An action-packed 2020-21 financial year for the Shire

Published on 13 July 2021

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A message from Shire of Broome deputy president Desiree Male

The Shire of Broome Council adopted our Budget for 2021-22 last month and it is fair to say that the backdrop of COVID-19 and associated restrictions last year have had a lasting effect.

We have all been impacted by the pandemic in one way or the other, with the Shire needing to implement carefully selected austerity measures in the last financial year to help our community.

Looking back now, the Shire’s COVID-19 Community Support Package was an important initiative to provide financial respite to ratepayers, residents and businesses – but ultimately its implementation means the 2021-22 Budget is smaller than previous iterations.

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This means the Shire Council have had to be even more frugal in selecting projects to progress with over the next 12 months, with a high level of financial scrutiny to ensure any and all savings are accounted for.

Despite the backdrop of COVID-19 and Broome being impacted by travel restrictions, the Shire progressed with several important projects over the last 12 months.

The final touches are being implemented in Stage Two of the Chinatown Revitalisation Project.

This major undertaking, which has been co-funded by the Shire and the State Government, has rejuvenated our town centre and will be fantastic for residents, visitors and local businesses once completed.

The Town Beach Jetty project is another infrastructure venture that will become a major asset for Broome and is the final piece in the puzzle of this special precinct’s redevelopment.

I was delighted to unveil the fantastic new Broome Golf Club facilities in March 2021, with special thanks to the Federal Government for their investment in this important project.

Meanwhile, the reconstruction of McDaniel Road and other roadwork projects have made Broome a more accessible town.

Looking forward, please rest assured that your 2021-22 rates will be utilised for the greater good, with several exciting initiatives on the horizon.

Along with the services that Broome residents come to expect, a number of capital projects have been funded.

These include a $1.5 million commitment to funding for the Skate Park Redevelopment, $430,000 towards the detailed design of a Community Recycling Centre and $310,000 to implement the Cemetery Master Plan.

After upgrading Chinatown and Town Beach, the redevelopment of the Cable Beach foreshore is firmly in the Shire’s sights.

Over the next 12 months, a detailed design process will be undertaken to get this project to the next stage as we lobby hard for Government investment.

The Shire is also partnering with the State Government for the Broome Boating Facility initiative and I hope this essential infrastructure facility at Entrance Point will become fully funded soon.

The Shire adopted a new vision in 2020-21: Broome – A Future for Everyone.

This moniker encapsulates our inclusive and welcoming community, with the Shire working hard for you to make Broome an even better place to live, work and visit.

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