YUNDERUP APPROACH CHANNEL DREDGING READY TO COMMENCE

There had been delays in the dredging, initially due to the necessary approval and subsequent licence from the Department of Environment and Conservation, and then when the original contractor chosen for the project withdrew because of the delays and transferred to Queensland.

The total price of the dredging is $765,000, with the State Government providing $100,000 towards the project.  The rest of the funds have been provided by the Shire through Reserve funds and a $166,000 loan.

Acting Shire President Christine Thompson said that the total cost is $115,000 over budget, and that the remaining funds will be sought from the Department of Planning and Infrastructure.

“We are seeking an urgent meeting with the Minister McTeirnan for the shortfall of funds”.

“We also will be stressing categorically that the dredging is a State issue and that in the future should not be a local government responsibility”.

“Since the State Government handed the responsibility of managing the channel, environmental requirements have changed significantly.  What they handed to us in the 1990’s is not what the channel is today”.

“Since the Dawesville Cut was completed together with stringent environmental guidelines, it has become a far greater job to maintain the channel compared to what it was fifteen years ago”, Cr Thompson said.

“It is totally unfair that dredging of a channel enjoyed by a majority of people who live outside the Shire should be paid for by the Shire of Murray”.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..For further comment, please contact CEO Dean Unsworth on 0417 090 715