Kwoorabup Nature School’s 21-year lease proposal accepted after pleas to council by Denmark Lions Club

Tuesday night’s council meeting saw the divisive issue of the Kwoorabup Nature School’s expansion finally progress with the requested lease extension of 21 years granted to the school.

It took two hours to address the lease extension, the main topic of the night, with members from the Lions Club, the Historical Society and the school community, all standing during question time to address the issue.

Concerns were raised about the development of the area as a historical precinct by members of the Lions Club and Historical Society.

“The Lions Club hopes the council will take on board the wishes of the greater community, and keep it dedicated as a historical reserve,” Lions Club deputy president Roger Seeney said.

An alternative proposal was introduced by Cr Jan Lewis after it was unanimously decided to address the subject ahead of other agenda issues.

After some adjustments to the wording of the alternate proposal, the motion carried 8 to 1, passing the proposal and extending the lease of the land by another 21 years.

The terms of the lease will be drafted by the Shire CEO and will be available for public comment for no less than 14 days, and will include all ancillary buildings with the exception of the existing shed that will be relocated at the cost of the school.

The school’s proposal to the council included the construction of three new classrooms by 2024, with plans to return one of two heritage buildings back to the Shire, either the Station Master’s House or Old Post Office.

The school had a pressing need to be granted the lease extension due to the upcoming deadline for Federal education building grants that required a secured lease agreement for grant consideration, facing the real possibility of turning students away and being unable to provide reassurance of future sibling enrolment let alone new students.