Council last week passed its Annual Plan & Budget Estimates for the 2018/19 financial year, which will see a significant investment in the community.

. It is unusual for such a small organisation as ours to be able to deliver $6.4 million on more than 60 essential projects across the West Coast, all with a modest 2% rate increase and coming off 2 consecutive years of 0% general rate rises. I’d like to take this opportunity to recognise the contribution of the community in the West Coast Community Plan 2025, which has provided Council with a clear set of priorities as well as those who have been involved in the budget preparation process itself.

VisionStream, the contractors engaged by NBN Co to rollout the fibre technology on the West Coast, have generously donated a number of seats and tables to be placed in Zeehan, Rosebery and Queenstown, which are the locations where they are working. The seating is in the same style as those already installed across the region, but bearing the VisionStream name as a lasting legacy of their time on the West Coast. I wish to thank VisionStream for their generosity in wanting to give something back to the community.

Speaking of new seating, a commemorative bench donated by members of the community, including Bendigo Bank, Lions Ladies, 7XS Walk of Life and Williams Earthmoving, was recently installed at the Queenstown Cemetery. The bench is in honour of loved ones and will provide additional seating for people visiting the cemetery including visitors to the Niche Wall. Council provided the concrete pad and labour for installation, while the citizen group raised over $2200 to cover the cost of the bench. Well done to all involved.

Phil Vickers

MAYOR