Last night (Wednesday 16th April 2008) the Shire of Busselton unanimously agreed to the fundamentals of the project agreement between the State Government and the Shire of Busselton for the reconstruction of the iconic Busselton Jetty.

Council gave direction to the Chief Executive Officer to continue negotiations with the State Government in respect to their offer to contribute towards the rebuild of the Busselton Jetty.

Shire President Cr Wes Hartley said, "Council's unanimous adoption of the new funding model for the Jetty Rebuild, with the State contributing $12 million towards the project will help advance preparations for the reconstruction to begin in Spring 2008. The full project agreement will be presented to Council for its consideration and adoption, hopefully before the end of the financial year."

The project agreement will contain the details associated with like-for-like relocation of community and sporting groups from Churchill Park, the level of amenities on the Busselton foreshore and the mechanisms by which the Shire and the State are repaid for their contributions towards the Jetty Reconstruction.

The Shire will now call tenders for the supply of timber piles and Expressions of Interest for the reconstruction of the Jetty, so that works can commence in Spring 2008.

Cr Hartley said, "Council's endorsement in the calling for tenders is a true milestone in this project and within the next few months residents in the Shire of Busselton along with the hundreds of thousands of visitors, will be able to witness the saving of this iconic structure for the benefit of future generations."

For more details on the Jetty Project log onto www.busselton.wa.gov.au

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