Budget supports suite of major projects

Residents within the Shire of Augusta Margaret River are set to benefit from $15.7m in major works over the next year following Council’s adoption of the 2021-22 budget. Voted in unanimously at last night’s Ordinary Meeting, the budget specifically sought to ensure funds were dispersed across all townsites, hamlets, and rural localities across the shire. Shire of Augusta Margaret River CEO Stephanie Addison-Brown said it was always a challenge to find the right balance to make sure all sectors of the community were well serviced, but she felt this budget would be well-received by ratepayers. “We have been out and about over the last twelve months meeting people living in the various townsites across the shire as well as in our coastal and rural communities, and we have been listening to the various needs and priorities within each community” she said. “There is something in our budget for residents of all our townsites and hamlets, plus everyone in between. “There are also a number of improvements planned for shared community facilities that will be enjoyed by all.”   The Shire’s total operating and capital expenditure budget of $54 million is largely funded by $23 million of property rates, $11 million of fees and charges and $11 million of grants for capital projects.  Major capital spends include $9 million for road works, $2 million for parks and reserves, $2 million for buildings and $1 million for paths.    A summary of key projects include:   Augusta:

Wadandi Track Construction $5,000 Flinders Bay to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Path, including a Healthy Country Plan and delivery of landcare rehabilitation and management - $162,000 Augusta Aerodrome Improvements $300,000 Leeuwin Road reconstruction $750,000 Ellis St Jetty refurbishment $180,000 Blackwood Ave path renewal - Bakery to Green St $62,000 Activation of the Augusta Civic Precinct and support for the establishment of a Childcare facility at the Augusta Recreation Centre Character Survey and commencement of an Augusta Place Plan

Cowaramup:

Duggan Pavillion upgrades to accommodate Playgroup $32,000 Cowaramup playground design $15,000 Pioneer Park connecting paths $10,000

Margaret River

Shade sail for MRYP BBQs $15,000 Hockey training facility $1,022,870 Outdoor basketball half court $20,000 LED lighting upgrades for main oval $114,200 Rendall Close and Barrett St Weir erosion control $20,000 Margaret River Aquatic Centre Renovations $1,170,000 Andrews Way and Wilkes Road path expansion link to Wadandi Trail Wadandi trail bridges (supported by grant funding) $882,336

Coastal

Playground equipment at Riflebutts $80,000 Gas Bay and Grunters carpark design $40,000 Rivermouth Carpark $25,000 Gnarabup Foreshore path project $239,797 Gracetown swimmers beach water tank replacement $30,000 Coastal management works at Gracetown A plan for coastal infrastructure and environmental management at Gnarabup / Prevelly to deal with the impacts of use

Rural:

Alexandra Bridge foreshore plan works $92,000 Road construction for Kevill, Warner Glen, Rosa Glen, Wilson Roads Gravel resheeting for Wirring Road, Holben Road, Governor Broome Road, Payne Road, Rocky Road and Bramley River Road

Witchcliffe:

Witchcliffe Public Toilets $280,000 Character Survey and commencement of a Witchcliffe Place Plan

Ms Addison-Brown said there would always be a constant challenge to deliver all desired projects with such a small rates base, but the rate rise was this year able to be contained to 2%. “We are a relatively small population funding facilities and services for our own community as well as a significant number of visitors to the region. “This year we are focusing on ensuring we are delivering projects and services of value to all residents across the shire whilst also improving our corporate operating models to ensure efficiency and a high quality of customer service” The full financial year budget is available for public viewing at www.amrshire.wa.gov.au