Funding for Don Wallace Reserve – Golden Plains Shire council meeting briefs

FOLLOWING this week’s ordinary council meeting, Golden Plains Shire will commit $250,000 to build female-friendly changerooms at the Don Wallace Recreation Reserve.

While the initial motion did not specify where the $250,000 would come from, an alternate motion introduced by Cr Owen Sharkey was supported by all councillors, and stated the funds would come from the Open Space Reserve.

The Open Space Reserve consists of funds collected by Golden Plains Shire from developers when they subdivide land and is designed to help the Shire cope with population growth.

The current balance of the reserve is between $2.8 and $2.9 million.

“There is no need for anyone here tonight to so say how valuable this is for the community and how it’s needed and how it’s wanted, it’s a no-brainer for us,” Cr Sharkey said.

“At the end of the day we are taking $250,000 away from somewhere and prior to having this in there, I’m not able to tell where the money is coming from.

“We’ve just got to explain to the community where the money is coming from.”

The funding will be combined with $1.5 million allocated by the State Government in a 2022 budget commitment.

Golden Plains Shire is required to enter into a funding agreement by the end of this financial year, or the $1.5 million will be withdrawn.

It is expected the project will cost $1.75 million, meaning $250,000 is required from the next year’s Golden Plains Shire budget to cover the financial shortfall.

“Let’s not forget that the State Government are fantastic for giving us $1.5 million but it’s no different to sending your kids down to the shop with $1.50 when something costs $1.75,” Cr Sharkey said.

“You have to find the additional money from somewhere.”

Bi-annual report

Councillors noted the Audit and Risk Committee’s bi-annual report, which details the activities of the committee for the first half of the financial year.

The report included the group’s findings and recommendations.

“It is an independent committee … so residents can be assured there is transparency and oversight,” Cr Gavin Gamble said.

“I would like to thank members of the committee for their oversight and insight.”