Return of $4m funding on Shire agenda

The future of $4 million in Royalties for Regions funding reserved for the aborted Denmark East River Road Bridge will be discussed at a Shire of Denmark council meeting tonight.

The Shire has received a request to return the funds plus accrued interest to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development by the end of month.

The request was received after the State Government allocated $2.5 million to the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions to deliver works in the William Bay National Park. In council documents, Shire corporate and community director Cary Green mentioned the council’s previous decision not to proceed with the bridge because of the Shire’s financial position.

“In response to this decision, the Shire president, deputy Shire president and chief executive officer met with the Minister for Regional Development to discuss Council’s decision and more specifically request that the funding earmarked for the Western Precinct be reallocated to an alternative project or projects within the Shire of Denmark,” Mr Green said.

After funding to upgrade William Bay National Park was allocated this year, DPIRD requested the Shire return the funds to complete the process.

“There is currently $4,129,029 in remaining funds and $148,868 in accrued interest,” he said.