its amazing landscapes and landforms, cultural and natural history, stunning wildflower displays and the regions agricultural and built history. Effectively activating the regions natural and cultural assets provides an opportunity to attract new visitor markets, increase visitor numbers, generate greater visitor dispersal, and increase the amount that visitors spend in the region. The Wheatbelt East Regional Organisation of Councils (WEROC) Inc., recognising the opportunity presented by the boost in domestic intrastate travel as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic, identified a need to evaluate the current tourism offering of the Eastern Wheatbelt and look for opportunities to establish the region as a must-see destination on the Western Australian traveller’s itinerary. An audit of existing tourism product in the Eastern Wheatbelt was undertaken to identify gaps and opportunities under six product clusters: • Art, Culture and Heritage; • Nature, Parks and Reserves; • Food and Drink; • Trails; • Caravan and Camping; • Events and Festivals. An online presence and social media review were also undertaken to gain an insight into the visitor planning and booking experience. The WEROC Tourism Product Audit provides the following recommendations to strengthen the regions tourism offering and provide new reasons for people to visit and to stay: 1. Caravan and Camping: develop a regional caravan and camping strategy; improve understanding of self-contained traveller needs and expectations through an RV survey; improve digital access to online bookings and visitor information on free and commercial caravan and camping sites in the region. 2. Trails: develop an Eastern Wheatbelt Trails Master Plan; ensure all trails are entered into the Trails WA database; co-operatively promote existing walk and drive trails. 3. Nature, Parks and Reserves: investigate opportunities to develop priority nature reserves including through immersive tourism experiences; consider investment in a tourism development fund. 4. Culture, Art and Heritage: identify respectful and appropriate opportunities for Aboriginal cultural and heritage tourism; develop art tourism in the region; improve cross-marketing of cultural, heritage and art assets to encourage multi-site visitation and longer stays. 5. Events: develop a regional event strategy/feasibility study to identify potential for a “show-stopping” event for the Eastern Wheatbelt and new community driven events that will drive both peak and off- season visitation. 6. Food and Drink: test the market and logistics for agritourism initiatives; undertake a “good food” promotion to showcase the region’s best food and drink offerings; provide industry support to build the capacity of food and drink businesses in the region. 7. Online Presence: build local capability and digital know how; advocate for improved access to digital infrastructure; encourage passive advertising through visitor reviews and social media advocacy.

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 2 8. Utilise the right marketing channels: Prioritise the use of digital marketing; leverage key influencers to promote the region to a broader audience. 9. Attract the right visitors: develop interest-based marketing/promotion for key market segments; targeted marketing of the region to Perth residents to boost intrastate visitation; promote the Eastern Wheatbelt as a multi-experience destination to appeal to a wider market. 10. Create a distinctive brand: use the “Our Story: Spirit of Adventure” framework to develop a distinct brand for the Eastern Wheatbelt; build a library of visual assets to bring the story of the Eastern Wheatbelt to life; develop new signage and entry statements consistent with the brand. 11. Champion hero regional experiences: build a common vision around hero experiences/attractions in the region; use these hero experiences/attractions as a marketing hook to drive interest in the region; leverage existing tourism products to promote a broader offering of things to see and do around visits to the regions anchor attractions. These recommendations were revealed through a combination of stakeholder engagement, desktop research and a comprehensive audit of existing tourism product. While accommodation is a core visitor product, it was not included within the scope of this project due to a separate visitor accommodation study for the Eastern Wheatbelt being undertaken in recent years.

Disclaimer: This document has been prepared for the Wheatbelt East Regional Organisation of Councils Inc. All effort has been made to confirm and validate the information. No other party should rely on it for inferences of forecasts – it has been provided only to the client. Author: Rebekah Burges 150 Square Strategic Solutions https://150square.com.au/

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 3 Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 2

INTRODUCTION ...... 6

THE EASTERN WHEATBELT ...... 6

VISITOR PROFILE ...... 7

CURRENT VISITOR EXPERIENCE ...... 9

STRATEGIC CONTEXT & ALIGNMENT ...... 10

MARKET ANALYSIS ...... 13

VISITOR TRENDS ...... 13

EMERGING MARKET TRENDS ...... 15

MARKET AWARENESS ...... 16

COMPETITOR ANALYSIS ...... 16

CREATING A MUST-SEE DESTINATION ...... 19

TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT ...... 20

CARAVAN & CAMPING ...... 21

GAPS ...... 22

OPPORTUNITIES ...... 22

TRAILS ...... 23

GAPS ...... 25

OPPORTUNITIES ...... 25

PARKS, NATURE & RESERVES ...... 26

GAPS ...... 27

OPPORTUNITIES ...... 27

CULTURE, ART & HERITAGE ...... 28

GAPS ...... 30

OPPORTUNITIES ...... 30

EVENTS ...... 31

GAPS ...... 33

OPPORTUNITIES ...... 33

FOOD & DRINK ...... 34

GAPS ...... 35

OPPORTUNITIES ...... 35

ONLINE PRESENCE ...... 36

WEROC Inc. Tourism Product Audit 2021 | 4 GAPS ...... 38

OPPORTUNITIES ...... 38

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS ...... 39

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT ...... 39

MARKET PERCEPTIONS & AWARENESS ...... 40

APPENDIX 1. AUSTRALIA’S GOLDEN OUTBACK ...... 42

VISITOR PROFILE ...... 42

VISITOR SNAPSHOT ...... 42

ICONIC VISITOR EXPERIENCES ...... 44

DESTINATION PERCEPTIONS RESEARCH SERIES 2016 ...... 45

APPENDIX 2. WHEATBELT ...... 46

VISITOR SNAPSHOT ...... 46

ICONIC VISITOR EXPERIENCES ...... 47

GROWING WHEATBELT TOURISM 2017-2020 ...... 48

APPENDIX 3. TOURISM AUDIT CENTRAL EASTERN WHEATBELT 2009-2010 ...... 51

AUDIT SUMMARY ...... 51

APPENDIX 4. TOURISM WA MARKET SEGMENTS ...... 57

APPENDIX 5. CENTRAL WHEATBELT VISITOR ACCOMMODATION STUDY ...... 60

APPENDIX 6. EASTERN WHEATBELT TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 ...... 61

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 5 INTRODUCTION With an opportunity to capitalise on the boom in domestic (particularly intrastate) travel in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wheatbelt East Regional Organisation of Councils (WEROC) Inc., identified a need to review existing tourism product and consider opportunities for improved product offerings to maximize the economic benefits from increased visitor numbers. A longer-term view for improved tourism product was also considered by the group with the understanding that to sustain visitor numbers to the Eastern Wheatbelt it will be imperative to provide new and more attractive options for visitors, that exceed their expectations of the region and are able to compete with the popularity of more well- known destinations in Western Australia. This document has been informed by: a) An audit of existing tourism product within the region; b) An analysis of the gaps and opportunities within identified tourism product clusters; c) An analysis of current visitor markets and tourism trends; d) A review of existing State, regional and local tourism plans/strategies; and e) Input from key stakeholders including regional tourism groups and Local Governments. The overarching objective in undertaking a tourism product audit was to facilitate the development of new and contemporary product and experiences that highlight the unique character of the Eastern Wheatbelt and that encourage greater visitation and increased visitor spend. It is hoped that this work will also improve market awareness and perceptions of the Eastern Wheatbelt as a visitor destination. THE EASTERN WHEATBELT The Eastern Wheatbelt for the purposes of this audit includes the six Local Governments who comprise the Membership of the Wheatbelt East Regional Organisation of Councils Inc.: • Shire of Bruce Rock • Shire of Kellerberrin • Shire of Merredin • Shire of Tammin • Shire of Westonia • Shire of Yilgarn The Eastern Wheatbelt region covers an area of 43,136km², a significant portion of which is made up of national parks, reserves, and agricultural land. The Shire of Tammin, which is the western most Shire in the region is located 184 kilometres east of Perth and the Shire of Yilgarn, on the eastern fringe of the region is 400 kilometres east of Perth. The estimated resident population of the region is 7,412 (ABS Census 2016). Merredin as the largest town within the WEROC region, acts as a regional hub for government, population services and commerce.

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 6 Tourism is an important economic driver for the Eastern Wheatbelt. The industry currently generates $37.699 million in economic output1 and supports 79 tourism business and 154 jobs2. The Eastern Wheatbelt is predominantly a road-based destination accessed by arterial and local roads (both sealed and unsealed) and a national highway (Great Eastern Highway). Rail travel is provided through Trans WA via the Prospector and Merredin Link services to the towns of Tammin, Kellerberrin, Merredin and Southern Cross. The Eastern Wheatbelt falls within the Australia’s Golden Outback (AGO) tourism region. The AGO region is vast and diverse, covering 54 percent of Western Australia and encompassing four tourism precincts – Goldfields, Gascoyne/Murchison, Wheatbelt and Coastal. VISITOR PROFILE There is no visitor data collected from within or for the Eastern Wheatbelt that comprehensively captures the number of visitors to the region or their demography. Visitor Snapshot Available information has been pooled together in this section to provide an indication of the visitor profile for Up to 41,000 the Eastern Wheatbelt. overnight visitors Tourism Research Australia (TRA) provides data for Local per annum Governments with sufficient sample sizes. In the WEROC region data is available for the Shire of Merredin and the Average visitor Shire of Yilgarn. According to TRA there are an average spend is $94 per of 41,000 overnight visitors to Merredin each year the 3 night majority of which are intrastate travellers (93%) who stay an average of 2 nights and spend $144 per night. In Average length the Shire of Yilgarn there are an average of 32,000 of stay is 4.2 overnight visitors per annum who stay an average of 4 nights nights and spend $49 per night. Again, the majority of overnight visitors are intrastate travellers (87.5%). 27,000+ visits More detailed visitor data collected for the AGO region to Eastern (see Appendix 1) and broader Wheatbelt region (see Wheatbelt Appendix 2), provides an insight into the likely demographic of visitors to the Eastern Wheatbelt. Nature Reserves per annum Consistent with the data available for the Shires of Merredin and Yilgarn, the majority of visitors to both the Peak visitation is AGO and Wheatbelt regions are overnight intrastate in July to October travellers. For the AGO region most intrastate visitors are coinciding with young males (aged 20 to 34), travelling alone for business the wildflower purposes. For the Wheatbelt, the age group most likely

season to visit are also aged 20 to 34 but the primary purpose of travel is a holiday. Staying with friends and relatives is the top accommodation choice for visitors in both regions.

1 REMPLAN, Wheatbelt Economic Profile. Data extracted on 31 May 2021. 2 Tourism Research Australia, Local Government Area Profile’s 2019 3 Tourism Research Australia Local Government Area Profiles 2019. Date based on four-year averages from 2016-2019

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 7 Staying in a caravan park/campground (either commercial or non-commercial) is amongst the top three accommodation preferences for both regions. The Central Wheatbelt Visitors Centers (CWVC) is the preeminent visitor information center and marketing organisation for the Eastern Wheatbelt. The CWVC collects data on the number of visitor interactions (in-person, phone and email) and TransWA bookings taken by the Centre each year. On average there are 6,271 visitors to the Centre per annum (five-year average 2016-2020) 4. As per Figure 1, peak visitation occurs over the months of August, September and October, which coincides with the wildflower season. On average there are 27,458 visits to Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), Managed Reserves in the Eastern Wheatbelt (see Figure 2)5. The most visited Reserve is Kokerbin with an average of 11,735 visits per annum, followed by Todatgin with approximately 7,000 visitors per annum (based on data collected since 2011).

Figure 1. Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre Numbers 2016-2020

Figure 2. Visits to Eastern Wheatbelt Reserves Managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions 2011- 2020

4 Data provided by the Central Wheatbelt Visitors Centre 5 Data provided by the Visitor and Market Research Unit, Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions via email on 15 June 2021.

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 8 CURRENT VISITOR EXPERIENCE Hero Experiences are the ‘essence’ of a destination. They are experiences that focus on what is unique or memorable about a destination and that provide a competitive advantage over other destinations. There are no well-defined hero or iconic experiences in the Eastern Wheatbelt. In the absence of an iconic or hero visitor attraction in the Eastern Wheatbelt, the Central Wheatbelt Tourism Strategy 2010-2014 identified six themes that encapsulate the experiences available to visitors in the region:

N a t u re Nature based camping, interpretive walks and trails, wildflower touring and 4WD outback adventures.

Growing of Grain Museums, events (e.g., Agricultural Shows and bush races), built heritage (e.g., grain silo’s, grain handling facilities, the local railway pub, etc.) and the story behind the location and settlement of towns.

Where’s the Water? Historic responses to finding fresh water (e.g., Hunts wells, C.Y. O’Connor Pipeline).

Noongar Indigenous Sites and Experiences Activities that foster increased knowledge and appreciation of the Indigenous culture (e.g., Njaki Njaki tours)

M i n i n g The ghost mining towns of the Yilgarn and the current mining activities at Westonia and in the Yilgarn Shire.

Military Sites The Central Wheatbelt’s strategic role in World War II and the stories of those who went to war (memorials), those who stayed and those who came into the region.

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 9 S T R A T E G I C CONTEXT & ALIGNMENT In undertaking this tourism product audit for the Eastern Wheatbelt consideration has been given to the following local, regional, and State plans and strategies:

Tourism Western Australia’s two-year action plan 2018 and 20196 Identified four focus areas designed to maximize visitor spend in WA by attracting more visitors, encouraging them to stay longer, disperse further and do more when they visit. 1) Intensify focus on converting core target audiences through new branding, concentrating marketing on an increasingly digital audience, implementing a new market segmentation model to effectively target consumers within identified markets. 2) Attract more people more often to regional Western Australia by meeting consumer demand for Aboriginal tourism experiences, facilitating new tourism experiences, actively marketing regional events and destinations, and facilitating improved regional aviation access. 3) Change perceptions of Perth and reignite the East Coast market through the development of a world-class events strategy, launching a tactical advertising campaign to and encouraging the development of new privately owned tourist attractions. 4) Positioning Western Australia as the “Western Gateway to Australia” by undertaking targeted conversion campaigns across key markets, driving growth in Asian markets, growing the cruise market, bringing new visitor experiences to market, and enhancing product quality and customer service. *Note. According to the Tourism WA Corporate Plan 2020-21 a new Action Plan and Long-Term Tourism Strategy will be developed in 2021

‘Western Australia Tourism – Our Story: The Spirit of Adventure’7 In 2019-20, Tourism WA consulted with more than 500 tourism industry business owners and leaders from across the State to develop a unique tourism brand story – the WA Spirit of Adventure. It is intended that this will be a common foundation and tool that helps frame tourism challenges and guide future events, destination development and advertising campaigns. There are five pillars that create the WA Spirt of Adventure Story:

6 Tourism WA, Two Year Action Plan 2018-2019 7 Tourism WA, Our Story Toolkit

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 10 Australia’s Golden Outback Destination Perceptions Research Series Summary8 In 2016 Kantar Public on behalf of Tourism WA, undertook research into perceptions of tourism destinations in Western Australia. The research identified gaps in product, strengths/opportunities to leverage and barriers to visitation. A number of strategies to increase visitor numbers were also identified: 1. Structure and promote the region by experience themes, in addition to location, and target specific audiences with an established interest in the experience types on offer (e.g., mining and 4WD/camping); 2. Develop Astronomy as a ‘new’ specialist experience for the region; 3. Improve culinary experiences and leverage local produce wherever possible; 4. Explore opportunities for personalized, small group tours that employ local guides; 5. Fill basic infrastructure and facilities gaps to address the inconveniences of access by car that exacerbate the time and difficulty barriers.

Growing Wheatbelt Tourism 2017-20209 The Wheatbelt Development Commissions, “Growing Wheatbelt Tourism 2017-2020” strategy identified initiatives aimed at driving industry growth and local employment in the tourism sector. The focus of the strategy was on:

1. Enhancing access, amenity and activity around four Wheatbelt tourism icons – New Norcia, the Pinnacles, Wave Rock and Wildflowers; 2. Connecting and enhancing second-tier tourism icons such as self-drive trails and events; 3. Building industry capacity through increased collaboration, training and data collection; 4. Improving physical and digital infrastructure; 5. Consolidating and developing tourist markets; and 6. Attracting private investment.

Strategies of direct or indirect relevance to the Eastern Wheatbelt are itemised in Appendix 2.

Eastern Wheatbelt Strategic Tourism Plan 2015-2017 (reviewed and extended to 2020)10 The Eastern Wheatbelt Strategic Tourism Plan 2015-2017 (reviewed and extended to 2020) identifies high level objectives around collaboration, industry engagement, leadership, and marketing, to develop the Eastern Wheatbelt as a tourism destination.

8 Tourism WA (2016). Destination Perceptions Research Series Summary – Golden Outback 9 Wheatbelt Development Commission (2017). Growing Wheatbelt Tourism 2017-2020 10 Central Wheatbelt Visitors Centre (2020). The Eastern Wheatbelt Strategic Tourism Plan 2015-2017 (reviewed and extended to 2020).

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 11 Central Wheatbelt Tourism Strategy 2009-201411 The Central Wheatbelt Tourism Strategy 2009-2014 was informed by a comprehensive audit of tourism product and extensive consultation with tourism stakeholders across 16 Local Governments in the Central, Northern and Eastern Wheatbelt. This strategy identified four key focus areas for product development in the Central Eastern Wheatbelt: 1. Continued improvements to significant sites and infrastructure; 2. Further development of self-drive routes and 4WD trails; 3. Development of activity-based attractions (e.g., walk/hike/bike trails); and 4. A series of across the region projects developed as a focus of grant funding applications. The audit of tourism product undertaken in developing this Strategy and recommendations of relevance to the Eastern Wheatbelt are provided in Appendix 3.

Our Story Deep Dive Workshop - Merredin October 2020 In the context of Tourism WA’s “The Spirit of Adventure” framework, an “Our Story Deep dive workshop” was held in Merredin in October 2020. The workshop attracted 38 tourism stakeholders from the Eastern Wheatbelt who identified that the key elements of the Eastern Wheatbelt story are the amazing landscapes and landforms, cultural and natural history, stunning wildflower displays and the regions agricultural and built history12 which align to the pillars of majestic landscapes, big skies; full of characters; and otherworldly phenomena.

NEWTravel Forward Directions 2019-2021 NEWTravel’s primary purpose is to promote the Wheatbelt Way self-drive route and the tourism assets in the NEWTravel area, which includes the Shire of Westonia. The NEWTravel Forward Directions 2019- 2021 strategy identifies three high level strategic directions: 1. Consistent branding and messaging of tourism assets; 2. Data collection for decision making and marketing; and 3. Partnerships.

Pioneers Pathway Strategic Operational Plan 2018-2021 The Pioneers Pathway Strategic Operational Plan identifies strategies for product development, marketing and governance and was intended to guide the activities of the Pioneers Pathway Advisory Committee and Executive Officer over the three-year term of the Plan. Strategies identified in the Plan are broadly summarized below: 1. Review existing self-drive itineraries and adapt these to identified target markets; 2. Develop stories to engage and educate visitors; 3. Establish partnerships for collaborative promotion and marketing;

11 Central Wheatbelt Visitors Centre (2009). Central Wheatbelt Tourism Strategy 2009-2014. 12 https://www.merredin.wa.gov.au/news/tourism-wa-our-story-deep-dive-session-comes-to-merredin/1160

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 12 4. Develop and expand an online presence through social media, online reviews and upgrading the Pioneers Pathway website; 5. Update marketing collateral (i.e., brochure); and 6. Improve governance through clear communication and shared commitment to priorities. MARKET ANALYSIS VISITOR TRENDS M a r ke t S e g m e n t s According to the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)13 domestic visitors are the lynchpins of regional destinations, accounting for over 90 percent of regional spend. Much of the domestic travel is intrastate, generated by urban dwellers visiting nearby regions. Perths 2.12 million14 residents represent a significant pool of potential visitors and are an important market segment for the Eastern Wheatbelt. In early 2017, Tourism WA15 identified a need to revisit its approach to segmentation in the domestic market as the existing audiences had become too broad to effectively target consumers through some media channels. In response to this, Tourism WA’s media agency, Carat, was engaged to develop a new and bespoke segmentation model for the domestic market, with the aim of improving the relevance and effectiveness of domestic marketing planning and advertising investment. The segmentation model divided the Australian travelling population into six market segments based on their holiday behaviors, travel needs, demographics and engagement with technology and different types of media: • Escape & Connect • Relax & Rewind • Off the Beaten Track • Culture Vultures • Family Fun • Bright Lights The market segments are described in detail in Appendix 4. The market segments most aligned to the visitor audience for the Eastern Wheatbelt are Relax and Rewind, Family Fun and Off the Beaten Track. What Motivates Visitors? According to Tourism WA16 there are several factors that intrastate leisure travellers in Western Australia take into consideration when choosing where to holiday:

• Good value for money • A range of things to see and do

13 Australian Trade and Investment Commission (2021). Opportunities for the Visitor Economy. A modern, diversified and collaborative path to 2030 14 ABS (2021), Regional Population 2019-20 Financial Year 15 Tourism WA (2017). Tourism WA’s New Domestic Market Segmentation Model 16 Tourism WA (2019). Intrastate Visitor Profile 2019.

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 13 • Great food and beverage offerings • Easy to get to and around

• A place where they can relax and unwind • Unspoilt natural beauty

• Easy to plan and book • Welcoming people

• Truly unique places and experiences • Great historical/heritage attractions

Tourism WA describes the travel needs or motivators for each of its domestic market segments. For the market segments relevant to the Eastern Wheatbelt these are:

Off the Beaten Track Travel for this segment is about avoiding crowds and ‘touristy’ destinations and discovering what is off the beaten track. Holidays are all about nature and wildlife experiences, particularly those that are unique, and balancing active, outdoor adventures with peace and relaxation. This segment thinks through their travel decisions carefully and want to know they are getting the best value for money, without wasting money on extras.

Relax & Rewind Holidays for this segment are all about relaxing, unwinding, and spending time with their partner. They want a complete break from all their responsibilities and worries when travelling – it should be easy and hassle free. When travelling, they enjoy balancing their rest and relaxation with sightseeing, food and wine experiences, and some shopping.

Family Fun Holidays for this segment are all about having fun as a family. This segment values ease and convenience when holidaying and seek out destinations, facilities, and experiences that are family friendly. Coastal and self-drive holidays are particularly appealing to this segment. Value for money is especially important to Family Fun travellers – they want to know they are getting the best bang for their buck.

Barriers to Travel According to Tourism WA17 the greatest barriers to intrastate travellers taking a leisure trip in WA are cost, followed by a preference for other destinations and lack of appeal. For the Australia’s Golden Outback tourism region specifically a lack of density was found to be the most serious and difficult barrier to visitation to the region. Additional barriers to travel include the time and distance between places and experiences, a lack of value and limited knowledge of the region18.

17 Tourism WA (2019). Intrastate Visitor Profile 2019. 18 Tourism WA (2016). Destination Perceptions Research Series Summary – Golden Outback

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 14 EMERGING MARKET TRENDS The potential for tourism growth in the Eastern Wheatbelt will be determined by its ability to capitalise on emerging market trends. The following forecasted travel trends will impact how tourism businesses in Australia operate and what travellers prioritise, in 2021 and beyond19.

Indigenous experiences S a f e t y is K e y Travel as a force for are on the rise Elements that were once perceived as g o o d Year on year, more and more travellers Australia’s barriers—isolation from the Today’s travellers are actively seeking out actively seek out and discover rest of the world and a large, sparsely travel experiences that allow them to give Indigenous tourism experiences populated land—are more desirable back to a destination. This can take many throughout the country that allow amongst travellers, post-COVID-19. forms from supporting local businesses to them to connect with and learn more Australia is now the country most getting hands on with community about Australia’s First Nations People. associated with safety and security. projects.

Naturally Wide - O p e n & Travel to regenerate The changing shape of Remote Destinations Following the turbulence of 2020, the domestic holidays With people craving wide-open spaces desire to use travel as a moment to Three key mindsets will drive recreational and fresh air after the events of 2020, reconnect and regenerate will travellers: there is a growing desire amongst all dominate in 2021. Soft adventure 1. Ticking off the backyard bucket list – market segments to experience nature experiences like multi-day walks and taking the time to explore Australia while in all its forms. People are tilting their wellness travel (i.e., spa holidays, yoga the pandemic is limiting overseas travel; travel spend towards experiences over retreats) have been growing in 2. Experimenting with the working purchasing products, with experiential popularity over the past few years, and holiday – flexible working arrangements tourism being one of the fastest the pandemic has only amplified the bought about by the pandemic provide an growing of all travel categories. desire for this style of holiday. opportunity to travel for more nights and not be constrained by annual leave or public holidays; 3. Romancing with the great Aussie road trip - given that much of the growth in domestic travel will be shorter, more frequent, and more affordable holidays, it is likely that many of these trips will be taken by road.

19 Travel trends sourced from https://www.ausleisure.com.au/news/tourism-australia-managing-director-predicts-top-global- travel-trends-for-2021/; KPMG Australia (2021). Beyond COVID-19: Time to explore more of our own backyard. How could COVID-19 reshape domestic tourism?; and Australian Trade and Investment Commission (2021). Opportunities for the Visitor Economy. A modern, diversified and collaborative path to 2030.

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 15 MARKET AWARENESS Currently there is not a well-established consumer brand for the Eastern Wheatbelt to enable targeted brand tracking for the region. The Australia’s Golden Outback Destination Perceptions Research Series20 suggests that amongst the domestic market the Golden Outback region is relatively unknown compared to other WA Destinations (only 20 percent of the domestic market know “quite a lot” or “a lot” about the Golden Outback), and knowledge of the Golden Outback tourism offering is weak, with the region not strongly associated with any one particular experience. A Google Trends analysis (see Table 1) shows that the town of Merredin is searched on Google an average of 2,816 times per annum, which is double that of any of the other major towns in the Eastern Wheatbelt. This suggests that market awareness for the town is potentially greater than the region itself. There is potential to leverage this awareness for the benefit of the whole Eastern Wheatbelt. A review of related search terms indicates that Eastern Wheatbelt towns are most often researched alongside other destinations signifying that these towns are possibly considered as a waypoint or as a connected experience along a greater journey. Shire Average Number of Related Topics Google Searches per annum Merredin 2,816 The prospector train service; windfarm; Merredin solar farm; the towns of Coolgardie, Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Leonora; and Orana cinema. Westonia 1,096 Carabbin; Westonia Caravan Park; and the town of Merredin. Southern 1,667 Southern Cross accommodation, Moorine Rock, and the town of Cross Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Kellerberrin 1,909 Trots; rodeo; and pub. Bruce Rock 1,404 Bruce Rock Caravan Park; Kokerbin Rock; and the town of Merredin. Tammin 1,443 The towns of Wyalkatchem, Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Southern Cross. Table 1. Google Trends Analysis for major Eastern Wheatbelt Towns. Note: Average number of searches is based on the five-year average from 2016 to 2020. COMPETITOR ANALYSIS While there are no defined hero or iconic experiences for the Eastern Wheatbelt, arguably the region’s greatest visitor drawcards are its well-publicised self-drive trails and natural attractions, including its spectacular granite rocks. These tourism offerings provide the focus for this competitor analysis. S e l f- Drive Trails Tourism WA promotes Western Australia as the “Home of the Road Trip”. The Western Australian Road’s Trip Guide 2020 lists the following drives, which could be considered as competitors to the Eastern Wheatbelt self-drive trails: • The Avon Valley 500 Loop (Northam, York, Toodyay and New Norcia)

20 Tourism WA (2016). Destination Perceptions Research Series Summary – Golden Outback

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 16 • The Great Southern Drive (Albany, Denmark and Mount Barker) • The Southwest Nature and Wine Drive (Bunbury, Margaret River, Pemberton and Manjimup) • The Southwest Edge (William Bay National Park, Porongurup National Park, Fitzgerald River National Park and Cape Le Grande National Park); • The Great Ocean Drive (Esperance) • The Golden Quest Discovery Trail (Kalgoorlie, Menzies, Kookynie, Leonora and Laverton) • The Indian Ocean Drive (Cervantes, Geraldton and Kalbarri) • The Wool Wagon Pathway (Mullewa, Gascoyne, Junction and Exmouth) • The West Kimberley Crossing (Broome, Derby and Fitzroy Crossing) • The Ardi Cultural Drive (Broome and Dampier Peninsula) • The Gibb River Road (Derby, the Gibb and Kununurra) • The Great Kimberley Inland Track (Mitchell Plateau and Kalumburu) • The Warlu Way (Ningaloo Reef and Karijini National Park) • The Great Kimberley Wilderness Loop (Purnululu National Park, El Questro, Windjana George National Park) A Google Trend Analysis comparing Self-Drive Trails one of the Eastern Wheatbelt’s most 1000 well recognised self-drive routes, the “Wheatbelt Way” with two of 800 the featured touring routes from the 600 2020 road trip guide (refer to Figure 3) suggests that awareness of the 400 Wheatbelt Way has increased 200 steadily over the past five years and interest escalated in 2020. Whilst 0 significantly outperformed by the 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Gibb River Road, the Wheatbelt Way Wheatbelt Way Golden Quest Discovery Trail attracts similar levels of interest to The Gibb River Road the Golden Quest Discovery Trail in the neighbouring Goldfields region. Figure 3. Google Trend Analysis for the Wheatbelt Way, the Gibb River Road and Golden Quest Discovery Trail1 Granite Rocks Kokerbin Rock in the Shire of Bruce Rock, and Elachbutting Rock in the Westonia Shire are two outstanding examples of granites in the Eastern Wheatbelt. A Google Trend Analysis (refer to Figure 4) indicates that while Wave Rock in the neighbouring Shire of Kondinin, attracts more attention (searched an average of 1,757 times per annum) than Elachbutting (average of 24 searches per annum) and Kokerbin (96 searches per annum on average) these Eastern Wheatbelt rocks receive comparatively similar levels of online interest to other well-known rocks in Western Australia.

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 17 Granites 3000

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Wave Rock Elachbutting Rock Kokerbin Castle Rock Mount Augustus

Figure 4. Google Trend Analysis for Kokerbin Rock, Elachbutting Rock, Castle Rock, Mount Augustus, and Wave Rock. Data extracted on 9 June 2021 How does the Eastern Wheatbelt Compare to Competitor Destinations? There is a myriad of other self-drive trails, cultural and natural attractions within the Wheatbelt and across the State that compete with the Eastern Wheatbelt for visitors. The comparative strengths of the product and experience offering in the Eastern Wheatbelt, and competitor destinations is summarised below:

Competitor Destination Strengths Eastern Wheatbelt Strengths

Accommodation – a higher standard and more Affordable – a range of free or inexpensive variety. experiences and accommodation options.

Variety of Attractions - Multiple attractions Proximity – some of the region’s biggest draw cards within one geographic area providing visitors are only a short distance from Perth (e.g., Kokerbin with a range of things to see and/or activities to Rock is approximately a 2-hour drive from Perth participate in. compared to Wave Rock which is a 4-hour drive).

Food and beverage – boutique local produce Escape from the crowds – visitors can experience and greater variety of dining options. the unique and unspoilt nature of the Eastern Wheatbelt without the throngs of tourists.

A hero experience – a bucket list place to see or Connected – The Eastern Wheatbelt is an ideal activity to do. waypoint on longer journeys or an added experience as part of a broader travel itinerary.

Tours – organised tours to and within the Unique Geology – the regions granite outcrops regions. offer a particular draw for the growing geo-tourist market.

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 18 C R E A T I N G A M U S T - SEE DESTINATION Austrade’s report “Opportunities for the Visitor Economy”21 suggests in order for a region or place to become a “must-see” destination they need seven distinct strengths: An anchor attraction, one that people want to go to. Some destinations are blessed with natural features or cultural experiences, while others have built up an irresistible food, wine and culture region, often highlighted by annual events. A supporting ecosystem that delivers ‘classic’ itineraries. A destination needs diverse, quality experiences for multi-generational visitors, to avoid being a one-hit wonder. These may span cultural, immersive or adventure activities alongside the anchor attraction, as well as offering consistently strong service, accommodation and dining. Luxury accommodation options. Wealthier Australians are keen to visit regional destinations for the nature and adventure they offer, but the high-end market is not well catered for in regional destinations. Boutique high-end accommodation can be its own destination, but it is more likely to succeed if it is nestled in a region with a strong supporting visitor ecosystem. Seamless physical and digital access. This would include regular and affordable direct flights, or the benefit of being close to a capital city. It would also include easy public or shared transport when there, parking that does not detract from the site itself, and broadband access of global city quality. Destinations should ensure there is physical and digital access for the elderly and people with a disability. Strong marketing of that value proposition. This includes outreach of all types, as well as a digital preview of the destination that inspires commitment once the idea has been planted. A strong social license to operate. Even more so than cities, the Visitor Economy in regional destinations needs balanced development and the full support of the community. Visitor Economy businesses will only operate successfully if they are welcome in their communities. Dedicated resilience and sustainability strategies, including adaptation to increased costs and risks to peak seasons and natural attractions.

21 Australian Trade and Investment Commission (2021). Opportunities for the Visitor Economy. A modern, diversified, and collaborative path to 2030

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 19 T O U R I S M P R O D U C T AUDIT Assessing the tourism product of a region is difficult because there are innumerable factors that shape the decisions people make about where to visit. The weather, landscapes, towns offering a range of interesting things to see and do, the quality and price of accommodation and food and drink on offer and the ease of getting to a location, are all important considerations for travellers. For the purposes of this audit the tourism product and experiences have been grouped under six product clusters. An online presence review has also been undertaken to understand the accessibility and quality of information for potential travellers.

Whilst accommodation is a core visitor product, it is not included within the scope of this audit (with the exception of caravanning and camping) as a comprehensive visitor accommodation study was undertaken for the Central Eastern Wheatbelt in 201622. This study identified strategies to improve existing and develop new accommodation and should be referred to for recommendations specific to the accommodation offering of the Eastern Wheatbelt. A summary of these recommendations is provided in Appendix 5. This section focuses on high-level regional product gaps and opportunities. The detailed audit undertaken for each of the six Eastern Wheatbelt local Governments is provided in Appendix 6 and identifies some location specific opportunities for product improvement and development. Previous reviews of the tourism product and experiences for the Wheatbelt and Central Wheatbelt regions provided a valuable backdrop to the current audit. A summary of the recommendations made in this earlier work, that pertains to the Eastern Wheatbelt is provided in Appendices 2 and 3. While many of the recommendations have now been implemented, those that have not are worth reconsideration.

22 Solum, Wheatbelt Business Solutions (2016). Visitor Accommodation Study: An overview of current availability and standard of accommodations across the Central Wheatbelt.

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 20 CARAVAN & CAMPING In 2019, caravanning and camping provided 31 percent of total domestic holiday visitor nights outside Australia’s capital cities23. The COVID-19 pandemic and the ban on overseas travel has spurred a boom in caravanning and recreational vehicle (RV) travel in Australia, resulting in a spike in caravan sales and enquires across all States and Territories, some by as much as 30 percent24. In Western Australia there were 105,357 RVs registered in 2020, which represents an increase of 7,496 over the previous year25. The Caravan Industry Association of Australia State of the Industry Report 202026 indicates that COVID-19 has impacted on the mindset of caravanners and campers with 62 percent indicating that they are more likely to take a domestic holiday than before, and 50 percent indicating that they are now more likely to travel regionally. Also of note is the shift in demand for caravans and RVs, with families and young midlife couples being the biggest market as of the end of September 2020. The Eastern Wheatbelt region is well placed to capitalise on the increased interest and anticipated growth in the caravan and camping industry. Across the region visitors have access to commercial caravan parks, free camping sites with amenities such as self-composting toilets, fire pits, walk-trails and picnic areas, and fully self-contained sites with no amenities. Commercial caravan parks in the Eastern Wheatbelt are owned and operated by a mix of Local Government and private enterprises and offer a range of visitor amenities including camp kitchens, ablutions, powered sites, RV dump points, and coin operated guest laundries. In total there are seven commercial caravan parks in the Eastern Wheatbelt region with rates for powered sites ranging from $10 up to $35 per night (for up to two guests). This is below the average daily rate of $52 for powered caravan sites in Western Australia27. Bookings for commercial caravan parks within the Eastern Wheatbelt are primarily made via email or over the phone. The only exception to this is the Westonia Caravan Park, where an online booking platform is available on the Shire’s website. A survey undertaken in 2020 by “Camps Australia Wide” found that while the majority of campers (68 percent) will stay at all types of camping sites and caravan parks, 27 percent of their camping community never stay in caravan parks, rather they choose to stay in free and budget sites only28. In the Eastern Wheatbelt there are 21 free camping sites, with varying levels of amenity. There is limited data on the number of visitors who utilize free camping sites through the Eastern Wheatbelt and their contribution toward the region’s visitor economy. The Central Wheatbelt Visitors Centre captures data on RV’s staying at the Merredin Peak Reserve through a survey. On average there are 36 RV visitors who stay overnight at the reserve each year and complete the survey at the Visitors Centre (based on data collected from 2016 to 2020)29. This is not a true reflection of the total number of visitors who stay at the reserve each year, with the Central Wheatbelt Visitors Centre suggesting that the total number is closer to 730 (average of two RV’s per night year round). Of the visitors who completed the survey, the majority indicated that they will likely spend between $100-$200 in Merredin during their visit.

23 Caravan Industry Association of Australia (2020). October Federal Pre-Budget Submission 24 Caravan sales rise in Australia due to domestic road trips increase | escape.com.au 25 https://caravanstats.com.au/accommodation-stats/ 26 https://www.rmscloud.com/blog/2020-insights-into-australias-caravan-and-camping-industry 27 https://caravanstats.com.au/accommodation-stats/ 28 https://www.campsaustraliawide.com/how-much-do-freedom-campers-spend-in-communities-they-visit/ 29 Central Wheatbelt Visitors Centre RV Survey

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 21 The Shire of Bruce Rock similarly collect data for the Kwolyin campsite via a survey. The survey data suggests that between June 2020 and June 2021 there were 355 overnight visitors to the campsite30. This is only reflective of the visitors who complete the survey, and it is likely that the actual number of visitors is much higher.

Commercial & Non-Commercial Caravan/Camping in the Eastern Wheatbelt

Shire Commercial Free Camp (Facilities Free Camp (Self- Provided) Contained) Bruce Rock (RVT) 1 1 1 Yilgarn (RVT) 2 4 6 Merredin (RVT) 1 2 0 Kellerberrin 1 1 0 Tammin (RVD) 0 3 0 Westonia (RVT) 2 1 2 TOTAL 7 13 8 Table 2. Caravan/Campgrounds of the Eastern Wheatbelt. Note. *Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia, RVF Friendly Town Program designations; RVT = RV Friendly Town, RVD = RV Friendly Destination GAPS OPPORTUNITIES

• Extend the use of RV survey’s (such as that • The online presence of commercial and non- used by the Central Wheatbelt Visitors Centre commercial caravan and camping sites in the and Shire of Bruce Rock) to other free camp region is limited - only one of the commercial sites to enable more comprehensive data caravan parks in the region (Merredin Tourist collection and understanding of self-contained Park) has a dedicated website; only one visitor behaviors and expectations. commercial caravan park has an online • booking platform (Westonia caravan park); Develop and adopt a regional caravan and and social media presence, and reviews on camping strategy that identifies opportunities travel forums are minimal. to increase the number of self-contained and non-self-contained visitors at free and • The Shire of Kellerberrin is not registered with commercial caravan and camping sites in the the Campervan and Motorhome Club of region. Australia, RV Friendly Towns program. • Facilitate greater digital access to bookings (for • Poor treatment of free camping areas commercial caravan parks) and visitor (particularly from non-self-contained campers) information on campsites in the region. and illegal camping is difficult to manage and • police. Improve market awareness of caravan/camping facilities in the region by actively encouraging traveller reviews and referrals. • Investigate the opportunity to implement the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Campground Hosting Program in

30 Data provided by the Shire of Bruce Rock via email on 29 July 2021

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 22 high volume camping locations through the region (e.g., Elachbutting, Kwyolin and Karalee). • Promote caravan and camping sites in connection with key visitor attractions in the region. TRAILS Trail’s development has been a key focus of tourism planning over recent years. For example, the Two-Year Action Plan for Tourism in WA 2018-1931 identifies a focus on trails as a key strategy to attract more people, more often to regional Western Australia and in 2019 Tourism WA launched a global campaign promoting Western Australia as the “home of the road trip”. The Two-Year Action Plan for Nature Based Tourism in Western Australia 2019-2032 identifies the opportunity to make Western Australia a “premier trails destination”; and the Two-Year Tourism Action Plan for Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries 2019-2033 similarly identifies the opportunity to establish iconic trails to promote WA as a world-class trails and outdoor recreation destination. Most visitors to the Eastern Wheatbelt are self-drive tourists across all market segments34. There are a number of established touring routes exist in the region, providing visitors with a pathway to a particular destination (e.g., Pathways to Wave Rock); an alternative to travelling along the Great Eastern Highway (e.g., Pioneers Pathway), or are an attraction in themselves (e.g., FORM’s PUBLIC Silo Trail). The WA Hiking Strategy 2020-203035 identifies that there are more than 300 bushwalking trails of varying experiences and quality in Western Australia. The strategy suggests that with recreational walking continuing to be one of the most popular forms of physical activity in Australia, trails are increasingly becoming a crucial part of the tourism offerings of the world’s great nature-based locations – with quality walking and hiking options helping to attract visitors from all over. Within the Eastern Wheatbelt bushwalking and urban trails (refer to Table 3), most with well-defined trail markers and interpretation provide an experience element for visitors to the regions natural and cultural attractions. The Western Australian Strategic Trails Blueprint 2017-202136 identified that people are increasingly using digital technologies (such as smartphones and apps) and social media to access information about trails and record their trail activities and there are increasing expectations for delivery of trail interpretation through digital sources. The Trails WA website and its associated Trail Talk portal and app, is a free resource providing detailed information on recreational trail experiences that has evolved into the richest source of information for trails experiences in Western Australia, and now contains information on over

31 Tourism WA, Two-Year Action Plan for Tourism in WA 2018-19 32 Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Two Year Action Plan for Nature Based Tourism in Western Australia 2019 and 2020. 33 Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (2019). The Two-Year Tourism Action Plan for Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries 2019-20 34 Central Wheatbelt Tourism Strategy 2009-2014 35 Project Management Group and Common Ground Trails. The WA Hiking Strategy: Bushwalking and trail running in Western Australia 2020 - 2030 36 Department of Sport and Recreation (2017). The Western Australian Strategic Trails Blueprint 2017-2021

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 23 700 trails and has attracted over 15,000 followers on social media37. Highlighting the prominence of this platform, the WA Hiking Strategy 2020-30 indicates that 46 percent of people surveyed in developing the strategy, have used the Trails WA website. Listings of Eastern Wheatbelt trails on Trails WA are limited (fewer than 10). Furthermore, no Eastern Wheatbelt trails are identified as a “bucket list” trail and only one (the Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail) is identified on Trails WA’s top 64 trails in Western Australia, which are nominated by travellers based on having a “wow” factor that showcases WA at its best. Some trails have dedicated websites (e.g., Pathways to Wave Rock, the Wheatbelt Way, FORMS Public Silo Trail) however the primary source of trails information are the Department of Parks and Wildlife, Local Government, and regional tourism organisation (i.e., Australia’s Golden Outback and Central Wheatbelt Visitors Centre) websites, which provide varying amounts of information on the region’s trails.

WALK/CYCLE TRAILS DRIVE TRAILS

Name Type Listed on Name Type Listed on Trails WA Trails WA Kellerberrin Heritage Trail HCA N The Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail HCA Y Ghooli Pump Station Walk HCA N FORMS Public Silo Trail HCA N Merredin Heritage Walk HCA Y Pioneers Pathway HCA Y Merredin North walk/cycle trail HCA N WWII Military History Trail HCA N Merredin South walk/cycle trail HCA N Collgar Windfarm Trail HCA N WW11 Army Hospital Trail HCA N Totadgin Conservation Park & HCA Solar Farm Trail N Kokerbin Rock Walk Nature N Rabbit Proof Fence, Westonia & HCA Hood-Penn Museum Trail N Kwolyin Loop Trails: Granite Nature Y WW11 Army Hospital Trail HCA N Gardens, Cathedral Rocks, Railway and Pioneer Walk Karalee Dam Walk Trails Nature N Pathways to Wave Rock Nature N Helena and Aurora Range Bush Nature N Granite Way Nature N Walk Trails Sandford Rocks Discovery Trail Nature N Kokerbin Rock Scenic Drive Trail Nature N Baladjie Rock Trail Nature N Bruce Rock Wildflower Drive Nature N Woodlands & Wildflowers Nature N Wheatbelt Wonders Trail Nature N Heritage Trail Elachbutting Rock Walk & Drive Nature Y Wave Rock Wildflowers Trail Nature N Trails Totadgin Conservation Park Nature Y Yilgarn Granite Discovery South Nature N Interpretive Trail & Gnamma Walk Merredin Peak Nature Y Yilgarn Granite Discovery North Nature N Tamma Parkland Nature N Great Western Woodlands Nature N Frog Rock Walk Trail Nature N Merredin Wildflower Trail Nature N Durokoppin Walk Trail Nature N The Wheatbelt Way Nature Y Yorkrakine Rock Walk Trail Nature N Elachbutting Rock Walk & Drive Nature Y Trails Weowanie – Karalee Track Nature N Table 3. Self-Guided Walk, cycle, and drive trails of the Eastern Wheatbelt. *Note. HCA = Heritage/Culture/Arts

37 Trails WA Facebook followers as of 15 June 2021

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 24 GAPS OPPORTUNITIES

• The development of an Eastern Wheatbelt • While some trails linking to Eastern Regional Trails Master Plan will help to: Wheatbelt destinations have dedicated a) Identify and map all trails in the area, websites and are well promoted/marketed, categorized in accordance with the information on smaller local trails can be classifications on Trails WA (i.e., bushwalking, difficult and time consuming to source. urban walking trails, cycle trails, 2WD/4WD • The quality of existing walk trails and drive trails, etc.) associated infrastructure varies b) Assess access, signage, interpretation and considerably with some having extensive supporting amenities on trails to identify gaps interpretation and clear wayfinding and areas requiring maintenance and upgrades; signage, while others have little to no c) Identify opportunities for new (iconic) trails to signage and offer minimal visitor amenity. be developed and promoted through a staged • Listings of Eastern Wheatbelt trails on Trails program of trail development. WA are limited (fewer than 10), and no • Continue to support cross-promotion of existing Eastern Wheatbelt trails are identified as a trails. “bucket list” trail and only one (the Golden • Identify opportunities for digital trail innovation Pipeline Heritage Trail) is identified on through: Trails WA’s top 64 trails in Western - The collection of trail-related data to assist Australia. planning for future trails development and • Tourism WA’s, Western Australian Road maintenance (e.g., visitor data collection Trip Guide 2020, which is a key promotional through QR codes such as those provided collateral for the “home of the road trip through guest track); campaign”, does not include any Eastern - Delivery of trail interpretation through digital Wheatbelt destinations or linking road sources (e.g., QR codes as used on the Westonia trips. Woodlands & Wildflower Heritage Trail). • The Wheatbelt Region Parks and Reserves • Ensure all trails are entered into the Trails WA Management Plan 202138 identifies that database. there are no existing cycle trails on reserves • Partner with Trails WA to promote and market in the region and demand and use for this Eastern Wheatbelt trails. type of trail is likely to grow in the region • given that cycling in natural areas, Ensure consistent branding and marketing of particularly mountain biking, is becoming Eastern Wheatbelt trails to achieve greater increasingly popular. recognition of trails. • Encourage enthusiast groups (e.g., 4WD clubs, bushwalking groups, etc.) to facilitate events incorporating Eastern Wheatbelt trails. • Make the Eastern Wheatbelt part of an ongoing journey experience by connecting to other trails.

38 Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (2019). Wheatbelt Region Parks and Reserves Management Plan 95, 2021

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 25 • Develop and promote a new touring route that connects hero experiences or anchor attractions of the Eastern Wheatbelt. • Co-operatively promote existing walking trails through a “Best Walks of the Eastern Wheatbelt” campaign. PARKS, NATURE & RESERVES The Two-Year Action Plan for Nature Based Tourism in Western Australia 2019 and 202039, identifies nature-based tourism as one of the fastest growing sectors in the global tourism industry and consumer demand research shows that the number two driver of destination choice globally is nature and wildlife40. Outdoor recreation and nature-based activities are likewise a primary motivator for most leisure tourists to the Eastern Wheatbelt. The principal natural attractions of the Eastern Wheatbelt region are the many granite rocks, salt lake systems and native vegetation which offer outstanding scenic value and a range of recreational experiences to visitors (e.g., bushwalking, water skiing, picnicking, camping, birdwatching and wildflower spotting). Visitor amenity (e.g., picnic/BBQ areas, toilets, interpretation, lookouts, and walking trails) is provided to varying degrees at sites across the region to enable visitors to stay, explore and learn about the region’s natural assets. Access to many of these attractions is (at least partially) via unsealed roads, some of which are limited to four-wheel drive vehicles only, particularly after rain. The Wheatbelt Region Parks and Reserves Management Plan 202141, identifies a list of “top ranked” recreation sites and reserves within the Eastern Wheatbelt region (see Table 4). These sites will be the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) focus for recreation development and promotion going forward. In 2019, the State Government announced a plan to create five million hectares of new national and marine parks and conservation reserves across Western Australia. The “Plan for Our Parks”42 is intended to create more opportunities for nature-based and cultural tourism, provide enhanced biodiversity conservation and build on Aboriginal joint management throughout Western Australia. One of the proposed parks is the 333,127-hectare Helena and Aurora Ranges National Park, which is located in the the Shire of Yilgarn approximately 100 km north of Southern Cross. The proposed Park presents

39 Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.Two Year Action Plan for Nature Based Tourism in Western Australia 2019 and 2020 40 Tourism Research Australia (2020). State of the Industry 2018-2019 41 Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (2019). Wheatbelt Region Parks and Reserves Management Plan 95, 2021 42 Government of Western Australia (2019). Plan for our Parks

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 26 an outstanding opportunity for the Eastern Wheatbelt to develop tourism product based on the natural and cultural values of the range. Geotourism is emerging as a new global phenomenon which fosters tourism based upon landscapes. The Geological Society of Australia has formally defined Geotourism as “tourism which focuses on an area’s geology and landscape as the basis for providing visitor engagement, learning and enjoyment”43. A potential Geopark based around the Eastern Wheatbelt’s ‘geo-park assets’ (e.g., Mt. Caroline, Mt. Stirling and Kokerbin Rock) has been identified44 and would enable the development of specific tourism product (e.g., geo-trails and geo-tours) based around the regions geographical features. In 2001, the International Dark-Sky Association set up a program to award destinations working to preserve their dark skies. Thanks to the growing awareness and increasing numbers of designated dark- sky parks, communities, sanctuaries, and reserves Astrotoursm is continuing to gain momentum. In Australia there are currently three designated dark sky places, which are located in Queensland, South Australia and New South Wales. Astrotourism Western Australia has its own list of designated “astrotourism towns”, none of which are in the Eastern Wheatbelt. Eastern Wheatbelt locations where the dark skies are free from artificial light pollution present an opportunity to attract this growing market segment. Site Managing Authority Kellerberrin-Trayning Rd / Durokoppin Nature Kellerberrin and Trayning Shires; and DBCA Reserve Bruce Rock Nature Reserve DBCA /private property Baladjie Lake DBCA /DWER/Westonia Shire Hunts Soak Yilgarn Shire Totadgin Conservation Park DBCA Merredin Peak Merredin Shire Sandford Rocks Nature Reserve DBCA Kokerbin Nature Reserve DBCA/ Bruce Rock Shire Karalee Rock National Trust Frog Rock Nature Reserve DBCA Yorkrakine Rock Nature Reserve DBCA Table 4. DBCA Top ranked” recreation sites and reserves for recreation development and promotion in the Eastern Wheatbelt. Note: Sites in bold font are recognised DBCA recreation sites. GAPS OPPORTUNITIES

• Work with the DBCA to identify opportunities • Road infrastructure to some of the natural for development of new or upgrading of attractions of the region is accessible only by existing facilities at the priority sites identified 4WD, particularly after rain. in Table 4. • Limited visitation data for non DBCA • Develop immersive tourism products and managed sites makes it difficult to plan and experiences at high visitation nature-based prioritise product development at nature- attractions. based destinations.

43 https://www.gsa.org.au/ 44 Alan Briggs (2016). Stakeholder perceptions about establishing a Geopark in the Wheatbelt of Western Australia.

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 27 • Managing and maintaining sites that are • Support the implementation of the “Plan for remote from major towns, particularly Our Parks” initiative to develop the Helena and during peak visitation periods, is challenging. Aurora Range National Park within the Shire of • Unsanctioned activities and experiences Yilgarn and identify opportunities for new (e.g., rock climbing and overnight camping) nature-based and cultural tourism at day use only reserves is difficult to police. opportunities building off this initiative. • Natural attractions in the region lack • Give further consideration to the merits of immersive experiences and largely rely on establishing a Geopark in the Eastern passive viewing of nature to attract visitors. Wheatbelt. • Constrained budgets (both at a Local and • Improve the self-drive visitor experience State Government level) create difficulties in through the upgrading of some unsealed maintaining key visitor infrastructure and roads, road widening and improvements to raising the level and quality of visitor road related infrastructure such as new or experiences at nature-based attractions. enhanced parking bays and signage. • Join the Astrotourism WA network and promote the Eastern Wheatbelt as a dark sky region. • Investigate the potential of the Eastern Wheatbelt or specific locations within the region, becoming a dark sky designated place. CULTURE, ART & HERITAGE According to the Tourism Council WA45 cultural tourism gives visitors the opportunity to understand and appreciate the essential character of a place and its culture, including its history, people, cultural diversity, arts and architecture and, food, wine and other local produce. Art tourism includes events and cultural packages that express the identity of a region and heritage tourism focuses on the unique history and built heritage of a place. Visitor-ready cultural, heritage and art attractions, activities, and events provide the impetus to attract tourists year-round and to extend the stay of nature-based and recreational tourists. The National Trust’s Heritage Tourism Directions Paper46 indicates that the cultural and heritage activity segments are experiencing a combined industry growth of 8.5 percent, above the national average and almost on parity with the more mature ecotourism industry. The paper suggests that the reason for this growth is that tourism, globally, is “becoming more about journeys and experiences than simply viewing or visiting places and destinations” and travellers are seeking to connect with the local community, immerse themselves in local culture and develop a rich knowledge and understanding of place. Visitors that are interested in heritage and cultural tourism, according to the discussion paper, are likely to participate in the following types of activities: • Historical events, festivals, concerts, and performances; • Places that have aesthetic, historic, scientific, social, or spiritual value; • Historically significant buildings, neighborhoods, parks or communities; • Museums, churches, art galleries and theatres that have a community story to tell; • Themed touring routes and trails that can be driven, cycled, or walked;

45 https://tourismcouncilwa.com.au/cultural-arts-and-heritage 46 National Trust of Australia (2018). Heritage Tourism Directions Paper

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 28 • Natural and modified landscapes that reflect indigenous, industrial, and farming values; • Ancestry related stories and records; and • National customs including food and wine, arts, craft, and language. The Eastern Wheatbelt has several offerings across these types of activities that are largely oriented toward the agricultural, military, mining, and early settlers’ story of the region (refer to Table 5). For example, the Bruce Rock Back to the Bush Veterans Reunion (historical festival/event); hunts wells and dams in various locations throughout the region (places of historic value); the Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail and Pioneers Pathway (themed touring routes); six museums; and Cummins Theatre (heritage theatre with an important community story to tell). There are also 35 State Registered Heritage Places47, which add significant heritage value to the Eastern Wheatbelt, the majority of which are located in the Shires of Yilgarn (e.g., Karalee Reservoir, Rock Catchment and Aqueduct) and Merredin (e.g., Cummins Theatre). A small sample of heritage listed places in the region is provided in Table 5. Temporary and fixed public art exhibitions are a massive drawcard for visitors. Some recent evidence of this from within Western Australia includes the Collie Mural Trail, which during its development saw the number of visitors to the Collie Visitor Centre doubling48, and the field of lights in Albany which attracted more than 186,000 visitors during the seven months it was installed49. Self-guided art trails (e.g., Ravensthorpe’s Farm Gate Art Trail, Kulin’s Tin Horse Highway, and the Chainsaw Sculpture Drive in Albany) are also continuing to grow in popularity. Bruce Rock’s mosaic pathway and sculpture garden; Westonia’s Wolfram Street Facades; and Southern Cross’s Emu Park mural, are examples of existing public art in the Eastern Wheatbelt. The Eastern Wheatbelt also has one art trail, FORMS PUBLIC Silo Trail, which is an “open-air gallery” of murals on silos, walls and electrical boxes across seven locations in the Wheatbelt and Great Southern.

47 Based on Local Government data extracted from inHerit 48 https://www.swdc.wa.gov.au/visitors-surge-to-collie-as-collie-mural-trail-nears-completion/ 49 https://travelandynews.com/field-of-light-installation-wa-generated-millions-dollars/

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 29 Tourism WA has identified that there is substantial unmet demand for authentic Aboriginal on-country experiences50. The Two-Year Tourism Action Plan for Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries 2019-2051 identifies the need to support Aboriginal cultural tourism by creating strong interpretations and experiences to help tourists emotionally connect with Aboriginal products; and by showcasing the unique Western Australian Aboriginal heritage as a “hero product” in all tourism products. In the Eastern Wheatbelt on-country experiences are extremely limited, with the Njaki, Njaki Aboriginal Cultural day tours and the recently added overnight tagalong tour (introduced in 2020) 52 operating out of Merredin, the only real local offering. Heritage, Art & Cultural Attractions of the Eastern Wheatbelt

Museums Public Art Examples of Heritage Listed Places Hood Penn Museum Mosaic Pathway Bruce Rock Cummins Theatre, Merredin Merredin Railway Museum Emu Park Mural Southern Cross Karalee Reservoir, Rock Catchment & Aqueduct Merredin Military Museum Wolfram Street Facades Westonia No. 6 Steam Pumping Station, Ghooli Yilgarn History Museum Merredin Silo Art Agricultural Hall, Kellerberrin Kellerberrin Pioneer Museum Bruce Rock Amphitheatre & Sculpture Park Bruce Rock Shire Offices Bruce Rock Museum & Steve’s Art Studio Shackleton Edna May Tavern, Westonia Machinery Museum Table 5. Sample of Heritage, Art and Cultural Attractions of the Eastern Wheatbelt GAPS OPPORTUNITIES

• Aboriginal on-country experiences and • Through research and engagement of local opportunities to engage in the First Nations Aboriginal people, identify respectful and story of the region are very limited in the appropriate opportunities for Aboriginal cultural Eastern Wheatbelt. and heritage tourism and education. • Museums and related attractions have • Develop points of interest and interpretive limited opening hours/days and heavily rely signage that highlights the Aboriginal significance on a volunteer workforce. and heritage of key destinations across the • The visitor experience varies at heritage region. attractions, ranging from highly developed • Investigate contemporary, inclusive and visitor-ready to undeveloped potential interpretation technology and tools (e.g., and limited access. augmented and virtual reality) to reshape visitor • While art is a feature of most Eastern experiences and provide a more in-depth Wheatbelt towns, art tourism is not well understanding of the region’s heritage and developed in the region. culture. • The Central Wheatbelt Tourism Strategy • Build and promote self-guided itineraries that 2007-2017 notes that museums in the connect heritage, cultural and/or arts region tend to lack differentiation, are experiences, precincts, and destinations, to drive off-season visitation.

50 Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (2019). The Two-Year Tourism Action Plan for Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries 2019-20 51 Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (2019). The Two-Year Tourism Action Plan for Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries 2019-20 52 WAITOC Aboriginal Tours & Experiences in Western Australia.

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 30 relatively static and have minimal • Develop art tourism in the region by: interactive opportunities - Commissioning fixed or temporary art installations that showcase the heritage and cultural values of the region; - Connect visitors to existing art in the region by including art as a feature in destination marketing and through dedicated campaigns (e.g., a “Hidden gems of the Eastern Wheatbelt campaign”). - Expand the regions existing art trail (the PUBLIC Silo Trail) to include other Eastern Wheatbelt locations, by following the example of Katanning, where murals have been painted on western power electrical transformer boxes and on walls throughout the town rather than on silos. - Investigate concepts for the development of a new art trail, that is unique to the Eastern Wheatbelt. • Cross-market cultural, art and heritage activities with: a) Like venues (e.g., museums promote visitation to each other) to encourage multi-site visitation throughout the region; and b) Recreation and nature-based activities and experiences to encourage visitors to stay longer and come into towns. EVENTS Events have benefits well beyond any direct revenue they generate. They are a great way to promote a region, provide a compelling reason to visit and build awareness amongst new visitor markets. Events also foster a positive destination image, encourage overnight stays, drive incremental trips, and increase the amount that visitors spend. Austrade (2021)53 suggests that: 1. Diverse events should be a key element of long-term regional strategies and of post-pandemic strategies. 2. Destinations should have a “show-stopping” event on their calendar, with an ecosystem of satellite events. 3. Events should align with the destination’s natural advantages and with target-market travel preferences, and be spread throughout the year to coincide with periods of high demand (e.g. school holidays) as well as periods of low demand. 4. Financial enablers such as funding pools, be explored to mitigate upfront costs of establishing events.

53 Australian Trade and Investment Commission (2021). Opportunities for the Visitor Economy. A modern, diversified and collaborative path to 2030

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 31 Festivals and events in the Eastern Wheatbelt region are primarily agricultural or sporting related (see Table 6) and are generally organized by Local Government staff or volunteer individuals/groups (e.g., Agricultural Societies). Niche events including the Bruce Rock Back to the Bush Veterans Reunion and the Woodstock Country Muster in Kellerberrin are popular, attracting as many as 2,500 people per annum. Participatory sports events including motorsport at the Kellerberrin Speedway and horse racing at the Central Wheatbelt Harness Racing Club attract more modest but recurring visitor numbers (200-300 people per meet). There are no “show-stopping” events on the scale of the Kimberley’s “Ord Valley Muster” or the South West’s Gourmet Escape, in the region at present.

The Two-Year Action Plan for Nature Based Tourism in Western Australia 2019-2054 identifies the opportunity to extend the Kings Park Wildflower Festival concept to incorporate multiple sites and venues throughout Western Australia during September and October. Wildflowers are a popular visitor attraction within the Eastern Wheatbelt and broader Australia’s Golden Outback region. Locally based, multi-site events showcasing wildflowers could be developed to coincide with and complement the Kings Park Wildflower Festival and incorporate other regional attractions. Some examples of extended event programs featuring seasonal wildflowers that could be replicated in some form in the Eastern Wheatbelt include: 1. The annual Bloom Festival in the Great Southern Region of Western Australia: A month long program (September to October) of over 60 events spread over 19 towns, incorporating wildflower displays, informative workshops, guided walks, and food events. 2. The Wattle Week Festival in Dalwallinu: Held in September each year the festival features a range of events within a 100-kilometer radius of Dalwallinu including bonfires, bush breakfasts, wildflower tours, sundowners, and farm tours. According to Tourism Research Australia55 attending a regional event means you are more likely to attend another regional event and therefore the best place to advertise a regional event is at another regional event. The development of a coordinated annual events program presents an opportunity for the Eastern

54 Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Two Year Action Plan for Nature Based Tourism in Western Australia 2019 and 2020. 55 Tourism Research Australia (2014). Food and Wine Tourism in Western Australia

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 32 Wheatbelt to foster greater cross-promotion of events and encourage multi-site visitation within the region. Event Cost Per Adult Frequency Next or Most Recent Event Date

Merredin Show $15 Annual 19 March 2021 Merredin Gateway Festival Unknown Annual 24-26 September 2021 Merredin Twilight International Food Free Annual 19 March 21 Festival Cummins Theatre Varies Regular events throughout the calendar year February, May, August, Merredin Markets Free Quarterly November Tammin Fuse Festival Free Annual 17 April 2021 Kellerberrin & Districts Agricultural Show $10 Annual 16 October 2021 Kellerberrin Speedway $15 Average of 5 per year 2 June 2021 Central Wheatbelt Harness Racing Club Free 12 meets each season April - November 2021 Woodstock Country Muster $45-$55 Annual 19 - 20 February 2021 Back to the Bush Veterans Reunion Free Annual 1-7 November 2021 Bruce Rock and Districts Agricultural $15 Biennial 18 September 2021 Show Wessy on The Green Free Biennial 24 - 25 April 2021 Southern Cross Car & Bike Show and Swap Gold coin donation Annual 26 September 21 Meet Yilgarn Agricultural Show $15 Annual 28 August 21

Table 6. Annual Events Schedule for the Eastern Wheatbelt GAPS OPPORTUNITIES

• A Regional Events Strategy/Feasibility Study could help • There are no coordinated or linked to identify opportunities for: events encouraging multi-site - New community driven niche events and potentially visitation and longer duration stays. one “show-stopping” event for the region; • There is no signature or show-stopping - Events that can link in a range of experiences and event in the region. landscapes across the region; and • Festivals and events are often - Quirky or different events that can be held in non- organized for residents without traditional venues and which will capture the attention consideration to tourist appeal. of new visitor markets and drive both peak and off- • Most events in the region are season visitation. organized by volunteer groups or • Ensure events are integrated into experience and individuals, and there are limited destination marketing initiatives. qualified event management staff, • Develop a coordinated regional events program to which makes events of regional avoid event clashes and to encourage cross-promotion significance difficult to develop and of events. sustain. • Encourage and provide support for compatible events to be hosted in the Eastern Wheatbelt (e.g., 4WD meets, trail running or cycling events).

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 33 • Leverage off events in surrounding regions and neighboring Shires to attract visitors (e.g., the Wave Rock weekender and Kalgoorlie Cup). • Leverage existing sporting events (e.g., Kellerberrin speedway and harness racing meets) to attract visitors to region and through cross promotion with tourism activities, encourage overnight stays. FOOD & DRINK Food and beverage consumption is an intrinsic part of the tourist experience. It can play a strong role in affecting destination choice, it is an important channel for tourists to experience the local culture and can greatly influence the overall visitor experience. Tourism Research Australia and Tourism Western Australia56 undertook a study on food and wine tourism in Western Australia to identify important considerations for visitors when considering a holiday destination and found that: 1) The ability to explore by car is the most influential factor when considering a holiday destination in Western Australia, while offering good food, wine and local produce is the fifth most important factor. 2) When considering specific food and wine experiences, local produce, regional specialties and dining locations (beautiful/spectacular surroundings) generate the most interest among both intra and interstate visitors to WA. 3) Events provide one of the best avenues to promote food and wine and opportunities. 4) Offering a range of dining options (from casual to more formal) broadens the appeal of a region. 5) Friends/family and the internet are the most common sources of information about food and wine experiences in WA among both intra and interstate visitors. Maintaining a high impact web presence and presenting a good first impression will benefit local food businesses. The Tourism Food and Wine study identified that in the Australia’ Golden Outback (AGO) region food and wine tourism is primarily focused on restaurants and cafes and, suggested that to compete in WA’s food and wine market, local restaurants and cafes need to operate at a quality level and promote local produce. The study also suggested that as the AGO region is dominated by road travel, there is an opportunity to offer food and wine experiences en route to the final destination. The food and drink offering of the Eastern Wheatbelt is predominantly fast/casual and pub food (see Table 7). There are no fine dining, gastropub, or boutique local produce offerings at present. The food and beverage sector is impacted by social media trends where locals and travellers seek picture- worthy food experiences and a positive social media presence is an increasingly important consideration in attracting new business57. Of the 49 restaurants, cafes, take away venues and pubs in the Eastern Wheatbelt almost all have a social media presence (i.e., Facebook page) however the level of self- promotion and engagement with customers varies considerably. Tourism Research Australia58 identifies that there is an obvious nexus between agriculture and elevating the food and wine offering of a destination. Agricultural land makes up a significant portion of the total

56 Tourism Research Australia (2014). Food and Wine Tourism in Western Australia 57 Tourism Research Australia (2019). Technology Disruptors in Tourism 58 Tourism Research Australia (2020). State of the Industry 2018-2019

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 34 land area of the Eastern Wheatbelt and plays a vital role in the visual amenity and community feel of the region. With consumers becoming increasingly interested in learning about the provenance of their food and the resultant growth in agritourism59, agricultural related tourism (e.g., farmers markets, farm gate experiences, etc.) presents an opportunity for the Eastern Wheatbelt to establish a new visitor drawcard from which other regional tourism business and experiences can benefit. Food & Drink

Shire Café Bakery Pub/Club/Hotel Fast Food/ Take Away Restaurant Bruce Rock 3 4 2 Kellerberrin 3 1 2 1 Yilgarn 1 4 4 1 Merredin 4 1 5 7 1 Tammin 1 Westonia 2 2 TOTAL 13 2 17 15 2 Table 7. Food and Drink Offering of the Eastern Wheatbelt GAPS OPPORTUNITIES

• Develop the food and drink experience of the • The culinary offering of the Eastern Wheatbelt Eastern Wheatbelt as part of the broader is predominantly fast/casual and pub food. experience development. There are no fine dining options, gastropubs, • Undertake a “Good Food” promotion or boutique local produce offerings at present. showcasing the region’s best cafes, • There is no agricultural related tourism restaurants, bakeries, and pubs as a connected product in the region. experience. • The ability to offer high-quality food is likely • Investigate market readiness and private constrained by the lack of the requisite skills investment opportunities for boutique food set. and beverage product offerings (e.g., • Limited understanding as to the food gastropub, microbrewery, etc.) requirements of visitors from new and • Bring together stakeholders to test the market developing tourism markets and poor and logistics of agritourism initiatives including evidence of tailored and identifiable offerings. seasonal events, farm tours and paddock to • Lack of consistent and optimal use of digital plate experiences. technology (e.g., no food businesses in the • Emphasize food and beverage offerings that region offer online reservations or ordering). align to the food experiences that travellers • Limited venues open on weekends want. (particularly Sunday’s). • Integrate agritourism into self-drive journeys. • Assist local producers to develop agritourism specific skills by facilitating access to information regarding compliance and regulations for agritourism businesses and how to access grants, loans, and resources.

59https://www2.deloitte.com/au/en/pages/consumer-industrial-products/articles/agritourism.html#

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 35 • Provide industry support to build the capacity and performance of food and drink businesses in the region. • Create compelling food and drink imagery for use in destination marketing campaigns. ONLINE PRESENCE Digital devices, platforms and experiences have transformed how we travel, learn and do business. The pace of that transformation is not slowing, but continually opening up new opportunities for providers and destinations and has reached the point where even the smallest businesses in the visitor economy must be able to work comfortably with digital platforms60. According to KPMG61 greater digitally enabled customer experiences will be critical to making the most of the expected domestic travel blitz in the wake of COVID-19, as travellers are increasingly using digital devices for destination inspiration, planning, booking, and experience sharing on their return (as illustrated in Figure 5). As the population ages and millennials (currently aged 22 – 37 years) replace Baby Boomers as the largest travel market segment62, using digital channels to share visitor information will become an imperative. With two-thirds of millennials using smartphones to book their travel63, having responsive business websites and user-friendly booking systems that work on any mobile device will enable this growing market segment to plan and book travel when and how they want. What people say and see online heavily influences travel decisions and ultimately the success of a destination. User-generated content on peer review sites such as TripAdvisor (which as of 2020, had reached a total of 884 million user reviews and opinions64) has become a trusted source for travel information, providing word of mouth advice on a global scale65. Social media is now a mainstream platform for sharing information and enabling targeted marketing. Globally, more than 3 billion people – almost half of the world’s population – are active consumers of social media with around 1 million new users being added each day66. Blogging has also become an increasingly popular way to share experiences and many people will search for blogs or other online articles on specific areas prior to embarking on a journey. An online presence review of the principal visitor information sources for the Eastern Wheatbelt (see Table 8) indicates that all provide travel information via websites and most have a presence on social media as well. Australia’s Golden Outback has by far the greatest social media reach and presents the greatest opportunity to promote Eastern Wheatbelt destinations to a broad visitor market.

60 Australian Trade and Investment Commission (2021). Opportunities for the Visitor Economy. A modern, diversified and collaborative path to 2030 61 KPMG Australia (2021). Beyond COVID-19: Time to explore more of our own backyard. How could COVID-19 reshape domestic tourism? 62 A National Perspective on Visitor Information Servicing 2019. 63 Australian Trade and Investment Commission (2021). Opportunities for the Visitor Economy. A modern, diversified and collaborative path to 2030 64 Tripadvisor - statistics & facts | Statista 65 A National Perspective on Visitor Information Servicing 2019. 66 Tourism Research Australia (2019). Technology Disruptors in Tourism

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 36

Figure 5. Visitor Information Channels along the Travel Journey. Source: A National Perspective on Visitor Information Servicing 201967. ONLINE PRESENCE

Facebook Instagram Organisation Website # of (# of followers) # of posts followers

Shire of Bruce Rock http://www.brucerock.wa.gov.au/ 913 687 95

Bruce Rock CRC https://www.brucerock.crc.net.au/ 912 287 113

Shire of Kellerberrin http://www.kellerberrin.wa.gov.au/ 1,038 594 168

Kellerberrin CRC http://www.kecrc.org.au/ 652 47 1

Shire of Westonia http://www.westonia.wa.gov.au/ 749 564 106

Westonia CRC http://www.westonia.crc.net.au/ 468 304 242

Shire of Yilgarn https://www.yilgarn.wa.gov.au/ 460 232 23

Southern Cross CRC https://www.yilgarn.wa.gov.au/ 703 NA NA

Shire of Merredin http://www.merredin.wa.gov.au/ 2,107 787 100

Merredin CRC https://www.merredincrc.com/ 1,246 NA NA

Shire of Tammin http://www.tammin.wa.gov.au/ 373 NA NA

Wheatbelt Way https://wheatbeltway.com.au 4,717 1,887 440

Roe Tourism pathwaystowaverock.com.au 1,541 1,101 142 Central Wheatbelt

wheatbelttourism.com 1,298 1737 328 Visitors Centre Golden Pipeline Heritage

www.goldenpipeline.com.au NA NA NA Trail Australia's Golden

https://www.australiasgoldenoutback.com/ 80,952 51,700 1,496 Outback

67 Adapted from “A National Perspective on Visitor Information Servicing 2019”

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 37 Pioneers Pathway https://pioneerspathway.com.au/ 27 NA

Public Silo Trail www.publicsilotrail.com 2,116 2,066 222

Njaki Njaki Tours https://www.njakinjaki.com.au/tours/ 1,019 320 7

Table 8. Social Media Review. Information correct as of 22 June 2021 GAPS OPPORTUNITIES

• Build capability and digital know how in key • Many of the micro and small tourism areas such as online advertising, search engine businesses of the Eastern Wheatbelt are marketing and optimization, social characterised by low-tech business practices, networking, user generated content resulting in target markets being unable to (blogging), email campaigns and website access information and connect with providers promotions. via their preferred platform. • Encourage local businesses to subscribe to • The quality of internet connections and limited internet-based communities such as the mobile carriers in the region is a limitation to Australian Tourism Data Warehouse and travellers using mobile devices during their Tourism Exchange Australia to increase their visit. digital presence. • Online traveller ratings and reviews on Eastern • Advocate for increased access to high-speed Wheatbelt destinations are limited. broadband and other digital infrastructure in • Mismanaging negative reviews and poor key visitor destinations to enable delivery of a ratings in online forums can hamper seamless tourism experience. destination perceptions. • Encourage passive advertising through • Managing the expectations of visitors can be previous visitor’s reviews and social media challenging. Tourism businesses want to advocacy. portray the region at its best and sometimes • Integrate bloggers and other social influencers the images and stories shared do not translate into future marketing strategies for the to reality for visitors. Eastern Wheatbelt.

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 38 RECOMMENDED ACTIONS The preceding section identified gaps and opportunities under each of the six clusters of tourism product for the Eastern Wheatbelt. While it is recommended that each of the opportunities identified should be given further consideration, the following actions are recommended as a priority to progress the Eastern Wheatbelt tourism offering and realise the regions visitor potential. PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Caravan & Camping

• Develop and adopt a regional caravan and camping strategy that identifies opportunities to increase the number of self-contained and non-self-contained visitors at free and commercial caravan and camping sites in the region. • Extend the Central Wheatbelt Visitors Centre RV survey to other free camp sites to enable more comprehensive data collection and understanding of self-contained visitor behaviors and expectations. • Facilitate greater digital access to bookings (for commercial caravan parks) and visitor information on campsites in the region.

Trails

• Develop an Eastern Wheatbelt Trails Master Plan, that identifies existing trails that need upgrading and maintenance, and new trails that can be developed throughout the region. • Co-operatively promote existing walking trails through a “Best Walks of the Eastern Wheatbelt” campaign. • Continue to support the cross-promotion of existing self-drive trails. • Ensure all Eastern Wheatbelt trails are entered into the Trails WA database.

Nature, Parks & Reserves

• Work with the DBCA to identify opportunities for development of new or upgrading of existing facilities at the priority nature reserves in the Eastern Wheatbelt. • Identify opportunities to develop immersive tourism products and experiences at high visitation nature-based attractions to reduce the reliance on passive viewing. • Consider investment in a “tourism development fund” that can be utilized for identified opportunities, leverage private sector capital and public sector funding, and ensure that projects are sustainable by having funds available for maintenance and/or staffing.

Culture, Art & Heritage

• Through research and engagement of local Aboriginal people, identify respectful and appropriate opportunities for Aboriginal cultural and heritage tourism and education. • Investigate avenues to develop art tourism in the region including through: - Commissioning fixed or temporary art installations that showcase the heritage and cultural values of the region; - Connecting visitors to existing art in the region by including art as a feature in destination marketing and through dedicated campaigns (e.g., a “Hidden gems of the Eastern Wheatbelt campaign”).

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 39 - Expand the regions existing art trail (the PUBLIC Silo Trail) to include other Eastern Wheatbelt locations, by following the example of Katanning, where murals have been painted on western power electrical transformer boxes and on walls throughout the town rather than on silos. - Investigate concepts for the development of a new art trail, that is unique to the Eastern Wheatbelt. • Cross-market cultural, art and heritage activities with like venues (e.g., museums promote visitation to each other) and with recreation and nature-based activities in the region to encourage multi-site visitation and extended stays.

Events

• Develop a Regional Events Activation Strategy/Feasibility Study to identify opportunities for: - New community driven niche events and potentially one “show-stopping” event for the region; - Events that can link in a range of experiences and landscapes across the region; and - Quirky or different events that can be held in non-traditional venues and which will capture the attention of new visitor markets and drive both peak and off-season visitation. • Ensure events are integrated into experience and destination marketing initiatives.

Food & Drink

• Undertake a “Good Food” promotion showcasing the region’s best cafes, restaurants, bakeries, and pubs as a connected experience aligned to the food experiences desired by target market segments. • Bring together stakeholders to test the market and logistics of agritourism initiatives including seasonal events, farm tours and paddock to plate experiences. • Provide industry support to build the capacity and performance of food and drink businesses in the region.

Online Presence

• Build local capability and digital know how in key areas such as online advertising, social networking, user generated content and website promotions. • Advocate for increased access to high-speed broadband and other digital infrastructure in key visitor destinations to enable delivery of a seamless tourism experience. • Encourage passive advertising through previous visitor’s reviews and social media advocacy. MARKET PERCEPTIONS & AWARENESS

Utilise the right marketing channels

• Prioritise the use of digital marketing channels and embrace new tools and trends to stand out from competitors (e.g., use Instagram Reels and Twitter Fleets to share stories from the community and travellers and create traveller itineraries and share tips and advice through Instagram Guides). • Integrate bloggers, other influencers, and social media advocacy into future marketing strategies for the Eastern Wheatbelt. • Facilitate bringing key influencers (e.g., travel bloggers or travel reporters) to the region to experience the destination firsthand and use their extensive reach to bring awareness to a broader audience. • Collaborate with regional tourism organisations and partner platforms (e.g., Local Government websites) to align digital marketing efforts.

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 40 • Continue to work with regional tourism organisations for collaborative marketing, cross-promotion of regions and experience bundling.

Attract the right visitors

• Undertake targeted marketing to Perth’s 2.12 million residents to boost intrastate visitation. • Create engaging and informative content for key market segments, highlighting how their travel needs align to the tourism product of the Eastern Wheatbelt and addressing their barriers to travel. • Identify smaller niche markets for the Eastern Wheatbelt (e.g., bird watchers, 4WD groups, agritourists, history buffs, etc.) and develop interest-based marketing in addition to the generic regional promotion/marketing. • Promote the Eastern Wheatbelt as a multi-experience destination and bundle experiences that will appeal to more than one market segment.

Create a distinctive brand

• Develop consistent messaging and branding for the region aligned to the “Our Story: Spirit of Adventure” framework and use this to tell the stories of the people, the communities, and the experiences of the Eastern Wheatbelt. • Develop signage and entry statements consistent with the brand for key visitor destinations and towns in the region. • Build a library of visual assets (photos and videos) that brings the story of the Eastern Wheatbelt to life in the eyes of visitor markets.

Champion hero regional experiences

• Build a common vision around hero or anchor attractions and diverse, connected experiences within the region that align to the needs/motivators of identified market segments. • Use anchor attractions as a marketing hook to drive consumer interest in the region. • Leverage existing tourism products to promote a broader offering of things to see and do around visits to the regions anchor attractions.

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 41 APPENDIX 1. AUSTRALIA’S GOLDEN O U T B A C K VISITOR PROFILE Australia's Golden Outback (AGO) is one of five tourism regions in Western Australia. The AGO region is vast and diverse, covering 54% of Western Australia and encompassing four tourism precincts – Goldfields, Gascoyne/Murchison, Wheatbelt and Coastal. The majority of overnight visitors to the AGO region are intrastate travellers (85%) who stay on average 4.6 nights and spend $437 per trip68. The average annual number of intrastate visitors to the region between 2017-20 was 1.028 million resulting in an average annual spend of $410 million. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on regional visitation is evident in the latest visitor data69 which suggests that the number of overnight travellers to the region in 2020 was 1,099,800 a drop of 28.1% compared to 2019. Correspondingly the overnight visitor expenditure in the AGO region saw a 23.5% deficit down to $558 million. Kalgoorlie/Boulder and Esperance are the top two Local Government Areas (LGAs) visited by intrastate, interstate, and international travellers. Rounding out the top three LGAs visited by intrastate travellers is the Shire of Leonora, for interstate travellers the Shire of Dundas and for international travellers the Shire of Kondinin. Most intrastate visitors to the AGO region are young males (aged 20-34), travelling alone for business purposes. The highest percentage of Interstate visitors are aged over 65 and are travelling as adult couples, with a holiday being the primary reason for travel. International visitors tend to be younger (39% aged 20-34) largely travelling alone (46%) for holiday purposes. VISITOR SNAPSHOT

Overnight Intrastate 1.268 million Visitors in 2019 Interstate 193,000 1.529 million International 68,000

V i s i t o r Intrastate $554 million Expenditure i n 2 0 1 9 Interstate $135 million $729 million International $40 million

Average Visitor Intrastate $95 Spend (Daily) Interstate $81 $87 International $47

68 Tourism WA (2020). Overnight Visitor Factsheet 2019 - Australia's Golden Outback. 69 Tourism WA (2021). Overview of Visitation to Western Australia Year Ending December 2020

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 42 Average Length Intrastate 4.6 nights of Stay Interstate 8.7 nights 5.5 nights International 12.6 nights

Top 3 Accommodation Preferences Intrastate Interstate International 1. Friends/Relatives (16%) 1. Friends/Relatives (16%) 1. Friends/Relatives (19%) 2. Hotel/motel (14%) 2. Hotel/motel (15%) 2. Rented house/apartment (17%) 3. Non-commercial 3. Non-commercial 3. Commercial caravan park/ caravan/camping (11%) caravan/camping (10%) campground (10%) Purpose of Travel 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%

Holiday

Visiting Friends & Relatives

Business

Other

Intrastate Interstate International

Top 3 Local Government Areas Visited Intrastate Interstate International 1. Kalgoorlie/Boulder (17%) 1. Kalgoorlie/Boulder (41%) 1. Kalgoorlie/Boulder (46%) 2. Esperance (15%) 2. Esperance (29%) 2. Esperance (24%) 3. Leonora (7%) 3. Dundas (25%) 3. Kondinin (21%) Age of Visitors

Intrastate Interstate International

15-19 15-19 15-19 years years years 20-34 20-34 20-34 years years years 35-49 35-49 35-49 years years years 50-64 50-64 50-64 years years years 65+ years 65+ years 65+ years

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 43 ICONIC VISITOR EXPERIENCES A destination perceptions study undertaken in 201670 identified that Australia’s Golden Outback is not a “typical specialist destination but rather a destination made up of multiple special interest offerings and lacking in a well-known and highly attractive signature experience”. The study suggests that the dominating motivators to visit the Golden Outback are more likely to be general than related to specific experiences (e.g., exploring, natural environment or part of a larger trip). The Australia’s Golden Outback Destination Development Strategy 2007-201771 identified that the most iconic experiences available in the AGO region are:

History/Mining Experiences

Historic buildings, historic sites, mining, museums, mines, and prospecting. Beach/Coastline Scenery, islands, fishing, swimming, granite rocks, rugged coastline, and scenic drives.

Wildflowers Wildflower oriented holiday experiences including guided day tours, wildflower farms and recommended self-drive trails. Outback Experiences Vast clear skies and theatrical landscapes, camping under the stars and 4WD driving.

70 Tourism WA (2016). Destination Perceptions Research Series Summary – Golden Outback 71 Tourism WA (2007). Australia’s Golden Outback Destination Development Strategy. An Action Plan Approach 2007-2017

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 44 DESTINATION PERCEPTIONS RESEARCH SERIES 2016 In 2016 Kantar Public on behalf of Tourism WA, undertook research into perceptions of tourism destinations in Western Australia. The research identified gaps in product, strengths/opportunities to leverage, barriers to visitation and potential strategies to increase visitor numbers. A summary of the findings for the Australia’s Golden Outback tourism region is provided below72: GAPS BARRIERS Improve support infrastructure for Time and distance: Particularly those who drive to the region e.g., between places & experiences

rest stops, signage, petrol stations Deliver improved culinary Lack of value: Costs not seen as experiences – quality, value and in extreme, but not considered good particular use of local product value, compared to other destinations Improve range and quality of Lack of knowledge: For many, the accommodation e.g. hosted camp region is not even ‘on their radar’ as sites a tourism destination

STRENGTHS TO LEVERAGE OPPORTUNITIES TO BUILD Outback towns and local landmarks Stargazing and astronomy (eg. Wave Rock)

History and heritage Casual eating and local produce

Wildlife and wildflowers Historical hotels / pubs and sites

TARGETED PROMOTION TO SPECIALIST AUDIENCES Mining 4WD and Camping

POTENTIAL STRATEGIES TO INCREASE VISITATION • Structure and promote the region by experience themes, in addition to location, and target specific audiences with an established interest in the experience types on offer; • Develop Astronomy as a ‘new’ specialist experience for the region; • Improve culinary experiences and leverage local produce wherever possible; • Explore opportunities for personalized, small group tours that employ local guides; • Fill basic infrastructure and facilities gaps to address the inconveniences of access by car that exacerbate the time and difficulty barriers.

72 Tourism WA (2016). Destination Perceptions Research Series Summary – Golden Outback

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 45 APPENDIX 2. WHEATBELT The Wheatbelt region encompasses 42 Local Government Areas covering an expansive 154,862 km2. According to the report “Growing Wheatbelt Tourism 2017-2020”, outside of metropolitan Perth, the Wheatbelt has the second highest number of visitors after the South-West73, welcoming an average of 1.05 million visitors per annum with an average annual spend of $187 million74.

The average annual number of intrastate visitors to the Wheatbelt region between 2017-19 was 930,000 (88% of total visitors), with an average length of stay of 2.4 nights. For intrastate visitors, the age group most likely to visit the Wheatbelt is 20–34-year-olds, and the principal reason for traveling to the Wheatbelt is a holiday. Interstate visitors to the Wheatbelt are typically aged over 65 traveling as an adult couple and visiting for a holiday. The age profile of international visitors shows an almost even split between persons aged 20- 24 (33%) and those aged 50-64 (30%). Travelling as an adult couple (42%) is the most common travel party followed by solo travel (33%). A holiday is the primary reason for international visitors to travel to the Wheatbelt. Staying with family and friends is the most common accommodation choice for all visitors to the Wheatbelt. VISITOR SNAPSHOT

Overnight Intrastate 930,000 Visitors Interstate 57,000 1.047 million International 60,000

Average Visitor Domestic $108 Spend (Daily) International $66 $101

Average Length Intrastate 2.4 nights of Stay Interstate 4.1 nights 2.8 nights International 7.5 nights

Top 3 Accommodation Preferences

Intrastate Interstate International 1. Friends/Relatives (29%) 4. Friends/Relatives (40%) 4. Friends/Relatives (26%) 2. Commercial caravan park/ 5. Hotel/motel (17%) 5. Other private accommodation campground (16%) 6. Other private (24%) accommodation (13%)

73 Wheatbelt Development Commission (2017). Growing Wheatbelt Tourism 2017-2020 74 Tourism Western Australia (2020). The Wheatbelt Overnight Visitor Factsheet 2017/18/19

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 46 3. Non-commercial 6. Rented house/apartment caravan/camping (13%) (22%)

Purpose of Travel 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Holiday

Visiting Friends & Relatives

Business

Other

Intrastate Interstate International

Age of Visitors Intrastate Interstate International 15-19 15-19 years years 15-19 20-34 20-34 years years years 20-34 35-49 35-49 years years 35-49 50-64 years 50-64 years years 50-64 years years

ICONIC VISITOR EXPERIENCES The Growing Wheatbelt Tourism 2017-2020, strategy identifies four first-tier visitor icons for the Wheatbelt – New Norcia, The Pinnacles, Wave Rock and Wildflowers and six second-tier tourist icons including:

Tra i l s Heritage, nature, culture, art, and food self-drive and walk trails.

Ev e nt s Adventure (e.g., Avon Descent), culture, art and food, motor sports, agricultural, equestrian.

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 47 Museums/Discovery Centers Agricultural, military, mining, heritage, educational.

Recreational Activities Built attractions.

Nature Hotspots Biodiversity hotspots, parks, and reserves.

Transport Infrastructure Major networks (e.g., Great Eastern Highway) and Regional Links

GROWING WHEATBELT TOURISM 2017 - 2020 The Wheatbelt Development Commissions, “Growing Wheatbelt Tourism 2017-2020” strategy identified initiatives aimed at driving industry growth and local employment in the tourism sector.

Recommendations of direct or indirect relevance to the Eastern Wheatbelt region are summarized below.

Recommendation Outcome Priority Timeframe Responsibility

Strategic facilities Road access, parking and ablutions Medium Mid-Term Eastern Upgrade installed at Eastern Wheatbelt Wheatbelt LGAs Rocks including Eaglestone, Baladjie, Elachbutting.

Attract Private • Tourism investment prospectus Medium Short-term Tourism WA Investment developed. WA Open for • Potential attraction identified to Business be located between York and Wave Rock • Glamping operator identified

Digital • Overarching digital platform High Short-term NEWTravel Streamlining promotes destinations, NEWROC experiences and events Central • Digital platform promoted on Wheatbelt regional entry statement signage Visitors Centre

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 48 Heartlands WA Heritage • Aboriginal cultural stories Medium Short-term WAITOC Storytelling digitized DPAW • Wheatbelt light show Local operators

Signage • Entry statements on all major High Short-term Main Roads WA highways traversing the region Heartlands WA that communicate digital resource access and signify boundaries • Consistent branding

Map & Gap • All Wheatbelt trails are High Short-term Heartlands WA Analysis identified, mapped and analyzed DPAW • Trails set out according to needs ROC’s of visitors

Adventure Trails • Adventure sports trail identified High Short-term Various • Geopark and geocache trails developed • Wheatbelt Science Trail completed

Art Trails • “Art belt Trail” implemented High Short-term Various

Wheatbelt • Coordinating showcasing of High Short-term DPAW Wildflowers Trail wildflowers LGAs • Granite loop wildflower trail

Wheatbelt Way • App launched High Short-term NEWTravel • Pilot project identified to upskill industry operators in customer service, quality standards and tourism offerings

Pioneer Pathway • Direction and interpretive High Short-term NEWTravel signage renewed

Golden Pipeline • Direction and interpretive High Short-term NEWTravel Heritage Trail signage renewed

Granite Way • Trail linked to geoparks and High Short-term NEWTravel geocaching

Local Tourism • Pilot project identified to enable Medium Mid-term WBN Buy-In both non-tourism and tourism Heartlands WA businesses to actively promote local product and understand the

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 49 value the tourism industry brings Wheatbelt to the Region Tourism • Natural marketing system Organisations developed through advocacy • Cross promotion between sub- regions and between local tourism products, services and events.

Tourism Friendly • Audit tool created for tourism Medium Mid-term Heartlands WA Toolkit friendly communities and roll out LGAs in sub-regions Wheatbelt Tourism Organisations

Statistics • Consistent and quality data at a High Short-term Tourism WA regional level that accurately ABS reflects overnight and day LGAs tripper numbers, visitor expenditure and visitor demographics

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 50 A P P E N D I X 3 . TOURISM AUDIT CENTRAL EASTERN WHEATBELT 2 0 0 9 - 2 0 1 0 The Central Eastern Wheatbelt tourism audit 2009-10 formed an attachment to the Central Eastern Wheatbelt Tourism Strategy 2010-14. The audit was intended to assist Regional Organisations of Councils, Local Governments, and sub-regional tourism groups to plan for the development of tourism product that would offer a range of quality visitor experiences throughout the central eastern Wheatbelt. The audit, which was completed by the Central Wheatbelt Visitors Centre Working Group identified themes under which to present the attractions to visitors in the region. The themes were water, nature, mining, growing of grain, military and Indigenous sites and experiences. This audit did not consider every attraction, site or activity found in the region rather the emphasis was on priority sites, attractions and events. AUDIT SUMMARY Recommendations arising from the 2009-10 audit that were applicable at a whole of region level are summarized below. Itemised recommendations for each Eastern Wheatbelt Local Government are provided on subsequent pages. 1. Construct additional interpretation and amenities around key historic and natural landmarks; 2. Improve signage, interpretation, and availability of rest areas on key touring routes; 3. Activity based tourism – a) Establish a cross regional activity program of events and sporting organisations – this could include “Walk the Wheatbelt” a guide to walking trails, golf, cycling, bowls, arts and cultural activities and program; and b) Establish at least two long duration walk/bike trails involving overnight stays (e.g., Merredin to Muntadgin Trail or Walk the Rabbit Proof Fence). 4. Establish two Geo Parks incorporating the mineralization belt of Westonia and Yilgarn, as well as the granite rocks of the north-eastern Wheatbelt (e.g., Elachbutting, Sandford, Baladjie), and a second area including Yorkrakine, Kokerbin, Mt. Stirling and Mt. Caroline; 5. Encourage the development of an Indigenous Cultural Centre in the region; 6. Re-brand the York-Goldfields Heritage Trail as “Hunts Trail” or incorporate it as an extension to the Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail; 7. Develop a “Yilgarn Ghost Town Touring Trail” for 4WD enthusiasts that takes in some of the former gold settlements. This could be linked in with the Golden Quest Discovery Trail; 8. Develop bush camping sites at strategic locations and establish a pool of funding across ROCs to assist upgrading of these sites; 9. Support the erection of regional and sub-regional entry statement signs; 10. Upgrade directional signage and adopt a consistent standard of practice in relation to directional signage; 11. Develop a system of designated tourism routes and wildflower roads in each sub-region.

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 51 ALL SHIRES Attraction Status Values of Attraction/ Selling Point Needed Variety of Wheat Interpretive Silo design is taken for granted by locals but can be Through brochure/CD's encourage visitors to look out for different Storage Silos fascinating for visitors. wheat bin styles and provide information on why they are designed that way. Agricultural Co-ordination of a calendar of activities to prevent clashes. Shows/Festivals Golden Pipeline Core/ Link A major self-drive trail support by interpretation, Interpretation to link the reticulated water supply scheme supplying Heritage Trail advertising, website and brochures. Wheatbelt towns and farms to the Golden Pipeline is needed. A revitalized marketing campaign is needed and new sites along the route. The York-Goldfields Interpretive/ A network of wells and dams established by Hunt. Parts This trail could be revived under a different guise - Hunts Track and Heritage Trail Link of the trail are overlaid by the Golden Pipeline Heritage linked with the Golden Pipeline trail. Upgrade of signage, sites and Trail. interpretation is needed. Brochure out of print and trail signage degraded. Pioneers Pathway Key/ Link An alternative route from Toodyay to the Goldfields Needs more activities along the route but developing. following a series of wells. Marketing "Walking the Wheatbelt" trails network that would include short Possibilities (under half day) and day length walking trails with standardized facilities. It could be packaged to tie in with self-drive trail network. Gnamma Holes Interpretive Numerous sites throughout the Wheatbelt. How Highlight especially important water sites associated with current Indigenous people found water and used the holes could drive trails. Ignore the rest and let people discover them for be explained. themselves. War memorials and Interpretive It would be interesting to explore the designs and why they were monuments. chosen. Most erected after World War I. Information part of a themed brochure. Cultural Centre Core This is needed to bring the experience together. Arts Need: A centre located on the Great Eastern Highway - Kellerberrin and artifacts. or Merredin - where the Njaki Njaki and other cultures are explained. A centre to act as the hub from which the landscape and special indigenous places in the public domain are explained.

MERREDIN Attraction Status Values of Attraction/ Selling Point Needed Rabbit Proof Fence Core/ Link Sites in Merredin, Burracoppin, Narembeen and Varley. Core site could Brochure or small booklet for sale detailing all sites. be in Burracoppin where the major depot was located. CBH Terminal Key/ Active One of the few operating silos that is open to the general public via a Assistance for the operator to improve the viability of local town tour. this tour.

WEROC Inc. Tourism Product Audit 2021 | 52 Railway Museum Key Merredin was a rail hub for the region Interpretations needs to be upgraded to show regional role of the narrow gauge rail network and make it more interactive. CBD Heritage Trail Interpretive Trail outlining the growth of the Merredin CBD Totadgin Key A reserve with a granite rock with mini wave. Walking trail with Visitor Ready Conservation Park interpretation. Picnic sites. Hunt's Well. Disabled access to rock wave site. Interpretation of Indigenous use of the landscape and seasons. Tamma Parkland Interpretive A reserve with 30 minute interpretive walk trail. Picnic tables. Visitor Ready Merredin Peak Core A large reserve with a walk trail on water and heritage themes and Needs upgrade to picnic area and toilets installed. environmental themes. Indigenous interpretation of Native Settlement Needs to be tied in with the water story elsewhere in and World War II Army Hospital Site. the Wheatbelt. The role of rock water catchments in the survival and settlement of towns and the railway line in the area prior to the water supply scheme needs to be told. No. 4 Pump Station Key The proposal to have a sustainable timber project with people working Project in the proposal stage. Listed in Tourism WA's on craft woods will enable visitors to learn about the great trees and Destination Development Priorities 2010. woodlands of the drier parts of WA. Hunts Dam Interpretive A dam built by Hunt rather than a well and is unique for that reason. Needs interpretation, picnic facilities and 5kms north of Merredin conservation of dam wall. Internal road system dangerous. Needs link with the next Hunt's site - Totadgin and Burracoppin.

Hunts well Interpretive At Totadgin Conservation Park - well maintained. At Burracoppin - Visitor Ready plaque but site in need of attention and upgrading.

RAAF Facilities (e.g. Core The history of the preparation for the defense of Australia in World Heritage listing/protection of the sites needed. Many Munitions bunkers, War II is relatively unknown and these sites offer a tangible reminder are in private ownership high frequency of the policy of the day to defend the country. direction finding bunker)

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 53 Army Field Hospital Core Site of the former tented field hospital. Dual use site, drive/walk with Visitor Ready interpretive plaques.

Merredin Military Core Contains artefacts and machinery from all conflicts from World War II Could consider updated displays and interpretation Museum onwards. relating to the World War II history of the town and region. Hand visitors on to other Wheatbelt sites related to the theme.

WESTONIA Attraction Status Values of Attraction/ Selling Point Needed Hood-Penn Interpretive Museum displaying a variety of items relating to life in the Wheatbelt in Museum the early years. Elachbutting Rock Key Wilderness camping key selling element here. Ideal spot for bush conservation messages and for handing visitor on to other sites. Interpretation needed. Sandford Rocks Key Managed by DEC. Orchid and wildflower site. DEC interpretation and Visitor Ready trails. Westonia Interpretive A 90 minutes interpretive walk trail with brochure and plaques Visitor Ready Woodlands and Wildflower Trail Boodallin Soak Interpretive Well in area. Access road needs all weather surface. Baladjie Lake Interpretive Rock and salt lake area. Informal unmanaged camping occurs. Vary Needs good joint management plan for Shire and DEC Nature Reserve popular camping and picnic site. to ensure Nature Reserve and camping aspects are not compromised, Westonia Township Core Unlike other Wheatbelt towns, mining led to the foundation of the Visitor Ready town. Streets are named after minerals. Preservation of facades and use of replica facades makes the whole town like a replica village. Edna May Gold Interpretive An active gold mine with viewing area. Mine

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 54 BRUCE ROCK Attraction Status Values of Attraction/ Selling Point Needed Kokerbin Core Large granite monolith. Gas fireplaces, toilets. To become a day Could be the focal point for the Granite Way drive use only site in future. Bush camping will be available at Old with major interpretation of the drive and its Kwoylin townsite. Interpretive walking trail significance to Indigenous culture and landscape. Bruce Rock Interpretive A reflection of the lifestyle of Pioneer Wheatbelt families. Could be expanded to include a "day in the life of a Museum housewife in 1915". 1950's Cropping Interpretive/Active On occasion farmers have held events of seeding and harvest in Research into these needed. If they are held regularly, the 1950's style. If they become a regular event staging the they could become a visitor attraction demonstrations could be shared around so that the event is held in alternate years at different locations. Railway Dam Interpretive Railway Dam Bruce Rock - an interesting site of greater interest Needs upgrading and perhaps trails. than Bruce's Rock itself. Bruce's Rock Interpretive The site of an old native well and now a stoned well. Picnic Not an engaging site. facilities. Bruce Rock - Core A major focus for Vietnam Veterans. Attracts people from all over Has the potential to develop as a step off for other Veterans Week & Active the country who spend a week in the town. A popular and tourism in the area. The Bunker sustainable event.

KELLERBERRIN Attraction Status Values of Attraction/ Selling Point Needed Granite Way Drive Only two rock are accessible to the public - Kokerbin and Mt. This could be made into a sub link trail linking the Stirling. Upgrade of facilities needed at Mt. Stirling. GPHTrail and the Pathways to Wave Rock. Could have a CD/iPod card to listen to during the drive describing the features and Indigenous Heritage of the area. Durokoppin Interpretive Managed by DEC. A small reserve with picnic facilities and Trail upgrade needed. Nature Reserve interpretation. Indicates a trail but it peters out. Baandee Salt Lake Interpretive A nice view of the Lake from the GPL Heritage Trail Doodlakine Well Interpretive Location of the first Doodlakine townsite. A short interpretive Visitor ready Site trail. Kellerberrin bi- Core A weekend of cultural activities and entertainment by Indigenous Opportunity to build business of this festival. annual cultural Active musicians - the Keela Dreaming. festival

YILGARN Attraction Status Values of Attraction/ Selling Point Needed Frog Rock and Dam Interpretive Managed by DEC. Large granite outcrop with dam, interpretation, Visitor Ready trail and picnic tables. Karalee Reservoir Interpretive Camping area with trail and heritage interpretation. Picnic tables Visitor Ready and toilet. GP Heritage Trail site.

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 55 Southern Core The whole town is founded on gold mining. Museum has displays Need to tie local touring guides into the regional Cross related to this industry. A hub from which visitors can explore the context. They contain great information but could former gold areas such as Golden Valley, Bullfinch and Mt. Palmer. perhaps be rationalized in some way. 4WD tour • Museum Town has brochures to assist visitors to find these attractions. guide with trails planned. Need point in Southern • Pioneer Cross where all trails come together. Cemetery Perhaps a room devoted to the Ghost towns of the • Ghost Goldfields with souvenirs and iPod downloads to towns hire to bring the towns alive as they drive along. 4WD Ghost Town Trail. Vultee Vengance Interpretive A great story and good trip out to the site Upgrade display at the Southern Cross Museum.

TAMMIN Attraction Status Values of Attraction/ Selling Point Needed Yorkrakine Rock Interpretive Opportunities for climbing the rock and enjoying a picnic. Camping not permitted. Walk trail, picnic tables, toilets. Seal access to Park turnoff. Charles Gardner Interpretive A special small flora reserve with some rare species. No formal trails Reserve Kadjininy Kep Core The model aims to educate on the causes and effect of salinity and how it occurs Needs to link with other sites in the in farming areas of the Wheatbelt. region. Lord Kitchener Interpretive A plaque marking the spot where Lord Kitchener addressed WWI troops prior to Needs more interpretation and more Plaque them being sent overseas. information about the site to place it in context of World War I in the Wheatbelt.

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 56 A P P E N D I X 4 . TOURISM WA MARKET SEGMENTS Relax & Rewind These travellers like to take life slowly and enjoy the simple pleasures. They seek peace and comfort in their lives and keep active with light exercise like walking, golf and Pilates. The majority of these travellers are aged 50+ and are mostly empty nesters with grown children in their household. Affordability is a major consideration for this segment when choosing their travel destination and they have a below average spend per trip. Planning Enablers Internet searches, family and friends, online travel sites, TV programs and travel magazines. Booking Actions More than half (57%) of these travellers will research and book their trip online. Activities Rest and relaxation, sightseeing, food, and wine experiences Accommodation 4 Star or Standard Hotel Preferences Friends and family Barriers to Travel 1. Cost (Affordability) 2. Time (accessibility) 3. Knowledge of WA Culture Vultures Culture Vultures are life-long learners who are keen to try new things. They value fashion, style, status, and success and are happy to pay for quality and spend more to save time. These travellers skew towards an older demographic (60% aged 50+), have a high socio-economic status and are big spenders. Travel is a big part of Culture Vulture’s lives, particularly overseas travel as they seek to discover and learn new things about other cultures. Price is less of a concern for this segment, and they typically spend more than most other travellers when holidaying. To encourage intrastate visitation from this segment it will be important to highlight historical and cultural experiences that will allow these travellers to experience something different and learn something new. Planning Enablers Internet searches, family and friends, online travel sites, TV programs and travel magazines. Booking Actions More than half (57%) of these travellers will research and book their trip online. Activities Sightseeing, learning about a destinations history and heritage, visiting cultural attractions or attending cultural events, and experiencing local food and wine. Accommodation 4 Star or Standard Hotel Preferences Friends and family Barriers to Travel 1. Knowledge of WA 2. Time (accessibility) 3. Cost (affordability)

WEROC Inc. Tourism Product Audit 2021 | 57 Fa m i l y F u n Family fun travellers live a traditional busy family life and like convenience and routine to maximize family time. These travellers are most likely to be parents aged between 35 and 49, with children under the age of 16 in their household. They are typically bargain hunters and are careful with their spending.

Relative to other travellers, this segment does not travel as frequently and does not spend as much when holidaying. Affordability and not having to travel too far is especially important with this segment when selecting their holiday destination and as such this segment is most likely to consist of intrastate travellers. To encourage intrastate visitation messages around the affordability and accessibility of destinations and experiences should be communicated.

Planning Enablers Internet searches, family and friends, online travel sites, TV programs and travel agents. Booking Actions 67% of these travellers will research and book their trip online. Activities Coastal and self-drive holidays. Accommodation Preferences Self-contained apartment Standard hotel Friends and family Barriers to Travel 1. Cost (affordability) 2. Time (accessibility) 3. Knowledge of WA Off the Beaten Track Off the beaten track travellers love the outdoors especially hiking and camping, seek the best value for money and have a lot of free time but keep active with hobbies. These travellers skew toward an older demographic and are likely to be empty nesters with grown children at home. They have a mid-to-high socio-economic status but are careful with their spending and limit their discretionary expenditure. Relative to other segments, Off the Beaten Track travellers have greater knowledge of WA holiday experience and are more likely to holiday within Australia, less likely to travel overseas and prefer regional destinations over cities. The greatest barrier to interstate travellers visiting (or revisiting) is the perceived affordability of travelling to and around WA. To encourage intrastate and interstate visitation the unique and undiscovered nature and wildlife experiences on offer in WA and the affordability and accessibility of traveling within the State, should be highlighted. Planning Enablers Internet searches, family and friends, online travel sites, TV programs and travel magazines. Booking Actions More than half (57%) of these travellers will research and book their trip online. Activities Nature and wildlife experiences, particularly those that are unique and balance active, outdoor adventures with peace and relaxation. Accommodation Preferences Standard hotels, motels, or resorts Friends and family Caravan and camping accommodation Barriers to Travel 1. Knowledge of WA 2. Time (accessibility) 3. Cost (affordability)

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 58 Bright Lights Bright Lights travellers are success, status and achievement driven, enjoy a fast-paced life and like going out regularly for dining and events. These travellers skew toward a younger demographic (70% aged under 50), are predominately male and have a high socio-economic status with above average discretionary spend. Bright Lights travellers are more likely to visit cities rather than regional areas and are more likely than other travellers to travel with friends. The greatest barrier to these travellers visiting WA from interstate is the lack of knowledge of the experiences and products on offer that can meet their travel needs. To encourage intrastate visitation, it is important to highlight the density and diversity of experiences on offer in a destination so this segment knows there will be enough to see and do to keep them entertained. Planning Enablers Internet searches, family and friends, online travel sites, TV programs and travel agents. Booking Actions 53% of these travellers will research and book their trip online. Activities Sporting events, shopping, enjoying the night life. Accommodation Preferences 4- or 5-star accommodation Friends and family Barriers to Travel 1. Knowledge of WA 2. Time (accessibility) 3. Cost (affordability) Escape & Connect Escape and Connect travellers value relationships and are socially active. They like to challenge themselves and be creative and have a strong interest in food at home and out. This segment is equally represented by people under and over the age of 50 and skew toward a higher socio-economic status. Compared to other travellers this segment is more likely to choose higher end accommodation and have a higher average spend per trip. Escape and Connect travellers are likely to travel both overseas and within Australia and enjoy traveling to new places. To compete against other destinations, raising knowledge of WA experiences that meet their travel needs and desires is critical. To encourage intrastate visitation, destinations that foster the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle, disconnect and reconnect with loved ones should be highlighted. Planning Enablers Internet searches, family and friends, online travel sites, TV programs and travel magazines. Booking Actions 60% of these travellers will research and book their trip online. Activities Food and wine experiences, sightseeing, relax and unwind. Accommodation Preferences 4- or 5-star accommodation

Barriers to Travel 1. Knowledge of WA 2. Cost (affordability) 3. Time (accessibility)

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 59 APPENDIX 5. CENTRAL WHEATBELT VISITOR ACCOMMODATION STUDY In 2016, a review of visitor accommodation across 19 Shires of the Central Eastern Wheatbelt was commissioned by Roe Tourism. The review, which was informed by a combination of desktop research, stakeholder consultation and direct communication with accommodation providers, identified strategies to improve existing and develop new accommodation in the study area. The review identified that: • There are a total of 145 accommodation outlets in the Central Eastern Wheatbelt providing approximately 1,536 visitor beds. • The majority of accommodation is concentrated in three towns – Merredin, Southern Cross and Hyden. • Accommodation is of a relatively low to medium standard. • There are 19 free campsites and 23 caravan parks across the study area. • There are approximately 378 powered and 142 unpowered sites, and 193 cabins/chalets provided across the 23 caravan parks. • Much of the hotel accommodation in the study area was built 20-30 years ago and consists of older style, two story hotels/pubs with small rooms and shared facilities. These rooms have very low occupancy rates. • The 25 motels in the study area are generally over 20 years old, with tired and dated fittings and furnishings and limited parking facilities. However, there is a handful of updated motels which are modern and represent great value for money. • There are 17 bed and breakfasts most of which are located on farming properties. Some require modernising and a full complement of meals. • There are 8 accommodation providers offering lodge or backpacker style accommodation with a total of 121 rooms. Facilities are basic and mostly twin share. • Feedback from visitors suggests that there are several issues with the existing accommodation provision in the study area including limited online presence/ability to book online, poor customer service, small and outdated rooms and a limited or no access to communication/IT facilities.

The study provided the following recommendations to improve tourism performance and accommodation in the study area: 1. Improve the reason to visit the study area and reduce seasonality; 2. Look at innovative strategies to increase occupancy; 3. Improve customer service across the tourism industry; 4. Demystify the visitor profile so businesses can make informed decisions; 5. Reduce the costs of operations for accommodation providers; 6. Reduce the barriers to investment and increase the providers awareness of yield management; 7. Embrace technology as a tool to improving the quality and service offered by accommodation providers; 8. Investigate multi-use and modular buildings to ease accommodation shortages; 9. Improve branding; and 10. Access new markets.

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 60 A P P E N D I X 6 . EASTERN WHEATBELT T O U R I S M PRODUCT AUDIT 2021

MERREDIN VISITOR SPEND 75 VISITORS (Domestic Tourism output is estimated at O v e r n i g h t ) $ 2 3 . 1 0 3 m i l l i o n Visitors Average Spend Per Stay Night EMPLOYMENT 41,000 2 nights $144

78 jobs are supported by tourism in Merredin

TOURISM BUSINESSES 33 Tourism Business 25 Product Listings on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse

TOURISM PRIORITIES 1)Tourism product development including cultural tourism • Partner with WEROC to develop a tourism development p r o s p e c t u s • Collaborate with Njaki Njaki Noongar and other relevant organisations to develop cultural tourism

75 Sources: Tourism Research Australia, Merredin Local Government Area Profile 2019, REMPLAN Economy Profile, Wheatbelt Region, and Shire of Merredin Strategic Community Plan 2020-2020

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 61 Attractions – Nature, Parks & Reserves Name Accessibility Attraction Activities Visitor Services/Amenity Quality of visitor amenity (How easy is it for (What do visitors come to see) (What can visitors do at and activities visitors to get to) the site) Merredin Peak & Located on Benson Rd, Merredin Peak is a monolith, one • Picnic • Interpretive signage Picnic tables at Railway Railway Dam 1.5km from the single massive rock made from • Walk Trails explaining the Dam replaced 2020. Need Merredin town centre. hard granite and exposed by • 24-hour free parking for pioneering/European for tables & infrastructure erosion over millions of years. It self-contained RV’s story of the engineering at 24hr site. Toilet block to is also a cultural reserve and an • Photography techniques of building be redeveloped after important place for the Njaki • Wildflowers the stone contour wall, being disused for over 10 Njaki Aboriginal people. • Birdwatching rock channel and years. Railway Dam built in 1893, signage along Bush walk is confusing bush walk depicts flora needs more directional and fauna markers. • Viewing platform • Picnic area Pioneer Park Located in the Merredin Pioneer Park is a memorial park Picnic/BBQ • Picnic area Heritage Precinct along dedicated to the early • BBQ Great Eastern Highway agricultural pioneers to Merredin and district. The Park contains the Railway Water Tower, a 50-foot-high tower built in 1893. The park is also a good place to have lunch overlooking the Bronze Horse, Man, Dog and Plough a statue commemorating early farming ways. Totadgin Totadgin Conservation Totadgin Conservation Park • Picnic No BBQ • Picnic area Interpretative shelter in Conservation Park Park is approx. 14 km offers a picturesque setting for a • Bush walk • Signposted walk trail carpark signage updated south of Merredin picnic and provides an ideal • Flora & Fauna study by DPAw in 2019. along the Merredin – location to discover much of the • Photography Bruce Rock Road native flora and fauna inhabiting • Visit one of Hunt's Well's the area. Totadgin Rock is a granite outcrop with a similar wave formation to Wave Rock in Hyden. Tamma Parkland Located just off the Tamma Parkland provides a • Walk trail • Picnic tables Needs maintenance, Bruce Rock Road on the glimpse into the type of Picnic • Interpretive signage picnic tables broken, trail southern side of the vegetation that was once found • Flora & Fauna study needs markers Merredin townsite in the area. The 23 hectares is

WEROC Inc. Tourism Product Audit 2021 | 62 home to 175 native plants in five habitat sites. Roy Little Park Located adjacent to A large open reserve with an • Paved walking trails • Picnic tables Excellent condition King Street, directly expansive grassed area • Picnic • Shelter behind the Shire office. surrounding a pond with a • Ducks • BBQ central water fountain. The park • Long Tan Memorial • Seating also features the Vietnam veteran’s reflection pond memorial. Apex Park Located adjacent to This centrally located park • Picnic/BBQ • Playground Calls from community for Barrack Street in incorporates a large, fenced • Adventure/nature play • Picnic tables redevelopment of park as Merredin’s CBD. lawn play area with a playground • Sheltered BBQ/Picnic outdated. Toilets subject and a skatepark. Gated. area to damage, upgraded in • Public toilets 2020. Upgrade planned • Skate Park for 2022. Lenihan Park Located on South A dedicated children’s outdoor • Adventure/nature play • Picnic Shelter Facilities/amenities Avenue opposite St nature play space and picnic • Picnic Nature playground upgraded in 2017 Mary’s Primary School. shelter with secure fencing.

Attractions – Heritage, Arts & Culture Name Accessibility Attraction Activities Visitor Services/Amenity Quality of visitor amenity (How easy is it for visitors (What do visitors come to see) (What can visitors do and activities to get to) at the site) Merredin Silo Art Located approximately 3.5 Merredin is part of the FORM Photography • Parking bay Needs larger parking area km west of the Merredin Public Silo Trail where giant • Viewing area for caravans to pull in, townsite on the Great murals by famous street • Interpretive signage signage on highway to Eastern Highway artists provide an outdoor indicate viewing point gallery celebrating and linking coming up. the state’s regions. Cummins Theatre Located on Bates Street, Cummins Theatre is a • Guided tours • Heritage building. Walk of fame to be in Merredin's town centre heritage-listed theatre. available Monday • Pioneer Pathway installed May 2021 Constructed of bricks salvaged – Friday 9am to internal interpretation from several old Coolgardie 3pm. Tours are • Panels, window Hotels and with stage, fly free, however • Decals. tower, and pressed metal donations are ceiling from the Tivoli Theatre welcome in Coolgardie, Cummins • Enjoy a show Theatre opened in Merredin on the 11th of October 1928.

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 63 No 4 Pumping Station 3 km west of Merredin No 4 Pump was designed by • Photography Interpretive signage Site currently inaccessible along the Great Eastern C.Y. O’Connor and built in • Golden Pipeline due to asbestos works Highway. 1902 as one of 8 stations used Heritage Trail Site to pump water from Mundaring to the Goldfields. The station was closed in 1960. Collgar Wind Farm 25 kilometres south off Collgar Wind Farm is a site of • Photography Interpretive display Large area to pull off road the Great Eastern 18,000 hectares and contains • Wildflowers on shelter located on Bulls and see turbine from a Highway between 111 turbines which generate bullshead road in Head Road distance Merredin and enough power to supply season Burracoppin 125,000 homes. It is the Visitors interested in largest wind farm in Western accessing the turbines up Australia and the largest single close, currently stage wind farm development unavailable in the southern hemisphere to date. Merredin Solar Farm Located on Robartson Merredin Solar Farm is West Photography Nil NA (Risen Energy) Road adjacent to the Australia’s largest completed Western Power Merredin solar installation and has an Terminal expected output of 274GWh of electricity annually, generating enough green energy to power approximately 42,000 Western Australian homes. The solar farm will consist of approximately 360,000 panels. Merredin Town Hall External viewing only, no Merredin Town Hall was built Photography Nil NA admission for general in 1925 as a memorial to the public soldiers that lost their lives in World War I. Take a walk around this aesthetically pleasing building which photographs beautifully from every angle. Examine the clock tower which contains a small replica of the clock face of Big Ben at Westminster in London. Railway Dam Benson Road, Merredin The Merredin Railway Dam • Walk trail • Interpretive signage Picnic Tables replaced in offers a lovely walk and • Picnic • Picnic area 2020 spectacular views along with a • Photography

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 64 chance to look at an • Viewing platform impressive engineering feat • Walk trail accomplished in the late 1800s. Water was successfully harvested from the rocky pinnacle of Merredin Peak to fuel the steam trains that travelled between, Kalgoorlie to Perth. Merredin Army General Benson Road, Merredin The remains of a former field Walk/drive trail Interpretive signage Signage at site depicting Hospital Site Hospital that was relocated to what site was like, all that Merredin from Gaza Ridge, remains is concrete slabs Palestine in 1942 can be National trust viewed in native bushland adjacent to Merredin Peak. Aviation Fuel Tanks These tanks can be Part of a home has been built Military History Nil On private property viewed from the car park on top of the aviation fuel Self-drive trail of the BP Roadhouse on tanks which sit partly above the Great Eastern and partly below ground. The Highway tanks held six million litres of fuel used at the Cunderdin Airfield. Ammunition Dumps Nokaning East Road Scattered rows of rounded Military History Nil On private property (gravel road). On Private concrete buildings set in the Self-drive trail property, can be viewed paddocks. The 46 concrete from the roadside. igloos were constructed to house a wide range of munitions. You can still make out the numbers on some doors. The area would have been guarded by personnel who lived in approximately 40 timber framed buildings hidden amongst the trees. RAAF No10 Stores Depot Located on the Nungarin These igloo shaped hangars Military History Nil NA Merredin Road / Railway were part of the RAAF No10 Self-drive trail Ave. Stores Depot commenced in On Private property, can 1943. The Depot held bulk and be viewed from the technical stores, especially roadside. radar and radio spares. Sheets of tin placed on the ground helped camouflage the site as

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 65 a salt lake. RAAF personnel lived in nearby houses with vegetable gardens and flowers beds rather than barracks, also as a camouflage technique. HF/DF Installation Located on the Merredin - In the paddock just past Hunts Military History Nil NA Chandler road. Dam is a High Frequency Self-drive trail On Private property, can Direction Finding Installation, be viewed from the locally known as the Radar roadside. Hut. It’s role was to give advance warning of an impending invasion. It is believed to have been completed in February 1945. No. 1 Rabbit Proof Fence Located 2km east of The Rabbit Proof Fence was Golden Pipeline Interpretive shelter Burracoppin along the conceived in an attempt to Heritage Trail site Great Eastern Highway. prevent rabbits entering the agricultural areas of the State. When finished it stretched 1,827 kms. Work commenced at Burracoppin in 1902 and that town was a major depot for the boundary riders employed to maintain the fence. Gates through the fence were numbered in miles from Burracoppin.

MUSEUMS Name Exhibits/Displays Hours of Operation Guided Admission Cost Visitor Feedback Tours (Adult)

Merredin The Merredin Railway Museum Open Monday- Y (volunteer Adult $7 “Spent a couple of hours going back in time at this well laid out Railway pays tribute to the days of steam Sunday 11am - 2pm led) Museum. Plenty of local history. Make sure you climb up into Museum with a well-restored recreation of the Signal Box. For $5 seniors, it was a wonderful experience. the old station. You can pretend Friendly staff” to drive a steam train and climb the signal tower for an interesting “Close to the Info Centre and other interesting museums. Good range of exhibits. Should be advertised more. Only for our

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 66 outlook. It is a real highlight for railway directory, we would not have known about it - wasn't railway enthusiasts. there when I lived in WA”

Merredin A collection of memorabilia, Monday – Sunday Y (volunteer $10 adult “Stopped and had a look at the museum and was surprised at Military uniforms, vehicles, and 10am to 3pm led) how comprehensive the displays were and how interesting it Museum equipment relating to most was. There is a number of armoured personnel carriers, tanks, conflicts from World War 1 and aircraft. The staff were friendly and informative. Well worth onwards. Some vehicles have a look” been restored to working order. “It was almost closing time; however, a lovely gentleman stayed Includes an interpretive centre on and gave an extraordinary talk of each exhibit and we and shop. enjoyed listening to his story too. Thank you so much as we learnt so much from our visit”

EVENTS Event Location Description Visitor Amenity/Attractions Adult Frequency Admission Cost

Merredin Show Merredin Recreation Annual community event organised and Market stalls, trade displays, rides, $15 Annual Grounds coordinated by the Merredin and entertainment, food & drink, Districts Agricultural Society. fireworks Gateway Merredin Merredin The event will showcase the unique Concerts, tours, markets, outdoor Unknown Inaugural event to be Festival characteristics of the town through a movie night, illumination art, held in September number of fun and immersive activities. workshops. 2021. Merredin Twilight Cummins Theatre A free family event hosted by the Shire Live cooking demonstrations, food Free Annual International Food of Merredin. tasting. Festival Cummins Theatre 31 Bates Street Cummins Theatre is a multipurpose The theatre contains a conference Varies Regular events performance venue owned and room, commercial kitchen, licensed throughout the operated by the Shire of Merredin. The bar, and a small visual arts gallery. calendar year Theatre hosts regular events throughout the year. Merredin Markets Barrack Street The Merredin Markets are a community Market stalls, food & drink, live Free Quarterly (February, carpark driven event, organised by staff of the music, licensed bar, children’s May, August, Merredin CRC and run by volunteers. entertainment. November) Orana Cinema 35 Barrack Street Cinema and café. New release movies, food & drink $17 Nightly available through the café.

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 67 CARAVAN, CAMPING & RV FACILITIES Name Operator Location Visitor Services/Amenity Cost Per Night Bookings Example Visitor Feedback (Powered Caravan Site) Merredin Peak Shire of Entry at • 24-hour free parking Free NA NA Reserve Merredin Benson and • Pet friendly Watson • Potable water available Roads from the Visitors Centre between 8.30am-4.30pm weekdays Merredin Privately 2 Oates • Powered & Unpowered sites $35 Bookings made “What a great park we stopped over for a Tourist Park operated Street, • Swimming pool over the phone, couple of nights on the way home and Merredin • Drinking water via email or were very impressed with this park . The • Two ablution blocks through an online park is laid out beautifully with all the • BBQ/Picnic area contact form on amenities you could need including WIFI, • Camp kitchen the Caravan Park's everything in the park was spotless and • Pet friendly website the staff were very knowledgeable and • Coin operated guest laundry helpful” • RV dump point Burracoppin Shire of On the • 24-hour free parking Free NA “The picnic facilities are in need of repairs Centenary Merredin southern • Toilets and a coat of paint” Park side of the • Rubbish bins Great • Pet friendly Eastern • Potable water Highway in • Wood BBQs Burracoppin • Picnic tables

FOOD & DRINK

Name Type Opening Days/Hours Online Presence Online Ordering/ Example Visitor Feedback Visitor Rating Reservations Café 56 Café Monday to Friday: Facebook N “The Cafe has friendly staff and a 4 stars based on 100 Take away 6.30am – 5.00pm clean environment. Had breakkie and reviews (Trip Advisor) Saturday & Sunday: was great. Dine-In and take-away 7:30am – 2pm options available” Public Holiday: 8am – 2pm “This cafe is a great example of country hospitality”

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 68 Dimensions Café Café Monday – Friday: Facebook N “Three of us stopped at dimensions on 4.5 stars based on 37 Take away 7.00am – 3.00pm our way from Perth to Kalgoorlie. We reviews (Trip Advisor) Saturday: 8.00am – more or less stopped only based in the 12.00pm outside look of the place. We were glad we did. We were made welcome although they were going to close shortly. We would go on the way back but it’s closed on a Sunday”

“Beautiful spot to sit, relax and the enjoy fantastic coffee and delicious meals. Well priced, diverse menu and nice friendly staff” Wild Poppy Cafe Café Tuesday – Friday: Facebook N “Lovely little café with loads of little 5 stars based on 8 Take away 8:00am – 4.00pm Website treats to tempt your taste buds with. reviews (Trip Advisor) Cakes, slices, muffins, savouries, with a nice dine in lunch menu. Nice range of hot and cold beverages to choose from, however I think who ever made my coffee on the day was not having a good day”

“Nice little play area out the back for small children to play in. Café is beautifully decorated with lovely natural light. The staff are very efficient & polite”

“What a lovely addition to Merredin. Great food, service and atmosphere” Merredin Cafe & Café Wednesday – Friday Facebook Y (through “Fantastic consistent food that we are 5 stars based on 24 Orana Cinema Take away 11:30am – 7:30pm Website Facebook page) lucky to have in Merredin and reviews (Facebook) Saturday – Sunday especially on a public Holiday” 10.00am – 7.30pm School Holidays Open 7 “Standard cafe fare, well cooked and days presented with very good service and smiling staff” MJ’S Food & Take away Tuesday, Thursday & Facebook N “Delicious and made fresh. Thanks!” 4.9 stars based on 49 Coffee Van Friday reviews (Facebook) 9:30am – 1:30pm “Friendly and convenient, phone order Monday & Tuesday ahead to avoid any rush. Always 5:30pm – 7:30pm happy with the service and food! I'm

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 69 Thursday & Friday hooked! Best food van I've seen in 5:30pm – 8pm decades”

Chicken Treat Take away Monday – Sunday Information “For the traveller or a local too lazy to 4 stars based on 7 Casual 10.00am – 9.00pm provided on Chicken cook, Chicken treat is a good way to reviews (Trip Advisor) dining Treat website get a quick and easy meal. Variety is Drive Currently closed. good , the service is good and quick through Reopening date TBA. and the food is as good as you can get from a take away venue which also caters for instore dining” Merredin French Bakery Monday – Friday NA N “We came to Merredin for the Silo Art. 4.5 stars based on 46 Hot Bread Take away 6am – 5.30pm Very glad to find a nice bakery with a reviews (Trip Advisor) Saturday 6am – 3pm good variety of savoury pastries, sandwiches, rolls, baked products and sweets. There is a girl seems new to the job, doesn’t know much about their products, but the experienced girl was very efficient and helpful for the new girl, just want to let her know that her effort is highly appreciated” Merredin Pizza Take away Monday – Thursday Facebook N “Decided to grab an easy dinner while 5 stars based on 10 3:30pm – 9pm in Merredin tonight & give the new reviews (Facebook) Friday – Sunday Pizza joint a go. Well worth it, super 11.30am – 9pm tasty and great customer service! Well done guys” Subway Take away Monday – Friday Information N “Attentive and friendly staff, all the 4.5 stars based on 19 Casual 7.00am – 8.00pm provided on Subway usual choices on offer. Good location reviews (Trip Advisor) dining Saturday & Sunday Australia Facebook at the centre of town and easily 8.00am-8.00pm page & website accessible from the train station” “Excellent service and excellent customer focus service, well done Merredin Subway. This subway store is close to the rail station and easy to access” Merredin Supa Take away Monday-Friday: 7am – Facebook N NA NA IGA Open 7 Days 7pm Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 9am – 5pm

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 70 Commercial Hotel Restaurant Wed-Sun 11am till late Facebook N “A great place to enjoy a beer in the 3.5 stars based on 51 Bar Lunch 12pm – 2pm beer garden. Friendly efficient staff. reviews (Trip Advisor) Take away Dinner 5pm – 8.30pm This place offers meals and live music”

Currently closed and for sale. Grandstand Bar Restaurant Dinner: Tuesday – Information N “I have eaten at Grandstand a few 5 stars based on 29 and Restaurant Bar Sunday 5pm – 8pm provided on times now and have tried something reviews (Trip Advisor) Take away Bar open from 5.00pm Merredin Regional different each time. The food is really Monday - Friday, from Community & good, and serving size is great. The 2.00pm Saturday & Leisure Centre kids had a great time and played with Sunday website and the toys provided which we really Facebook page appreciated. I highly recommend The Grandstand, the best restaurant in Merredin”

“Best place in Merredin hands down! Friendly service, great food and drinks are always cold. Would not go anywhere else” Merredin Bowling Restaurant Bar open 4.30pm- Facebook N NA NA Club Bar 8.30pm Monday- Take away Sunday Dinner: Thursday, Friday & Saturday 4.30pm – 8:00pm Muntadgin Hotel Restaurant Bar open 3.30pm - Website N “This is a very well kept country pub... 5 stars based on 22 Bar 10.00pm Tuesday- Facebook clean,friendly, great meals and cold reviews (Facebook) Take away Thursday & 2.30pm - beer! Would highly recommend a 12.00am Friday-Sunday visit” 4 stars based on 3 Meals available on reviews (Trip Advisor) weekends only “Wonderful historic pub building with a delightful proprietress who served up some very tasty and healthy pub meals as we had both dinner and breakfast there!” Merredin Palace Restaurant Lunch: Wed – Sat Facebook N “This restaurant has been rebuilt 4 stars based on 23 Chinese Take away 11:30am – 2.00pm recently and is a stunner. The food reviews (Trip Advisor) Restaurant Dinner: Sun & Tue: was great and the service good, 5:00pm – 9:00pm, Wed pricing was spot on and would & Thurs: 4:45pm – recommend it to anybody”

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 71 9.30pm, Fri & Sat: 4:45pm – 10:00pm

Northside Tavern Restaurant Monday – Sunday Facebook N “Excellent service Excellent food and 4 stars based on 58 Lunch 12.00am – 2pm excellent staff. Can't recommend this reviews (Trip Advisor) Dinner 5:00pm close place enough. Also provides a courtesy bus to and from where you stay in Merredin”

“A good country pub with typically good pub food. Called in for lunch and was greeted by friendly staff who served our meals in a very timely manner . The food was hot, tasty, plentiful and all at a reasonable price” BP Travel Stop Take away 24 hours, 7 days Generic BP N NA NA Merredin Casual Facebook page dining

Puma Roadhouse Take away Monday – Friday Information N NA NA Merredin Casual 5.00am – 8.00pm provided on Puma dining Saturday & Sunday 6.00 website - 8.00pm

TRAILS Name Type Accessibility Distance Description Visitor Visitor Feedback Where can visitors find Services/Amenity information about the Trail (websites)

The Golden Drive Trail Sealed road with 650km one The Golden • Interpretive NA Trails WA Pipeline Heritage short stretches way Pipeline Heritage Trail runs signage at key sites Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail of maintained from Mundaring Weir in the along the Trail Trail unsealed road. Perth Hills to Mt Charlotte in • Caravan/Camping Australia's Golden Only two small Kalgoorlie. The Trail • Picnic Areas Outback sections are celebrates one of the world’s • Public Toilets Central Wheatbelt unsuitable for greatest engineering • Other amenities Visitors Centre caravans. marvels – a pipeline built (food/drink, 100 years ago to carry water accommodation, Accessible for from Mundaring Weir just etc.) provided in 2WD vehicles outside Perth to the remote

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 72 and semi-arid Goldfields of towns along the Kalgoorlie. The Trail follows Trail. the pipeline for much of its route and takes in many of the sites associated within the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme. Pioneers Pathway Drive Trail Sealed road. One way The Pioneers’ Pathway is a Visitor amenities are Trails WA Some unsealed Perth to self-drive route that provided in each town Pioneers Pathway to nature Merredin traverses the Wheatbelt along the trail. website reserves. 292km between Toodyay and Australia's Golden Return via Merredin following the well- Outback Accessible for Bruce Rock – worn trail early prospectors Central Wheatbelt 2WD vehicles York 271km travelled to the Yilgarn, Visitors Centre or Golden Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie Pipeline Goldfields. Wander past Heritage expansive farmland and Trail 260km. nature reserves through the small towns of Goomalling, Dowerin, Wyalkatchem, Trayning and Nungarin. FORMS Public Silo Drive Trail Mainly sealed 1,000km Completed in 2018, this • Interpretive publicsilotrail.com Trail roads. permanent, open-air, truly signage Central Wheatbelt public ‘gallery’ links rural and • Visitor amenities Visitors Centre coastal towns across are provided in westernaustralia.com Western Australia’s each town along australiansiloarttrail.com southern regions. The the trail. PUBLIC Silo Trail project has created murals on grain silos in Northam, Ravensthorpe, Merredin, Albany, Newdegate and Pingrup, and on public walls and transformer boxes throughout Katanning. Wheatbelt Drive Trail Mainly sealed Approx. The Wheatbelt Wonders • Interpretive roadtripcountry.com.au Wonders Trai roads with some 1,400km Trail is a five-day loop self- signage at key sites unsealed drive trail taking visitors along the Trail sections. from Perth through the • Caravan/Camping central, north eastern and • Picnic Areas southern Wheatbelt. • Public Toilets Attractions include the

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 73 Public Silo art in Northam, • Other amenities Merredin, Newdegate and (food/drink, Pingrup, Elachbutting Rock, accommodation, pumping stations along the etc.) provided in Golden Pipeline, Kokerbin towns along the Rock, Merredin’s Heritage Trail. walk trail, Wave Rock and the tin horse highway. WWII Military Drive Trail Mainly sealed Approx. Points of interest include the Trail map Trail information is History Trail roads with some 90km return Military Museum, WWII provided in the Shire of unsealed Army Hospital site, War Merredin brochure sections. Memorial Cenotaph, Long available to download Some sites can Tan Vietnam Memorial from the Shire and only be viewed Reflection Pond, a WWII Central Wheatbelt from the High Frequency Direction Visitors Centre websites roadside as they Finding Installation base, the are on private remnants of the RAAF No 6 property. Central Reserve Munitions Depot, Nungarin Heritage Machinery and Army Museum, remains of the RAAF No 10 Stores Depot built in 1943. Merredin Drive trail Mainly sealed 120-160km This loop drive trail from Some rock reserves Trail information is Wildflower Trail roads, some return from Merredin takes visitors to have walk trails, provided in the Shire of unsealed Merredin wildflower hotspots, granite picnic facilities and Merredin brochure sections into outcrops and salt lakes in toilets. available to download reserves and around the Nungarin from the Shire and Shire including Talgomine Central Wheatbelt Reserve, Visitors Centre websites Eaglestone Rock and Lake Brown Collgar Windfarm Drive trail Mainly sealed 70km return The Collgar windfarm trail Interpretive shelters Trail information is Trail roads with an from provides visitors with views provided in the Shire of unsealed section Merredin of the largest wind farm in Merredin brochure the southern hemisphere. available to download The trail travels past an from the Shire and interpretive shelter on Bulls Central Wheatbelt Head Road that contains Visitors Centre websites information on the wind farm and the renewable energy industry. On the drive

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 74 back to Merredin is an interpretive shelter with history of the Rabbit Proof Fence. Totadgin Drive Trail Sealed roads 40kms Points of interest along this • Interpretive signs Trail information is Conservation Park return from trail include Totadgin • Picnic tables provided in the Shire of & Solar Farm Trail Merredin Conservation Park, the new Merredin brochure Risen Energy Merredin Solar available to download Farm project and Merredin from the Shire and Power Substation, No 4 Central Wheatbelt Pumping Station and CBH Visitors Centre websites Silo Art. Rabbit Proof Drive Trail Mainly sealed 170km A loop trail from Merredin to • Picnic facilities at Trail information is Fence, Westonia roads with some return from Westonia taking in remnants Sandford Rocks provided in the Shire of & Hood-Penn unsealed Merredin of the original Rabbit Proof • Visitor amenities Merredin brochure Museum Trail sections Fence along the Goldfields in Westonia available to download road, Westonia's Wolfram townsite (e.g. café, from the Shire and Street Facades, the Hood- public toilets) Central Wheatbelt Penn museum, Edna May • Interpretive Visitors Centre websites Gold Mine Lookout and shelter with Sandford Rock's Reserve. information on the rabbit proof fence Totadgin Walk Trail Easy to 1.8km A signposted walk across • Parking for cars “Beautifully All Trails Conservation Park moderate. the dome of the rock to see and caravans maintained for a Central Wheatbelt Interpretive Trail At the Hunt’s the wave formation and read • Picnic tables trail so far out of Visitors Centre Well parking bay about the theory behind its • 7 interpretive the nearest town. A Trails WA (listed as there is a creation. This trail is an panels along the great circular walk Gnamma Walk) disabled access excellent introduction to the trail as well as but I would say easy pathway of geology of the granite rocks trailhead rather than approx. 500m of the Wheatbelt and the information moderate - the trail that leads to the flora and fauna that live on • Trail markers along the top of the rock wave. or adjacent to them. The rock isn’t steep at Suitable for rock features a mini “wave” all. Picnic area is wheelchair and you are told how these lovely and the access and those features form. information who are unable signage very to walk up informative” slopes. WW11 Army Drive/ Easy circular 500m A walk, cycle or drive trail • Parking for cars Central Wheatbelt Hospital Trail Walk/ walk from car covering parts of the and caravan Visitors Centre Cycle Trail park. Some remains of the Field Hospital • Interpretive rough ground that came from near Tobruk signage

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 75 underfoot. during World War 11 and went from Merredin to New Suitable for Guinea as the theatre of war 2WD, 4WD and changed. RV's. The trail is unsealed. Merredin Walk Trail The Merredin 2km A walk around Merredin’s • BBQ Facilities "Easy walk. Check Trails WA Heritage Walk Heritage Walk CBD looking at Merredin’s • Bicycle Rack out the sights from Central Wheatbelt starts at the Heritage listed buildings, • Café early pioneer Days. Visitors Centre Central including Cummins Theatre, • Car Park Continue your walk Wheatbelt Merredin Courthouse and • Coach Parking to the Railway Visitor Centre. Townhall. The Merredin • Parking for Disabled Dam, where you Easy, flat walk on brochure can be collected • Picnic Area will see Beautiful sealed surfaces from the Central Wheatbelt • Public Telephone trees and in Sept (suits most Visitor Centre which • Public Toilet the wildflowers are fitness levels) contains a map of the trail amazing" • Shaded Area including a detailed history • Sheltered Area of the buildings and their • Shop significance in Merredin. • Toilet Facilities for Disabled • Visitor Information Centre Merredin Peak Walk Trail Benson Road The walk Merredin Peak offers two • Parking for cars, Trails WA 1.5km from trails interpretive walks, the Rock caravans & coaches All Trails Merredin CBD. combined Walk and the Bush Walk • Interpretation along Central Wheatbelt are 2.4km which can be joined to the trail Visitors Centre Moderate walk become one longer walk • Picnic area suitable for all trail. Follow the rock walk • Directional trail skill levels. for beautiful views over markers Merredin and the surrounding countryside and the bush walk to see native flora and fauna. Maps are available at the Central Wheatbelt Visitors Centre Tamma Parkland Walk Trail O'Connor Street, 1.2km Tamma Parkland provides a • 2 picnic tables, Central Wheatbelt Merredin. glimpse into the type of • Interpretive signage Visitors Centre vegetation that was once Easy circular found in the area. The 23 hectares is home to 175

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 76 walk from car native plants in five habitat park. sites.

North walk/cycle Walk/Cycle Easy, sealed 8km This trail incorporates • Visitor amenities Trail information is trail Trail pathway and Museums, Merredin Peak, are provided in the provided in the Shire of gravel tracks Merredin Community Men’s Merredin townsite Merredin brochure Shed, Merredin Community (e.g., café, public available to download Garden, Cohn Creek and toilets) from the Shire and WWII hangers. Central Wheatbelt Visitors Centre websites South walk/cycle Walk/Cycle Easy, sealed 15km Points of Interest include the • Visitor amenities Trail information is trail Trail pathway and No 4 Pump Station, CBH are provided in the provided in the Shire of gravel tracks. Grain Storage and Merredin Merredin townsite Merredin brochure Silo Art, Brewery Site, (e.g., café, public available to download Suitable for Pioneer Cemetery and toilets) from the Shire and walking, cycling, Tamma Parkland. Central Wheatbelt mobility Visitors Centre websites scooters, horse riding.

TOURS

Tour Tour Operator Cost Duration Attractions Visitor Feedback Booking (Per adult) (What do visitors come to see) Process

Moulyk Dreaming Njaki Njaki $150 7-8 hours A journey through the Njaki “Mick Hayden is very knowledgeable, has a lot Bookings made Aboriginal Njaki Nyoongar people’s of stories of his ancestors, sites, trees, bushes, via email or Cultural tour country to hear stories of their landscape, history of the Noongar people. He phone connection to the sites. This takes his time and makes the experience very tour offers Traditional and relaxing and interesting. I would recommend Historical sites important to the this tour to get a very good incite into the Njaki Nyoongar people. Aboriginal culture and history of the South West of WA. Awesome!” Merredin Peak Njaki Njaki $70 2 hours Cultural walking tour of “Never thought us 60–70-year old’s could do Bookings made Aboriginal Merredin Peak and surrounding this walk. Genuine lovely man. Happy to share via email or Cultural tour reserve. his knowledge and stories country and culture phone Departs from the Central with us” Wheatbelt Visitor Centre

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 77

yilgarn

VISITOR SPEND 76 VISITORS (Domestic Tourism output is estimated at O v e r n i g h t ) $ 1 1 . 0 0 3 m i l l i o n Visitors Average Spend Per EMPLOYMENT Stay Night 44 jobs are supported by tourism in the 32,000 4 nights $49 Shire of Yilgarn 87.5% are Intrastate Travellers

TOURISM BUSINESSES

18 Tourism Business 3 Product Listings on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse

TOURISM PRIORITIES 1)Develop a new tourism strategy for the Yilgarn district 2)Develop dedicated tourism website including social media p l a t fo r m s 3 ) Implementation of recommendations arising from tourism st ra te g y

76 Sources: Tourism Research Australia, Yilgarn Local Government Area Profile 2019, REMPLAN Economy Profile, Wheatbelt Region, and WEROC Tourism Product Audit 2021

WEROC Inc. Tourism Product Audit 2021 | 78 Nature, Parks & Reserves Name Accessibility Attraction Activities Visitor Quality of visitor amenity and (How easy is it for (What do visitors come to see) (What can visitors do Services/Amenity activities visitors to get to) at the site) Karalee Rock & Dam Located off the Great The Karalee reservoir, rock • Walk trails • One wheelchair The site is managed by the Eastern Highway, 34 km catchment and aqueduct, a natural • Swimming accessible eco toilet Heritage Council of WA as part east of Southern Cross rock formation adapted to • Caravan/camping • Fire pits of its Golden Pipeline Trail. maximise the catchment and • View one of Hunt's • Dump point The Heritage Council does have storage of rainwater, was listed on Well's • Interpretive signage problems in managing the site the State's Register of Heritage due to its isolation. Places in 2001. It was a vital part of the development of the railway from Perth to Kalgoorlie. Lake Koorkoordine Located 6km north of This lake is named after the • Walk trails Nil Lake Koorkoordine has Southern Cross on the Aboriginal words Koorkoor -’meat’ • 4WD trails recently become a site for Land Bullfinch Road. and dine – ‘place of’. Due to the • Camping Yachting during the summer water and wind erosion over the • Photography months. Was to have hosted years some very interesting • View one of Hunt’s the 2021 State Land Yachting miniature caves, cliffs and bays are wells Championships but due to rain to be discovered. was cancelled

Turkey Hill Turkey Hill Road passes This had once been an aboriginal • Bush walk Nil NA close to Hunts Soak and corroboree ground. Wild turkey or • Flora & Fauna proceeds through the bustards used to abound here. It study Southern Cross Golf was at this site that one of our Course a few kilometres early settlers grew what was the north of the Soak. There first wheat crop in the Yilgarn. His is a well-defined crop was grown to provide hay for clearing on the hillside. the team passing through. Moorine Rock Located 16 kilometres Moorine Rock is a granite outcrop • Picnic • Interpretive signage N/A north-west of Moorine offering a free overnight rest • Bush walk at the site of Hunts Rock. area/picnic spot. An easy walk • Flora & Fauna Well climb to the top affords views over study • Fire pits in the the Moorine Rock Wheat Bins. One • View one of Hunt's picnic/camping area of Hunts Well is located on the Well's southern side of the rock. Frog Rock Located 25km south Frog Rock is in the centre of Frog • Picnic • Interpretive NA east of Southern Cross, Rock Reserve. It is surrounded by • Flora & fauna signage on the Frog Rock- bushland, the home of many native study • Walk trail Marvel Loch Rd birds, animals and significant • Bush walk • Picnic tables varieties of flora, including

WEROC Inc. Tourism Product Audit 2021 | 79 Sandalwood. It also features a wave-like rock outcrop. Keokanie Rock Located 25km north of Keokanie Rock is a stop off place on • Bush walk Nil NA Bodallin on the Bodallin the way to Baladjie Rock further • Flora & Fauna North Rd. north. An easy climb to the summit study is rewarded by great views. In the • Remnants of one patch of tall sheoak on the east of Hunts Dam at side look out for the family of Grey the base of the Fantails who will come and check rock. you out. Helena & Aurora Range Located 100km north- The Helena Aurora Range (or • Bush walk As the Helena Aurora Under the State Government's (Bungalbin) east of Southern Cross. ‘Bungalbin’) lies within the Great • Flora & Fauna Range is located within "Plan for our Parks", stage one The track to the ranges Western Woodlands and includes study a conservation park it of the proposed Helena and from Koolyanobbing the highest point in the southwest • Photography is not managed for Aurora Ranges National Park (60km north of of WA outside of the Stirling Range. recreational use and has been completed. The Southern Cross), and The Helena and Aurora Range also there are no facilities. proposed national park offers the Mt Dimer Track in includes numerous cliffs, caves and nature-based tourism the Great Western a multitude of other impressive opportunities based on Woodlands are 4WD rock formations and exhibits a very only. high degree of biodiversity. landscapes and rock The access track from formations, flora and birds. Koolyanobbing can become extremely treacherous in places after even modest rainfall. Great Western The woodlands cover The Great Western Woodlands • 4WD trails Facilities including Woodlands almost 16,000,000 (GWW) is a fantastic place to visit, • Bush Walk toilets, camp grounds, hectares and it’s with numerous granite outcrops, • Caravan/Camping picnic/BBQ areas and boundary runs from the secluded bush camping areas and • Flora & Fauna interpretive walk trails Nullarbor Plain in the historic attractions. Points of Study are provided at various east, to the wheatbelt interest include Elachbutting Rock, • Photography locations within the in the west, and from Mount Palmer and Karalee Rock GWW. south of Salmon Gums and Dam. through to the inland mulga country found around Broad Arrow just north of Kalgoorlie.

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 80 Heritage, Arts & Culture Name Accessibility Attraction Activities Visitor Quality of visitor amenity and (How easy is it for (What do visitors come to see) (What can visitors Services/Amenity activities visitors to get to) do at the site) Hunts Soak Located on the edge of Hunts soak is one of the daisychain of • View one of • Interpretive signage Restored. Fenced with a gate. Lake Koorkoordine wells and soaks which provided the Hunt's Well's (wellsandtracks.com.au) 7 km north of Southern whole of south eastern Western Cross. Australia with water until O'Connor built his pipeline. This soak was built in 1865 and was indirectly responsible for Thomas Risely and Mick Toomey finding gold in the area. Mount Palmer 46 kilometres east of Ghost town in the Shire of Yilgarn, • Flora study • Interpretive signage Southern Cross. named after Augustus Palmer who • Bush walk • Camping area A 4WD is required found gold here in 1934. The brick • View remnants during the wetter archway of the old hotel and of the old mine months but accessible infrastructure from the mine that and town with 2WD when dry operated between 1934 and 1944 are • Camping still visible. Vultee Vengeance Located on King-Ingram On the 27th August 1944, a RAAF View remains of A plaque marks the N/A Rd, 94km south of Vultee Vengeance dive bomber went the crashed plane sight of the crash. Southern Cross on the missing on a training flight from road to Hyden Pearce near Perth. Very little remains of the plane - only small pieces of metal and evidence of soil disturbance. Number 6 Pumping Located about 11 km One of a series of eight steam • Walk trail • Interpretive signage The Pumping Station is not Station east of Southern Cross pumping stations used to carry water • View remnants • Picnic area accessible to the public and is at Ghooli, less than to Kalgoorlie on C. Y. O Connors of the old completely fenced due to 200m off the Great remarkable water pipeline. Remnants community concerns with asbestos on the Eastern Highway of the old Pump Station and its (tennis courts, site. The building is under the ancillary buildings provide a glimpse playground, control of the Water of a life now past at this still etc.) Corporation. operational pumping site. Pioneer Cemetery Located off the Great Redeveloped by the Southern Cross Short walk to view Interpretive signage Close to town amenities Eastern Highway at the Historical Society as a Pioneer preserved eastern end Southern Memorial. It was used briefly from headstones Cross 1891–1898 and only 256 people are buried in the cemetery. A staggering 94 were buried in 1895. The high incidence of typhoid is recalled on the headstones of many of the miners.

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 81 Wimmera Hill Pioneer Located by car off Wimmera Hill Pioneer Monument / • Bush walk Nil NA Monument Canopus Street or by a Lookout gives a scenic view over the • Scenic lookout gravel walkway (bush Southern Cross townsite, local mine • Photography walk route) that runs activity and farming in the area. up to the hill from town At the top of the hill there is a large monument with tools (shovel, pick, rake and scythe) representing the start of the Yilgarn—mining and farming. Golden Valley 1 hour drive north of Golden Valley was the first official Visitors can view: • Picnic area N/A Knutsford Southern Cross on Mt centre of the Shire of Yilgarn. Visitors • Underground Interpretive signage Jackson Road and can see old mine shafts, a stone tunnel Golden Valley Road. cottage and a plaque to • Mine shaft Turn off is signposted. commemorate Western Australia’s • Old stone house early pioneers. • Colreavy Not an all-weather Battery road. Dog Park Located at the corner A fully fenced and gated obstacle • Obstacle course • Bench seating N/A of Achernar and Sirius course for dogs with agility and for dogs • Water fountain Street, next to the RV exercise equipment. with dog drinking Dump Point. Plenty of bowl parking Weowanie Tank Weowanie is accessed Weowanie Rock / Tank is located on • Bush walk Nil Weowanie Tank needs cleaning via the gravel road from Weowanie Rock near its southern base • Photography out and fencing. Yellowdine to Duladgin in a small gully bearing southerly • View one of (wellsandtracks.com.au) Rock. towards a chain of small salt lakes. Hunt’s wells Hunt's team blasted a hole out of the • Camping The last section of the granite approximately 6 ft x 4 ft (Mines track to Weowanie Department Water Supply Wells Rock can be very sandy Register Report) with a holding when dry and boggy capacity of 3,000 gallons. Hunt when wet. recommended a 20-acre reserve for this tank, as there was no permanent water at Duladgin, which was 4.5 miles to the south. New Zealand Gully 1km west on Great New Zealand Gully is a name that was • View Maori Lass Story board N/A Dam Eastern Highway, turn historically given to a small area 2 mine site and left onto Southern kilometres south west of Southern large concrete Cross South Road to Cross. It borders either side of the Dam Hyden. 2kms to gate Southern Cross South Road, and entrance on left immediately north and west of the

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 82 Maori Lass open pit. Little remains other than a cleared area, and an old concrete lined dam. In the 1980's, the dam was sold to a local farmer, who re-conditioned the dam, and stocked it with marron, with moderate success. He subsequently sold it to a mining company Government Dam Located on Bullfinch Constructed in a rock out crop with • Bush walk Nil NA Road adjacent to the natural catchment, is a historic water • Photography turn off for Hunts Soak supply used for locomotives. As well as the railway’s use it supplemented water for stock, horses and men during the boom years. It still contains water today. Bullfinch Located 35km north of The town of Bullfinch was established Visitors can see the Nil NA Southern Cross. Access in 1910 on the back of local gold now mostly empty by a sealed road discoveries. Gold mining in the area streets and ceased in 1921. In the 1950’s the buildings of this town had a resurgence courtesy of once bustling nearby Copperhead gold mine, mining town. however this stopped operating in 1963 and most of the towns people moved on.

MUSEUMS Name Exhibits/Displays Hours of Operation Guided Tours Admission Cost Visitor Feedback (Adult) Yilgarn The earliest Registrar’s Office in Western Monday 9.30am – 11.30am Y (volunteer $3 “Yilgarn History Museum, Southern History Australia and the courthouse, now the and 1.30pm – 3.30pm led) Cross, is one of my favourite places to Museum Museum, built in 1892. The Museum visit each time I am in the Yilgarn. The contains a collection of artefacts, records Tuesday, Wednesday and museum is housed within the oldest, still and memorabilia documenting the history Thursday 9.30am – 11.30pm standing civic building east of York, of mining and agriculture in the area. Western Australia” Friday 12.00pm – 4.00pm “The museum provides a wonderful Saturday by appointment background to the entire gold mining history of the region. There are so many Sunday 10.30am – 3.30pm interesting artifacts that show how life was at the time. My kids loved looking at the old washing machines, the court

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 83 house and reading about the mystery of the vanished aerial navigator”

EVENTS Event Location Description Visitor Amenity/Attractions Adult Frequency Admission Cost Southern Cross Car & Southern Cross Oval Annual event run by the Yilgarn Motoring Vintage cars, swap meet, market Gold coin Annual Bike Show and Swap Enthusiasts Club. stalls, food trucks, rides, live music. donation Meet Free camping on the oval. Yilgarn Agricultural Southern Cross Annual community event hosted by the Yilgarn Rides, market stalls, skills $15 Annual Show Sporting Oval & Agricultural Society. demonstrations, fireworks, live music, Complex food & drink. Caravan and camping available at the read of the show grounds.

CARAVAN, CAMPING & RV FACILITIES Name Operator Location Visitor Services/Amenity Cost Per Night Bookings Example Visitor Feedback (Powered Caravan Site) Helena Aurora NA 100km north of Southern NA NA “The Helena Aurora Range makes a great As the Helena Aurora Range campsite Cross in the Great destination for a long weekend out of Perth. Range is located within a Western Woodlands. There’s plenty of space for a group to spread conservation park it is not out and camp. For those who want to bring managed for recreational a camper or off-road caravan along, access use and there are no to the campground is possible via facilities. The unofficial reasonable gravel tracks.” campsite is located on the

north-west side of the “It’s all bush camping, with zero facilities” range and is simply a

reasonably level stretch of https://www.whichcar.com.au/explore/wa ground beneath the trees. /helena-aurora-ranges-western-australia Weowanie Rock NA Yellowdine Rd Yellowdine • Nil Free NA NA Campsite

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 84 Southern Cross Shire of Located on Achernar • Dump point Free NA NA RV Service Yilgarn Street, Southern Cross • Potable water outlet Facility • Short term parking in the CBD Lake Shire of Located 6km north of Nil Free NA NA Koorkoordine Yilgarn Southern Cross on the Bullfinch Road.

Mobil Privately Great Eastern Highway, • Powered and Unknown Bookings are NA Yellowdine operated Yellowdine unpowered sites made over the Roadhouse • Toilets phone • Showers • Potable water • Restaurant/café Mount Palmer NA Located on Marvel Loch- Nil Free NA NA Yellowdine Rd, Mount Palmer. The designated camping area is 500 metres north of the old town site. Southern Cross Shire of Old Information Bay, cnr 24-hour free parking Free NA NA Overnight Stop Yilgarn Great Eastern Hwy & Area Three Boys Rd, 1.2 km West of Southern Cross Moorine Rocks NA Noongar North Road, 24.4 • 24-hour free parking Free NA “Moorine Rocks Picnic Area Is a bush camp Picnic Area km Northeast of Bodallin • Fire pits and an interesting place to visit for a picnic. There are fireplaces but no picnic tables or bins. Most caravans will be OK here, but the tight turns and limited room make it unsuitable for large rigs” Moorine Rock Privately Located 20km west of • Showers Free NA “The hotel/pub offers free space to stay Hotel Motel operated Southern Cross. Access • Toilets overnight with your camper. You can also directly off the Great use the shower and toilets for free” Eastern Highway “Traveling west and pulled into Moorine Rocks Hotel. Plenty of room behind and next to the Hotel to park up caravan. Toilets and shower if required”

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 85 Southern Cross Shire of 10 Coolgardie Road, • Drive-through $35 for 2 guests Bookings “The new ablutions, laundry and camp Caravan Park Yilgarn (Great Eastern Highway), powered sites $5 per extra made via kitchen are fantastic. Dog friendly park Southern Cross • Tent sites guest phone or (usual rules apply), playground for the kids • 2 ablution blocks email and neat tidy gravel bays with plenty of • Ensuite powered site room to pull larger vans through. We came for disabled persons in after hours and the check in process was • Camp kitchen very simple. The park is a credit to the • Recreation room Caretakers and Yilgarn Shire” • Coin operated guest laundry “Stopped by here on two separate occasions • BBQ’s and found it to be a great example of how • Playground an outback Aussie caravan park should be run - efficient check in/out, reasonable rates, easy parking on good sized lots, large & clean amenities block, and the garden were well maintained” Karalee Rock & Shire of Karalee rocks campsite is • One toilet Free NA “Learn about the history of the Goldrush Dam Yilgarn 34km east of Southern • Fire pits while camping overnight in this amazing Campground Cross. Access is on a 5km • Dump point place. No electricity or water but clean ‘bush unsealed road off the • Picnic tables toilet’. Campfires allowed anytime except Great Eastern Highway. • Interpretive signage November to End April” • Suitable for caravans, camper “There is no power or water and only the trailers and tents one toilet, which is wet flushing and self- • 72-hour limit composting. You will need to take your own toilet paper too. It does have a dump point”

“There is plenty of parking, but you'll have to be pretty well self contained. I believe there is a limit on staying of 72hrs” Bodallin Facilities 48 Griffiths St, Bodallin • Toilets Free NA “The park is a huge area with new toilet Pioneers Park maintained Adjacent to a Liberty Fuel • BBQ facilities and children’s playground. There is overnight free by Liberty Station • Picnic Tables also a public phone box. The roadhouse is camp Fuel Station • Pet friendly the last cheapest fuel heading east. The Owner • Playground roadhouse also keeps basic supplies and has an excellent menu.

“The toilet facilities are owned and looked after by the roadhouse, so let them know you appreciate it. They pay for the cleaning, the toilet paper and water supply. They will appreciate your visit and patronage”

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 86

FOOD & DRINK

Name Type Opening Days/Hours Online Online Example Visitor Feedback Visitor Rating Presence Ordering/ Reservations BP Roadhouse Take away Open 24 hours Generic BP N NA NA Southern Cross Casual dining Facebook page

The Palace Hotel Restaurant Monday – Sunday Facebook N “This is the best place to eat in Southern 5 stars based on 21 Bar 6pm -8pm Website under Cross. The menu is pub-fare and the reviews (Facebook) construction meals we had were tasty. The hotel is 3 stars based on 54 used by local mine workers so while at reviews (Trip Advisor) times it is very busy, our meals were served without an undue wait. Bar service was excellent” Railway Tavern Restaurant Open for pub meals Facebook N “Had a great night at the Railway, great 4.8 stars based on 69 Bar Wednesday to Pizzas, friendly staff have no problem reviews (Facebook) Saturday 6.00pm to recommending a visit for a fun night” 8:00pm Pizzas available “I highly recommend the Railway to Wednesday to everyone great family run business Saturday 6.00pm to awesome food and the best service” 8.00pm and Sunday 5.00pm to 7.00pm. Southern Cross Restaurant Breakfast: Monday Website N NA NA Motel Restaurant 7:30am – 9am, Tuesday – Friday: 6:30am – 8am, Saturday: 7:30am – 9am Dinner: Monday – Saturday: 5:30pm – 8:30pm Southern Cross Café Monday – Friday: Facebook Y (through “Great food, great service food fresh and 4.2 stars based on 5 Coffee Lounge Take away 8:30am – 3:30 pm, Facebook very friendly service, would definitely reviews (Facebook) Saturday 8am -1pm page) recommend stopping in” Marvel Loch Hotel Restaurant Monday, Tuesday, Facebook N “The best pizza ever! Friendly staff and 5 stars based on 1 review Bar Wednesday, Friday patron's, ice cold beer” (Facebook) 6:00 AM - 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 87 Thursday, Saturday & Sunday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM Moorine Rock Hotel Restaurant Unknown Facebook N “Had a most enjoyable experience here, 5 stars based on 4 reviews Bar meals were delicious, big serves, five star (Facebook) quality. Publican and his wife were very friendly and welcoming, highly 4.5 stars based on 21 recommend a visit here” reviews (Trip Advisor)

“Fantastic food & hospitality. Great country atmosphere” Stallion Fuels (Muzz Take away Monday to Friday - Information N NA NA Buzz) 5.00am to 6.00pm provided on Saturday & Sunday - Eagle 7.00am to 6.00pm Petroleum website and Facebook page Bodallin Roadhouse Take away Monday, Wednesday, Facebook N NA 3 stars based on 2 reviews Casual dining Thursday, Saturday, (Facebook) Sunday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Tuesday & Friday 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Yellowdine Mobil Take away Unknown Basic N NA NA Roadhouse Casual dining information available on generic Mobil website

TRAILS Name Type Accessibility Distance Description Visitor Visitor Feedback Where can visitors Services/Amenity find information about the Trail (websites) The Golden Drive Trail Sealed road with 650km one The Golden Pipeline Heritage • Interpretive NA Trails WA Pipeline short stretches of way Trail runs from Mundaring Weir signage at key Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail maintained in the Perth Hills to Mt Charlotte sites along the Heritage Trail unsealed road. in Kalgoorlie. The Trail Trail Australia's Golden celebrates one of the world’s • Caravan/Camping Outback Only two small greatest engineering marvels – • Picnic Areas

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 88 sections are a pipeline built 100 years ago to • Public Toilets Central Wheatbelt unsuitable for carry water from Mundaring • Other amenities Visitors Centre caravans. Weir just outside Perth to the (food/drink, remote and semi-arid Goldfields accommodation, Accessible for of Kalgoorlie. The Trail follows etc.) provided in 2WD vehicles the pipeline for much of its towns along the route and takes in many of the Trail. sites associated within the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme. Yilgarn Drive Trail The roads are This trail takes visitors to NA NA Shire of Yilgarn Granite mostly unsealed Dulyalbin Rock, Jilbadgie Rocks, website Discovery Frog Rock and South Strawberry Rocks Yilgarn Drive Trail The roads are This trail takes visitors to Lake • Picnic facilities at NA Shire of Yilgarn Granite mostly unsealed. Koorkadine, various of Hunts some sites website Discovery Well's, Kodjerning Rock, • Toilet at Baladjie North Halfway Rocks, Lake Baladjie & Rock Baladjie Rock, Kerman Rock and Keokanie Rock. Great Drive Trail Sealed and This is not a The Great Western Woodlands Facilities including NA Central Wheatbelt Western unsealed roads. formal drive is a fantastic place to visit, with toilets, camp Visitors Centre Woodlands trail, rather numerous granite outcrops, grounds, picnic/BBQ Shire of Yilgarn a series of secluded bush camping areas areas and recommend and historic attractions. Points interpretive walk ed stops of interest include Elachbutting trails are provided within the Rock, Mount Palmer, Karalee at various locations Great Rock and Dam within the Great Western Western Woodlands Woodlands. Weowanie – Drive Trail Unsealed roads 16km This track runs due north from . NA Weowanie Track is not wellsandtracks.com Karalee Track Karalee for 16km to Weowanie very technical, nor does .au

Tank. It is part of the 600 km it provide challenging long Hunts Track. Points of four wheel driving. It is, interest include Weowanie Tank however, hard on and Weowanie Rock vehicles. Hard, sharp campgrounds. branches of the acacias will scratch vehicles non-stop for four kilometres. There is no turning back, there is no way to turn around.

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 89 Reversing isn’t an option.

Karalee Dam Walk Trail The walk trails A shorter Two marked walk trails with • Interpretive “Easy walk over mostly All Trails Walk Trails start close to the 1.2km and interpretive signage that take signage unshaded bare campground. longer visitors through bushland and • Trail markers undulating rock and 2.7km trail over a section of rock. There is partly shaded gravel Easy walk on also the opportunity to walk path. The trail is well mostly gravel around the dam wall and across marked although the tracks. the rock to see the views. Along plain galvanised trail the trail is one of Hunt's wells. markers can be hard to see and would benefit from coloured tape or similar”

“There are many information plaques along the trail outlining the extensive history associated with Karalee Rocks and , unlike many information boards at other places that have faded in the weather, these plaques are etched with the information and continue to be easy to read” Ghooli Pump Walk Trail The trail starts at 0.3 km loop This short 300m trail takes you • Interpretive NA All Trails Station Walk a picnic/parking around one of the pump signage area, a short stations that originally was part • Picnic area distance off the of the Goldfields Water Supply Great Eastern Scheme. The site is part of the Highway. Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail, a Easy walk good drive trail. The trailhead has for all skill levels numerous interpretive panels along the route and a viewing platform that enables you to look down at the bowels of the pump station.

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 90 Frog Rock Walk Trail Unknown Unknown NA – the walk trail is mentioned

Walk Trail in the Wheatbelt Region Parks and Reserves Management Plan 2021, but no information on the trail could be sourced online Helena and Walk Trail A number of walk Walks range There are few formed trails in • There are no NA Helena & Aurora Aurora Range options are from 4.2km the Helena and Aurora Range, facilities at the Range website Bush Walk available of up to so the walk options are mostly ranges. Trails varying length 16.2km off-track routes. However, due • Walk trail maps and difficulty: to the generally open and are available to 1) West Peak and sparse woodland/ shrubland download from J5 Monolith these routes are usually easy to the website (Medium) 5.9 KM follow and offer spectacular and www.helenaauro 2) Main Range expansive views across the rarange.com.au/ Ridge Walk range and the surrounding bushwalks-range (Hard) 14.9 KM countryside. 3) Bungalbin Hill (Medium) 4.2 KM 4) South Peak (Medium) 4.3 KM 5) Bungalbin East Cliffs & Caves, and East Peak (Hard) 5.8 KM 6) NE Peak and North Peak from the South (Hard) 16.2 KM

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 91

Westonia

VISITOR SPEND 77 VISITORS (Domestic Tourism output is estimated at O v e r n i g h t ) $ 2 . 3 1 2 m i l l i o n Visitors Average Spend Per EMPLOYMENT Stay Night 8 jobs are supported by tourism in the Np* 5 nights $92 Shire of Westonia

TOURISM BUSINESSES

0 Tourism Business according to TRA Local Government Area Profile 2 Product Listings on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse

TOURISM PRIORITIES 1)Enhance local economic activity by supporting the growth of tourism in our Shire and region including applying for funding to improve tourist facilities 2)Improve our online tourism presence 3)Retain and expand Westonia’s unique tourism experience

77 Sources: REMPLAN Economy Profile, Wheatbelt Region and Shire of Westonia Strategic Community Plan 2018-2028 *Np = Data not publishable

WEROC Inc. Tourism Product Audit 2021 | 92 Nature, Parks & Reserves Name Accessibility Attraction Activities Visitor Quality of visitor amenity and (How easy is it for (What do visitors come to see) (What can visitors Services/Amenity activities visitors to get to) do at the site) Baladjie Rock Located on the Koorda Baladjie Rock is a granite rock • Caravan/camping • Toilets New toilets installed Bullfinch Road, 42 kms formation and is part of the • Flora & fauna • Open fire pits December 2020 north-east of Westonia. Baladjie Lake Nature Reserve. The study • BYO firewood reserve is situated within the Great • Photography • Picnic table Unsealed track Western Woodlands and is • Rock climb & adjacent to the southern edge of bushwalk the Baladjie salt lake system. Sandford Rocks Nature Located 10kms north 806 hectares of granite outcrop, • Flora & fauna • Picnic table Reserve east of Westonia along pools, wildflowers scrub and study • Signposted walking the bituminised woodland. A bird hide is there for • Photography trail Boodarockin road. You those interested in bird • Walk trail • Parking for cars and can get to this site by: watching/photography. • Picnic caravans Two-wheel drive and There is a clearly marked walk trail • No campfires large vehicles > 7m over the granite outcrop. • Brochure Yanneymooning Located on the corner 513ha reserve comprising granite • Flora & fauna Nil NA Reserve of Elachbutting and rock formations and bushland. The study Echo Valley Roads rock offers a spectacular view with • Bush walk 75kms north of a variety of bird life and flowers. • Photography Westonia Chiddarcooping Nature Chiddarcooping is Chiddarcooping Reserve is a DPAW • Flora & fauna Nil NA Reserve located along the nature reserve covering 5,262 study Warrachuppin road hectares of bushland. The reserve • Bush walk approx. 50km north of is abundant with unique flora and • Photography the Westonia Townsite. fauna and also contains granite outcrops, breakaways and pools. According to Central Wheatbelt Visitors Website, access is difficult Elachbutting Rock & Located around 100km Elachbutting Rock is a massive • Caravan/camping • BBQs New toilets installed Nature Reserve (1 hour) north of granite outcrop, a popular camping • Picnic/BBQ • Picnic tables December 2020 Westonia. Most of the spot for 4WD clubs and for locals. It • Walk trail • One toilet journey is on sealed has a spectacular colourful rainbow • 4WD trail • Open fire pits roads. The last section wave similar to Hyden’s Wave Rock • BYO firewood is on gravel which is of with the added beauty of ‘Monty’s good quality when dry Pass’, a 30m tunnel caused by a

WEROC Inc. Tourism Product Audit 2021 | 93 but can become a little rockslide. An echoing cave similar slippery after rains. to an amphitheatre is close by. Diorite Park Located on the corner Diorite Park features a • Adventure/nature • Shaded playground Recently upgraded of Diorite and Cement range of play equipment under play • Shaded picnic area Streets near the coloured shade sails and a small • Picnic/Rest area • Skate park Westonia town centre skate park. • Public toilets Water fountain Westonia Common Surrounds Westonia Westonia town-site is significant in • Walk trail Interpretive signage Townsite and heads out that it has the unique charm of • Flora & Fauna along the walk trail along Stoneman road being nestled inside approximately study 5,600 hectares of remnant • Photography bushland, known as the Common.

Heritage, Arts & Culture Name Accessibility Attraction Activities Visitor Quality of visitor amenity and (How easy is it for (What do visitors come to see) (What can visitors do Services/Amenity activities visitors to get to) at the site) Boodalin Soak Located approximately Boodalin Soak is within the Westonia • View one of Hunts Interpretive signage The Boodalin Soak has been 6 kilometres west of Common. The soak has great Wells restored and fenced off Westonia, just off historical value as a watering and • Flora & Fauna Study (http://www.adventures.net.au) Stoneman Road. Access stopping place for travellers from York to the soak is via a to Kalgoorlie on their way out to the gravel road gold fields and is the site at which one of Western Australia’s most infamous Bush Rangers, Moondyne Joe, was captured after an escape from Fremantle Prison. There is a granite outcrop nearby surrounded by native grassland which is well known for wildflowers in spring. Boodalin Soak also features a Stone Well a part of the series along Hunt’s trail excavated and lined by CC Hunt. Edna May Gold Mine Located just off The mine lookout at the Edna May • Lookout over an Interpretive signage Closed during blasts Lookout Warrachuppin Road on provides spectacular views of the operating gold the northern edge of open cut mine and mill in operation. mine the townsite. Access is The entrance to the lookout is a • Photography via a gravel no-through personnel gate. Travel to the top is on road foot only Wolfram Street located on the main Down the main street of Westonia, • Urban walk • Public toilets Facades street of Westonia the facades of the town’s original • Photography • Café

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 94 bank, café and greengrocer store have • General store been recreated. The doors on these facades are real and open to the library and Shire Offices. Joan's Leap Located approximately Joan’s Leap is an uncovered mine • Flora & Fauna Informational 1km East of the shaft of approximately 200ft in depth. Study signage describing Westonia townsite the story behind along Boodarockin Rd "Joan's Leap" on the edge of the Edna May mine boundary. Access is via a sealed road. Westonia’s War Located inside the Old WWI Roll of Honour and WWII Roll of • View memorial • Car park Memorial Room Miners Hall on Honour • Military history • Public toilets Wolfram Street St. Luke’s Anglican Located on the main St Luke’s Anglican Church in Westonia • Photography • Car park Church street (wolfram) of is a restored weatherboard church, • 48-free camping • Public toilets Westonia which was originally erected at site for fully self- located in Diorite Naretha over 600 kilometres to the contained RV's Park and the Old east. Its original purpose was to serve Miners Hall workers on the construction of the trans-Australian railway in 1916.

MUSEUMS Name Exhibits/Displays Hours of Operation Guided Tours Admission Cost Visitor Feedback (Adult) Hood Penn The museum features a variety of scenes Monday – Friday 9.00am – Y (Volunteer $3 “A small country museum that has been well Museum showcasing early life in the shire including 4:30pm led) thought out, maintained and beautifully a pub scene, a shop/hardware store Saturday & Sunday presented” scene, a petrol station/garage scene, a 10.00am-12.00pm kitchen scene, a bedroom scene and a “What a beautifully presented display of blacksmith/farm workshop scene. A quality history. No dusty boring collections vibrating mine tunnel is also included here - everything is top notch and such a lot within the museum that gives visitors an of effort and creativity has been used to idea of what life in an early Westonia gold make this a truly worthwhile stop off in a mine would have been like. pretty and spotless town. There's a simulated gold mine experience which is great and wax models that you want to touch to make sure they're not alive”

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 95 EVENTS Event Location Description Visitor Amenity/Attractions Adult Frequency Admission Cost Wessy on The Green Wolfram Street, A weekend of entertainment, activities, Food trucks, market stalls, vintage Free Bi-annual Westonia exhibitions, and stalls. cars, kids’ activities, live music, local cricket match.

CARAVAN, CAMPING & RV FACILITIES Name Operator Location Visitor Services/Amenity Cost Per Night Bookings Example Visitor Feedback (Powered Caravan Site) St. Luke’s Shire of Wolfram St, Westonia • Picnic Table Free NA NA Church Westonia • 48-hour free camping for fully self-contained RV's only Westonia Shire of Wolfram St, Westonia • Ablution block $20 Book online “This was a planned stop to allow clean up Caravan Park Westonia • Camp kitchen $10 (overflow) through Shire and rock climbing. Caretaker was so helpful. • BBQ's of Westonia Brand new families and the best camp • Powered sites website or by kitchen we have ever seen. Got set up and • Pet friendly phone/email. visited the Boodalin soak, and the Edna May • Drinking water mine site lookout. Next day left early to • Walk trail climb Baladjie rock. $20 per night for this • Coin operated guest gem of a CP” laundry Carrabin Privately Situated on Great • Ablution block $15 Bookings “Stayed here on a grassy area to pitch our Roadhouse operated Eastern Highway 9 • Drinking water made over the tent for one night, costing only $10! We had Hotel, Motel & kilometres south of • Powered sites phone or via access to toilets and showers which were Caravan Park the Westonia • Pet friendly email clean and tidy, via key” townsite. • Onsite licensed bar and restaurant “When traveling the Great Eastern Highway this is a good place for a nights stopover. The camping area is well laid out with power and water but no dump point with clean toilets and showers with plenty of hot water all for $15 per night” Baladjie Rock Shire of Located on the • Toilets Free NA “Camping area on eastern side but without Camping Area Westonia Koorda Bullfinch • Open fire pits any facilities - bring everything, including Road, 42 kms north- • BYO firewood firewood. Magnificent in the wildflower east of Westonia. • Picnic table season. Great walking trails all around

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 96 the rock. Bird watching. On edge of lake Baladjie” (https://www.exploroz.com/) Elachbutting Shire of Located around • BBQs Free NA “We had heard great things about this Rock Westonia 100km (1 hour) north • Picnic tables place, but we were in awe! Flush toilets, fire of Westonia. • One toilet pits and lots of space” • Open fire pits • Not pet friendly “We explored for half a day, camped one night, with more exploration in the morning before heading off to the next rock. It was more impressive than I was expecting, I really loved it. The campsite was basic but more than ample for what you need. Thanks must go the shire for the upkeep of the roads and campsite” Westonia RV Shire of Located on the Corner • RV dump point Free NA NA Dump Point Westonia of Boodarockin Rd and Westonia/Carrabin Rd

FOOD & DRINK

Name Type Opening Days/Hours Online Online Example Visitor Feedback Visitor Rating Presence Ordering/ Reservations Westonia Tavern Restaurant Open from 4.00pm Facebook N “The Tavern has great atmosphere & food 4 stars based on 35 Casual dining daily with the combination of workers & reviews (Restaurant travellers. Really needs more meal table Guru) seating (with pool tables rearranged) in the main tavern. We ate in the kitchen 5 stars based on 37 area but would have been better in the reviews (Facebook) Tavern” Westonia Gallery Café 8.00am – 2.00pm Facebook N “Nice decor, friendly staff and good 5 stars based on 27 Café Thursday to Sunday, Website pricing. Highly recommended” reviews (Facebook) other days by appointment “Lovely ambience, friendly service, as 5 stars based on 25 good a coffee and muffin as I've had reviews (Trip Advisor) anywhere. This whole town is clean and friendly, managed and maintained by people who obviously care for their community and environment. Well worth a visit!”

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 97 Westonia Co-Op Café Café 8.30am-5.00pm Facebook N NA NA Monday-Friday 8.30am-12.00 pm Saturday Carrabin Roadhouse Restaurant Monday: 4pm until Facebook N “Great atmosphere, friendly service and 4.6 stars based on 9 Hotel Motel and Bar hotel close. great meals” reviews (Facebook) Caravan Park Take away Tuesday- Sunday: 10am until hotel close “Great place to unwind. Bill and Joan 4 stars based on 10 make you feel so welcome. Their meals reviews (Trip Advisor) are excellent!!”

TRAILS Name Type Accessibility Distance Description Visitor Visitor Feedback Where can visitors Services/Amenity find information about the Trail The Drive Trail Sealed road with Approx. 800 - The Wheatbelt Way self- • Roadside Trail NA Trails WA Wheatbelt stretches of good 1,000km drive trail leads you to 24 Markers are The Wheatbelt Way Way unsealed road to depending on dedicated sites across the located across the website rock and bushland the route taken. Shires of Dowerin, trail Australia's Golden features. Wyalkatchem, Koorda, • Other amenities Outback Bencubbin, Beacon, (food/drink, Central Wheatbelt Westonia, Mukinbudin, accommodation, Visitors Centre Nungarin and Trayning. etc.) provided in Highlighting the natural towns along the attractions, historical and Trail heritage sites and landscapes in the North East Wheatbelt. Wheatbelt Drive Trail Mainly sealed Approx. The Wheatbelt Wonders • Interpretive NA roadtripcountry.co Wonders Trail roads with some 1,400km Trail is a five day loop self- signage at key sites m.au unsealed sections. drive trail taking visitors along the Trail from Perth through the • Caravan/Camping central, north eastern and • Picnic Areas southern Wheatbelt. • Public Toilets Attractions include the • Other amenities Public Silo art in Northam, (food/drink, Merredin, Newdegate and accommodation, Pingrup, Elachbutting etc.) provided in Rock, pumping stations towns along the along the Golden Pipeline, Trail Kokerbin Rock,

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 98 Merredin’s Heritage walk trail, Wave Rock and the tin horse highway.

The Golden Drive Trail Sealed road with 650km one way The Golden • Interpretive NA Trails WA Pipeline short stretches of Pipeline Heritage Trail signage at key sites Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail maintained runs from Mundaring along the Trail Heritage Trail unsealed road. Weir in the Perth Hills to • Caravan/Camping Australia's Golden Only two small Mt Charlotte in Kalgoorlie. • Picnic Areas Outback sections are The Trail celebrates one of • Public Toilets Central Wheatbelt unsuitable for the world’s greatest • Other amenities Visitors Centre caravans. engineering marvels – (food/drink, a pipeline built 100 years accommodation, Accessible for 2WD ago to carry water from etc.) provided in vehicles. Mundaring Weir just towns along the outside Perth to the Trail remote and semi-arid Goldfields of Kalgoorlie. The Trail follows the pipeline for much of its route and takes in many of the sites associated within the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme. Sandford Rock Walk Trail Class 3 walk trail. 2.5km There is a clearly marked • Picnic tables NA Department Parks & Discovery This trail is not 2.5km loop walk trail that • Signposted walk trail Wildlife Trail suitable for takes you over the top of wheelchairs. the granite formation to a natural amphitheatre Baladjie Rock Walk Trail Moderate walk 1.6km loop Trail offers caves to • Toilets “One of the best All Trails Trail suitable for all skill explore and amazing • Open fire pits granite outcrops in levels. views at its peak • BYO firewood the Wheatbelt and overlooking the expansive • Picnic table offers caves to explore salt lakes. and amazing views at its peak overlooking the expansive salt lakes. Would highly recommend staying the night if you get the chance as it’s completely free and you the

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 99 sunrises/sunsets atop of the rock are to die for” Woodlands & Walk Trail The trail starts 4km This walk trail will take • Trail Markers NA Australia's Golden Wildflowers outside the you through the Westonia • Interpretive Outback Heritage Trail entrance to the Common woodland and Signage Central Wheatbelt Westonia Caravan back to town past historic • QR Codes Visitors Centre Park. points of interest. The Shire of Westonia Easy, flat walk on Westonia Common is website mostly firm sandy 5600ha of salmon gum, loam surface morrell and gimlet woodlands and has many places worth exploring. Elachbutting Walk & The trail along the The trail around The trail takes visitors • BBQs “The contrast is Trails WA Rock Walk & Drive Trail base of the rock is the base of the through native • Picnic tables striking. At Wave Rock Drive Trails walkable and rock is 6km. vegetation, caves (some • One toilet you have a visitors' accessible to 2WD of which have ancient • Open fire pits centre, coach tours, and 4WD vehicles. Aboriginal drawings • BYO firewood paid parking and inside) and to sealed roads and The trail to the top Elachbutting Well which paths to handle the of the rock was established by early tourist traffic. Here at commences at the settlers to provide them Elachbutting Rock you camping ground with suitable drinking park on a patch of and is a short walk water. The trail to the top gravel cleared from or can be reached of the rock offers views of undisturbed bush and by 4WD. farmland and native wander a quiet trail, bushland. probably with few other people, if any”

(www.roamingdownu nder.com)

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 100

kellerberrin n VISITOR SPEND 78 VISITORS (Domestic Tourism output is estimated at O v e r n i g h t ) $ 4 .303 m i l l i o n Visitors Average Spend Per EMPLOYMENT Stay Night 18 jobs are supported by tourism in the Np* 5 nights $92 Shire of Kellerberrin

TOURISM BUSINESSES

14 Tourism Business 2 Product Listings on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse

TOURISM PRIORITIES Not specified

78 Sources: Tourism Research Australia, Kellerberrin Local Government Area Profile 2019. REMPLAN Economy Profile, Wheatbelt Region. *Np = Data not publishable

WEROC Inc. Tourism Product Audit 2021 | 101 Nature, Parks & Reserves Name Accessibility Attraction Activities Visitor Quality of visitor amenity and (How easy is it for (What do visitors come to see) (What can visitors Services/Amenity activities visitors to get to) do at the site) Kokerbin Rock Approximately 40km Kokerbin Rock is the third largest • Walk trails • Interpretive signage DBCA and the Shire of Bruce south of Kellerberrin via monolith in Australia. It is also a • Rock climbing along the walk trails Rock are working to improve the Kellerberrin-Yoting flora and fauna hotspot. • Picnic/BBQ • Toilets signage and walkways Road. • Flora & Fauna • Shaded picnic/BBQ throughout the park. Study area Gravel roads. • View an historic well built in the 1920’s-30’s • Photography Centenary Park Located opposite the The Centenary park Play Space is a • Picnic/BBQ • Picnic tables Recently (2016) redeveloped main street. Easily multi functional facility • Adventure/nature • BBQ's space in good condition accessed from the incorporating a number of features play • Covered gazebo's Great Eastern Highway. including picnic/tourist facilities, • Skate park • Naturescape sensory experiences for the playground adjacent Dryandra Aged Care • residents, all abilities playspace and Sensory garden a skate park. • Public toilets are located within walking distance Kellerberrin Hill Accessed via Cemetery Lookout platform with views over • Picnic • Lookout platform Requires ongoing maintenance Road off Moore Street the townsite of Kellerberrin. • Scenic lookout • Picnic tables to ensure it is kept at a and then a dirt road to • Photography suitable level. Needs the top of the hill. additional work just for improvements Lake Baandee Ski Lake Road (25km Lake Baandee is a gazetted water- • Water skiing • Boat ramp Needs new shelters and east of Kellerberrin off skiing area. A viewing site is • Swimming • Showers upgrades to toilets. The facility the Great Eastern provided 5 kilometres along the • Picnic/BBQ • Toilets still functions though looks a Highway) Bruce Rock- Doodlakine Road. • Interpretive • Picnic/BBQ area bit tired. signage at the viewing site Kellerberrin Rock Located at the back of A large granite outcrop water • Flora & fauna N/A Catchment and Dam the golf course, towards catchment area, with stone walling study the base of Kellerberrin directing the rainwater run-off into • Golden Pipeline Hill a storage dam which was built for Heritage Trail the railway. Site

WEROC Inc. Tourism Product Audit 2021 | 102 Durokoppin Nature 25 kilometres north- An A-class reserve for the • Bush walk • Interpretive State government need to Reserve east of Kellerberrin conservation of flora and fauna. • Picnic signage ensure tracks are maintained along the Kellerberrin this reserve contains a short walk • Flora & fauna • Picnic tables Trayning Road outlining the impact that rising study saline groundwater can have on bushland. A large reserve with stands of inland wandoo and heath land. Interpretation and picnic table available. Mt Caroline & Mt 22km south of These granite outcrops are some of • Picnic • Lookout Facilities are in good condition Stirling Kellerberrin on the the oldest exposed rocks in the • Bush walk • Interpretive Kellerberrin-Yoting world. A walk is provided • Photography signage Road. at the Mt. Stirling stop, to an easily • Picnic tables accessible lookout with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and the Salt River. The shell of a "bush church" built in 1940 are located at the base of Mt. Stirling.

Heritage, Arts & Culture Name Accessibility Attraction Activities Visitor Quality of visitor amenity and (How easy is it for (What do visitors come to see) (What can visitors Services/Amenity activities visitors to get to) do at the site) Doodlakine Well Site The well is located The well was used as the original • Bush walk • Information Shelter The well is in reasonable north of the old water source for the thriving • Picnic • Picnic tables condition. Some rocks need to Goldfields Road, 5km community of Doodlakine at the turn • View one of • Interpretive Signage be replaced. Weeds need to be from the current of the twentieth century. The town of Hunt’s wells removed. The well needs to be townsite. Doodlakine was famous for being dug out. considered around the turn of that century as a potential site for the new In February 2015, the well had capital of Australia. The well is at the ten pine poles inserted into the eastern base of the rock, 150 metres ground around it but a secure from the shelter along a gravel path. fence is required. (wellsandtracks.com.au) Milligan Homestead Located 10km north of The homestead was built in 1871 of • Photography NIL NA Kellerberrin along the local field stone. Milligan Homestead • View the Trayning Road and Outbuildings have high historic homestead from significance as one of the early out- the road stations established in the district.

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 103 Sharks Mouth Rock 5 kilometers north-east This granite outcrop is an aboriginal • View the NIL NA of Kellerberrin along protected site. unique rock the “old Goldfields formation from Road”. Access is via a the road gravel road. Kellerberrin Marek Easily accessible, A former Blacksmith shop come • Self-guided tours Open by request only NA Brothers Garage located along the Great Holden dealership from the 60's to (generally daily). Eastern Highway 2004, now houses a small collection of Holden cars and memorabilia from days gone by.

MUSEUMS Name Exhibits/Displays Hours of Operation Guided Tours Admission Cost Visitor Feedback (Adult) Kellerberrin Folk Museum located in the old agricultural hall Local volunteers from the Kellerberrin N Free NA Pioneer (built 1897). Contains local memorabilia, a Historical Society open the museum Museum photographic record of the area and old farm every Sunday between 2.00-4.00pm. machinery and agricultural implements Self-guided tours during business hours Monday to Friday (key collected from the Shire)

EVENTS Event Location Description Visitor Amenity/Attractions Adult Frequency Admission Cost Kellerberrin & Greater Sports Annual event showcasing agriculture. Market stalls, trade displays, rides, $10 Annual Districts Agricultural Grounds Kellerberrin entertainment, food and drink, Show fireworks Kellerberrin Approximately 7km The Kellerberrin Speedway is operated by a Clubhouse, public toilets, veranda $15 Average of 5 Speedway south of Kellerberrin community-based club who run race meetings in area, shelter for spectators, picnic per year townsite conjunction with Perth TQ Car Club. tables, small playground. Central Wheatbelt Greater Sports Harness racing venue for the Central Wheatbelt. Bar facilities and other visitor amenity Free 12 meets Harness Racing Club Grounds Kellerberrin provided at the Kellerberrin each season Recreation Centre. Events often include children’s entertainment. Woodstock Country Live at the Hay Shed Full Points Rodeo, 4x4 track competition, Moto X Side show, live bands, rodeo, market $45-$55 Annual Muster track, chopper flights, Burnout Pad with displays stalls, camping. from Motorplex Championship series 2.

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 104 CARAVAN, CAMPING & RV FACILITIES Name Operator Location Visitor Services/Amenity Cost Per Night Bookings Example Visitor Feedback (Powered Caravan Site) Kellerberrin Shire of Lot 404 George • Powered sites $22 for 2 Bookings made via “Western Australia has been linked to high- Caravan Park Kellerberrin Street, • Grassed camp sites guests phone, email or park prices in the past, which is why so many Kellerberrin • Ablution block $5 per extra through an online RVers are praising the Kellerberrin shire for • Coin operated guest guest contact form on the their excellent, low-cost caravan park. RVers laundry Shire website will find themselves loving the natural • Outdoor Kitchen/ BBQ surroundings – which come to life with area wildflowers from June to September – as • Communal kitchen and well as the pet friendly status. There are six TV area grassed sites that offer power, and the • Free Wi-Fi amenities include a laundry, BBQ area, • RV Friendly Ezy-dump dump point, free Wi-Fi, ablution block, camp point kitchen and TV area. Kellerberrin is also • On-site Manager filled with scenic and historical trails, which makes exploring a real treat” • Disabled access • Pet friendly Lake Baandee Shire of Ski Lake Road • Small camping areas on Free NA “Pleasant area, quiet and far enough from Kellerberrin (25km east of the lakes edge on the road. Rail traffic can be seen through the Kellerberrin off way in via Ski Lake Rd trees in distance. Flush toilets and water. the Great Eastern • Toilets & Showers We had a great 3-day break by the lake, did Highway) • Picnic/BBQ area not see any no camping signs also you need your own power. Toilets and showers on site but very basic”

FOOD & DRINK

Name Type Opening Days/Hours Online Online Example Visitor Feedback Visitor Rating Presence Ordering/ Reservations Doodlakine Garden Café Open by appointment Facebook (last N Café only post in 2012)

Kellerberrin Hotel Restaurant Monday & Tuesday: Facebook “Solid little place! Friendly staff & great 5 stars based on 30 3pm-9pm prices” reviews (Facebook) Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday: 2pm-9pm “Great pub with awesome meals and Friday & Saturday: great service” 2pm- till late

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 105 Meals served Monday – Sunday 6pm - 9:00pm Succulent Foods Café Monday-Friday: 6am- Facebook N “A gem on the main street of Kellerberrin. 4.5 stars based on 31 Take away 3:30pm Great food and coffee you would expect reviews (trip advisor) Saturday: 6am- from Perth” 12:30pm “Stopped in while passing through - great coffee and delicious carrot cake. Well worth a visit if you’re in Kellerberrin” Kellerberrin Pie Shop Take away Monday – Friday: Website N “Delicious and well-priced pastries, with 4.5 stars based on 2 & Bakery Casual dining 7.30am – 1.30pm savoury and sweet options available, reviews (Trip Advisor) Saturday: 7.30am – though not extensive. You can take away 1.00pm or sit down. Friendly staff too” Kellerberrin & Restaurant Bar open from Facebook N Districts Club 3.00pm Monday to Website Friday, 11.00am Saturday and 2.00pm Sunday Kitchen open Wednesday - Sunday 6.00-8.00pm Kellerberrin Crusty Take away Located inside the IGA NA N Cove Bakery Monday – Friday: 7am – 5pm Saturday: 7am – 12pm Kellerberrin United Take away 24 hours, 7 days Website NA Fuels Roadhouse Casual dining

TRAILS Name Type Accessibility Distance Description Visitor Visitor Where can visitors Services/Amenity Feedback find information about the Trail

Kellerberrin Walk Trail Commences at the Approximately 1 There are 12 places of interest A trail map is available NA Australia's Golden Heritage Trail Pioneer museum. hour on the Kellerberrin Heritage from the CRC or the Outback Easy, flat walk on Trail including historic Shire of Kellerberrin. Central Wheatbelt sealed surfaces buildings, churches, and the Visitors Centre museum. Shire of Kellerberrin website

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 106 Granite Way Drive Trail The drive can be 60km round-trip Scenic drive - Granite Picnic facilities and NA Pathways to Wave accessed from from Kwolyin. outcrops (including Kokerbin interpretive signage at Rock Kellerberrin, Yoting Rock & Mount Stirling), nature various locations Australia's Golden or from Kwolyin. reserves and farmland Outback Sealed and Central Wheatbelt unsealed roads. Visitors Centre Shire of Bruce Rock website Shire of Kellerberrin website The Golden Drive Trail Sealed road with 650km one way The Golden Pipeline Heritage • Interpretive signage NA Trails WA Pipeline short stretches of Trail runs from Mundaring at key sites along the Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail maintained Weir in the Perth Hills to Mt Trail Heritage Trail unsealed road. Charlotte in Kalgoorlie. The • Caravan/Camping Australia's Golden Only two small Trail celebrates one of the • Picnic Areas Outback sections are world’s greatest engineering • Public Toilets Central Wheatbelt unsuitable for marvels – a pipeline built 100 • Other amenities Visitors Centre caravans. years ago to carry water from (food/drink, Mundaring Weir just outside accommodation, etc.) Accessible for 2WD Perth to the remote and semi- provided in towns vehicles. arid Goldfields of Kalgoorlie. along the Trail. The Trail follows the pipeline for much of its route and takes in many of the sites associated within the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme. Kokerbin Rock Walk Trail The walk trail can 1.8km The trail is primarily used for • Painted arrows NA All Trails Walk be accessed via the hiking, walking, nature trips, indicating a walking picnic area or the and bird watching and is route to the top of Well site. Moderate accessible year-round. the rock. walk suitable for all skill levels. Durokoppin Walk Trail Unknown Unknown NA – the walk trail is

Walk Trail mentioned in the Wheatbelt Region Parks and Reserves Management Plan 2021, but no information on the trail could be sourced online

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 107

Bruce rock

VISITOR SPEND 79 VISITORS (Domestic Tourism output is estimated at O v e r n i g h t ) $1.417 m i l l i o n Visitors Nights Spend Per EMPLOYMENT Night 6 jobs are supported by tourism in the Np* 5 nights $92 Shire of Bruce Rock

TOURISM BUSINESSES 14 Tourism Business 1 Product Listing on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse TOURISM PRIORITIES 1)Main street revitalization 2)Reviewing our granite outcrops and investigating ways to link the tourism assets together to create a larger attraction and more cohesive storytelling 3) Review and improve all directional signage and promotional m a t e r i a l s 4 ) Investigate incentives for increased and improved accommodation v e n u e s 5)Develop a Shire of Bruce Rock Trails Master Plan

79 Sources: Tourism Research Australia, Bruce Rock Local Government Area Profile 2019, REMPLAN Economy Profile, Wheatbelt Region, WEROC Tourism Product Survey 2021

WEROC Inc. Tourism Product Audit 2021 | 108 Nature, Parks & Reserves Name Accessibility Attraction Activities Visitor Quality of visitor amenity and (How easy is it for (What do visitors come to see) (What can visitors Services/Amenity activities visitors to get to) do at the site) Kokerbin Rock Approx. 40km West of Kokerbin Rock is the third largest • Walk trails • Interpretive signage DBCA and the Shire of Bruce Bruce Rock via the Bruce monolith in Australia. It is also a • Rock climbing along the walk trails Rock are working to improve Rock – Quairading Rd. flora and fauna hotspot. • Picnic/BBQ • Toilets signage and walkways • Flora & Fauna • Shaded picnic/BBQ throughout the park. Gravel roads. Study area • View an historic well built in the 1920’s-30’s • Photography Bruce's Rock Located 2km east of the Bruce's Rock is a low granite outcrop • Picnic/BBQ • Interpretative Recently upgraded roads, picnic town in the Bruce Rock named after the sandalwood cutter • Bush walk signage area and interpretive signage. Nature Reserve. The John Rufus Bruce after whom Bruce • Picnic area rock is signposted to the Rock was named. east of the town.

Gravel road

Heritage, Arts & Culture Name Accessibility Attraction Activities Visitor Quality of visitor amenity and (How easy is it for (What do visitors come to see) (What can visitors Services/Amenity activities visitors to get to) do at the site) Ardath Hotel Located on the main Circa 1925 heritage style hotel with • View a photo • Bar/restaurant, NA street of Ardath, 21km original bar. gallery of Ardath's accommodation south of Bruce Rock. history • Enjoy a meal or beverage in a historic hotel Bruce Rock Located on the main The Amphitheatre is a popular event • Event Venue • BBQ/picnic area Sculpture Park is to be soon Amphitheatre street of Bruce Rock. venue with seating for up to 1,200 • Picnic/BBQ • Public toilets upgraded into a Memorial people. The area also includes a • View artwork Park, featuring war memorials, sculpture park and well-maintained from around the interpretative info and gardens. region on display artwork. in the Sculpture Park

WEROC Inc. Tourism Product Audit 2021 | 109 Mosaic Pathway The mosaic wall The mosaic pathway was created in • Photography An information booklet stretches the length of celebration of Bruce Rock’s centenary • Urban walk and pathway guide the main Street celebrations in 2013. The pathway containing an contains over 300 mosaic slabs which explanation of each depict farms, buildings, churches, slab can be purchased sporting groups, shops and families of at the Bruce Rock the Bruce Rock district from days gone Community Resource by. Centre for $6 Shackleton Bank Located on the main The Bankwest bank at Shackleton • Photography A rest area with picnic NA street of Shackleton. claims to be Australia’s smallest bank. • Self-guided tour tables is available in Approximately 15 the town minute drive from Bruce Rock. Shackleton Hall Located on the main The Shackleton Hall contains wall • Photography The Shackleton Hall NA street (Jermyn St.) of timelines and pictures of the history • Self-guided tour Key is available from Shackleton and farming industries of Shackleton, the Shackleton Store Kwolyin and Erikin. A room devoted to the Antarctic exploits of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew has been decorated with posters, information and books. Steve’s Art Studio Located at the western Paintings, Garden Art and Sculptures • View local art A rest area with picnic NA end of the main street created by local artist, Steven Van den tables is available in (Jermyn St.) of Ende can be viewed while visiting the the town Shackleton sculpture park trail which is surrounded by established gardens.

MUSEUMS Name Exhibits/Displays Hours of Operation Guided Tours Admission Cost Visitor Feedback (Adult) Bruce Rock The museum contains a collection of both domestic Open when the ‘Museum’ flag is N Free NA Museum & and agricultural memorabilia, a one-room flying outside the building. Machinery schoolhouse, and a replica mud brick cottage. Museum The Machinery and motor museum houses vintage farm machinery, a car and steam traction engine.

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 110 EVENTS Event Location Description Visitor Amenity/Attractions Adult Admission Cost Frequency

Back to the Bush Bruce Rock A week long event for all service personnel to Market stalls, entertainment, food & Free Annual Veterans Reunion Amphitheatre celebrate their service to our country. drink

Bruce Rock and Bruce Rock Biennial event showcasing the equipment, Market stalls, trade displays, rides, $15 Biennial Districts Agricultural Recreation Centre animals and sport and recreation associated entertainment, food & drink, Show with agriculture fireworks

CARAVAN, CAMPING & RV FACILITIES Name Operator Location Visitor Services/Amenity Cost Per Night Bookings Example Visitor Feedback (Powered Caravan Site) Bruce Rock Free Shire of Located on • Free 48-hour parking for Free NA NA Short-Term Bruce Rock Dunstall Street fully self-contained RV's Parking across the road from the Caravan Park main gates. Bruce Rock Shire of Located on • Powered Sites $30 Bookings “This was an oasis on my Wheatbelt tour. Clean, quiet, Caravan Park Bruce Rock Dunstall Street • Camp Kitchen made cheap and close to town centre” • Drinking water through the • Ablution block Shire over “It was a great place to stay we had powered camper • Coin operated guest the phone trailer site. All amenities extremely clean and well laundry maintained. Awesome enclosed camp kitchen. • BBQs Caretaker is very friendly and helpful. Right next door • Pet friendly to the aquatic centre that has slides and mini golf. Next to state park and has an enclosed kids’ playground. Will definitely be back”

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 111 Kwolyin Shire of The campsite is • 3 flushing toilets (one Free NA “Well maintained free bush site for campers and Campsite Bruce Rock accessible from with disability access) caravans. Maximum 3 days. Toilet block, camp the Quairading- • Camp kitchen kitchen and BBQs provided. Bruce Rock road, (including sink with A great place to camp, fires are allowed depending on clearly signposted running water) the season” about 40km • Sheltered BBQ area before Bruce with gas BBQ “This is one of the cleanest and best kept free camps Rock. • Dedicated tent we have come across. They have clean flushing toilets, camping and caravan working BBQ and a great sign showing the names of Accessible in 2WD bays all the wildflowers you will find in the area” vehicles. • Campfire (April to Sept.) • Picnic tables • Interpretive signage • Rubbish bins

FOOD & DRINK

Name Type Opening Days/Hours Online Online Example Visitor Feedback Visitor Rating Presence Ordering/ Reservations Bruce Rock Take away Tuesday to Saturday Facebook N NA NA Roadhouse Casual dining 8.00am-6.00pm Sunday 8.00am-1.00pm Bruce Rock Restaurant Lunch: 12pm – 2pm daily Facebook N “This was the only place in town open. Everyone 2 stars based on 10 Hotel Casual dining Dinner from 5.30pm daily else was at the footy. We were the only people in reviews (Trip the pub apart from the two backpackers working Advisor) there. The burger was great, and the chips were to die for. Friendly but so deserted...” Bruce Rock Take away Monday - Friday 8.30am- Facebook N “I could not recommend this local Business 5 stars based on 18 Meats (bakery/café) 5.00pm enough. Always above and beyond what is reviews (Facebook) expected “The very best pies I have had in Western Australia” Bruce Rock Restaurant Meals served Thursday & Facebook N “Excellent venue, great facilities, always a great 4.7 stars based on 7 District Club Casual dining Friday 6.00pm-8.30pm Website choice of ice-cold beers, great wine selection too” reviews (Restaurant Guru) “Good food, fast and efficient service. Bar prices very reasonable”

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 112 Bruce Rock Café Café Monday - Friday 9.00am - Facebook N “Delicious food, lovely premises. So unexpected. 5 stars based on 16 - Love that Food Take away 4.30pm Website They even have vegan food available. Very reviews Sat 9.0aam - 12.00pm yummy with great service” (Restaurant Guru)

“Dropped in for a late lunch on the way through Bruce Rock. The food is amazing, the coffee is fantastic, and the staff are an absolute delight” Shackleton Restaurant Tuesday to Sunday 5pm Facebook N “The best meals, & huge serves, great friendly 4.9 stars based on District Club Casual dining till 8pm locals, a real surprise for such a small town” 22 reviews (Restaurant Guru) Ardath Hotel Restaurant Mon-Thursday 6-8pm Facebook N “Great friendly country pub cold beer and good NA - written reviews Casual dining (bookings/ notice company and great food will be back” taken from preferred. Facebook but no Lunch available by prior “Love it here! Great atmosphere! Great for the rating available arrangement) kids and great food!” Friday: 6-8pm Saturday: 12-2pm & 6- 8pm Sunday: 1-7pm Myola Nursery Café Wednesday to Sunday Facebook N “Absolutely beautiful place to go very friendly 5 stars based on 19 Cafe 9am – 4pm Website great food and very relaxed atmosphere” reviews (Restaurant Guru) “My girlfriends and I spent such a pleasant lunch here. Beautiful surrounds, yummy food, divine 5 stars based on 25 cakes and a fantastic selection of plants to buy. reviews (Facebook) Will definitely be back again” Brunch Take Café Monday – Fri 5am – 9am, Facebook N Away Takeaway 3pm – 8pm Sat & Sun 7am – 8 pm

TRAILS Name Type Accessibility Distance Description Visitor Services/Amenity Visitor Where can visitors Feedback find information about the Trail (websites) Pathways to Drive Trail Sealed roads with 760km A self-drive trail offering a range • Visitor services and NA NA Wave Rock short stretches of of unique Wheatbelt experiences amenities (food/drink, maintained and linking the Shires of Bruce accommodation, public unsealed road. Rock, Corrigin, Kondinin, Kulin, toilets, etc.) are Lake Grace and Narembeen. From provided in towns along massive granite outcrops to the Trail.

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 113 spectacular views, vibrant wildflowers and true country hospitality, easy trips can be made to many of the region’s unique and iconic sights, including Wave Rock. Granite Way Drive Trail The drive can be 60km Scenic drive - Granite outcrops • Picnic facilities and NA NA accessed from round-trip (including Kokerbin Rock & Mount interpretive signage at Kellerberrin, Yoting from Stirling), nature reserves and various locations or from Kwolyin. Kwolyin. farmland Sealed and unsealed roads. The Golden Drive Trail Sealed road with 650km one The Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail • Interpretive signage at NA NA Pipeline short stretches of way runs from Mundaring Weir in the key sites along the Trail Heritage Trail maintained Perth Hills to Mt Charlotte in • Caravan/Camping unsealed road. Kalgoorlie. The Trail celebrates • Picnic Areas Only two small one of the world’s greatest • Public Toilets sections are engineering marvels – • Other amenities unsuitable for a pipeline built 100 years ago to (food/drink, caravans. carry water from Mundaring Weir accommodation, etc.) just outside Perth to the remote provided in towns along Accessible for 2WD and semi-arid Goldfields of the Trail. vehicles. Kalgoorlie. The Trail follows the pipeline for much of its route and takes in many of the sites associated within the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme. Kokerbin Rock Drive Trail Starts on the north- 58.4km one- Wildflowers, granite outcrops • Toilets, picnic facilities NA NA Scenic Drive western edge of way and signposted walk Trail the Bruce Rock trail at Kokerbin Rock townsite at the start of Doodlakine Rd Bruce Rock Drive Trail Starting point is the 31.1km loop Wildflowers • Toilets and picnic NA NA Wildflower Shire of Bruce Rock facilities are provided in Drive Shire Office the Bruce Rock townsite Wheatbelt Drive Trail Mainly sealed Approx. The Wheatbelt Wonders Trail is a • Interpretive signage at NA NA Wonders Trail roads with some 1,400km five day loop self-drive trail taking key sites along the Trail unsealed sections. visitors from Perth through the • Caravan/Camping central, north eastern and • Picnic Areas southern Wheatbelt. Attractions • Public Toilets

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 114 include the Public Silo art in • Other amenities Northam, Merredin, Newdegate (food/drink, and Pingrup, Elachbutting Rock, accommodation, etc.) pumping stations along the provided in towns along Golden Pipeline, Kokerbin Rock, the Trail. Merredin’s Heritage walk trail, Wave Rock and the tin horse highway. Wave Rock Drive Trail Good network of 755km A loop trail taking visitors from • Visitor amenities are NA NA Wildflowers sealed roads. Perth to Hyden (Wave Rock) via provided in each town Trail York, Bruce Rock, Narembeen, along the trail. Kondinin, Kulin and Corrigin. Main attractions are granite outcrops, salt lakes, towns, art/cultural displays (e.g. tin horse highway) Kokerbin Rock Walk Trail The walk trail can 1.8km The trail is primarily used for • Painted arrows NA NA Walk be accessed via the hiking, walking, nature trips, and indicating a walking picnic area or the bird watching and is accessible route to the top of the Well site. Moderate year-round. rock. walk suitable for all skill levels. Kwolyin Loop Walk Trail All trails start from Cathedral The Kwolyin loop trails take • Trail maps NA NA Trails - the Kwolyin Rocks Walk visitors through bushland, across • Signposts at the top of Granite campsite. is a 2km Coarin Rock and a walk along the the rock Gardens, Grade 2 trail loop, old railway line. Visitors can also • Trail markers Cathedral suitable for families Granite take a stroll around the old town • Photo board Rocks, with children. Gardens is site and learn more of its history identifying 99 local Railway and 1.2km and from the interpretive signage. wildflowers Pioneer Walk Railway • Other amenities at Walk is Kwolyin campsite 2.2km.

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 115

tammin

VISITOR SPEND 80 VISITORS (Domestic No data available O v e r n i g h t )

EMPLOYMENT Visitors Nights Spend Per Night No data available Np* Np Np

TO U R I S M BUSINESSES

0 Tourism Business according to TRA Local Government Area Profile 2 Product Listings on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse

TOURISM PRIORITIES 1)Make Tammin an attractive destination for visitors by: a ) Maintaining and enhancing local iconic attractions and infrastructure b) Participate in the regional tourism strategy and promote Tammin as a place to visit, live and work.

80 Sources: Tourism Research Australia, Tammin Local Government Area Profile 2019, REMPLAN Economy Profile, Wheatbelt Region, and the Shire of Tammin Strategic Community Plan 2017-2027

WEROC Inc. Tourism Product Audit 2021 | 116 Nature, Parks & Reserves Name Accessibility Attraction Activities Visitor Quality of visitor amenity and (How easy is it for (What do visitors come to see) (What can visitors do Services/Amenity activities visitors to get to) at the site) Yorkrakine Rock Located 26 km north Yorkrakine Rock is a substantial • Bush walk • Parking The reserve has recently been east of Tammin on the granite outcrop rising 341 metres • Picnics • Toilets Picnic upgraded by CALM, providing Tammin - Wyalkatchem and covering 160 hectares. It is a • Flora & Fauna study area access roads and vehicle Road. popular place for picnics and parking. bushwalking. A strip of native flora surrounds the rock making it particularly impressive with the spring wildflowers. Charles Gardner Nature Located 16 km south of Charles Gardner Nature Reserve is • Flora & Fauna study NIL Reserve Tammin via McLaren 799 ha of natural vegetation, • Bush walk Street containing a wide variety of wildflowers some of which are unique to the region.

Heritage, Arts & Culture Name Accessibility Attraction Activities Visitor Quality of visitor amenity (How easy is it for (What do visitors come to see) (What can visitors do Services/Amenity and activities visitors to get to) at the site) Hunt's Well Located 4 km south of One of Hunt's Wells, a series of wells built • View one of Hunt's Interpretive signage & The well is restored and in the town via Ralston by convicts in the 1860s. In addition to the Well's information plaque good condition Road, and clearly well there is a small stone-lined dam fed by • Flora & Fauna Study explaining the well's (wellsandtracks.com.au) signposted. the run-off from the nearby granite hill. • Bush walk historic significance Short drive (approx. 350m) on gravel road. Tammin Located on the corner Kadjininy Kep is an outdoor recreational • BBQ/picnic • BBQ’s Amphitheatre - of Great Eastern area which provides a shaded grassed area • Rest area • Public toilets located Kadjininy Kep Highway & Booth with BBQ facilities available for day trips or • Event venue nearby at the town Street when passing through. The amphitheatre is hall. also used as a venue for outdoor concerts, • Playground located theatre and seminars. A building to the rear nearby in Memorial of the stage houses ecology displays featuring best practice land use and salinity Garden. issues.

WEROC Inc. Tourism Product Audit 2021 | 117 EVENTS Event Location Description Visitor Amenity/Attractions Adult Frequency Admission Cost Tammin Fuse Festival Donnan Park Oval Annual community event hosted by the Market stalls, kids’ entertainment Free Annual Shire of Tammin (e.g., pony rides, bouncy castles), Men's Health Pit Stop, food and drink.

CARAVAN, CAMPING & RV FACILITIES Name Operator Location Visitor Services/Amenity Cost Per Night Bookings Example Visitor (Powered Caravan Feedback Site) Tammin Privately Great Eastern • 24-hour free parking Free NA NA Roadhouse operated Highway Tammin • Pet friendly • Bins • Toilets • Showers • Potable water Tammin Hotel Privately 23 Donnan St, • 96 hours free parking Free NA NA operated South Tammin • Pets on leads Gold coin donation • Bins for showers • Toilets • Showers • Potable water Tammin Shire of Located adjacent • 6 powered caravan sites Unknown Bookings are made NA Caravan Park Tammin to the Donnan • RV waste dump point through the Shire, by Oval Reserve on phone or email Station Street

FOOD & DRINK

Name Type Opening Days/Hours Online Online Example Visitor Feedback Visitor Rating Presence Ordering/ Reservations Tammin Hotel Restaurant The Tammin Hotel is currently only Facebook N “Very quaint hotel with great 3 stars based on 28 Bar open for accommodation purposes. meals” reviews Take away Hotel bar and dining facilities are no (Last reviewed on longer available “The pizza is amazing”

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 118 Restaurant Guru 11 months ago) Puma Service Take away Open 24 hours Facebook N Station Casual dining

TRAILS Name Type Accessibility Distance Description Visitor Visitor Where can visitors find Services/Amenity Feedback information about the Trail (websites) The Golden Drive Trail Sealed road 650km one The Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail • Interpretive signage NA Trails WA Pipeline with short way runs from Mundaring Weir in the at key sites along the Golden Pipeline Heritage Heritage Trail stretches of Perth Hills to Mt Charlotte in Trail Trail maintained Kalgoorlie. The Trail celebrates one • Caravan/Camping Australia's Golden unsealed road. of the world’s greatest engineering • Picnic Areas Outback Only two small marvels – a pipeline built 100 years • Public Toilets Central Wheatbelt sections are ago to carry water from Mundaring • Other amenities Visitors Centre unsuitable for Weir just outside Perth to the (food/drink, caravans. remote and semi-arid Goldfields of accommodation, etc.) Kalgoorlie. The Trail follows the provided in towns Accessible for pipeline for much of its route and along the Trail. 2WD vehicles. takes in many of the sites associated with the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme. Yorkrakine Walk Trail Unknown Unknown NA – the walk trail is mentioned in • Public toilets NA NA Rock Walk the Wheatbelt Region Parks and • Picnic area Trail Reserves Management Plan 2021, but no information on the trail could be sourced online

WEROC TOURISM PRODUCT AUDIT 2021 | 119

List of Accounts July 2021 Chq/EFT Date Name Description Amount Municipal Account EFTs EFT17791 01/07/2021 APRA T/AS ONE MUSIC SUBSCRIPTION FOR MUSIC USE $88.22 EFT17792 01/07/2021 AUSTRALIA DAY COUNCIL OF WA 2021-2022 MEMBERSHIP $350.00 EFT17793 01/07/2021 BURGESS RAWSON PTY LTD RENT FOR LEASED PROPERTY $366.24 EFT17794 01/07/2021 CRISP WIRELESS PTY LTD ANNUAL INTERNET SUBSCRIPTION $7,906.80 EFT17795 01/07/2021 GAP SOLUTIONS PTY LTD QUARTERLY SUPPORT LICENCE $788.70 EFT17796 01/07/2021 HEALTH COMMUNICATION NETWORK LIMITED T/AS MEDICAL CENTRE SUBSCRIPTION MEDICAL DIRECTOR $2,481.60 EFT17797 01/07/2021 LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROFESSIONALS AUSTRALIA WA STAFF TRAINING (LGMA) $375.00 EFT17798 01/07/2021 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA - WHEATBELT WA SUBSCRIPTION $467.50 EFT17801 07/07/2021 BABAKIN PRIMARY SCHOOL PARENTS & CITIZENS RUBBISH COLLECTION DRIVE ASSOCIATION $500.00 EFT17802 07/07/2021 BANNISTER DOWNS DAIRY SUPERMARKET ORDER $86.04 EFT17803 07/07/2021 BRUCE ROCK CAFE - LOVE THAT FOOD REFRESHMENTS FOR MEETING $22.00 EFT17804 07/07/2021 C-STORE DISTRIBUTION SUPERMARKET ORDER $1,107.28 EFT17805 07/07/2021 CARROLL & RICHARDSON - FLAGWORLD PTY LTD CHRISTMAS BANNERS $1,281.50 EFT17806 07/07/2021 CENTRAL EAST AGED CARE ALLIANCE (INC) (CEACA) ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION TO CEACA 2021/22 $22,000.00 EFT17807 07/07/2021 COCA-COLA AMATIL SUPERMARKET ORDER $497.55 EFT17808 07/07/2021 CODY EXPRESS TRANSPORT SUPERMARKET FREIGHT CHARGES $695.77 EFT17809 07/07/2021 COLESTAN ELECTRICS ELECTRICAL WORKS AT REC CENTRE $551.80 EFT17810 07/07/2021 COUNTRYWIDE FRIDGELINES PTY LTD SUPERMARKET FREIGHT CHARGES $93.03 EFT17811 07/07/2021 EASTWAY FOOD SUPPLIES SUPERMARKET ORDER $1,367.23 EFT17812 07/07/2021 FLEET FITNESS SERVICE GYM EQUIPMENT $671.00 EFT17813 07/07/2021 FULTON HOGAN ASPHALT REC CENTRE CARPARK $85,138.90 EFT17814 07/07/2021 GREAT SOUTHERN FUEL SUPPLIES FUEL FOR JUNE 2021 $1,138.43 EFT17815 07/07/2021 JASON SIGNMAKERS TOWNSITE ROAD SIGNAGE $865.34 EFT17816 07/07/2021 LANDGATE GRV INTERIM VALUATIONS $81.25 EFT17817 07/07/2021 LUKERATIVE PLUMBING, GAS & MAINTENANCE ONE STED SUBSIDY $1,500.00 EFT17818 07/07/2021 MAROK WA PTY LTD SUPERMARKET ORDER $451.72 EFT17819 07/07/2021 MARTINS PRODUCE SUPERMARKET ORDER $4,252.99 EFT17820 07/07/2021 MCCREERY BUSINESS TRUST T/AS CHATFIELDS TREE SUPPLY SEEDLINGS FOR CUMMININ ROAD PROJECT NURSERY $3,422.50 EFT17821 07/07/2021 METCASH TRADING LIMITED SUPERMARKET ORDER $12,065.10 EFT17822 07/07/2021 NARROGIN CARPETS AND CURTAINS SUPPLY AND INSTALL NEW FLOORING IN SHIRE PROPERTIES $7,205.00 EFT17823 07/07/2021 NUTRIEN AG SOLUTIONS SULPHATE OF AMMONIA FOR OVAL $1,760.00 EFT17824 07/07/2021 QC ULTIMATE CLEAN FLOOR CLEANING AT SHIRE PROPERTY $437.25 EFT17825 07/07/2021 SHIRE OF BRUCE ROCK - T/AS BRUCE ROCK SUPERMARKET VARIOUS PURCHASES FOR JUNE 2021 (OFFICE, CLEANERS, DEPOT AND BUILDERS) $318.92 EFT17826 07/07/2021 STEPHEN ARTHUR STRANGE ELECTED MEMBERS FEES AND EXPENSES CLAIM FOR JAN TO JUN 2021 $10,583.18 EFT17827 07/07/2021 TRANSTRUCT PARTS FOR BK012 $16.12 EFT17828 07/07/2021 WHEATBELT LIQUID WASTE SEPTIC PUMP OUTS $726.00 EFT17829 08/07/2021 AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT CHILD SUPPORT AGENCY PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS $166.66 EFT17830 08/07/2021 PETER MICHAEL FUCHSBICHLER RUBBISH COLLECTION FNE 07/07/2021 $2,500.00 EFT17831 08/07/2021 SAMANTHA LEE BOYD PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS $103.22 EFT17832 08/07/2021 NATALIE CHRISTINE KILMINSTER ELECTED MEMBERS FEES AND EXPENSES CLAIM FOR MAY 2019 TO JUNE 2021 $2,786.00 EFT17833 08/07/2021 SHIRE OF BRUCE ROCK PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS $1,178.00 EFT17834 12/07/2021 CALEB CHOW REIMBURSE DOCTOR FOR TYRO TAKINGS JUNE 2021 $120.00 EFT17835 12/07/2021 DEPARTMENT OF MINES AND PETROLEUM BSL FOR JUNE 2021 $169.95 EFT17836 13/07/2021 SHIRE OF BRUCE ROCK - CREDIT CARD CREDIT CARD FOR JUNE/JULY 2021, HEALTHENGINE, NOVOTEL ACCOMMODATION, CARD FEE & INTERNET $1,788.24 EFT17837 14/07/2021 WEST AUSTRALIAN NEWSPAPERS LIMITED NEWSPAPERS FOR WEEK ENDING 04/07/2021 $390.12 EFT17838 15/07/2021 2C2U IT PTY LTD MEDICAL CENTRE IT SUPPORT $132.00 EFT17839 15/07/2021 AUSTRALIA POST POSTAGE FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE 2021 $159.00 EFT17840 15/07/2021 AVON WASTE RECYCLING FOR JUNE 2021 $4,399.79 EFT17841 15/07/2021 BANNISTER DOWNS DAIRY SUPERMARKET ORDER $102.50 EFT17842 15/07/2021 BDD AUSTRALIA PTY LTD T/A BEGA SUPERMARKET ORDER $1,076.27 EFT17843 15/07/2021 BLACKWOODS FIRE HOSE NOZZLES $130.78 EFT17844 15/07/2021 BOC LIMITED GAS BOTTLE RENTAL JUNE 2021 $179.79 EFT17845 15/07/2021 BORAL CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS GROUP LIMITED ROAD SEALING $54,754.76 EFT17846 15/07/2021 BROWNLEY'S PLUMBING & GAS PLUMBING REPAIRS AT SHIRE PROPERTY $3,877.90 EFT17847 15/07/2021 BRUCE ROCK COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTRE (INC) ROCK REVIEW SALES $180.00 EFT17848 15/07/2021 BRUCE ROCK LPO POSTAL PRODUCTS FOR JUNE 2021 $131.18 EFT17849 15/07/2021 BRUCE ROCK P & C ASSOC (INC) RUBBISH COLLECTION DRIVES $1,000.00 EFT17850 15/07/2021 BRUCE ROCK TYRES WORKSHOP CONSUMABLES $40.87 EFT17851 15/07/2021 C-STORE DISTRIBUTION SUPERMARKET ORDER $1,848.28 EFT17852 15/07/2021 CITY OF KALAMUNDA BUILDING SERVICES DECEMBER 2020 TO JUNE 2021 $897.60 EFT17853 15/07/2021 COLESTAN ELECTRICS ELECTRICAL WORKS AT SHIRE PROPERTY $822.94 EFT17854 15/07/2021 DANIELS HEALTH SERVICES COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF SHARPS $5.91 EFT17855 15/07/2021 EARTH CREATIONS CLEARING SURVEY ON VARIOUS ROADS $4,782.80 EFT17856 15/07/2021 EASTWAY FOOD SUPPLIES SUPERMARKET ORDER $1,493.15 EFT17857 15/07/2021 ELDERS RURAL SERVICES AUSTRALIA LIMITED BBQ GAS $46.10 EFT17858 15/07/2021 EXTRA MILE WRITING SERVICES PROJECT MANAGEMENT FOR WAR MEMORIAL GARDENS $803.10 EFT17859 15/07/2021 FILTERS PLUS WA PARTS FOR BK06 $321.20 EFT17860 15/07/2021 GRANO DIRECT RED PIGMENT COLOURING FOR CEMENT $998.80 EFT17861 15/07/2021 IT VISION ANNUAL LICENCE FEES JULY 2021 - JUNE 2022 $37,098.64 EFT17862 15/07/2021 JCB CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AUSTRALIA PARTS FOR BK6556 $1,135.31 EFT17863 15/07/2021 JULIAN GOLDACRE REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES $264.59 EFT17864 15/07/2021 LGIS INSURANCE BROKING MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LIABILITY INSURANCE $3,421.00 EFT17865 15/07/2021 LIBERTY OIL RURAL PTY LTD BULK DIESEL $33,203.20 EFT17866 15/07/2021 LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROFESSIONALS AUSTRALIA WA LG PROFESSIONALS MEMBERSHIP 21/22 (LGMA) $2,103.00 EFT17867 15/07/2021 LOCAL GOVERNMENT SUPERVISORS ASSOCIATION REGISTRATION TO 2021 LGWA WORKS AND PARKS CONFERENCE $962.50 EFT17868 15/07/2021 LONDONBERRY NOMINEES PTY LTD T/AS EDGECOMBES KEY CUTTING JEWELLERS $20.00 EFT17869 15/07/2021 LUKERATIVE PLUMBING, GAS & MAINTENANCE PLUMBING WORKS AT SHIRE PROPERTY $628.10 EFT17870 15/07/2021 MAROK WA PTY LTD SUPERMARKET ORDER $466.22 EFT17871 15/07/2021 MARTINS PRODUCE SUPERMARKET ORDER $3,694.44 EFT17872 15/07/2021 MCCALL MOTORS PTY LTD MATERIALS FOR BUILDING CREW, WORKSHOP, GARDENERS, CONSTRUCTION CREW $1,374.56 EFT17873 15/07/2021 MCLEODS BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS LEGAL ADVISE FOR SALE OF LAND $1,810.35 EFT17874 15/07/2021 MERREDIN TELEPHONE SERVICES SECURITY MONITORING FOR JUNE 2021 $70.40 EFT17875 15/07/2021 METCASH TRADING LIMITED SUPERMARKET ORDER $11,233.55 EFT17876 15/07/2021 NUTRIEN AG SOLUTIONS CHEMICAL FOR GARDENERS $381.04 EFT17877 15/07/2021 OFFICE OF REGIONAL ARCHITECTURE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES $4,791.00 EFT17878 15/07/2021 OFFICEWORKS BUSINESS DIRECT SKELETON WEED LAG EXPENSES $238.95 EFT17879 15/07/2021 RAMM SOFTWARE PTY LTD RAMM SOFTWARE 01/07/2021 - 30/06/2022 $9,303.92 EFT17880 15/07/2021 REPCO WORKSHOP CONSUMABLES $347.15 EFT17881 15/07/2021 SAMANTHA ELIZABETH AURISCH REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES $94.90 EFT17882 15/07/2021 SANDS FRIDGE LINES SUPERMARKET FREIGHT CHARGES $513.37 EFT17883 15/07/2021 SETON AUSTRALIA MATERIALS FOR REC CENTRE CARPARK $1,296.86 EFT17884 15/07/2021 SHRED-X PTY LTD SECURE SHREDDING SERVICES $126.50 EFT17885 15/07/2021 SOUTHERN CROSS AUSTEREO PTY LTD ADVERTISING, AROUND THE TOWNS INTERVIEWS $99.00 EFT17886 15/07/2021 STAR TRACK EXPRESS PTY LTD FREIGHT FROM VARIOUS LOCATIONS TO BRUCE ROCK $325.00 EFT17887 15/07/2021 STIHL SHOP MALAGA PARTS FOR SMALL PLANT REPAIRS $125.00 EFT17888 15/07/2021 SURVEY TECH SURVEYING & MAPPING FEATURE SURVEY OF LOTS $1,578.50 EFT17889 15/07/2021 TALISMAN GALLERY SCULPTURE FOR WAR MEMORIAL GARDEN $1,670.00 EFT17890 15/07/2021 THE RETAIL RESOURCES COMPANY CONSULTING SERVICES $3,060.42 EFT17891 15/07/2021 TOLL TRANSPORT PTY LTD FREIGHT FROM VARIOUS LOCATIONS TO BRUCE ROCK $76.56 EFT17892 15/07/2021 WA DISTRIBUTORS PTY LTD T/AS ALLWAYS FOODS CLEANING SUPPLIES $487.80 EFT17893 15/07/2021 WALLIS COMPUTER SOLUTIONS MONTHLY NETWORK ACCESS $44.00 EFT17894 15/07/2021 WESFARMERS KLEENHEAT GAS PTY LTD BULK GAS $2,535.37 EFT17895 15/07/2021 WESTERN AUSTRALIAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT WALGA 2021/22 MEMBERSHIP ASSOCIATION (WALGA) $23,549.87 EFT17896 15/07/2021 WESTRAC PTY LTD PARTS FOR BK511 $364.76 EFT17897 15/07/2021 WIDEAWAKE PTY LTD T/AS IDEAL SALES SUPERMARKET ORDER $222.19 EFT17898 15/07/2021 WIRTGEN AUSTRALIA PARTS FOR BK011 $95.01 EFT17899 19/07/2021 DS AGENCIES PTY LTD MALL SEATS FOR MEMORIAL GARDEN $4,829.00 EFT17900 22/07/2021 AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT CHILD SUPPORT AGENCY PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS $166.66 EFT17901 22/07/2021 SAMANTHA LEE BOYD PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS $103.22 EFT17902 22/07/2021 SHIRE OF BRUCE ROCK PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS $1,178.00 EFT17903 22/07/2021 BDD AUSTRALIA PTY LTD T/A BEGA SUPERMARKET ORDER $910.80 EFT17904 22/07/2021 BRUCE ROCK CAFE - LOVE THAT FOOD REFRESHMENTS $54.50 EFT17905 22/07/2021 BRUCE ROCK COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTRE (INC) ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION TO ROCK REVIEW PRINTING AND TOURISM AND STAFF TRAINING $11,950.00 EFT17906 22/07/2021 BRUCE ROCK DISTRICT CLUB CATERING FOR COUNCIL DINNER AND COUNCIL MEETING LUNCHES AND REFRESHMENTS $1,515.50 EFT17907 22/07/2021 BRUCE ROCK TYRES PARTS FOR BK510 $1,086.70 EFT17908 22/07/2021 BURGESS RAWSON PTY LTD RENT FOR LEASED PROPERTY $316.66 EFT17909 22/07/2021 C-STORE DISTRIBUTION SUPERMARKET ORDER $1,488.91 EFT17910 22/07/2021 CODY EXPRESS TRANSPORT SUPERMARKET FREIGHT CHARGES $1,252.97 EFT17911 22/07/2021 COMBINED PEST CONTROL WA P/L ANNUAL TERMITE INSPECTIONS $7,524.00 EFT17912 22/07/2021 COUNTRYWIDE FRIDGELINES PTY LTD SUPERMARKET FREIGHT CHARGES $62.11 EFT17913 22/07/2021 EASTWAY FOOD SUPPLIES SUPERMARKET ORDER $1,623.29 EFT17914 22/07/2021 GRAEME HOWORTH REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES $55.80 EFT17915 22/07/2021 HEALTH COMMUNICATION NETWORK LIMITED T/AS PRACSOFT USER MEMBERSHIPS MEDICAL DIRECTOR $1,353.00 EFT17916 22/07/2021 IT VISION USER GROUP INC MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTION 2021/22 $748.00 EFT17917 22/07/2021 MAROK WA PTY LTD SUPERMARKET ORDER $459.97 EFT17918 22/07/2021 MARTINS PRODUCE SUPERMARKET ORDER $2,547.37 EFT17919 22/07/2021 MCCALL MOTORS PTY LTD MATERIALS FOR TOWN CREW WORKS $230.89 EFT17920 22/07/2021 METCASH TRADING LIMITED SUPERMARKET ORDER $14,143.11 EFT17921 22/07/2021 PETER MICHAEL FUCHSBICHLER RUBBISH COLLECTION FNE 21/07/2021 $2,500.00 EFT17922 22/07/2021 SANDS FRIDGE LINES SUPERMARKET FREIGHT CHARGES $856.89 EFT17923 22/07/2021 STAR TRACK EXPRESS PTY LTD FREIGHT FROM VARIOUS LOCATIONS TO BRUCE ROCK $887.58 EFT17924 22/07/2021 SYNERGY ELECTRICITY USAGE AT SHIRE PROPERTY $568.20 EFT17925 22/07/2021 TELSTRA TELEPHONE USAGE $1,833.71 EFT17926 22/07/2021 THE HONDA SHOP PARTS FOR SMALL PLANT REPAIRS $101.85 EFT17927 22/07/2021 TOLL TRANSPORT PTY LTD FREIGHT FROM VARIOUS LOCATIONS TO BRUCE ROCK $55.83 EFT17928 22/07/2021 TRANSTRUCT MATERIALS FOR MEMORIAL WORKS $562.75 EFT17929 22/07/2021 TUDORBANK HOLDING PTY LTD BUILDING INSPECTIONS $500.00 EFT17930 22/07/2021 WA CONTRACT RANGER SERVICES RANGER SERVICES $654.50 EFT17931 21/07/2021 WEST AUSTRALIAN NEWSPAPERS LIMITED NEWSPAPERS FOR THE WEEK ENDING 11/07/2021 $526.34 EFT17932 23/07/2021 WESTERN AUSTRALIAN TREASURY CORPORATION GOVERNMENT GUARANTEE FEE $885.79 EFT17933 29/07/2021 THOMPSON SIGNS 50% PAYMENT - ARTWORKS FOR MEMORIAL GARDEN PROJECT $3,347.30 EFT17972 28/07/2021 WEST AUSTRALIAN NEWSPAPERS LIMITED NEWSPAPERS FOR WEEK ENDING 18/07/2021 $526.51 EFT17973 31/07/2021 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT (DOT CLEARING) DOT CLEARING 29/07/2021 (EOM TRANSACTION) $877.55 EFT17974 31/07/2021 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT (DOT CLEARING) DOT CLEARING 30/07/2021 (EOM TRANSACTION) $39,256.20 Total EFTs $515,401.36 Municipal Account Cheques 29 01/07/2021 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT YEARLY VEHICLE REGISTRATION RENEWALS $14,174.75 30 07/07/2021 SHIRE OF BRUCE ROCK PETTY CASH RECOUP JUNE 2021 $142.65 31 15/07/2021 WATER CORPORATION WATER USAGE AT SHIRE PROPERTIES $317.22 Total Cheques $14,634.62 Wages and Salaries 07/07/2021 PAYROLL DIRECT DEBIT OF NET PAYS PAYROLL FORTNIGHT ENDING 07/07/2021 $77,109.15 21/07/2021 PAYROLL DIRECT DEBIT OF NET PAYS PAYROLL FORTNIGHT ENDING 21/07/2021 $78,528.75 Total Wages and Salaries $155,637.90 Municipal Account Direct Debits DD7471.2 07/07/2021 AUSTRALIAN SUPER SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTIONS $2,137.83 DD7471.3 07/07/2021 BT SUPER FOR LIFE SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTIONS $184.29 DD7471.4 07/07/2021 VIRGIN MONEY SUPER SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTIONS $206.95 DD7471.5 07/07/2021 BENDIGO SMART SAVER SUPER SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTIONS $178.08 DD7471.6 07/07/2021 AMP RETIREMENT SAVINGS ACCOUNT SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTIONS $92.86 DD7471.7 07/07/2021 AMP LIFE LIMITED SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTIONS $216.78 DD7471.8 07/07/2021 MACQUARIE SUPER ACCUMULATOR SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTIONS $142.70 DD7471.9 07/07/2021 BT SUPER FOR LIFE SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTIONS $826.70 DD7505.1 21/07/2021 AWARE SUPER PTY LTD PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS $9,176.06 DD7505.2 21/07/2021 AUSTRALIAN SUPER SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTIONS $2,183.27 DD7505.3 21/07/2021 BT SUPER FOR LIFE SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTIONS $198.16 DD7505.4 21/07/2021 WEALTH PERSONAL SUPERANNUATION AND PENSION PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS FUND $393.40 DD7505.5 21/07/2021 VIRGIN MONEY SUPER SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTIONS $211.90 DD7505.6 21/07/2021 BENDIGO SMART SAVER SUPER SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTIONS $237.83 DD7505.7 21/07/2021 AMP RETIREMENT SAVINGS ACCOUNT SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTIONS $67.53 DD7505.8 21/07/2021 BT SUPER FOR LIFE SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTIONS $84.41 DD7505.9 21/07/2021 AMP LIFE LIMITED SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTIONS $222.19 DD7471.10 07/07/2021 SUPERWRAP PERSONAL SUPER PLAN SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTIONS $481.34 DD7471.11 07/07/2021 HOST PLUS SUPERANNUATION SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTIONS $473.43 DD7471.12 07/07/2021 WEALTH PERSONAL SUPERANNUATION AND PENSION PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS FUND $352.10 DD7471.13 07/07/2021 MACQUARIE SUPER ACCUMULATOR SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTIONS $642.31 DD7471.14 07/07/2021 PRIME SUPER SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTIONS $519.67 DD7471.15 07/07/2021 BENDIGO SUPER EASY SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTIONS $216.70 DD7505.10 21/07/2021 MACQUARIE SUPER ACCUMULATOR SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTIONS $178.54 DD7505.11 21/07/2021 BT SUPER FOR LIFE SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTIONS $1,579.86 DD7505.12 21/07/2021 SUPERWRAP PERSONAL SUPER PLAN SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTIONS $497.51 DD7505.13 21/07/2021 MACQUARIE SUPER ACCUMULATOR PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS $280.10 DD7505.14 21/07/2021 HOST PLUS SUPERANNUATION SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTIONS $611.03 DD7505.15 21/07/2021 PRIME SUPER SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTIONS $492.92 DD7505.16 21/07/2021 BENDIGO SUPER EASY SUPERANNUATION CONTRIBUTIONS $221.90 Total Municipal Account Direct Debits $23,308.35 Credit Card Payments EFT17836 13/07/2021 HEALTH ENGINE HEALTH ENGINE APP, SMS RECALLS & NEW PATIENT $102.30 NOVOTEL CANBERRA ACCOMMODATION AT ALGA CONFERENCE $992.74 NOVOTEL CANBERRA BREAKFAST AT ALGA CONFERENCE $29.38 NOVOTEL CANBERRA BREAKFASTS AT ALGA CONFERENCE $57.74 BENDIGO BANK CARD FEE $4.00 ACTIV8ME INTERNET FOR JUNE/JULY 2021 $45.40 CTI LOGISTICS PTY LTD FREIGHT OF SCULPTURE FROM PERTH TO BRUCE ROCK 206.83 WESTNET INTERNET FOR JULY 2021 139.95 INTERNET FOR JULY 2021 89.95 INTERNET FOR JULY 2021 30.00 INTERNET FOR JULY 2021 89.95 Total Credit Card Payments $1,788.24

Total Municipal Account EFT Payments $515,401.36 Total Municipal Account Cheque Payments $14,634.62 Total Trust Account Cheque Payments $0.00 Total Wages $178,946.25 Total $708,982.23

6.3 Community Bus Hire Policy Department: Community Facilities Date Adopted: 20 October 2016 Last Reviewed: 6 August 2021

PREAMBLE Policy in relation to hiring of the Bruce Rock community bus.

OBJECTIVE To provide guidance with regards to the hiring of the local community bus.

POLICY The purpose of the community bus is to provide transport for local community groups, particularly those based in Bruce Rock.

The bus has a carrying capacity of 21 passengers without wheelchairs, or 17 passengers and 1 wheelchair. Disabled access is via the rear of the bus.

The bus is housed in a shed situated at the Bruce Rock Shire Depot, with the entrance off Noonajin Rd, Bruce Rock. The Shire of Bruce Rock will ensure that the bus is serviced and refuelled prior to hire.

The Shire’s insurance policy provides cover for any organisation who hires the bus on the condition that the nominated driver has the necessary licence to drive the vehicle.

Booking Procedures • Bookings must be made at the Shire Office – 56 Johnson St Bruce Rock, Ph 9061 1377. • The Bus Hire Form and Hirer Condition of Use are to be completed and returned prior to a booking being accepted, as well as a copy of the Driver’s Licence of the nominated driver of the bus. Frequent users/drivers may store this information in our records if they choose. If they choose to retain their information with us, they will not need to complete this for every hire. • The Vehicle Log Book is to be filled out by the volunteer driver or group organizer. This book is to remain on the bus. The shire staff will initial next to the start and finish kilometres to confirm the mileage has been accurately logged. • Any organization/individual hiring the bus will be required to pay a bond as confirmation of the booking. The bond will be withheld should any damage occur, or if the interior of the bus is not cleaned on return. Should the keys to the bus be lost, the cost of repairs or replacement will be deducted from the bond. In the event that these costs are more than the bond, the Hirer/group will be invoiced for the difference.

Arrangement for Bruce Rock Seniors Association Bookings The Bruce Rock Seniors Association are entitled to three (3) free bookings each financial year, after which normal rates for hire will apply as per the Fees and Charges schedule.

Limitations of Hire • There is to be no smoking on the bus • The Shire reserves the right to cancel any bookings to enable the bus to be serviced or repaired. • The interior of the bus is to be cleaned by each hirer/group at the conclusion of the journey. • The driver must have an appropriate F or LR class licence. • Drivers must have 0.00% blood alcohol content and not be under the influence of drugs (prescription medication excluded). • During extended use, the hirer shall check the oil, water and tyres daily. • Any damage to the bus must be reported to the Shire office as soon as possible.

Cancellation/ Not returning the bus by end of booking The bus is sometimes required by multiple community groups during the same week, or even on the same day. To discourage groups from booking the bus on an ‘in case’ basis, and thus precluding other groups from booking the bus a fee of $100 will be charged if the bus booking is cancelled less than three days before the booking. A fee of $100 will be charged if the bus is not returned by the end of the booking.

Keys It is the responsibility of the Hirer/Group to ensure that the keys are collected from the Shire of Bruce Rock Administration Office at 56 Johnson St, Bruce Rock during working hours on the last working day before the vehicle is booked. Should this not be suitable, arrangements must be made with staff prior to collection day.

Fees and Charges Fees and Charges are reviewed annually as part of the Shire’s budget process and can be found in the Shire of Bruce Rock Schedule of Fees and Charges. The Charges are applied as per the above in the following categories: Per kilometre charge Bruce Rock resident groups Per kilometre charge non-Bruce Rock resident groups

Cleaning fee (per hour)

Penalty for non-cancellation advice Penalty for not returning bus by end of booking Bond

Head of Power None