Busselton Shire President, Cr Wes Hartley, has written to the Minister for the South West, Hon Mark McGowan, seeking a renewed commitment from the State Government, should the Carpenter Government form the next Government of Western Australia after 6^th September, so there would be the assurance to the local community that the incoming Government would honour its revised offer for the Jetty rebuild and foreshore redevelopment, currently being prepared for presentation to Council.

Additionally, the Shire President has written to Hon Colin Barnett, MLA, Leader of the Opposition, seeking a detailed commitment regarding the Jetty, should a Barnett-led coalition form the next Government of the State.

In his letter to the Leader of the Opposition, the Shire President indicated that the Shire was seeking one of two following commitments:

1. A new offer for rebuilding the Jetty comprising:

• A direct cash allocation of $25 million towards the rebuild. It is expected this would enable a complete rebuild of the Jetty to occur similar to the scope currently planned; and
• The creation of four ground leases on the Busselton foreshore with all income from which to be directed into the maintenance of the Jetty (thus enabling the future sustainability of the Jetty to be guaranteed) -

OR

2. A commitment to match the Carpenter Government's offer towards the rebuild.

Either of these two options would ensure that the Jetty can be rebuilt in a timely manner and sustained into the future, without further unnecessary delay.

Cr Hartley said "The Shire has been working intensely with the Carpenter Government for the past two years so as to secure the necessary framework to rebuild the Jetty.  In this heightened election mode it is appropriate that the Shire of Busselton seek to ensure that all promises made are delivered to the Busselton community regarding the Jetty rebuild.  We have experienced too many periods of doubt in the political arena in recent months, especially following the Federal election, not to now secure the promised funding for our iconic Jetty".

The Shire President said "I have extended an invitation to Mr Barnett to meet with the Shire, Councillors and other representatives of the community, so as to discuss this important most project.  I am hopeful that Mr Barnett will meet with us in the near future to better acquaint himself with our particular needs in the South West".