Shire of Capel moves forward with proposed Dalyellup hub after approving management and operation plan

The Shire of Capel is one step closer to building a major community hub in Dalyellup after approving an operations plan. Councillors voted unanimously at last month’s meeting to endorse how the planned $11.5 million facility will be managed as construction nears. The plan states the centre is expected to operate at a net loss of $760,000 in its first year operation in 2025-26, decreasing slightly over the first five years before rising to $766,000 in 2032-33 due to increases in maintenance costs. Despite the significant ongoing costs of operating the facility, a number of elected members spoke of their support for the centre. Cr Peter McCleery said although it is “a big chunk of money” out of council’s budget, it was a good decision to go ahead with the project. “It’s for the whole of the shire even though it’s based in Dalyellup,” he said. Cr Christine Terrantroy said the centre would be “a good service” to the community, while Cr Kieran Noonan encouraged residents to read the 90-page management plan. Deputy shire president Sebastian Schiano noted only about 50 per cent of the local government standard costs of running the facility would be subsidised by council funds, which he described as “quite good”. “At the end of the day, (staffing and management costs) are costs to some degree we already experience with the facility that’s provided, which are inadequate for a community like Dalyellup,” he said. Shire president Doug Kitchen described it as a “jewel in the crown” of the community precinct being developed at the end of Portobello Road, which already includes a skate park and pump track. “This will be the last piece of that puzzle and really is something exciting to see,” he said. The centre will be the heart of the shire’s presence in the area and include a digital technology hub, new library and expanded council services. Council’s report notes 7.5 full time equivalent jobs will be created by the centre, which will generate $30.67 million in long term benefits.