Published on Friday, 27 February 2026 at 10:15:41 AM
M E D I A R E L E A S E
Boyup Brook Shire Impact - Forest Products Commission Rate Payments
The Forest Products Commission (FPC) is a WA Government trading enterprise responsible for the development and marketing of the state’s renewable timber resources.
For the past several years, FPC has paid rates directly to the Shire in respect of plantation land within the Shire. In accordance with the Forest Product Act 2000, FPC now remits the equivalent of rates to the Western Australian Treasury.
In response to the change, representatives of the Warren Blackwood Alliance of Councils, which included the Boyup Brook Shire President, Helen O’Connell and the Chief Executive Officer, Leonard Long, met with the Minister for Forestry, Hon Jackie Jarvis in early January 2026 to outline the financial implications of rates no longer being paid directly to local governments. The impact on small rural shires with significant plantation holdings was clearly articulated. Unfortunately, no response or confirmation has been received to date.
As the Shire were not aware of the redirection of rates until after the 2025/2026 budget was confirmed, this has created shortfall in the budget of $135,000 (3% rate base).
To address this, an adjustment will be made to the transfer of funds to the Reserve Accounts. This is not ideal, as consistent annual contributions to Reserve Accounts enable the Shire to responsibly plan for asset replacement, major projects and unexpected costs, reducing reliance on borrowings and supporting long-term financial stability.
Should no confirmation be received regarding the payment of rates before the 2026/2027 is prepared, funding towards items identified as discretionary expenditure could be cut or reduced significantly. These items may include:
- Community Events and Activities
- Movie Nights
- Heritage Festival
- Dinninup Show - UBAS (Shire Contribution)
- Community Christmas Celebrations
- Seniors Christmas Lunch
- Community Grants and Sponsorship Program
- Memoranda of Understanding (MoU)
- Community Resource Centre (Library Service)
- Boyup Brook District Pioneers Museum
- Boyup Brook Visitor Centre
- St John Ambulance
- Boyup Brook Country Music Festival
Many of the events and MoU supported organisations contribute to local economic activity through tourism, visitor expenditure and community participation. A reduction in funding will impact the local economy.
What the Shire is doing:
- Continuing to engage with State Government to achieve a sustainable and fair outcome for all landholders in our district
- Committed to ensure that essential services, infrastructure maintenance and statutory responsibilities remain prioritised
- Engaging with media outlets to ensure the message is shared to the broader community
What can the community do?
Community members who wish to express their views are encouraged to:
- Contact their local State Member of Parliament
- Stay informed through Shire updates and media outlets
- Provide feedback directly to the Shire
Helen O’Connell
Shire President
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