Shire of Mundaring7000 Great Eastern Highway, Mundaring

Ph: 9290 6666 Email: shire@mundaring.wa.gov.auWeb: www.mundaring.wa.gov.au

A Local Government School Kit prepared for Secondary School StudentsWritten and produced for Shire of MundaringBy Eryl Morgan Publications Pty Ltd (2000)

Telephone (03) 9416 9900

Your Councilin Action

Senior School Kit

Government - Who Needs It?

We often hear that we are over governed, that politics is something people would rather do without. Some would go so far as to say that if we did away with governments and politicians, people could then get on with the important things in life. So why do we need governments? Could we exist without them?

Without government, life becomes very difficult. By nature people prefer to live in groups or communities rather than on their own. In order for people to live harmoniously together there must be an established set of rules about what is acceptable and what is not.

Imagine a group of people shipwrecked on a desert island. In order to survive and hopefully be rescued, the group would need to set down some rules. Rationing of food, allocation of tasks and safety precautions would be some of the immediate concerns for this group. If everyone was left to their own devices the weak or sick would probably die, with only the strong surviving.

On the desert island the group may choose a leader or one person might seize control. The person seizing control would need some means to make the rest obey, perhaps by withdrawing food or threatening physical harm. The leader chosen freely by the group has more chance of being followed without having to threaten the group. This is referred to as legitimate power. When we elect governments to make decisions on our behalf this is also known as legitimate authority.

If There Were No Rules

In our community, if people were able to do exactly what they pleased with no concern for anyone else then the same thing would happen. Imagine your own household, school or a game of basketball without rules. Picture the chaos and accidents on our roads if we had no road rules. Therefore, we have governments to make decisions concerning what is best for the general welfare of our

community. Governments do not only make decisions concerning what members of the community can and cannot do, they also make decisions on how best to use the resources available to provide the best possible lifestyle for members of that community.

In Australia we have three spheres of government making these decisions, Commonwealth, State and Local Governments. For all spheres of government we have regular elections so if people are not happy with decisions the current government is making, they have the opportunity to vote in another group of people to form a new government.

Between elections, groups and individuals will often be active in trying to convince governments to change suggested policies or create new policies if they are not happy with the current situation.

Government - Who Needs It?

Politics is All Around Us

‘Politics’ is a fact of life. Whether we like it or not, it is happening at every moment and in every aspect of community life. Politics is about making decisions. It is about power and influence.

Take the case of two young children squabbling over the one toy. The bigger child gets the toy, the younger one misses out. In this case, strength decided the issue. On the other hand, if the parent sees the dispute both may miss out with the toy being put out of reach. As a compromise the parent may suggest some method of taking turns. The parent is using power and influence to resolve the matter.

In the decision making that takes place in your household, such as who takes the rubbish out, looks after the younger members of the family, walks the dog or which show on television will be watched, power and influence or politics will be taking place. Generally, for the sake of peace, compromises are made along the lines of, “I’ll put the rubbish out, if you walk the dog”.

Decisions Usually Mean Compromises

Similarly when governments make decisions they are continually making compromises. You cannot please everyone all of the time. Pleasing the majority most of the time is the best that can be expected.

Our system of government is often described as being a democracy. To be precise, we are in fact a parliamentary democracy. Democracy means ‘rule by the people’. However, because it would be a very slow and costly exercise for people to vote on every single issue, we elect individuals to decide such matters on our behalf. We elect representatives for each of our three spheres of government - Commonwealth, State and Local Government.

1. Find out who is eligible to vote in Federal, State and Local Government elections. 2. When will you be required to enrol to vote? It is up to each individual to ensure they are enrolled to vote. Find out how you enrol to vote.3. In Australia, for State and Federal elections, voting is compulsory. What are some of the main arguments for and against compulsory voting?4. Is it compulsory for people to vote in Local Government elections?

Mundaring’s Library Services provide information to the community in a variety of forms including books, magazines, DVD/CDs and internet services. You can access the library online at www.mundaring.wa.gov.au/YourCommunity/ShireLibraries, visit them in Scott Street Greenmount and Nichol Street Mundaring, or phone them on 9290 6755 and 9290 6780. The libraries are open Monday to Thursday 9am to 7pm, Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturday mornings from 9am to 12noon.

Brochures and other information about Council activities can be obtained from the Administration Centre located at 7000 Great Eastern Highway, Mundaring. Telephone 9290 6666, or visit the website at www.mundaring.wa.gov.au.

Things for Further Investigtation

Shire of Mundaring as an Information Resource Point

Our Three Spheres of Government

If we accept governments are necessary in order for us to live harmoniously as a community, why does Australia have three separate kinds, or spheres, of government? We have one National or Commonwealth Government, six State Governments and 560 Local Governments (at the time of printing). In addition, we have two territory Governments, the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory, which have similar roles to those of State Governments. The reason why we have the three spheres is largely due to our historical development.

Constitutional Development

The British established the first European colony in Australia at Botany Bay in 1788. Shortly after this, colonies were established in Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia. The Colony of New South Wales, as Botany Bay was known, was originally the whole of the east coast of Australia. Later, Victoria and Queensland seceded as separate Colonies.

During the 19th century the six Colonies won self government. Following the British system of government, they established Local Governments. In Western Australia, most Councils began as District Road Boards. The Perth Town Trust was the first form of Local Government in Australia set up in 1838.

As the Colonies developed and increased in population, people began to recognise a growing number of areas of common concern. Issues such as trade between the Colonies, the need for a common immigration policy, and the desire for such questions to be decided by those they affected, not the British Government on the other side of the world, led to a call for the young Colonies to join together as a single nation.

After lengthy discussions involving the six Colonies and the British Government, the Colonial Governments agreed to give up some of their powers seen to be of common or national interest to a new Federal Government. The Colonial Governments, at the time of Federation in 1901, became known as State Governments. The State Governments retained most of the powers they had as Colonial Governments, including Local Government.

Division of Powers Between the Spheres of Government

The establishment of our federal system of government is embodied in the Australian Constitution Act (1900). Known as the Australian Constitution, this document sets out the division of powers between the Federal and State Governments.

In joining together as the one nation the Colonies, which became State Governments after Federation, handed very few powers to the new Federal or Commonwealth Government. Those they did relinquish were matters seen to be of common interest, such as relations with other nations, immigration, the minting of money and defence.

Some powers are shared by these two spheres of government. However, if differences arise then Federal law prevails over State law. Any powers not specifically mentioned in the Constitution, called residual powers, are under the control of the States. Any disputes between the Commonwealth and State Governments over areas of responsibility are decided by the High Court.

Our Three Spheres of Government

As a number of the powers are shared, duplication and overlap occurs. In addition, over the years, the Commonwealth Government has been able to increase its powers at the expense of the States. This has largely been due to its superior position in regard to revenue-raising. The States rely heavily on finance from the Commonwealth Government. Quite often the Commonwealth Government provides the finances, while the States administer the service. With the introduction of GST, this balance has shifted to some extent back to the States.

Areas of State responsibility generally include its police force, hospitals, public transport, education system and road laws.

State/Local Government Relations

Local Government is not specifically mentioned in the Constitution, so as a residual power it belongs to the State Governments. Local Government in Australia derives its authority from a State Government Act. The relevant State Government has ultimate power over all Councils in that State. In Western Australia this is the Local Government Act (1995).

So long as Local Governments act within the provisions of the Local Government Act, the State Government is unlikely to interfere. But if things go wrong in an individual Local Government, such as allegations of corruption or gross mismanagement, the State Government may dismiss the Elected Members and appoint Commissioners to sort out the problem. Such action usually occurs following a legitimate complaint by residents to the State Minister responsible for Local Government.

Under the Local Government Act (1995) and other State legislation, such as the Town Planning and Development Act, Health Act, Dog Act and Bushfires Act, Local Governments are empowered to look after local matters. These include local roads, footpaths, rubbish collection, parks and gardens, libraries and swimming pools. Local Governments also have a planning and coordinating role in the provision of community services. In Western Australia, we have 139 Local Governments. Their size varies, both in area and population. Local Governments are generally referred to as Councils.

1. Under the Local Government Act, Councils have regulatory functions and service functions. Explain the difference and find examples of each.

2. How does the relationship between Commonwealth and State Governments differ to that of State and Local Governments?

Things for Further Investigation

Local Government at Work in the Community

Shire of Mundaring is one of the 139 Local Governments in Western Australia. They all provide government of the local area by local people. Originally, the major responsibilities of Councils in Western Australia were constructing local roads and sanitation. As local communities grew so did the demand for additional local services. Local Councils took on an expanded role in providing services to meet the needs of the local community. Today these areas include recreational, social, cultural and environmental matters, but today’s Councils do much more than this. Government Closest to the People

Because Local Government is government of the local area by local people, it is often described as the sphere of government closest to the people. As a community government, its activities will largely reflect local needs. Much of Council’s decision-making is an expression of new and ongoing community needs.

Services required by a fringe urban Local Government, such as Mundaring, with a mix of rural and urban residential areas will be different to those of an inner city Local Government, and likewise a remote rural Local Government. The demography or population breakdown of the local area is the key factor here. For example, fast-growing urban areas such as the nearby City of Swan attract many young families so there is a heavy demand for family and children’s services and youth services. Although all Local Governments provide these services to a degree, those with rural areas usually have a much larger road network to look after and they offer additional services such as fire and emergency services. As a centre of ecotourism, Shire of Mundaring plays a role in tourism and economic development. The Railway Reserves Heritage Trail is an example of this.

It has often been said that Local Government’s role could be described as the three ‘Rs’ - roads, rates and rubbish. It is true that these are important areas of the work undertaken by Councils; however they do much more than this.

The Western Australian Local Government Act (1995) provides framework for:

• Quality decision-making• Community participation in decisions and affairs• Accountability to local communities• An efficient and effective system of Local Government

Types of Local Governments

In Western Australia, Local Government may be known as Shires, Cities or Towns. They may also be referred to as Councils.

Mundaring’s Elected Members

In Mundaring, Elected Members represent one of four Wards (West, Central, South and East Wards). Each Ward has three Elected Members elected for four years. Every two years, half the Elected Members may stand for re-election. The Elected Members elect one of their number to be Shire President and one to be Deputy President.

Elections are held on the third Saturday in October every alternate year. Mundaring uses postal voting to elect its Elected Members.

The Role of Elected Members

The Elected Members are responsible for making decisions about local issues ensuring the efficient and effective operation of the local area. Sometimes this requires the making of policies, such as use of play areas, parking local laws or the riding of skateboards in public places. However, most decisions concern how best to use the resources available for services and improvements in the area.

Should a footpath be replaced, what about a new skateboard ramp, a child care centre, more books for the library, a bicycle path, ramps to assist people in wheelchairs, provision for open space and so forth - Elected Members continually face these questions. Their decisions must reflect the wishes of the majority but at the same time they must try to be fair to all groups in the community.

With some issues, groups in the community may actively try to convince Council to make a particular decision. For example, bicycle users might want bike paths made or a group of residents may be concerned about plans to remove some trees. Some of these community groups are highly organised, permanent groups, while others are less formal, forming over a particular issue then disbanding once the matter is resolved.

Elected Members are not paid a salary but receive an allowance to help cover expenses, such as telephone bills, in fulfilling their role on Council. They generally carry out their Council duties in addition to their full time job in the workforce and/or commitments in the home. Every second year, the Elected Members elect one of their number to be Shire President or in City Councils the Mayor. He or she presides over Council Meetings, represents Council at formal functions, and is in charge of Council affairs between meetings. In some Councils, the Mayor is directly elected by the electors. What the Local Government Staff Do

Elected Members cannot be expected to know all the details required for every issue discussed by Council. Nor have they the time to research all matters for themselves.

Local government staff are paid workers with qualifications and skills to provide detailed information and advice to assist Elected Members when making their decisions. Staff provide reports to Council to assist Elected Members in their decision making. For example the Engineers have the expertise to provide information on which roads require maintenance works, the cost of this work in the current financial year and how much more it could cost if this work were to be delayed.

Decision Making

Ultimate decision-making power is in the hands of the Elected Members. The staff are responsible to the CEO who in turn is responsible to the Council and the Elected Members are then responsible to those who elected them. In this way it is the whole community which is responsible for the decisions and tasks carried out in their local area. Most Councils undertake extensive community consultation to find out what residents and ratepayers want. By talking to residents and community groups about what is needed to be done in the local area, Elected Members are able to make decisions which best meet the needs of the whole community.

Once Council makes a decision as to what is to be done it then hands responsibility to the staff to carry out the task. Staff are qualified or have the necessary skills to undertake such work.

Local Government at Work in the Community

Local Government at Work in the Community

1. Find out who are your local Federal and State Parliamentary representatives. How many people do they represent? Find out how many people reside in Mundaring. With 12 Elected Members, on average how many people does each represent?

2. Look in the local papers to see which groups are presently putting pressure on Council to make a particular decision. Follow the issue over several weeks. Collect cuttings and write a short article, including a description of the group, what action those involved want Council to take and what methods are they using to achieve this. Are there any other groups opposing their views?

Things for Further Investigation

Shire of Mundaring

Overview of Shire of MundaringIn 2014 Mundaring’s estimated resident population was 40,046 people. The Shire covers an area of approximately 644 square kilometres. It includes national parks, state forest and numerous ‘villages’ dotted among the leafy hills as well as urban areas. The Shire is divided into four Wards, each represented by three Elected Members. With an annual operating budget of $50.5 million (2015-16), Council provides numerous services for its residents.

History of MundaringEuropean people began settling in Mundaring towards the middle of the 19th century. The earliest settlers came to harvest timber for the growing town of Perth. Some planted vineyards and other crops. During the period of gold discovery other settlers came. The Great Eastern Railway line, built in the 1880s, brought more settlers.

Many of the towns that make up Mundaring’s main population centres grew up along the rail route developing their own individual character. In 1903, the Mundaring Weir was built to provide water for Perth and the goldfields.

As in most places in Australia, Local Government in Mundaring commenced as a Road Board. The Darling Range Road Board was established in 1895 and later became known as the Greenmount Road Board, and then in 1960 was proclaimed Shire of Mundaring. In 2003 Shire of Mundaring celebrated its centenary, 100 years after the Greenmount Road Board was established.

The development of the Shire was largely influenced by the tough nature of the rugged and hilly terrain. Communities remained separated and individual due to the difficulties of road travel.

The Shire aims to preserve the diversity and individuality of these communities, protecting the natural environment, enhancing our built heritage and improving lifestyles.

Council at Work in the CommunityAt the start of the 21st century, Shire of Mundaring has many more duties to undertake than it did 100 years ago. These include providing youth services, environmental management, economic development, child care services, services to assist aged persons and bushfire prevention.

Council also provides recycling, rubbish collection, road and footpath maintenance, drainage, cultural and recreational activities. It is responsible for local swimming pools and other recreational facilities. Council also manages Lake Leschenaultia. This park provides passive recreation facilities in a scenic setting for local people and visitors.

Council’s many and varied responsibilities can be divided into three areas: services to maintain or improve our local environment; services to assist people; and activities which provide the means to raise and spend money necessary to pay for these services.

Council has been involved in the development of the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail. Tracing the track of the old Eastern Railway built in the 1880s, the Trail runs from Fremantle to York. It is popular with walkers, bike riders and horse riders of all ages.

As well as developing new projects, Council must ensure that local buildings, roads, footpaths and facilities are maintained and upgraded to meet community needs.

Shire of Mundaring

Corporate ManagementMany of Western Australia’s Councils are large organisations with very large budgets, and which employ hundreds of people. In size and budget, a number are included in the top 100 corporations in the State. Mundaring has adopted corporate management as an efficient means of ensuring quality service. Corporate management is used extensively in the private sector. More recently the public sector has adopted this approach as well. The corporate approach means that the organisation establishes common goals, then works to achieve these goals. Rather than each of the divisions within the organisation working in isolation, all work toward achieving the one result.

Under the Local Government Act, Elected Members cannot act in their own right. Council can only act by collectively voting on resolutions presented at its formal meetings. To provide overall general management of the diverse functions it undertakes, Council employs a Chief Executive Officer. Assisting the Chief Executive Officer are four Directors each in charge of specific areas of day to day operations.

The diagram below shows the lines of accountability. Notice that all staff are ultimately accountable through the Chief Executive Officer to the Council and the Council is accountable to the residents of Mundaring.

See if you can arrange an interview with one of your Elected Members. Consider a class visit or group interview. Ask the elected member about his or her role on Council and how community viewpoints are obtained. Design some questions to seek out some of the new services and facilities this elected member would like Council to consider. Ask the elected member how he or she would go about having a new program considered by Council and how support to have it adopted would be sought.

Shire of Mundaring

Things for Further Investigation

Council in Action

While your 12 Elected Members are responsible for making decisions for the Council, a number of staff are employed to carry out these decisions.

Staff are not elected and are paid for the jobs they do. Large Local Governments employ many staff to carry out all the activities and services they provide for their local community. Smaller Local Governments, such as those covering rural areas, may only employ 10-15 staff. Mundaring has a staff of approximately 180 full time and part time employees. Over 600 Different Types of Jobs

Many of the staff have special qualifications to equip them to carry out duties. They have often completed a course at a university or college. Other staff have been trained on the job or have other special skills, such as customer service officers, landscape gardeners or construction workers. There are over 600 separate types of jobs available in Local Government.

Across Australia in 2014 over 188,900 people were working for Local Government.

Because Local Government staff have specific qualifications, they often act as advisers to the Elected Members on any technical or legal matters. Elected Members act in an honorary capacity and need have no specific qualifications to be elected to Council. All that is required is for them to be over 18 years of age, eligible to vote in State and Federal Government elections and enrolled in the local area. Many Elected Members do have certain qualifications but few would have the full range of knowledge required to cover all the responsibilities of Local Government.

Local Government staff therefore have a key role to play in the decision making process by ensuring the Elected Members are fully briefed on all technical or legal aspects of an issue being debated. Staff provide this information to the Elected Members in formal reports which are presented at Council Meetings for final decision by Council.

Council Meetings

Most Council business takes place at Council Meetings held each month, but there are also several advisory and occasional committees who meet regularly.

The full Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm. All Council Meetings are open to the public. They include a Ratepayers Question Time which runs for up to 30 minutes before the meeting. The schedule of meetings, including agendas and minutes, are available on the Shire website.

Council in Action

Paying for Council Services

With all our spheres of government, much of the decision making concerns questions about where money should be spent for the general good of the community and the means through which to raise the necessary finances to carry out the required tasks.

With all the facilities and services Council provides for in the local community, Mundaring’s annual budget in 2015/16 is $50.5 million.

Each year in July, Council sets a budget for the next 12 month period from July to June. While the budget is being prepared all ongoing and new projects are fully costed. When all this is done Council decides what will be included in the budget for the next financial year. Some projects will be accepted in full, some in part, some held over to a later time and some will be rejected outright.

Setting Priorities

As with the other spheres of government, many of Council’s decisions involve the important issue of deciding priorities and allocating resources. During the process of setting the budget your Elected Members are simply setting down priorities. To proceed with all proposed projects at the one time would cost the community far too much money.

There are certain things which must be included automatically, such as regular inspection of food handling premises and rubbish collection, and the community would not accept the loss of such a service. However discretionary projects, such as building a new sports centre for example, may mean that the reconstruction of certain footpaths or the development of a new child care centre cannot be undertaken at the same time. It all boils down to deciding what things have the highest priority.

In deciding priorities Elected Members seek the views of residents and community groups to ensure a final decision reflects what is best for the community. A further major consideration is how much money Council would need to raise to pay for these projects. How Council Raises Money

Local Government raises revenue from four major sources: rates, charging fees, grants and loans.

Just over half of Council’s revenue is raised through rates. These are taxes placed on land values. Each year the owners of houses and other property in the area pay rates to Council.

The amount of rates paid depends on the value of the land. Some organisations do not have to pay rates for their properties, such as churches, charities and the State and Federal Governments.

Council also raises money by charging fees for some of the services it provides. Entry to the Swimming Pools, hiring of Shire facilities and dog registrations are just some charges Council uses to raise revenue.

Council in Action

Money also comes to Council by way of grants from the State and Federal Governments. These Governments raise a large percentage of the total taxes paid by the community so some is handed over to Local Government to spend in the local area. Sometimes the grants are given for a specific purpose such as to build a child care centre. This money, called a ‘tied grant’, cannot be used for anything else. Other grants are for general purposes, meaning Council can decide how it wishes to use the money.

Council is able to raise money through borrowing necessary funds. Such loans enable Council to proceed with projects now and to pay them off over a number of years. However, interest must be paid as well as the original amount borrowed.

Council does not provide all services itself. It works with various community organisations, and the public and private sector, to provide new opportunities for growth and service development.

1. What are some of the new initiatives Council has introduced this year to meet community needs? Find out when the next Council Meeting takes place. Go along to find out what proposals are currently being considered.

2. From Council’s annual budget, find out what percentage of revenue for the last financial year was raised through each of the four main revenue sources.

Things for Further Investigation

Careers in Local Government

Once Council makes a decision on behalf of the community, the task of carrying out that decision is handed over to the staff to implement.

Staff report to Council on the progress of projects being undertaken. This means Council is ultimately responsible for work done and answerable to the community for how their rates are being spent.

Some of the specific roles carried out by staff include the following:

Chief Executive OfficerThe Chief Executive Officer is responsible for ensuring the total organisation runs smoothly and provides the best possible service to the local community. He or she is in charge of the day-to-day operations of the organisation. All staff are ultimately responsible to the Chief Executive Officer.

Building SurveyorsBuilding surveyors are available to assist owners to ensure buildings are safe and properly built. Owners must get all required approvals for work carried out from Building Services.

Environmental Health OfficersPublic health services are the responsibility of the environmental health officers. They ensure that Mundaring has a healthy environment in which to live. They provide advice on control of pests such as mice and rats. They inspect public housing and boarding houses to ensure these are always of a high standard. Testing of water quality in public swimming pools and spas and regularly checking businesses where food is prepared are some of the other important tasks of those officers.

EngineersAny public works carried out by Council, such as road works, footpaths, bridges and building roundabouts are the responsibility of staff in Infrastructure Services. They advise Council on any new work or maintenance work that is required and are responsible for ensuring the work is carried out correctly.

Traffic engineers are responsible for ensuring traffic flows efficiently. For example, designing traffic calming devices, including speed humps, pedestrian crossings and traffic islands, helps slow traffic in residential and shopping areas.

Finance ManagerThe Finance Manager is responsible for Council’s finances and provides Council with financial management advice. The Finance Manager also help prepare the annual budget and statutory financial reports utilising modern technology.

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Careers in Local Government

Town PlannersCouncil controls and regulates land use in the Shire. Planning staff make sure all proposed new buildings, such as an office block or retail outlet, are suitable for a particular area. Land is zoned to ensure similar activities are confined to one area. For example, commercial activities are usually carried out in areas separated from residential areas. Similarly, rural and open space areas continue to be protected.

New residential developments in Mundaring require permission from Council. People owning nearby properties and those who may be affected by the proposed development are given the opportunity to consider major proposals. If they have any objections, they make Council aware of their concerns.

Information Technology OfficersThese officers are responsible for the computer based services which assist staff in all areas of their work. In the last 10 years information technology has changed significantly and staff in the information technology area must be aware of the latest developments and innovations which could assist in improving the delivery of services to the community.

They are responsible for utilising hardware and software. This includes programs to manage finance, geographical information systems to demonstrate the layout of the Shire’s infrastructure, and internet and email facilities to gather and share information.

Community Engagement StaffOfficers who work in community engagement are responsible for ensuring the provision of appropriate, quality community services within the Shire. This includes services in the areas of aged care, youth, disability and family support. Officers working in these areas liaise with other government agencies and community based agencies.

To learn more about employment at the shire, go to www.mundaring.wa.gov.au

Council Programs & Services

Mundaring, like other Local Governments, conducts special programs and projects to meet the varying needs of the people of Mundaring.

Environmental Management PlanIn 2012, Mundaring developed its Environmental Management Plan. This was prepared by the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council for the Shire of Mundaring..

The aim of this Plan is to guide the Shire’s enviornmental activiteis over the next ten years in order to protect and enhance the local environment. The Plan’s vision is to establish a sustainable Shire that demonstrates our corporate and community commitment to the environment and reflects our responsibility to its natural assets for future generations. The Shire strives to be a leader in local government sustainability and environmental management.

The Plan is backed up by an education program enabling everyone in the community to be involved in ensuring Mundaring retains an attractive and sustainable environment.

Trails in Shire of MundaringCouncil has committed significant funds to upgrading the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail linking the Shire from west to east along the route of the old Eastern Railway. This trail provides recreational activity in combination with heritage preservation and environmental appreciation.

In addition to cycling, the Trail is suitable for walking and horse riding. Visitors can also experience the flora and fauna of the region. Parks containing picnic tables, toilets and other amenities are dotted along the Trail.

The Shire of Mundaring has many other trails for visitors and residents to explore, and Trek the Trail has become a popular annual community event.

A Thriving Arts CommunityMundaring has been home to many famous authors, artists and musicians. Council supports this vibrant arts community providing funding support for such projects as the Mundaring Arts Centre located in the former Mundaring Post Office.

Council also supports the Bus Shelter project. Here students, youth and established artists work together to create interesting and attractive designs on various Council facilities.

Youth ServicesShire of Mundaring fund Parkerville Children & Youth Care to deliver a youth prgram to the community called Seen and Heard. This FREE service is available for young people aged between 12 and 20 years who reside in the Shire of Mundaring. Seen and Heard staff work with young people to create local events and recreational activities whilst developing confidence and skills. Seen and Heard staff can provide support with relationships, school, work and health and are able to make referrals when appropriate.

The Swan View Youth Centre is a purpose built youth facility which opened in September 2011. The centre provides a safe environment for local young people to engage in recreational persuits and access services, as well as a place to ‘hang out’.

Strategic Direction

The community vision for the Shire of Mundaring is

“Connecting community and enviornment ”

The key elements that make up this vision and the community’s themes are:

Council’s Vision for the Organisation

“A professional organisation where we enjoyworking together with the community”

Council’s Values

Excellence in Customer ServiceBuilding the relationship by effectively meeting the need of

internal and external customers

Innovation and Continuous ImprovementWilling to listen and try new ideas to do things better

Integrity, Respect and Team SpiritWorking with the community and each other in a fair, honest and respectful manner

Shire of Mundaring’s Strategic Community Plan 2013 - 2023

The Strategic Community Plan is the first part of the Shire’s fulfilment of the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework. All local governments in Western Australia are required to implement this framework by 1 July 2013. The Strategic Community Plan was adopted by Council on 22 January 2013 and takes effect from 1 July 2013.

Key Points of the Plan

• Continued delivery of existing services• Renewal and upgrade of community facilities at Mt Helena, Glen Forrest, Sawyers Valley, Boya

Oval, a Mundaring Civic Precinct Master Plan and library replacements• Investigation of an indoor sports facility• Consideration of community ownership and management models for Chidlow Hall and Mahogany

Creek Hall• Promoting and supporting shared responsibility for protection of our natural environment (bush

fire prevention, weed and pest control)• Progressive move towards locality based planning and action• Resolving sewerage capacity constraint in the Mundaring Town Centre• Balanced development (protecting environment and maintaining hills/village lifestyle)• Investigation of a cost-effective trail link across Morrison Road on the Railway Reserves Heritage

Trail in Swan View

Strategic Direction