BUSSELTON'S JETTY FUNDING SECURED

  Jetty rebuild gets the go ahead

Tuesday 24th June 2008

The Shire President, Cr Wes Hartley is delighted with the State Government's announcement with respect to the Busselton Jetty reconstruction.

Following the rejection by the Federal Government of its commitment to the Jetty reconstruction of $6 million, the Shire President requested a meeting with the Minister for the South West, Hon Mark McGowan, which took place at the Shire Chambers on 30th March 2008 .

At the meeting the Shire President indicated to the Minister that what was urgently required was a 50% / 50% split, with the State Government and the Shire of Busselton as two equal partners.  The Shire's financial modelling in this respect has not altered from that agreed to by Council on 28th November 2007.

In addition, as reported in the media last week, meetings have taken place with members of the Legislative Council, who have indicated that providing the appropriate auditing verification can be agreed to, that they are supportive of the reconstruction of Busselton's iconic Jetty, along with new sporting facilities and a vastly improved foreshore precinct and importantly, the extensive servicing of underground infrastructure, which is currently at the full extent of its capacity.

The Shire President said "All thanks needs to be given to the Shire staff who have worked so relentlessly on this project, through many setbacks and uncertainties.  The Minister's statement is a vindication of that hard work and now the whole Busselton community can look forward to construction beginning in the near future".

The Shire President said: "I am deeply appreciative of the work put in by my Co-Chair of the Busselton Jetty Working Group, Hon Adele Farina MLC, others of the Working Group, including the other three present Council Members, Crs. Bromell, Clarke and McGregor, in addition to former Councillors Kevin Douglas and Phillipa Reid."  Cr Hartley also paid thanks to the Minister for the South West for negotiating the new agreement through Cabinet so as to arrive at today's most welcome announcement.  

Media enquiries can be directed to the Shire's Public Relations Officer, Helena Webb on 97810446 or helena.webb@busselton.wa.gov.au