Shire chiefs are taking pains to reassure the Augusta community the local government is aware of their needs and key issues.
The handling of the proposed Turner Street Jetty closure recently not only incensed residents and visitors, but re-opened old wounds among those who see the seaside hamlet falling behind the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River’s focus on bigger population centres.
Numerous comments online compared Augusta’s facilities, including its BMX track and recreation centre, as neglected compared with those “up the road”.
Shire chief executive Andrea Selvey told the Times the local government moved quickly in response to community concerns about the jetty as a demonstration of its commitment to Augusta.
“Maintenance and improvements to our assets is a continual balance of doing the most possible with insufficient funding for everything our community requires,” she said.
“The shire is dedicated to maintaining and enhancing assets and infrastructure across the region, with significant investments in Augusta and surrounds identified for the future or already in progress.”
Among projects cited were the path to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, planned upgrades to Augusta’s civic park and the recreation centre outlined in the Shire’s leisure plan, the East Augusta jetty, Ellis Street, the planned replacement of the foreshore wall at Turner’s, and action on the jetty itself.
Planning is under way for Augusta’s main street overhaul that will include close work with the community reference group, and work on paths including Blackwood Avenue.
Shire president Julia Meldrum noted as an Augusta resident herself, she was committed to equity for all residents in the region.
“I understand there’s a feeling at times that Augusta has been overlooked,” she said.
“That’s something both council and I take seriously.
“Our shire is made up of many distinct and special places, and Augusta plays a vital role in that bigger picture.
“Decisions made at the shire level are always about finding the right balance across the whole region, both for today and for future generations.”
At the March 26 council meeting in Augusta, deputy Shire president Tracey Muir acknowledged the local government had a communication problem with residents.
Her comments were focused on defusing anger from farmers in the southern part of the shire.
That debate followed similar tension last October when councillors intervened in Augusta’s main street project to form a community reference group to ensure residents’ concerns and suggestions were noted.
Augusta resident and former Shire president Mike Smart said he believed the administration under Ms Selvey showed genuine efforts to engage with the community.
“The timely action taken by Andrea and the council to address the community’s concerns defused the situation,” he said.
“If all of these (capital works projects) are completed and the Turner Street Jetty is dealt with appropriately, it will go a long way towards appeasing the community’s feeling of being second-class residents/ratepayers.”
While on the council, Mr Smart campaigned to address inequity for Augusta, saying the administration at that time was overly focused on Margaret River while diverting revenue from local caravan parks and dismantling the ward system.
Other Augusta leaders declined to comment, saying their focus was on building bridges with the new shire administration, and concerns residents’ complaints were easily dismissed.
