The Shire of Augusta Margaret River has announced a $15.7 million program of major works as well as a 2 per cent rate rise in its latest budget.
Council last week unanimously voted to adopt the 2021-22 budget, which the Shire said was aimed at sharing funds across all towns, hamlets and rural localities within the shire boundaries.
Shire CEO Stephanie Addison-Brown said she felt the latest 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.
Key Projects
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 Pavilion 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 per cent.
"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," she said.
"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
