Your say: Is it time to legalise cannabis? - Geraldton Police seize 75 plants and charge 6

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A haul taken by Police in Mandurah earlier in the week. 

Your say: Do you think it's time to legalise cannabis?

Some argue it's taking too much valuable Police resources, court resources, and prison space on a drug that is less harmful than alcohol and very readily available. 

Others think it needs to remain prohibited because of potential negative impacts it could have if it becomes even more easily available. 

What do you think?

Major drug busts by Geraldton Police

Throughout the week Geraldton Police have conducted a number of searches on homes in the Geraldton area, as part of a major drug sting. 

Six people have been arrested and charged. Their charges range from possing drugs and drug paraphernalia to intent to sell and supply drugs. 

Police also uncovered large amounts of what is believed to be stolen property. 

A large number of cannabis plants have been seized, as well as amounts of what is believed to be crystal meth. 

Full press release from the Geraldton Police follows:

Drug Warrants Executed

Throughout the week, officers attached to the Geraldton Local Policing Team have executed a number of Misuse of Drugs Act search warrants within the Geraldton sub-district in relation to illegal drug activity.

At about 6:15am on Tuesday 7 July 2015 police attended a residential address on Scott Road, Rangeway.

Following the execution of a warrant, police allege that several items of interest were located. It will be alleged that an amount of cannabis and crystal substance was located along with other drug paraphernalia.

A 24 year old female from Rangeway was subsequently charged with possess prohibited drug and possessed drug paraphernalia while a 27 year old male also from Rangeway was charged with possess prohibited drug. Both will appear at the Geraldton Magistrates Court at a later date. 

Further;

At about 12:00pm on Tuesday 7 July 2015 police attended a residential address on Abelia Street, Rangeway.

Following the execution of a warrant, a number of items were seized. It is alleged that a drug smoking implement as well as two swords and a machete were seized.

A 32 year old from Mullewa was charged with possess drug paraphernalia and will appear at the Geraldton Magistrates Court at a later date.

Further;

At about 6:10am on Wednesday 8 July 2015 police attended a residential address on Hammond Street, Spalding.

Following the execution of a warrant, police allege that a large amount of property, believed to be stolen, along with drug paraphernalia, cannabis and white crystal substance was located.

A 48 year old male from Spalding charged with two counts of possessing stolen property and a 41 year old female also from Spalding charged with possess prohibited drug will both appear at the Geraldton Magistrates Court at a later date.

Police are conducting further inquiries in relation to the various property items located in an attempt to return the items to the identified owners. 

CORRECTION: Error in police release sent earlier today. Police have seized 75 (not 40) mature cannabis plants and charged six people after a series of drug raids across #Geraldton Guardian.

Posted by Geraldton Guardian on Thursday, July 9, 2015




Local contractors leading the way for City’s new facilities

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Multi User Facility: An artist impression of the Multi User Facility.

Local contractors have got the ball rolling on Geraldton’s newest project with the initial phases of the new Multi User Facility and Youth Precinct underway.

Perth business FIRM Construction has been awarded the main contract for the project but the City of Greater Geraldton is pleased to announce that up to 80% of the work will be outsourced to local contractors.

A total of nine local contractors have been awarded work on Geraldton’s premier new precinct to date and City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said the City is committed to injecting funds back in to the local community.

“This is a huge project for the City and one that will be extremely beneficial to the whole community, especially our youth,” he said.

“With the total project cost sitting at over $9 million – up to 80% of this work is going to local contractors which was something that was very important to us when we began the planning of this project.”

The project is jointly funded with Regional Development Australia providing $3,170,000 in grant funding for the construction of the Multi User Facility; and the Youth Precinct and Event Space receiving $1 million in grant funding from both Lotterywest and Regional Development Australia.

In total, the City has received $5.17 million in grant funding for the projects and the City’s contribution of $3,937,928 is spread over all five portions of the project.

FIRM have been in contact with the Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry to ensure the best economic outcomes for local contractors and the community.

“The Multi User Facility and Youth Precinct will be the final jewel in the crown for our foreshore and is the culmination of more than 10 years of planning,” Mayor Carpenter said.

“We are very proud that our local contractors will play such a big role in the construction of the final two elements of the West End Revitalisation Project.”

The only elements of the projects that will be outsourced are the specialised pieces of equipment which cannot be sourced locally.

The Multi User Facility will provide permanent facilities for TS Morrow, Geraldton & Districts Offshore Angling Club, the Champion Bay Surf Lifesaving club, and boat storage for the Geraldton Yacht Club and Geraldton Senior College. The facility will also provide three public training/meeting rooms, a large public function room and a permanent stage for community events.

The Youth Precinct will provide much needed facilities for the youth of Geraldton and will include a large aerial climbing structure, rage cage, and interactive zones for youth to engage or “chill out”.

Importantly both the Multi User Facility and Youth Precinct have been designed to maximise the opportunities for people with disabilities to become more involved.

Funding also incorporates beach access for people who are mobility impaired as well as the refurbishment of the existing ablution block behind the Visitor Centre to house a beach wheelchair and hoist and an adult change facility.

The fully integrated design will have an uninterrupted access pathway that will enable wheelchair access onto the beach.

Fencing has been already been raised on parts of the Foreshore as construction begins. Fencing includes the area of the Foreshore in front of the Sail Inn towards the back of the Geraldton Visitor Centre, including the existing ablution block and will be in place for an estimated 12 months until construction is complete.

Local businesses contracted for work on the Multi User Facility and Youth Precinct includes:

  • SR Plumbing
  • Platinum Electrical
  • Batavia Timber and Salvage
  • GHS Solutions
  • Redcat Earthworks
  • Onsite Rentals
  • Byland Engineering
  • Contecreat/Dawn Contracting
  • HTD Survey

Construction Site: Fencing has been raised for the initial phases of the new Multi User Facility and Youth Precinct.

Video: Archeology dig at Tibradden Station

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A very interesting look at some archeological efforts out at Tibradden Station. Geoff Gannon and Chris Lewis from ABC:

Jayden van Beek and an archaeology team from UWA have been exploring the more recent past at one of the area's oldest farming settlements in the Midwest, Tibradden Station. ABC Mid West and Wheatbelt met Jayden as the final stages of excavation were being completed on a shepherd's hut on Tibradden Station. The site was documented but no one was sure what the site had originally been used for and how it had been modified. Jayden explained the task of an archaeologist is to discover "what it was and how it was used, looking for signs of life and proof that someone once lived here". Click here to read more

 

Yet another drug driver caught

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A 34 year old male, and a 34 year old female, both from Karloo, were charged after a traffic stop by Police early this morning. 

Around 12:15am this morning, Geraldton Police stopped a Holden Commodore wagon on Naomi Way, Karloo. 

Officers conducted a drug test on the driver, which returned a positive result. 

Upon searching one of the male occupants’ in the vehicle, police allege that a small amount of white crystal substance within a clip seal bag, believed to be methylamphetamine, was located.

Police also discovered that the driver, as well as another occupant in the vehicle, had outstanding warrants for their arrest. 

A 34 year old male from Karloo was charged with breach of bail and possess prohibited drug while a 34 year old female from Karloo was charged with breach of bail. Both will appear at the Geraldton Magistrates Court this morning.

Letter to the Editor: Looking for a friend

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I am looking for a friend whom I have only had telephone contact with now for over 20 years. His name is Joseph LeGarde and he is about 45 years old. He lives in Geraldton now and does contract work out of town. He works for a lady by the name of Lauren and she owns and flys a helicopter. She use to be in Partnership with Gavin. They do contract work for the Govn/Mines re beautifying old mine sites and he works driving big excavators and machinery. I think He lives in a Wynobago (big camping van on the business property when he is in town. He also is very good friends with a lady by the name of Tina and he co parents a young girl by the name of Gabriella with Tina. I think Tina owns and runs a Comercial Cleanng Business. He has told me about a niece by the name of Julie McDonald and I beleive she has been working and staying with him for afew months. He normally calls me every 2 weeks or so and has done for over 20 years. It has now been over 3 months and I have not heard from him and I am very worried and have really no idea where to go to start looking for him to make sure he is OK. Could you please help me at all. I'm really not sure I know how bit Geraldton is??? My mobile is 0415250915 and home number is 07 33512235. These are the two numbers he does contact me on

Greater Geraldton an obvious choice for Growth Plan

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The Mid West Development Commission has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Regional Development Terry Redman today that Greater Geraldton is one of the four regional centres chosen to share in $7.5 million to develop a plan to guide economic growth.

MWDC Chair Murray Criddle said Geraldton’s strategic position between Perth and the growing cities in the North West, and its a symbiotic relationship with region’s hinterland, including inland SuperTown Morawa, made it a front runner. 

“As we found in preparing our Mid West Regional Blueprint, there are a number of growth drivers for Geraldton, from its role in servicing and supporting the region’s economic activity, to its connection to external markets via its port, airport, rail and arterial road network, “ Mr Criddle said. 

“Geraldton is already connected to the NBN and further investment and developments in telecommunications and broadband facilities could yield significant growth off the back of information and communications technology, with transformation already underway into a creative and innovative regional centre. 

“The region’s unique biodiversity, renewable energy resources, aquaculture and geology could provide niche opportunities for investment in higher education and research and development. 

“Water resources around Geraldton can support growth in agricultural and horticultural industries. 

“Further investment in tourism will unlock unique tourism potential provided by Abrolhos, Kalbarri, biodiversity, geology, outback experiences, conservation areas,” Mr Criddle said. 

The Regional Centres Development Plan will assist in addressing three important elements in attracting and retaining people and investment; Health, Education and the revitalisation of the Geraldton Central Business District. 

“The creation of a growth plan will help to help leverage regional innovation through public-private collaboration and to ensure a strong and sustainable future for the Mid West,” Mr Criddle said. 

 “A focus on CBD Revitalisation is extremely important to reflect Geraldton’s position as a major regional centre, “Mr Criddle said. 

City of Greater Geraldton concession system welcome

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Member for the Agricultural Region Hon Paul Brown MLC has welcomed the announcement by the City of Greater Geraldton (CGG) that it will implement a concession system to ratepayers affected by recent hikes in property valuations.

Adjustments to Gross Rental Values (GRV) recently imposed by the Valuer General has seen large variations across suburbs with some valuations increasing by as much as 28 per cent. To soften the impact of GRV increases and a 3.9 per cent general council rate increase, the CGG will implement a concessional system of payment that will help to ease the financial impact on those ratepayers most affected.

“The City of Greater Geraldton has shown a great deal of understanding of the financial impost on those ratepayers most affected by increases in GRV and have shown great foresight in working with the Department of Local Government in developing and implementing a concessional system of payment available to them through the Local Government Act.” Mr Brown said.

“This is a very good outcome for ratepayers most affected by these increases and I applaud the City for acting so proactively”.

For further information on the eligibility criteria for the concessions system, please contact the City of Greater Geraldton.

National Broadband Network coming to Durack

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Homes and businesses in Durack are a step closer to getting the National Broadband Network, with build to commence on the network in the fourth quarter of 2016.

The NBN Co today released a quarterly national rollout plan to December 2016, which includes parts of the following suburbs in Durack where the fixed-line build will commence:

In addition construction will begin on the fixed-wireless network in parts of:

  • Ballidu
  • Dalwallinu
  • Jurien Bay
  • Merredin
  • Nungarin
  • Mukinbudin
  • Milo
  • Dongara

Member for Durack Melissa Price said it was an important milestone for the area, with greater certainty for homes as businesses as they prepare for superfast broadband services.

“The NBN will deliver Internet access that’s fast, reliable and affordable,” Ms Price said.

“Better broadband will transform the way homes and businesses communicate, do business and access online services.”

In terms of premises passed by the NBN Co’s networks, the NBN Co now reaches 1.15 million premises across all access technologies, up from 345,000 as at the election.

In terms of active customers, the NBN Co now has 395,000 premises connected to its fixed line network (up from 47,000 as at the election) and 46,500 premises connected to its fixed wireless network (up from 2,000 as at the election).

Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the progress of the NBN to date shows that the Government’s reforms of the NBN project have ensured the rollout will be completed sooner, cheaper for taxpayers and more affordably for consumers.

“I have said before that this is the most exciting time in human history to be alive because of all the opportunities created by the digital revolution,” Mr Turnbull said.

“The arrival of the NBN will mean that those opportunities will be extended to all Australians, regardless of where they live”.

NBN Co provides monthly updates on its website showing areas that have reached build preparation, build commencement and that are ready for service.

Residents can check their suburb at www.nbnco.com.au/rolloutplan

Geraldton’s First Ever Poetry Weekender

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The Geraldton Poetry Club is bringing audiences the intriguing experience of performance, writing and poetry combined for a weekend of artistic thrills. For the very first time in Geraldton, the Port City Poetry Weekender on August 1 and 2 will feature a free writing and performance workshop, the well-loved Poetry in the Pub show and a delicious breakfast to top it all off.

Join renowned Western Australian poets Kevin Gillam, Allan Boyd and Maitland Schnaars as they lead audiences and workshoppers through the wilds of collaborative performance poetry, intertwining music, spoken word and carefully spun yarns for a bewitching evening of wordy goodness. This special 3-hour workshop run by these poet extraordinaires will be held at the Geraldton Regional Library as part of the two-day residency in Geraldton for the first ever Poetry Weekender.

Each poet is an expert in their own field and will focus on different aspects of poetry to extend and expand the audience’s poetic horizons. With sessions on starter ideas and voicing in poems, performance poetry and the delivery of a subversive text, as well as a brief entree into the history of Aboriginal poetry and collaborative performance, there is something for every and any poet in the port city.

“Performance poetry is the noisy cousin of 'traditional' poetry. It’s in your face and it's dynamic and it's a lot of things that poetry can't just be on the page. It's a well-written celebration of the spectacle of the spoken word,” explains Event Organiser, Rosie Sitorus.

The free poetry workshop is brought to you free of charge by the Geraldton Poetry Club with the immense support of the City of Greater Geraldton and the Geraldton Regional Library.

After this exciting workshop, the Geraldton Poetry Club will be showcasing the poet’s new talents at the Poetry in the Pub show featuring the poetic stylings of the poets-in-residence. Poetry in the Pub is your annual fill of words and wine at one of our region's most atmospheric venues, the Hampton Arms.

Audiences are warmly invited to bring along their own words and poems to share during the open mic sessions.

“There are so many people in Geraldton just itching to try new things and whilst poetry is nothing new, we think this is a great reinvention of something people know and love. At Poetry in the Pub, punters will have the chance to throw their hat in the ring alongside some of our state's best,” says Rosie.

The Poetry Weekender wraps up on Sunday 2 August with a Poets' Breakfast at Tropicano's at Point Moore.

"Poetry at the Point will be a great, relaxing end to the weekend of wild words," continues Rosie. "It'll be a chance to listen to the guest poets read more of their poetry and to discuss the culture surrounding our local poets in Geraldton."

You can sign up for the workshop through the link below:
www.geraldtonpoetry.com

To get a ticket to Poetry at the Pub, $55 gets you a spot on the bus (leaving from Geraldton Regional Library) , a spot at the table for dinner and a part in the magic of the evening that will be Poetry in the Pub.

Tickets strictly limited and available from the link below:
www.geraldtonpoetry.com

Tickets for the Poets' Breakfast are $20, include the Tropicano's buffet breakfast and are available from www.geraldtonpoetry.com

Traffic Stops Uncovers Prohibited Plants

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At about 9:30pm on Saturday 4 July 2015 a Ford Futura sedan was travelling along Vincent Street, Spalding.

Officers attached to the Geraldton Local Policing Team conducted a traffic stop with the driver where it will be alleged that four cannabis plants were located within the vehicle.

The 22 year old male driver from Wonthella was subsequently charged with possess / cultivate prohibited plant. He will appear at the Geraldton Magistrates Court at a later date.

Traffic Charges

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At about 3:45pm on Monday 6 July 2015 a Holden Rodeo truck was travelling along Forrest Street, near Chapman Road, Geraldton.

Geraldton police conducted a traffic stop following the vehicle failing to stop at a stop sign. It will be alleged that the driver tested positive for alcohol as a result of a breath test.

The 38 year old male driver from Wandina was conveyed to the Geraldton Police Station where he was subsequently charged with excess .08 and issued with a disqualification notice. He will appear at the Geraldton Magistrates Court at a later date.

And further;

At about 5:00pm on Monday 6 July 2015 a Honda Accord sedan was travelling along Eastern Road, near Waldeck Street, Geraldton.

Officers attached to Mid West-Gascoyne Traffic unit conducted a traffic stop with the driver. It will be alleged that the driver provided a positive breath test result for alcohol.

The 66 year old male from Geraldton will appear at the Geraldton Magistrates Court at a later date charged with excess .05.

Assault Charges

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At about 2:30pm on Monday 6 July 2015 two female persons started arguing on Oleander Crescent, Rangeway.

It will be alleged that the verbal arguing elevated to physical fighting between the two. Upon being separated by others in the vicinity, one of the female parties obtained possession of a house brick, holding it in her hand.

It will further be alleged that the female person wielded the brick above her head before throwing it at the female victim striking her on the head.

The victim sustained a laceration to her head which required medical treatment.

The 33 year old female from Utakarra was subsequently arrested and charged with assault occasioning bodily harm. She will appear at the Geraldton Magistrates Court on 23 July 2015.

Graeme Connors touring 25 years after launch of pioneering album

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See Australia's greatest storyteller, live on stage with his legendary band, in a special two hour performance, celebrating 25 years since the release of his pioneering hit album North.

Hear all the songs from North performed live, followed by a selection of No.1 chart hits from his 17 album catalogue.

Touring Victoria and South Australia in July before heading over to Western Australia in October 2015 as part of his National tour.

Don’t miss this multi-award winning, Gold & Platinum selling artist, and the songs that have cemented him a place in the Australian music story.

Tickets are now on sale from the Queens Park Theatre, call 9956 6662 or book online at www.queensparktheatre.com.au

Price pleased with Agricultural White Paper

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Member for Durack Melissa Price has welcomed the issue of the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper, labelling the release of the paper as a landmark day in Australian agricultural history.

Ms Price believes the paper Stronger Farmers, Stronger Economy, will help farmers achieve a better return at the farm gate.

$11.4 million will be given to boost the ACCC engagement with the agricultural sector, including a new Commissioner dedicated to agriculture.

Ms Price said a more farm-savvy and proactive ACCC will encourage fair-trading and strengthen competition in agricultural supply chains.

“As the name of the paper suggests, Stronger Farmers, Stronger Economy, our farmers and the agricultural industry is an integral part of not just Durack, but Australia’s economy,” Ms Price said.

“For the last 18 months I’ve listened to the challenges farmers are facing and discussed what needs to be done to address their issues.

“This paper is a $4 billion investment in our farmers.”

Farmers will be able to opt back into income tax averaging after 10 years from 1 July 2016.

Farmers will also be able to double their Farm Management Deposits (FMDs) to $800,000.

“Many farmers have already told me how pleased they are with this increase,” Ms Price said.

“Farmers are also able to deduct the cost of new fencing from 1 July 2016.

“They are also able to deduct the cost of new water infrastructure.” $50 million has been announced to boost Australia’s emergency pest and disease eradication capability, and an additional $50 million will be given to give farmers better tools and control methods against pest animals and weeds.

$200 million will be invested in improving biosecurity surveillance and analysis, including in Australia’s north.

Developing Ord Stage 3 is now back on the agenda, following the Abbott Government’s $30 million set aside to examine water infrastructure investment in Australia’s north.

More money has been set aside in the new National Water Infrastructure Fund for farmers’ future water security.

Despite criticism of a lack of climate change in the paper, Ms Price believed the issue of climate change is addressed through the Government’s Direct Action Plan and said the Agricultural White Paper is purely on Agriculture.

The full paper can be read agwhitepaper.agriculture.gov.au

Letter to the Editor: New Community Group forming

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City of Greater Geraldton Ratepayers Information Update 

1.      Did you know that the City of Greater Geraldton has increased its debt from less than $20M accumulated over recent years as at June 30 2014 to in excess of $40M as at June 30 2015 and guess who’s going to pay that all back. 

2.      That Council will have collected $155,505,438  in rates over the 2012/13 – 2015/16 years based on the rate increase of 27.19%, 2.26%, 4.3% and 3.9%.  If a normal rate of 6% each year had been adopted the total rates collected would only have been $134,934,521.

Or $20,570,917 difference.

So Council have collected $20,570,917 in rates over and above a “normal” rate increase and to add insult to injury have then increased “our” – (ratepayers) debt by another $20M this year.  Does that concern you? 

3.      City of Greater Geraldton has so far spent $1.24M on the Olive Street project and the property is exactly as it was 2 years ago and no residential development will take place.  Council have finally found out what every resident has known all along – the site is contaminated – guess who pays for that with nothing to show for it. 

4.      And did you know that the $5M “profit” Council forecast for the Olive Street subdivision sell off is now zero and to add insult to injury they’ve now budgeted to spend between $4.5M and $5.5M to decontaminate the site and turn it into a Park – i.e. an approximate $10M turnaround. 

5.      The City of Greater Geraldton Ratepayers Demand Change Inc Group are disbanding – we think we’ve outlived our purpose after achieving a $19M rate saving over a 10 year period by having rates reduced from the intended 7.2% in 2013/14 back to 2.26% and also getting a commitment from Council to consult with ratepayers through Community Forums and Summits. 

An enlarged group is in the formulation stage to be called Greater Geraldton Council Watch Inc(or similar) to scrutinise the wider decision making matters that come before Council and to pass on to Councillors (our representatives) the feeling of the community (ratepayers). 

If you’d like to be part of the group or contribute to it please feel free to call me on 0428211066. 

Max Correy
former Chairman of the former City of Greater Geraldton Ratepayers Demand Change Inc

Midwest Agriculture Prepares for Industry and Environmental Challenges

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Producer Grant Bain marking out his demonstration site for Ever Green project. Photo Credit: Phil Barrett-Lennard, agVivo

Innovative farm demonstration sites are currently being established to prepare for future industry and environmental challenges facing WA’s Northern Agricultural Region (NAR).

Some of the challenges facing the local agricultural sector include wind erosion, unproductive soils, climate variability, salinity, and pests and weed incursions.

With funding from the Australian Government National Landcare Programme, the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC) is investing $637,648 into at least 30 local agricultural demonstration projects over 3 years.

“The project aims to promote sustainable production and long term management of the region’s natural resources while focussing on local issues and needs”, said NACC Sustainable Farming Program Coordinator Sally Fenner.

“Funding for round three of the project will open Monday 27th July. If you have a project idea we encourage you submit an application. Guidelines will be available on the NACC website”, said Ms Fenner.

Demonstration projects already funded in round one and two of the project are informing local landholders in:

Round 1

  • Response and availability of potassium in wheat crops to applications of biochar (Energy Farmers Australia Pty Ltd)
  • Perennial pasture innovations in the Midwest (J. Wedge)
  • Demonstrating NyPa Forage to stabilise saline land (The Moore Catchment Council Inc.)
  • Developing and testing innovative, practical and reliable methods for incorporating lime into acidic sandplain subsoils (West Midlands Group Inc.)
  • Long term soil fertility lessons for West Midlands sands (West Midlands Group Inc.)
  • Low cost improvement of perennial pastures (Ever Green Farming Inc.)
  • Determining the nutrient requirements of perennial pastures when grown with an annual legume companion (Ever Green Farming Inc.)
  • Improving productivity on non-wetting soils in the NAR through pasture cropping (Mingenew Irwin Group)

Round 2

  • Identifying cost effective ways to incorporate lime in the Moora-Miling farming district (The Moore Catchment Council Inc.)
  • Mango growers adapting to climate change in the Gingin/Dandaragan area (Southern Mango Growers Association)
  • A demonstration of perennial shrub systems enabling adaptation to erosion and climate variability (Mingenew Irwin Group)
  • Improving and quantifying soil quality in citrus production systems on sands in the West Gingin/Moora area (Western Australian Citrus Improvement Group Inc.)
  • Is sub-soil soil acidity an issue in permanent pastures? (Ever Green Farming Inc.)
  • Establishing various salt tolerant species on salt land areas inaccessible by machinery (North East Farming Futures Group)
  • Investigating different approaches to manage soil acidification in the WA Wheatbelt (The Liebe Group Inc)

For more information about NACC’s Sustainable Farming Program, contact Sally Fenner at NACC, (P) 9938 0125 (E) Sally.Fenner@nacc.com.au

Efficiencies help keep rates down

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The City of Greater Geraldton has been working hard to identify efficiencies in order to lower costs and keep rate rises down.

City Mayor, Ian Carpenter said that City staff had identified more than $5.5 million in efficiencies and savings in the past two years.

“Over the last two years City staff have identified a large number of internal efficiencies and savings which have cut costs by more than $2 million,” he said.

“This year 47 positions, or 13% of the workforce, including manager positions were cut from the payroll whilst overall operating costs have been reduced by $4 million and the number of Council vehicles has also been reduced.

“Reductions in utility costs have also been achieved via investment in geothermal systems for the Aquarena pool heating and Art Gallery air conditioning,” Mayor Carpenter added.

The City has also worked extensively with the community to gain a better understanding of the range and level of services they want and need and to identify efficiencies in the delivery of services.

“Extensive community engagement undertaken by the City via two Community Panels and the Community Summit has provided Council with a clear understanding of the services the community values,” he said.

“Three years ago the future rates increases were projected at 7.6% and the community said this was too high. Since then we have delivered reduced rates of 2.25% in 2013/14 and 4.3% last financial year. This year we have managed to reduce the rate rise even further and set it at 3.9% and are projecting future rate increases of 3.9% in the future.

Budget reductions and cuts at a glance

Cuts and savings in the 2015/16 incorporate the recommendations and priorities of the community made via two Community Panels, who critically reviewed our range and level of services and capital works priorities, and the priority list of non-mandatory services developed during the Community Summit. In total, the community has spent more than 6500 hours reviewing every aspect of city operations.

  • Reducing City Vibrancy strategies funding allocation to $180,000 - providing a $50,000 saving;
  • Halving the Sister Cities budget – providing a $20,000 saving;
  • Discontinuing membership with national research associations – providing a $25,000 saving;
  • Cancelling underutilised software subscriptions – providing a $70,000 saving;
  • Focusing on food inspection services and reducing other health programs – providing a saving of $45,000;
  • Reducing of recurrent community grants by $241,000, and allocating $150,000 to signature events – providing a saving of $71,000;
  • Reducing non-recurrent Community Grants to $215,000 – providing a saving of $155,000;
  • Discontinuing bulk kerb-side collection but retaining a service for pensioners only - providing a saving of $140,000;
  • Reducing Australia Day expenditure to $80,000 – providing a saving of $50,000;
  • Reducing Community Event Support to $81,000 – providing a saving of $25,000;
  • Staging the Midwest Art Prize bi-annually – providing a saving of $85,000;
  • Discontinuing the Artist in residence program – providing a saving of $15,000;
  • Cutting back on Cultural Celebrations – providing a saving of $40,000;
  • Discontinuing some Community Engagement Projects – providing a saving of $52,000;
  • Reduction of Library opening hours and restriction of services – providing a saving of $58,000;
  • Tightening of the Heritage Budget – providing a saving of $36,000; and
  • Reducing Mullewa Community Group support and events – providing a saving of $26,500.

Budget funds coastal adaptation planning and works

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Coastal projects and coastal adaptation plans feature prominently in the City’s 2015/16 budget.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said the City’s ever changing coastline is an ongoing battle that the City will be tackling on a number of fronts in the next 12 months.

“The biggest coastal project the City will be undertaking this year is coastal protection works along the Beresford Foreshore. The coastal indication study of the foreshore area has already been completed and detailed designs of beach protection and stabilisation works are currently being produced. Once external funding for the project has been finalised construction is expected to begin before the end of the year,” he said.

“St Georges Beach is the next cab off the rank with a detailed design of beach protection to be finalised in August and it is likely that both beach protection and stabilisation works will be undertaken in the next 12 months.

“Both of these projects follow on the recently completed beach protection and stabilisation works at Grey’s Beach.”

Coastal inundation studies and community engagement in relation to coastal adaptation plans have also been budgeted for.

“The City is currently finalising the Coastal Inundation Study of Point Moore and has applied for grant funding to undertake a second study at Drummond Cove,” Mayor Carpenter said.

In response to growing community concerns about the future of our coastal City, the City will also be partnering with the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC) to engage residents in coastal planning.

“The City will partner with NACC to engage the community in discussions around coastal concerns. Engagement outcomes will then be used to develop policies for Council in regard to overall coastal adaptation planning.”