Buswell questions City's priorities

Vasse MLA Troy Buswell has slammed Busselton City Council’s latest big-ticket project in his first week back in the electorate after his resignation from Cabinet for health reasons.

Mr Buswell has written to Mayor Ian Stubbs to express concerns over the proposed $28 million administration building and multi-functional civic centre which is out for public consultation.

Mr Buswell said he was “at a profound loss” to understand how the council could consider funding the multimillion dollar project on the back of borrowings and still expect handouts from the State Government to finish the foreshore.

“If the City proceeds down this path, you are sending a very clear signal to the State and indeed to the local community, that your priority is your new administration centre over the finalisation of the foreshore project, ” the letter said.

“This is not reflective of the priority of the local community and will make it very difficult for the State government to support any additional funding for the foreshore project and potentially other significant projects like the airport.”

Mr Buswell told the Times State Government agencies such as Lotterywest were ready to inject funds into the foreshore in areas such as the youth precinct and surf life saving club.

But he said the City would need to contribute $5 million to $8 million for key infrastructure such as coastal defence and roadworks.

“The expectation the State Government is going to write a blank cheque for the foreshore is completely false, ” he said.

Mr Buswell also attacked the inclusion of a multi-functional civic centre in the proposal, suggesting it was a “red herring” to entice residents to support the new offices.

He said the survey methodology used in the public consultation was poor and designed to attract positive responses.

City chief executive Mike Archer was on leave this week but the City said in a statement it was concerned about the matters raised by Mr Buswell.

Councillors have accepted Mr Buswell’s suggestion to join him and the South West Development Commission in a workshop to discuss the City’s infrastructure requirements.

Cr Stubbs voted against the proposed administration building when it was considered by council last month and said he still held concerns about it.