Published on Wednesday, 6 September 2017 at 12:00:00 AM
Community recreation, economic development and tourism are some of the key highlights of the Shire of Ashburton’s 2017/2018 budget, which was approved at the special meeting of Council on 30 August.
Over the past few months, and with valuable community input, the Shire has undertaken a review of our Integrated Planning framework which consists of the Strategic Community Plan, Long Term Financial Plan, Asset Management Plan and Workforce Management Plan. Combined, these strategies and plans set the goals and objectives for Council and pave the way to achieving set outcomes for our towns and residents.
Shire President Kerry White stated that when developing this year’s budget Council have made a considerable investment in projects and programs that further enhance the vibrancy of our communities and focus on ensuring the economic viability and sustainability of our Shire.
“We will provide support to a variety of existing and emerging sports and cultural activities within our towns, to help build the capacity of our local clubs and groups who deliver opportunities for social and active community interaction,” said Cr White.
“These include establishment of a new Disc Golf club in both Paraburdoo and Tom Price and a new BMX track in Pannawonica. Much needed upgrades to tennis, basketball, netball and bowling facilities as well as various playgrounds and ovals, have also been programmed to occur.”
Cr White also said that Tourism is another key focus for Council, with plans to further develop the economic, cultural and tourism opportunities across the Shire.
“As part of a longer term strategy, capital expenditure has been allocated in the coming year to upgrade a number of our Tourist Information Bays and signage, enhance the Pannawonica Caravan Park and continue facility improvements at the Onslow Ocean Beach Caravan Park.”
The construction of numerous key buildings were completed over the last twelve months and this year construction will commence on the highly anticipated Paraburdoo Community Recreation Hub. This $15.7m project has received funding partnership from Rio Tinto Iron Ore and Royalties for Regions, and completion is anticipated to occur mid-2018. In addition to this, a number of other significant projects are highlighted as Council commits to a core investment of over $70m into community assets across Pannawonica, Onslow, Tom Price and Paraburdoo.
All this is to be achieved with a modest rate increase of 1.75% for commercial, industrial and residential properties with a nil increase for mining and pastoral properties.
Budget Highlights
The capital works program totaling $70 million has been provided for with investment in a range of projects. The following give an example of these:
- Paraburdoo Community Recreation Hub $15.7m
- Onslow Class iv Regional Waste Facility $13m
- Paraburdoo Information Bay $400k
- Tom Price Information Bay $480k
- Tom Price Waste Management $280k
- Paraburdoo Sports Court Resurfacing $300k
- Onslow Airport Facility Development $5m
- Onslow Caravan Park Facility Upgrade $180k
- Ian Blair Memorial Boardwalk $500k
- Onslow Oval Playground $300k
- Repairs to Flood Damages Pastoral Roads $10.4m
- Roadworks $3.2m
- Roebourne Wittenoom Road
- Pannawonica Millstream Road
- Pannawonica Caravan Park $25k
- Tom Price Tjiluna Oval Playground Upgrade $120k
- Onslow Bowling Green Replacement $320k
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