MEDIA RELEASE

"The new series number plate release for Dunsborough and Yallingup has been an outstanding success" said Julie Rawlings, the Shire's Public Relations & Marketing Officer.

"The response has been fantastic but there are still plates left for those who missed out at auction, including YALL 1 which did not receive a bid and is still up for grabs.  Just contact the Shire's Customer Service Centre on 97810444 in the new year" she said.

Successful bidders will receive a letter within a week and have until 7th January, 2004 to return their form and payment.  Where possible those who were unsuccessful have been contacted and many have purchased one of the remaining plates.

MEDIA RELEASE

The Shire of Busselton has approved work on the beautification of the Queen St/Kent St roundabout in anticipation of the Ironman event and the coming summer season.

The ultimate plan for the roundabout is the installation of a public art sculpture, in consultation with the community.  Groups such as Pro Busselton, Geographe Bay Rotary Club and South West Development Commission have expressed interest in involvement towards the development of a public art project.  It is envisaged that the project will provide an integrated approach towards expression of the unique sense of place and community within the Shire of Busselton.  Various other sites in the Queen St area are currently being identified for community input and comment.  Inspiration can be drawn from the Cultural Mapping plan, recently work shopped with the community, as to ideas and themes for the various sculptural works.

MEDIA RELEASE

The new Asset Management unit at the Shire of Busselton is putting measures in place to manage the escalating cost to the community of repairing infrastructure damaged by graffiti and vandalism. The cost to the community in 2003/2004 was $58,458 which is an increase of approximately 39% since 1992.

As part of Community Safety Month. the Office of Crime Prevention will be holding free seminars for Councils to give advice on the management of vandalism and graffiti.

"Part of the role in managing Shire assets is to incorporate preventative measures in the design of new community facilities, their finishes and fittings. This can assist in the removal of graffiti and minimise the resultant damage.

MEDIA RELEASE

The Shire of Busselton has committed $23 Million to roads and footpaths, community amenities, recreation and culture.

The balanced budget of $33 Million was adopted at a special meeting of Council on Wednesday, August 18.

The focus of the budget is to address the needs and aspirations of the community; by providing essential planning for the future; environmental protection; active, cultural and socially enriching opportunities for young and old alike; along with essential infrastructure.

"The business of Local Government is unique, no other business has such demands placed on it and its a great challenge to understand the needs of a very diverse community." said Shire President, Troy Buswell. "I'm proud of this year's budget as its set to take the Shire through the next financial year in a very sound and responsible manner."

The Shire President praised the efforts of staff in taking a pro-active approach to the whole budget process. "Councilors have had extensive opportunity to be hands-on, through workshops and meetings which has created the capacity for Councillors to focus on what they see as critical outcomes for the community" he said.

Some of the highlights include:

ENVIRONMENT
Foreshore Protection $81,600 which includes Port Geographe/Wonnerup, Busselton & Dunsborough, Yallingup, Smiths Beach and Eagle Bay.
Beach Upgrades $95,000 including Busselton swimming jetty upgrades including slide platform, Busselton and Dunsborough beachfront infrastructure, King Street shade shelters and seats, Smiths Beach car park improvements and water supply to toilet block.
Wetlands Strategy $25,000 involving investigation of bird observatory and interpretive centre for the Busselton wetlands.
Port Geographe Work/Consultancies $197,182
Management Plans $74,000 for the implementation of management plans for Shire Reserves
Environmental Surveys $19,000

SPORT & RECREATION / ARTS & CULTURE
In this budget Council has a major focus on upgrading sport and recreation facilities and planning for the future. The $30,000 allocated to the Sport and Recreation Master Plan will be a major planning tool for our future needs. Funds are being provided to assist the following groups in their endeavours:
Dunsborough Playing Fields $250,000 for Change rooms and $96,000 for oval improvements.
Busselton / Margaret River Cricket Association $43,000 towards the upgrade of Barnard Park
Dunsborough & Districts Country Club $25,069 towards two additional tennis courts
Hockey Club $50,000 towards resurfacing of the artificial hockey turf.

Churchill Park $25,000 upgrade to Change Room and Ablution facilities

St. Mary's Heritage Works $7,500
Cultural Precinct - Purchase Agriculture Building (via loan) $690,000

COMMUNITY ACCESS - ALL AGES
Public Halls $325,000; including Yallingup Hall $145,000
Library - On-line databases $10,000

YOUTH & SENIORS
Senior Citizens $61,791 to assist with running the Centre
Holgate Street Playground Equipment $20,000
Busselton Youthcare - Chaplaincy fund $21,000

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Participation by the community is essential to future planning and through initiatives such as the Embers Trust of Geographe (established to guide the future direction of the Shire), along with other interactive community participation the Shire has budgeted $67,000 for this purpose.

COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE
Road Construction $3,504,000 including Yallingup Beach Road upgrade $60,000; Yelverton Road school bus route $140,000; Vasse Yallingup Road $250,000; Harmans Mill Road $100,000; Queen Elizabeth Avenue $93,000; Carpark upgade at Scout Road (Jetty) $45,000 Note: Blackspot funding may apply to some items.
Road Maintenance $1,491,000
Footpaths (construction) $206,000 including Carey Street $21,000; Bignell Drive $30,000; Caves Road various $43,000; Vasse River Strelley Street pedestrian bridge $54,000;
Drainage $151,000 including King Street $40,000; Ella Gladstone Drive $26,000; Yallingup Elsegood & Dawson Street $16,000
Bridges $50,000 replacement of Gale Road bridge
Street Light installation $47,000 including Caves Road from Elmore to Naturaliste Terrace $32,000
Ablution facilities $95,000 including King Street upgrade $20,000, Busselton Beachfront $15,000; Smiths Beach $60,000
Boat Ramps $56,850: including Dolphin Road improvements $20,000; Newtown Beach access improvements, $20,000; Port Geographe boat ramp lighting $8,000; Quindalup Sea Rescue boat ramp lighting $8,800.

TOURISM
Support for CNTA $50,000