West Coast Council has released their Annual Plan and Budget Estimates for 2016-2017 ahead of a meeting next week where Councillors will vote to adopt the document.

Following on from the 0% rate rise approved at the June Council meeting, should the Annual Plan be adopted an extensive capital works program valued at $2.9million will be implemented over the next twelve months.

Major capital works proposed include footpath replacement and upgrade totalling $500,000 plus works at both the Strahan and Queenstown Airports, development of further stages at the Zeehan Landfill Site and upgrades to drainage infrastructure in Meredith Street, Strahan.

Other items on the agenda for discussion at the July meeting include the allocation of funding for the 2016-2017 Community Assistance Program, with nineteen applications received totaling just over $5300.

Strahan Primary School have also written seeking support from Council to expand the existing school hall to improve facilities and allow community access whilst consideration will also be given to the Strahan Foreshore Active Sign Project proposed by Active Strahan which is aimed at improving the visitor experience and promoting an active lifestyle.

Organisers of the Bright Ideas Festival, to be held in Strahan and Queenstown have submitted an application under Council’s Financial and In-Kind Assistance Policy, with Council to determine if the requested support of over $3300 will be approved.  Other applications to be considered under the Policy include a request for Council sponsorship of the Beach to Bay event and a waiver of fees for Junior Racquetball in Zeehan.

The meeting will commence at 5pm Tuesday 19 July at the Town Hall, Wilson Street Zeehan.  The agenda is available at http://www.westcoast.tas.gov.au/page.aspx?u=469