Shire of Ashburton provides continued service improvements

Guided by the Shire’s Corporate Business Plan and Long Term Financial Plan the 2018/19 Budget, with a gross turnover of $123m, features a $70m Capital Works program that expands and revitalises infrastructure, roadworks and sport and recreation facilities.

As part of the budget process each year Council reviewed efficiency measures to identify savings opportunities and improvements to service delivery. This is the focus for the Shire of Ashburton’s 2018/19 Budget, which was formally adopted at Thursday’s special meeting of Council.

Over the past year Council has invested in a range of service improvements including upgrades to the Tom Price Waste facilities and the addition of a new weighbridge, upgrades to local sports facilities, additional roadside rest stops and enhancements to Information Bays, town lighting upgrades and the construction of hangar facilities at the Onslow Airport.

Council continues to focus on the delivery of a number of key infrastructure projects across the Shire with the most prominent being the completion of the Community Hub in Paraburdoo, development of the new Tom Price Childcare Centre, redevelopment of the Onslow Sports Complex, construction of the Pilbara Waste Management Class IV Facility and the road repair and improvement program.

Over the past few years the Onslow Airport has generated a significant income stream from associated airport fees. However, with changes in local industry, Council has reduced the forecasted level of airport fees in order to plan adequately for the change in revenue.

Paraburdoo’s Community Hub is an exciting new facility that will be completed later this year.  It will provide residents with a range of enhanced recreational spaces and the development of this project has been supported by the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program through the Pilbara Development Commission and Rio Tinto.  

Plans for the new Tom Price Childcare Centre are officially underway, and the progression of this facility will be a key focus for Council. Expected to be complete by late 2019, the new centre will provide more assistance for working families. To date, funding support has been provided by Rio Tinto and Council, with further negotiations currently underway with the State Government.

The Shire is about to embark on a 12 month project to repair roads damaged by storm activity over the last two years, incorporated within an overall road improvement program to the value of $30m affecting 24 roads and over 1,000 km. While this is a significant and complex undertaking, it will provide much needed improvements to the condition of our road network.

The Shire of Ashburton boasts four towns, each of whom are thriving and have bright futures. Despite this, there are still challenges to be faced and Council will continue to work proactively to deal with these in a positive manner.

The 2018/19 Capital Works program totaling $70.2m features:

• Commencement of the new Tom Price Child Care Facility

• Upgrade to the Onslow Sports Club Complex

• Construction of the Class IV Waste Facility in Onslow

• Completion of the Paraburdoo Community HUB

• Roadworks program of $30m including;

- A $20m Western Australia National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (WANDRRA) program; 

- Renewals and Re-Sheeting works totaling $10m.

• 17 x Recreation and Culture projects;

• Onslow Airport modifications including Solar Farm upgrade and Runway renewal.

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