Hundreds of people gathered at a Shire meeting in Denmark to debate the expansion of Kwoorabup Nature School into a historic precinct. The meeting was prompted by a petition signed by 451 individuals, calling on the council to reconsider granting a 21-year lease to the school. The meeting, presided over by Shire President Ceinwen Gearon, lasted two and a half hours and saw passionate discussions and debates on each motion.
A total of 433 attendees participated in the special electors meeting, highlighting the community’s engagement with the issue. The attendees expressed their support for a motion to rescind the lease granted to the school and negotiate a new lease with the Lions Club, impacting the club’s current headquarters. Additional motions were passed, calling for the deferral of any changes to the site until planning approval and a bushfire risk assessment had been completed, as well as the publication of the environmental clearance of the site and setbacks on adjoining boundaries.
The only motion that did not pass was one calling for the Shire to prioritize facilitating a dialogue among all stakeholders and the broader community to revise the concept plan. This motion was narrowly defeated after a manual vote count.
Reacting to the meeting, Lions Club deputy president Roger Seeney expressed hope that the council would reconsider the school’s extended lease application and expansion. According to Seeney, the school’s plans encroach on the club’s use of the Station Master’s House, which they have invested significant effort and money into maintaining. He emphasized the historical value of the area and suggested further development for the benefit of both visitors and locals.
Seeney also voiced the club’s frustration at being left out of the planning process and stated that they should have been made aware of the school’s plans considering their contributions to the upkeep of the Station Master’s House. The club believes the issue has been handled behind closed doors, which has further fueled their disillusionment with the council.
On the other hand, School Chair Professor Andrea Gaynor defended the council’s original decision to grant the 21-year lease back in April. Gaynor highlighted the positive impact the school has on the community, attracting families who move to Denmark for the unique education it offers. She mentioned that the school is currently awaiting a decision on a capital grant funding application to build new buildings, and if the lease decision is reviewed, finding alternative solutions on the site would be challenging.
The motions passed at the meeting will now go before the council for consideration. The community’s involvement and the diverse opinions expressed during the meeting underscore the importance of addressing stakeholders’ concerns while carefully considering the long-term impacts and benefits of the school’s expansion into the historic precinct.
