The Shire of Murray’s new budget plans a long list of projects, with a major focus on improving the region’s recreational and sporting facilities, as well as infrastructure, roads and footpaths.
The Shire will also increase rates by $1.62 each week, as part of their rates and waste collection services in 2016/17.
Shire president Maree Reid said the increase was made to balance responsible management and ensure stability, while also keeping the possible increase to a minimum for residents.
“Council is committed to building and improving necessary infrastructure to meet current and future demand as Murray’s population grows at approximately 3.6% per annum,” Ms Reid said.
Major projects now in the pipeline include $4.8 million works on the shire’s road networks and street-scaping, as well as $3 million to infrastructure improvements.
The budget also sees stage 2 of the $1,116,100 Murray Regional Equestrian Centre on its way to completion, with funding assistance from Royalties for Regions, the Department of Sport and Recreation, and Alcoa.
Road Projects
For $660,000 Del Park Road will be upgraded and widened.
For $644,996 Paterson Road will be upgraded and widened.
For $479,745 upgrades will be made to the Murray and Forrest intersections along Pinjarra Road.
For $456,084 Lakes Road will be upgraded and widened.
For $366,585 East Coolup Road will be upgraded and widened.
For $220,000 Herron Point Road will be upgraded from a gravel road to a sealed surface.
For $220,000 kerbing and asphalt will be applied to the Murray Bend Service Road.
For $169,500 a new shared path (for cyclists and pedestrians) will be constructed along Pinjarra Road from Forrest Street to Wilson Road.
For $121,817 the western verge along Murray Street between James Street and Pinjarra Road is set to be upgraded, including landscaping and paths.
For $79,200 a new shared path will be built along Tonkin Road to connect North Yunderup and Pinjarra Road.
For $30,000 a new footpath on Murray Street Coolup across the railway will be built.
Sport and Recreation
For $145,676 King Fisher Park will have an upgrade to the BMX track, a new footpath, resurfacing of basketball courts and new playground equipment.
For $30,000 the Shire will prepare a feasibility study and needs assessment for a new regional sporting precinct in Ravenswood.
For $75,000 the old Pinjarra Bowling Club will be demolished, with a new storage shed and toilet being built.
For $69,600 the Murray Leisure Centre will receive new cleaning equipment, two-way radios and pool inflatables.
For $60,000 the Shire committed to the annual Pinjarra Festival in June 2017, to promote social inclusion, healthy families and an economic benefit for Murray.
For $54,680 the Dwellingup Community Tourist Playground will receive shade sails and more trees, to provide shade and beautify the tourist location.
The Yunderup Sport and Recreation Carpark will be asphalted for $50,115.
The Shire will spend $32,096 on stage two of the Murray Leisure Centre clubrooms construction which will allow sporting clubs to use the space for training and club functions. This stage will involve the construction of storage space and fit out.
For $31,298 the Shire will improve park drainage and installation of park furniture and shelter at the Don Sparks Reserve.
The Shire will put $24,691 into installing solar lighting at the Pinjarra skate park. This will allow extended hours of use into the early evening.
The Shire will implement youth activities throughout a number of towns within Murray, for $24,000. This is in direct response to community feedback around the lack of youth activities.
Community and Infrastructure
For $400,000 the existing water extraction system will be replaced, with the new Cantwell Park bore to service the Pinjarra foreshore, parks and town centre.
For $223,170 upgrades will be made to the Pinjarra Civic Centre and Lesser Hall, including new floor coverings, window treatments, painting, lighting, air conditioning, ceilings, acoustic improvements, address safety issues and installation of electronic /technological capabilities.
For $200,000 the council will prepare a new Local Planning Strategy and Town Planning Scheme to guide the overall planning and development within the Shire.
For $180,000 the Edenvale verandah at the front of the building will be removed and reconstructed. New works will keep within the original design of the building.
For $100,000 the Shire will compile the North Pinjarra Revitalisation Strategy, to provide a framework for driving an overall improvement in the social, economic and environmental characteristics of the North Pinjarra area.
For $76,500 the Shire will compile the Pinjarra Town Centre Revitalisation Strategy and Business Case, to guide the nature, form and extent of development within the Pinjarra town centre and to identify public infrastructure requirements for the town as it grows.
The business case will support the strategy and will clearly articulate the economic need and benefit of the town centre revitalisation, generally and specifically the economic need and benefit of the town eastern bypass.
The plan is needed to support future funding applications and advocacy for infrastructure provision within the town.
For $64,875 a new communications network will link Shire trucks, plant operators, rangers and all fire and emergency service vehicles to one system to overcome the issue of blackspots.
For $60,000 a Community Bus trial service will run for nine months commencing October 2016. Two services will run throughout the week for those towns with no Transperth option, and one weekend service will run for all towns.
The Shire will put $48,801 towards marketing, tender selection, contract and legal costs associated with the restoration and reuse of the former Exchange Hotel.
For $27,388 the Shire will compile a Community Infrastructure Plan, to provide the next stage of detail to support the Shire’s existing Community Infrastructure Plan by detailing the scope and cost estimate for each required infrastructure item.
For $20,819 the Shire will implement ‘Social Eyes’, a crime prevention project to educate the community and unify crime prevention techniques such as activating public spaces.
The Shire will contribute $20,000 to the Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group to undertake holistic weed management for the region.