March Business After Hours

Next Wednesday 27 march, marks our second Business After Hours for the year and we have partnered with

Geraldton Grammar School
&
Geraldton Community Energy

Entertainment will include the gorgeous angelic sounds of She Lion, delicious canapes by Tarts & Co, photobooth by Magic Mirror and a chance to win the door prize by showing us how good you can power up the energy driven bike!

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At Geraldton Grammar School, we provide an outstanding K-12 educational experience with whole school programs that foster continual development. We are small enough to care and cater for the interests and academic readiness of each child, yet large enough to challenge all students.

Rated the top country school in Western Australia for 2018; we empower all students with the knowledge to achieve, the passion to inspire, and the path to motivate. Geraldton Grammar School provides an outstanding educational experience on a beautiful campus, providing an award-winning music program, enviable Mandarin curriculum; and an extensive camps program.

School website

Our goal at Geraldton Community Energy is to lower the price of electricity for Geraldton customers, improve the reliability of supply and offer a cleaner energy solution. It will be built by Geraldton businesses for Geraldton customers, keeping the money we all spend on electricity in the community.

Come along to the next Business After Hours & have a friendly chat with us about how your family & business would benefit from Geraldton Community Energy.

What are the benefits for Geraldton customers?

Who is Geraldton Community Energy?

Why does Geraldton need a Geraldton Community Energy?

What are the benefits to the community?

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Rocks Laneway construction begins

Construction of the Rocks Laneway, the City’s most flexible community space set to revitalise the City Centre, will begin on Monday next week.

The transformative project features areas for year round community events and activities including opportunities for local artists to exhibit and perform within the former Rocks building, at the revamped Clock Tower Square and along the Post Office Lane.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the Rocks Laneway will be a space for everyone to use.

“The Rocks Laneway spaces will provide our community with both open air and undercover areas that could be used for just about any purpose,” he said.

“It could potentially be markets, music concerts or plays by local groups, Tia Chi or a fantastic venue for presentations or talks.

“I’m sure there are lots of other ideas out there about how the community would like to use the spaces and we want to hear them all so we can develop a place management plan that will activate the area from September 2019 onwards when the project is scheduled for completion.”

If you would like to share your ideas on how you would like to use this space, you can have your say on the City website www.cgg.wa.gov.au.

The $1.48 million project, being constructed by local contractor Geraldton Building Services & Cabinets (GBSC), is funded via the City Centre Revitalisation Budget, which includes sale proceeds from the former City depot site on the North West Coastal Highway.

Cathedral Avenue light renewal works

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be replacing a streetlight on Cathedral Avenue between Chapman Road and Marine Terrace on Sunday 17 March 2018.

Works will take place between 6am and 2pm with a partial closure of the road and footpath in effect during this time. Traffic management will be in place and motorists and pedestrians are advised to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and direction from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au

New footpath construction in Spalding

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise works are currently underway to construct new footpaths on Webberton Road between Anderson Street and Foodbank and on Anderson Street between Mitchell Street and Webberton Road and will take approximately six weeks to complete.

These works are part of the approximate 5000m of new footpaths being constructed this financial year.

The anticipated hours of work will be from 7am to 6pm and traffic management will be in place during this time.

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au

Youth precinct maintenance works

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be undertaking maintenance works in the Youth Precinct on Tuesday 12 March for a period of approximately four days.

Works include the painting of concrete steps and various pieces of playground equipment.

To ensure community safety, fencing will be in place during this time.

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Midwest Gascoyne big winners with BBRF

Communities across the Durack electorate will benefit from a share of more than $4 million in funding under Round 3 of the Federal Government’s highly successful Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).

Federal Member for Durack and Minister for the Environment Melissa Price said she is delighted that Durack has fared so well in this round and that the Government’s investment in local projects under Round 3 will help grow the economy and build a strong future for Australia’s regions.

“More than $3.2 million of this funding has been allocated to nine projects in the Midwest and Gascoyne, under both the Infrastructure and Community BBRF streams,” she said.

“The projects will benefit these communities which is a great outcome for Durack.

“It is projects such as these that make our regional communities even better places to live, work and raise a family - and also visit, and I’m excited to see the positive difference this funding will make to the community.

“In this round we are also investing more than $70 million in regional tourism infrastructure, to support those many regional communities that rely on tourism to bolster their economy,” said the Minister.

Midwest and Gascoyne successful projects include:

Under the Infrastructure stream:

• Shire of Mt Magnet for Murchison Region Vermin Cell Fence: $2,250,000 
  The fence will be 1,400 kms, of which 1,074 kms has been constructed and 108 kms under construction. Will create a vermin proof cell encompassing 53 privately operated pastoral stations and nine pastoral stations managed by the WA Government, covering 
  6,536,198 hectares.

• Shire of Mt Magnet for Extension of Mt Magnet Mining and Pastoral Museum $58,090 
  To generate economic growth in Australia's Golden Outback and increase tourism infrastructure available to visitors, whilst preserving significant historic relics from Western Australia's mining past. 

• Shire of Meekatharra for Development of Lloyds Plaza: $500,000 
  To revitalise a 1950s building into a multi-purpose facility including visitors centre, cafe, indigenous art gallery, community resource centre, library/museum, conference/training room, hairdresser and two commercial spaces supporting tourism activity.

• St John Ambulance Northampton: Beating Heart Project – Building community resilience in Northampton: $157,285 
  Aims to provide the best possible essential emergency service to the extended community. Improve facilities to continually meet increasing and changing community demands with a training room/hall, converting current space to reception/administration area and constructing a playground. Will provide inclusive access to amenities.

• Carnamah North Midlands Project for The Exchange – Carnamah: $59,738 
  Renovation of historic garage building to accommodate local tourism office, local organisations, free community book exchange, co-working/incubation spaces, an arts studio, indoor and outdoor event venue and Indigenous nursery.

• Shire of Chapman Valley for Bill Hemsley Park Groundwater Access Project: $28,000 
  To secure underground water access to the park community centre and surrounding areas. Parkfalls Estate in the White Peak locality is the fastest growing area within the Shire of Chapman Valley, and this project will support water collection and preservation at this new community hub location.

• Cue Community Resource Centre for Construction of Cue Heritage Discovery Centre: $133,865 
  To expand tourism infrastructure in Australia’s Golden Outback through construction of Cue’s only heritage discovery centre.

Under the Community investment stream:

• Gascoyne River ABC Foundation for Gascoyne Aboriginal Tourism Corridor: $61,995 
  To deliver a strategic plan and regional leadership program focusing on Aboriginal tourism in remote communities across the Gascoyne. Will involve meeting with regional stakeholders in different locations to assess needs to inform creation of the strategic plan. Upon plan’s completion, further consultation will be conducted with identified tourism operators to provide mentoring, training, and support regarding the plan.

• Shire of Shark Bay – to measure the economic conditions of the local business sector in Denham: $20,000
  To commission external consultants to provide an economic study of the local business sector giving a better understanding in implementing sustainable economic strategic planning and employment creation.

Sustainable irrigation system finalist in awards

The Wonthella Oval

The development of a new irrigation system that reduces the need for scheme water has been chosen as a finalist in the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) WA Awards for Excellence.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the irrigation system is enabling the sustainable use of water at the Wonthella Sporting complex, one of the City of Greater Geraldton's premier sporting facilities.

“The salinity level in the existing groundwater bores supplying irrigation water is rising which is forcing the use of scheme water to supplement the water supply to irrigate the 15 hectare complex,” he said.

“The development of this new irrigation system involves drawing irrigation water from the top of the aquifer at Wonthella at a rate comparable to the aquifer recharge at the nearby Water Corporation waste water treatment ponds and increases benefits achieved through the tried and tested method of recycling waste water.

“Although it is fantastic to see this project in the running for IPWEA’s annual awards, it’s our community who are the real winners as the system reduces costs whilst improving water quality and the performance of the turf for our footy, soccer, hockey and tennis club users.”

The IPWEA WA Awards provide opportunity for the public works sector and local government to showcase individual contributions to the growth and wellbeing of the Institute, excellence in significant engineering projects, and innovative practices.

The Winners of the Excellence Awards will be announced at the 2019 Annual State Conference Gala Dinner on Friday 15 March 2019.

Local contractor wins Rocks Laneway tender

The revitalisation of the CBD will soon be underway with local contractor Geraldton Building Services & Cabinets (GBSC) having won the tender to construct the Rocks Laneway Project.

The long-standing local building company will oversee the transformation of the Rocks building into a laneway connecting Marine Terrace to the Foreshore.

The project also includes the creation of a Town Square and ‘Ghost Office’ and upgrades to the Post Office Lane featuring public art spaces and bespoke seating.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the Rocks Laneway Project is about diversifying public areas.

“The newly enhanced Beresford Foreshore is a bright and beautiful family friendly area used for sports and recreation whilst the West End with its painted buildings and activated laneways is a colourful and vibrant place to shop and eat,” he said.

“The Rocks Laneway Project will build on the success of these two areas whilst taking it a step further by developing a place management plan to activate the area year round with a range of events and activities, including opportunities for local artists to exhibit and perform.

“Council is always pleased to see local businesses throwing their hats in the ring for large infrastructure projects and I’d like to thank the local companies that tendered for the project.

“Not only does it keep our economy stimulated, it also keeps locals employed,” he added.

GBSC Managing Director Peter Fleay said winning the tender for the Rocks Laneway Project enabled the company to continue to work with the City on the delivery of key infrastructure projects.

“In 2015, GBSC completed the refurbishment of the Original Railway Station, now home to the Geraldton Visitor Centre, and we are currently constructing the new Geraldton-Greenough SES building at the airport,” he said.

“Through our apprenticeship and Aboriginal employment programs we are not only able to provide important employment opportunities for local people, we are enabling them to be part of projects that help make our City such a great place to live.”

Construction of the $1.48 million Rocks Laneway project is scheduled to begin in a few weeks’ time. The project is funded via the City Centre Revitalisation Budget.

Road maintenance works

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise preventative road maintenance works, including crack sealing, will be undertaken on eight City streets with works commencing on Tuesday 5 March 2019 for a period of two weeks.

Works will take place on the following streets:

• Baler Road – Sunset Beach

• Barret Drive - Wandina

• Cathedral Avenue - Geraldton

• Chapman Road – Bluff Point & Beresford

• Horwood Road - Utakarra

• Strickland Road - Spalding

• Teviot Close – Cape Burney

• Thames Drive – Cape Burney

Traffic management will be in place and members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Allanooka Springs road works

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise road widening and reseal works will be undertaken to a section of Allanooka Springs Road south of Walkaway Nangetty Road and north of Greenough Road in Walkaway with works commencing on Wednesday 6 March 2019 for a period of approximately six weeks.

These works are part of $3,965,000 allocated in the 2018/19 Budget for road renewals and are 66% grant funded via the Regional Road Group Scheme.

The anticipated hours of work will be from 7am to 6pm and traffic management will be in place during this time. Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Staircase closure at Dolphin Street

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise it will be decommissioning the Dolphin Street and Barrett Drive staircase as it has reached the end of useful life and cannot be maintained in an appropriate and safe condition.

To ensure community safety, the staircase will be removed and the site rehabilitated with works taking place on Wednesday 6 March and Thursday 7 March 2019.

Pedestrians are advised to use alternative routes to access Barrett Drive and are encouraged to use the Ackland Road controlled intersection to safely access and cross the Brand Highway.

Members of the community are requested to exercise caution and obey all warning signs and directions from authorised City personnel and contractors.

The City apologises for any inconvenience these works may cause.

If you have any queries please contact the City on (08) 9956 6600 or email council@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Greenough ‘G’ plates back by popular demand

City of Greater Geraldton Councillor Jerry Clune (from left), Agricultural Region MLC Laurie Graham and Mayor Shane Van Styn with reintroduced ‘G’ plates.

You’ll soon be seeing more of the ‘G’ vehicle number plates around town as the Department of Transport has approved the City’s request for the reintroduction of former Shire of Greenough registration plates.

Following the amalgamation of the Shire of Greenough with the City of Geraldton with in 2007, the Shire’s ‘G’ and the City’s ‘GN’ number plates were discontinued and ‘GNG’ plates introduced. After the amalgamation with Mullewa in 2011, these registration plates were then replaced with the current ‘CGG’ plates.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said continued community sentiment for the rural shire was the reason for requesting the number plates be reissued.

“Many residents still have strong feelings for the former Shire of Greenough and many still retain their existing ‘G’ plates on their licenced vehicles,” he said.

“Following the amalgamation with Mullewa, the Department continued to issue the Mullewa ‘MW’ registration plates so all the more reason for the Greenough plates to be reintroduced.”

Agricultural Region MLC Laurie Graham has long been a proponent for a return of the ‘G’ plates.

“It’s very satisfying that the City of Greater Geraldton undertook this process with Department of Transport. I have lobbied for the return of ‘G’ plates for Geraldton as a citizen, Councillor and now as a member of State government,” he said.

“This decision helps us retain and strengthen our identity in Geraldton and I am looking forward to putting new ‘G’ plates on my work vehicle as soon as possible.”

Greenough ‘G’ series plates are available to vehicles, trailers and motorcycles as well as farm vehicles and trailers from the Geraldton Dept. of Transport office.

New heritage drive trail honours military ties

The War Years Drive Trail booklet is now available from the Geraldton Regional Library and includes old photos of Geraldton like the above and more much.

A new heritage drive trail which honours the long association Geraldton has had with the military has been produced which explores places and stories associated with war in the City of Greater Geraldton.

The War Years Drive Trail booklet which is now available, takes readers on a journey through Geraldton to a number of different sites and places of significance.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said many locals will be interested with the war connections Geraldton has.

“Many locals might not associate Geraldton with war but we actually have a long history and this new trail gives us a whole new insight into that era,” he said.

“Geraldtonians have continued to serve our country in the various theatres of war, from the battles of World War I and World War II, to the more recent military conflicts of the Korean and Vietnamese Wars.

“We have deep connections with the loss of the HMAS Sydney II in 1941 which came as a huge shock for Geraldton at the time, dispelling any previous thoughts that it would not be affected by the war.

“Despite the terrible loss of life inflicted during the war, the presence of large numbers of servicemen and women in Geraldton and the wider district introduced activities, industry and experiences which has changed our City forever,” Mayor Van Styn added.

Geraldton’s involvement with the military and war began as early as 1629 when a group of soldiers, led by Private Wiebbe Hayes, rose against the mutineers of the shipwrecked Batavia.

The self-drive heritage trail takes approximately one-day to complete covering around 200km.

Locations include West End beaches, Olive Street Memorial, Marine Terrace, Geraldton Railway Station, Birdwood House, sites in Greenough, Mullewa and many more.

The War Years Drive trail booklet is available as a free download via the Geraldton Regional Library website and will also be available as a free app early in 2019. 

Hardcopies of the trail booklets are available for purchase from the Geraldton Regional Library, Geraldton Visitor Centre and the Mullewa District Office for $10 each.

Minister gives extended trading official go-ahead

Extended trading hours in Geraldton has received official sign off today by WA Minister for Commerce Hon Bill Johnston MLA.

In a letter from the Minister, the application to adopt extended trading hours has now been officially approved after Council unanimously resolved to continue the trialled hours.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said it was a very positive outcome for the community.

“Council agreed that this was what our community wanted,” he said.

“We trialled the hours for 12-months and measured the community’s feedback which was in support of adopting the extended trading hours.

“Getting official approval opens up a lot more opportunities for Geraldton and it is a massive step in the right direction.

“Our goal is to stimulate broader local economic activity by activating business precincts and we’re already seeing this happen,” Mayor Van Styn added.

A 12-month trial of extended general retail trading hours was officially introduced in October 2017 after getting the tick of approval by the Minister.

As part of the trial, a comprehensive review was undertaken in the form of two independent surveys commissioned by the City including a survey on community views and on impact and views of the business community.

Survey reports confirmed 63 per cent of community respondents were in support of continuing extended trading hours. 

Council endorsed the continuation of extended general retail trading hours at the September Council Meeting before seeking approval for the hours which align with Metropolitan Perth. 

“This has been a long journey but a very rewarding one,” Mayor Van Styn added.

“It’s great to see the State Government has listened to the needs and wants of our community.”

Retail trading hours will be as follows:

• 8.00 am – 9.00 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday and Friday;

• 8.00 am – 5.00 pm on Saturday;

• 11.00 am – 5.00 pm on Sunday;

• 11.00 am – 5.00 pm on public holidays;

• Closed on Christmas Day, Good Friday and ANZAC Day;

Council votes in favour of extended trading hours

Council have endorsed the continuation of extended general retail trading hours in Geraldton at last night’s Council meeting. 

After what Council agreed was a “community decision”, the City will now seek approval from Minister for Commerce William Johnston, to align retail hours with Metropolitan Perth on an ongoing basis. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the decision was what the community wanted. 

“We’re not doing anything radical, this is what our community members have asked for,” he said. 

“These are very standard hours, which are actually less than what most centres enjoy so we see it as a fair compromise. 

“Our goals are to stimulate broader local economic activity, by activating business precincts, and – most importantly, to meet the expressed needs and preferences of the community. 

“And we’re doing exactly that.” 

A 12-month trial of extended general retail trading hours was officially introduced in October last year after being given the tick of approval by the Minister. 

As part of the trial, a comprehensive review was undertaken in the form of two independent surveys commissioned by the City including a survey on community views and on impact and views of the business community. 

Survey reports confirmed 63 per cent of community respondents were in support of continuing extended trading hours. 

“Extended trading hours has been very well received by our community since the trial and this is a big step in the right direction for the growth of our City,” Mayor Van Styn added. 

“We are continuing to diversify our economy and if we want to be a regional city of choice for investors we need to be prepared and flexible.” 

The City will now seek approval from the Minister for continuation on an ongoing basis of general retail trading hours, aligned with Metropolitan Perth.

Retail trading hours will be as follows:

• 8.00 am – 9.00 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday and Friday;

• 8.00 am – 5.00 pm on Saturday;

• 11.00 am – 5.00 pm on Sunday;

• 11.00 am – 5.00 pm on public holidays;

• Closed on Christmas Day, Good Friday and ANZAC Day;

Beresford Foreshore activation gets green light

With the Beresford Foreshore Enhancement Project nearing completion, Council has given the green light to further activation of the area by providing two locations for temporary services or facilities to operate from.

The Foreshore Use and Development Policy was amended by Council at their Meeting on 25 September to include space at Midalia’s Beach for temporary services or facilities and another space at the Dean Street node for multi-use mobile orientated businesses.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the inclusion of the two sites in the Policy aligned with community aspirations for low-key activation of the Foreshore.

“In a community survey conducted in 2016, sporting equipment hire or lessons and food and drink outlets ranked 4th and 5th respectively on a list of services or amenities the community said would improve the Beresford Foreshore,” he said.

“Even though the Foreshore has only been partially open since last Thursday, it is already swarming with people walking, jogging or riding bikes along the promenade.

“Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a coffee or snack whilst taking in the fantastic ocean views or treat the kids to some ice cream whilst they are playing on the beach or in the soon to be completed nature playground?”

An Expression of Interest (EOI) for commercial activities for both the Dean Street and Midalia’s Beach locations will be issued in early October.

For more information, please visit the City’s website www.cgg.wa.gov.au

Police Minister unable to confirm whereabouts of sex offenders

Shadow Minister for Police Peter Katsambanis has called on the State Government to immediately reassure the public that police know the whereabouts of all 58 suspects charged with child sex offences as a result of Operation Fledermaus.

Mr Katsambanis said it defied belief that Minister for Police Michelle Roberts could not yesterday confirm to Parliament if any of the 58 men charged with 349 child sex offences as a result of Operation Fledermaus were in custody, or whether police knew the whereabouts of those not in custody.

“What the Minister is saying is that these offenders could be living anywhere in the State and she cannot confirm the police know their whereabouts,” Mr Katsambanis said.

“The Minister could not, even with almost 24 hours’ notice of the question, tell Parliament if any of the 58 offenders and alleged offenders were on the sex offenders register.”

Shadow Minister for Child Protection Nick Goiran, who asked for the information in Legislative Council Question Time, said Minister Roberts requested his question be put on notice, effectively allowing her to avoid answering for more than a month.

“This latest abuse of the Parliamentary question process adds to the shameful list of contradictory, obstructive and obtuse answers the Minister for Child Protection Simone McGurk has provided around the outcome of Operation Fledermaus,” Mr Goiran said.

“WA Police told the media more than a year ago that 184 child victims were identified in Operation Fledermaus, recently the Minister for Police told Parliament there are 50 victims.

“Were there ever 184 victims? Who were the other 134 children Minister McGurk, after eight months of questioning, assured the public were not in the care of a person either charged or convicted of child abuse?

“It has to be asked if anyone in this Government knows what is happening with victims in Roebourne and the West Pilbara.

“I can only imagine the outcry if 58 men in one Perth suburb were charged with child abuse and the Minister could not reassure the public that police knew the whereabouts of all those charged or convicted.”

Celebration of blooms at wildflower festival

The Midwest is experiencing one of its best wildflower seasons in years but if you can’t find the time to get out and do some exploring, the Mullewa Wildflower Festival ‘Outback Bloom’ is for you! 

Outback Bloom is one of the biggest wildflower celebrations in the region and showcases a huge collection of flora as well as art and displays.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the event was in its 32nd year and would be one of the biggest ones yet.

“Outback Bloom is the perfect place to see the region’s wildflower species on display and because of all the rain we have had this year, our local flora is looking as vibrant as ever,” he said.

“The Midwest has over 12,000 wildflower species making it one of the largest in the world.

“It’s great that all of these blooming beauties will be in one location for everyone to see and enjoy, and I commend the Mullewa community for bringing everyone together for this great celebration.”

Mullewa Community Resource Centre Coordinator Colby Elliott said this year’s display would be a sight to behold.

“This year’s wildflower season is off to a cracking start and there are masses of colours everywhere,” he said.

“Our local licensed collectors, pick species under strict licence from Department of Parks and Wildlife, for display and scientific purpose for our event.

“It’s great that we can bring all of the Midwest’s native flora under one roof for a big celebration.”

Outback Bloom will kick off on Thursday 23 August and run until Sunday 26 August. Attendees can see the displays from 9am to 4pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and from 9am to 2pmon Sunday.

Tickets can be purchased from the Mullewa Community Resource Centre and range from $5 per person to $1.

Visitors to the event will be able to explore wildflower displays, grab something to eat and explore a souvenir stall.

The 85th Mullewa Agriculture Show coincides on the same weekend and has everything from monster trucks, Bubble Muffin Kids Cooking Club, circus challenge play zone, sideshow alley, fireworks, the quick shear and the popular LiveLighter Mullewa Gift.

For more information about Outback Bloom, visit www.mullewa.crc.net.au

Government must act on public sector corruption

The State Opposition has called on the McGowan Government to undertake an urgent, independent review into public sector procurement practices, in the wake of two Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC) reports which revealed corruption within the WA public sector.

Shadow Minister for Government Accountability Tjorn Sibma said the Opposition shared the public’s anger at CCC findings of corrupt behaviour by bureaucrats at both the North Metropolitan Health Service (NMHS) and Horizon Power.

“Given the alarming revelations in these two reports, and Commission’s concerns this systematic bribery and corruption could be more widespread, it is important for all senior executives in the public sector and indeed the entire Cabinet to take this matter exceptionally seriously,” Mr Sibma said.

“We need an independent reviewer to perform a detailed examination of the issues highlighted in the reports to identify why we have a system that permits corruption like this to occur over the course of many year, and to provide recommendations for improvement.”

Mr Sibma offered the Opposition’s bipartisan commitment to assist the Government to address this problem in order to restore public confidence in the WA public sector.

“It is concerning that we have a system that seems to rely on whistle-blowers at the bottom and independent agencies at the top” he said.

“We need to drive better systems of accountability within the agencies and also hold these directors general of these departments responsible for the performance of their staff.

“There is opportunity to bolster internal audit and performance management to limit the misappropriation of public funds, restore public confidence, and protect the reputation of the overwhelming majority of public servants who do the right thing.

“We also need to provide confidence to the vast majority of private sector contractors who behave ethically when dealing with the State Government.”

Round three of Safer Communities Fund now open

Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price has called on local councils and community organisations in Durack to apply for a share of up to $1 million in funding through the Safer Communities Fund which is now open for round 3.

The Safer Communities Fund is a Federal Government commitment to keep Australians safe and secure by enhancing the efforts of local councils and community organisations to address crime and antisocial behaviour.

“I encourage councils and community organisations in my electorate to apply through the third round of funding for security enhancement projects, including for initiatives such as CCTV, bollards, lighting and crime prevention through environmental design initiatives,” Ms Price said.

Due to the program’s success, the Federal Government announced in May, an additional $30 million in funding from assets confiscated by the Commonwealth as proceeds of crime.

Round 3 will be split across two types of grant opportunities:

• About $18 million for infrastructure grants; and
• About $12 million for early intervention grants.

“As well as the infrastructure stream, I’m excited to announce that the third round includes the separate early intervention stream for community organisations to deliver crime prevention, or activity based youth engagement projects,” Ms Price said.

The two funding streams provide a robust example of the Government’s commitment to the safety and security of local communities.

Applications for the infrastructure stream close on 25 September 2018. Information on how to apply for funding is available on the Australian Government’s Safer Communities Fund – Infrastructure Stream website at business.gov.au/safer-communities-fund, or by calling 13 28 46.

Applications under the early intervention stream will open on 28 August 2018 and close on 25 September 2018.  Information on how to apply for funding is available on the Australian Government’s Safer Communities Fund – Early Intervention Stream website at business.gov.au/safer-communities-fund-early-intervention or by calling 13 28 46.