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Extra funds ensure cycleway bridge gets the green light

Headshot of Geoff Vivian
Geoff VivianMidwest Times
Dandaragan Shire President Leslee Holmes
Camera IconDandaragan Shire President Leslee Holmes Credit: Shire of Dandaragan

The Hill River Bridge linking cycleways from Jurien to Cervantes is to be built, following a funding decision by the Dandaragan Shire council.

Shire president Leslee Holmes said the bridge was one of Tourism WA’s top three shovel-ready projects for activating tourism.

“Eventually it will mean a lot of jobs,” she said.

“It is going to attract cycling clubs, triathlons, and the mums and dads who want to get on a bike or walk between the towns.

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“You should get a bike hire business and all sorts of things come from that.”

Shire economic development manager Tony O’Gorman told councillors the Turquoise Way Trail to Hill River was completed in 2016 with funds from the WA Government and Jurien Bay Chamber of Commerce. “In 2019 the chamber applied to the Wheatbelt Development Commission for an amount of $150,000 to construct a bridge over the Hill River based on a business case and estimate of construction costs,” he wrote.

“They were successful in gaining funding towards the project, however, there was a shortfall in the grant received after $100,000 was allocated towards the project.”

Mr O’Gorman said an additional $206,963 had been obtained from the Jurien Bay Community Fund, Ardross Developments and a small surplus from an earlier stage of the project.

At last month’s meeting, the council agreed to contribute $7018 directly, underwrite half of any contract variations up to $15,000, and provide an interest-free loan of $35,100. Ms Holmes said this was also part of the Shire’s economic stimulus effort.

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