State to outline its commitment on Jetty, but where is the Federal Government? (22nd July, 2007)
This follows a long process of investigation and community consultation over the past 18 months according to Shire President, Cr. Bev Clarke.
"We welcome the Minister coming to Busselton to announce the State's commitment to rebuilding this iconic community and tourist attraction" Cr. Clarke said.
Council will consider a late item to its meeting on 25th July to receive the States position and outline a manner for Council to consider the commitment, Matthew Smith, Acting CEO said.
"In this item officers will be proposing a process to provide opportunity for input from a range of stakeholders and investigate a number of options available to Council as it considers the rebuild of the Jetty" Mr. Smith said.
It will be suggested Council wait until advice from the Federal Government is known about the Jetty Rebuild prior to considering any commitment made by the State Government.
"The Shire made application to the Federal Government in December 2006 for $4 million towards the Jetty Rebuild but has not heard as yet about the outcomes of this application" Cr. Clarke said.
This application was the result of extensive consultation with Federal Government representatives in both Busselton and Canberra.
"We had initially been told we would have heard the outcome by March, however to date we have had no feedback other than it is still being assessed." Cr Clarke said.
The Shire President and CEO recently visited Canberra again with BJECA Executive Officer to put pressure on the Federal Government to make a decision.
"The Shire and stakeholders including BJECA, Busselton Chamber of Commerce, and Geographe Bay Tourism Association have done as much as possible to secure funding from the Federal Government over the past 12 months." Cr Clarke said.
"We really need to know as soon as possible about the Federal Government's commitment as we cannot proceed with a full rebuild until this is known" Cr. Clarke said.
If the Shire undertakes significant work on the Jetty prior to an announcement of the Federal Government funding it is unlikely the funding application would be supported as the grants do not provide funding retrospectively.
Cr. Clarke said she hoped the Federal Government will make a decision in the near future about the Jetty Rebuild now the State was announcing its commitment.
ENDS.
Media enquiries can be directed to the Shire's Public Relations Officer, Julie Rawlings on 97810446 or julie.rawlings@busselton.wa.gov.au