Full details on Gracetown priority works to be disclosed at May council meeting

Councillors have received details of amenity and infrastructure projects for Gracetown, though residents will only learn the full details planned at the end of this month.

The elected members were briefed on the findings of a report to be tabled by acting chief executive Arthur Kyron, which followed instructions from a motion by Cowaramup-based Cr David Binks.

When the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River acting chief was charged with delivering the report in February, it was to fast-track help for the area after complaints from the Gracetown-Cowaramup Bay Community group was fed up with long-winded consultation.

A shire spokesperson said preliminary recommendations from the Gracetown Infrastructure Planning and Prioritisation report were provided to elected members in a private concept forum on April 24.

“The outcome of this session will determine when a report is tabled at a council meeting,” the spokesperson said.

“It is anticipated that the report will be tabled at the May council meeting and will outline a list of infrastructure priorities for Gracetown as agreed between the shire and the Gracetown reference group.”

Cr Binks’ initial motion included works slated for Gracetown Hall, improved disability access as well as a playground and barbecues for Cowaramup Bay, and environmental and bushfire-safety projects plus road and pedestrian safety works.

A reference group was formed including key Gracetown stakeholders, with the direct approach hailed as a more inclusive way to work with communities outside of Margaret River.