Thu 03 July, 2008

Next step in $95million Busselton renewal project
Efforts to restore the Busselton Jetty reached a milestone today, when the State Government formally handed its revised offer for the project to the Busselton Shire.

South-West Minister Mark McGowan presented the offer during a meeting today in Busselton with shire council president Wes Hartley.
“This marks an opportunity for the council to consider the State Government’s offer and decide the way forward,” Mr McGowan said.
Last week, the Minister announced the State Government had doubled funding from $6million to $12million towards the restoration of the iconic Busselton Jetty.
“This represents a total investment by the State of $82.4million for the combined jetty refurbishment and other public works, including sporting facilities, parks, playgrounds, car parks, lighting and community amenities.
“In addition, the community through the shire will contribute $12.6million.”
The revised plan takes into account the rising costs associated with returning the popular tourist attraction to its former glory.
It will include a redevelopment of the jetty precinct that is expected to breathe new life into the coastal town and boost the regional economy.
The plan also gives the Busselton Shire an independent source of funding to ensure that ongoing maintenance of the jetty is met without becoming a burden to Busselton ratepayers.
“The State Government is looking forward to working with the Busselton Shire to achieve something the residents of Busselton can be proud of,” Mr McGowan said.
“This plan delivers the restoration of the jetty, a revamped foreshore and new replacement sporting facilities for the current users of Churchill Park.”
The next steps are for the shire to consider the State Government’s offer and a detailed project agreement that will set out the respective responsibilities of the Government and the shire.