Shire of Augusta-Margaret River councillors take reins of major funding stream

Plans for Shire of Augusta-Margaret River councillors to take the reins of a major funding stream for ratepayers and events are under way.

The council unanimously backed the formation of a three-member committee at last week’s meeting held in Augusta, and will consist of shire president Julia Meldrum and councillors Melissa D’Ath and Ian Earl, with Kylie Kennaugh as a proxy.

Administration of the recently revised Community, Economic, Environmental and Events Funding Policy would give chief executive Andrea Selvey delegated powers for funding of $10,000 and below only.

She and sustainable economy and communities director Nick Byrne would also sit on the panel in a non-voting capacity.

The committee will determine funding for major events such as the Margaret River Pro, CinefestOz and Cabin Fever as well as initiatives from community and environmental groups.

In foreshadowing the new committee, councillors said change would help better guide the nearly $900,000 allocated to funding each year.

“It’s really important council has a say on how ratepayers’ money is spent,” deputy shire president Tracey Muir said.

Although Cr David Binks was the sole opponent of the previous move to investigate creating the new committee, last week’s decision was unanimously backed by sitting members.

A decision on whether to fund a grants officer position costing $70,000 was deferred until the midyear budget review.