Marathon five hour Denmark council meeting

A marathon five-hour special council meeting last night has left the Shire of Denmark undecided on the location of their controversial new bridge across Denmark River.

A new bridge is one component of the Denmark East Development Precinct Project, the construction of a light industrial area east of Denmark.

Shire chief executive Bill Parker authored a series of motions recommending the council endorse a crossing point at Riverbend Lane, known as option 3B.

This motion, which was almost identical to one voted down at the December 20 council meeting, was ultimately defeated five votes to four.

Councillor Yasmin Bartlett then put forward an alternative motion, accompanied by a power point presentation, requesting council choose option 3E, which crosses the river further south than option 3B.

This motion was also defeated which led to councillor Rob Whooley moving a motion recommending council ask the minister to reconsider his decision to reject the Shire’s request for a 12-month extension on the milestones associated with the bridge.

After more debate this motion was defeated and the meeting was adjourned.

Earlier in the meeting dozens of residents spoke for more than two hours during public question time as they weighed up both sides of the argument.

Mr Parker said he would meet with the council executive today to discuss their options.

“I’m really concerned about the matter- a decision needs to be made swiftly,” he said