Donnybrook shire seeks public comment for proposed new landmark Yousuf ShameelBunbury HeraldTue, 16 September 2025 3:00AMEmail Yousuf Shameel
Donnybrook could be in line for a new landmark, with the local government seeking public comment on a proposed clock tower.
The proposed tower was first put forward by resident Pat Walker, to be built at the preferred site in Ayers Garden.
The project would use Donnybrook stone to recognise the early pioneers who developed quarries and worked with local stone to construct numerous buildings in the town and around the State.
During their August 27 meeting, Shire of Donnybrook Balingup councillors officially received the proposal and a resolution was carried to receive a business plan and open it up for public comment.
A report with further recommendations and comments will then be submitted to the council for consideration.
One of the members of the applicant committee, Angelo Logiudice, said the clock was a secondary element in the project, and the stone was what required recognition.
“The importance of Donnybrook stone has been well known around the State and interstate, because a lot of buildings, including Parliament House in Perth, was built out of Donnybrook stone,” he said.
Ms Walker, Max Gibbons and John Hallim are on the committee with Mr Logiudice.
The project was initially presented to shire acting chief executive officer Tim Clynch in August 2024 with a concept sketch and a list of preferred sites
The first preference was Ayers Garden in the location of the quercus palustris tree — which would need to be removed.
In June, the applicants provided an updated proposal to the CEO Nick O’Connor, with considerations for design and construction costs, and costs for ongoing maintenance.
An estimated total cost for the tower’s construction was $50,000.
In the business plan, the committee said the funding would come from various sources and would not require any shire funding other than to use the land.
The applicants said funding had not been secured, but they were ready to find the money pending councillors’ decision.
Public consultation can be made online until October 3.
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