Augusta-Margaret River Shire Council finds $20k to lure operator for January beach bus

A last minute pitch by Councillor Melissa d’Ath has possibly secured a beach bus for residents and families to use next month.

Cr d’Ath made the plea at last week’s final Augusta Shire Council meeting for the year that would see up to $20,000 awarded from the local government’s coffers to help fund the service – provided an operator can get on board in time.

The scheme wasn’t guaranteed to come into effect, with short notice as well as shire employees heading off on leave just two of many factors.

However, Cr d’Ath said she lodged the request as “urgent business” because the bus service was looking vital amid the busy summer ahead.

“This season is shaping up to have unprecedented visitor numbers,” she said.

“I have heard from our community and seen myself that beach parking and therefore beach access will be a major issue for our community again.

“Even midweek before summer holidays, Gnarabup carpark is already overflowing.

“This increases traffic issues, fire risk and impacts emergency services access, and it decreases our community’s ability to enjoy our beaches and safely access vacation swimming and Nippers all held at Gnarabup over January.”

Cr d’Ath started the beach bus last summer, prior to her elevation to a council role triggered by the retirement of deputy shire president Paula Cristoffanini.

Prior to her election, Cr d’Ath expressed frustration at the lack of interest from WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti or the Public Transport Authority tasked with investigating new bus services.

Cr d’Ath said the State Government’s introduction of free public transport for metropolitan residents this summer school holidays again showed the need for parity with regional WA beyond half-price TransWA bus tickets.

The shire previously tipped in $5000 from its Community Development and Events grants program to extend the beach bus, but faced criticism for “slow motion” support for the initiative while also handing funding to big event operators.

Public transport was identified in a range of shire policies – as signalled by Cr d’Ath at last week’s meeting – but shire president Julia Meldrum previously said that issue was on the local government’s agenda for lobbying to the State Government for support.

Earlier this year, sustainable economy and communities director Nick Byrne said officers were reviewing data collected from the bus pilot program.

“Once we have a clearer picture, we’ll consider the next steps, including talking with State ministers,” he said.

“We’ll keep the community informed as things progress ahead of next summer.”

A State Government spokesperson also previously acknowledged receipt of correspondence from Cr d’Ath pleading for support for the beach bus program, but the Times understands there was no further contact on the matter.

Cr d’Ath’s motion, which was backed 5-2, put a $20,000 cap on the bus funding and asked shire chief executive Andrea Selvey to initiate a process with potential providers for a town-to-Gnarabup service in January.

Crs Kylie Kennaugh and Greg Boland voted against the item.