Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup

The Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup is a local government area in the South West region of Western Australia, about 35km southeast of Bunbury and about 220km south of the state capital, Perth. The Shire covers an area of about 1560km2, and its seat of government is the town of Donnybrook.HistoryThe Upper Capel Road District was gazetted in 1899, while the Preston Road District was gazetted in 1896. On 1 July 1961, they became the Shires of Balingup and Donnybrook respectively under the Local Government Act 1960. On 26 March 1970 the two shires were merged, with the new council being administered from Donnybrook.The Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup is also home to a number of heritage-listed historic properties including Ferndale Homestead and Southampton homestead.WardsIn 2001 the Shire abolished wards and all nine councillors represent the entire shire.Prior to this, four wards made up the council: Donnybrook (including Argyle, Irishtown and Beelerup)Preston (area east of Donnybrook including Lowden, Mumballup and Noggerup)Central (including Kirup, Upper Capel, Brazier, Newlands, Brookhampton and Thompsons Brook)Balingup (including Mullalyup, Grimwade, Upper Balingup, Southampton and Ferndale)