AUGUSTA Margaret River Shire Council has produced an information leaflet about the financial, legislative, democratic processes of local government in an attempt to clarify misinformation that has been circulating on social media in recent weeks.
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The information predominantly aimed to educate residents and ratepayers about the various income sources available to the shire and identify the major expenditures for the financial year.
Augusta Margaret River shire president Ray Colyer said the leaflet also explained consultative and democratic processes of local government to help people understand how to contribute to the future priorities of Council.
"I would just like to remind people that for accurate sources of information they should refer to the information sheet, the Shire's website or contact customer service," Cr Colyer said.
Some of the misinformed claims on social media site Facebook included allegations council had failed to fix potholes on Bussell High way, the library charging $20 for a membership card and Margaret River councillors outnumbering the number of Augusta councillors.
"To clarify a few I can advise that Bussell Highway is the responsibility of Main Roads, not the Council, library cards are in fact free, and Margaret River Town Ward and Leeuwin Ward have exactly the same number of councillors with two elected members each," Mr Colyer said.
Mr Colyer said an additional point of debate on social media was how the council prioritised key projects and determined the 2013/14 budget allocations.
"I would like to remind people the priorities of council as adopted on June 12 2013 were determined by conducting a survey of electors, residents and ratepayers," he said. "It's was a very open and transparent process conducted in line with legislative requirements."
Shire of Augusta Mar garet River chief executive Gary Evershed remind ed ratepayers they were welcome to attend council meetings on the second and fourth Wed nesday of each month.
For more information on nomination requirements, or a council information leaflet go to www.amrshire.wa.gov.au or phone 9780 5255.
