Last-minute bid to redirect Cable Beach redevelopment fund to ‘safety measures’ quashed

An attempted last-minute amendment to the Shire of Broome budget almost stalled the planned Cable Beach foreshore redevelopment because “it’s not what the community want”. Moved by Cr Fiona West, an amendment sought to transfer $867,000 allocated to design costs for the Cable Beach foreshore revitalisation project to reserve funds for what she hoped “could be used for further safety measures”. If passed, a request would have been made for the Shire chief executive to organise a workshop for the council to consider how the money would be allocated. Shire president Harold Tracey said while people Cr West had spoken to had voiced opposition to the project, many he had spoken to were excited for it. “We have one of the world’s best beaches on our doorstep, and unfortunately previous councils decided to just slap a giant carpark in the middle of it,” he said. “This isn’t just for tourists. “The project will enhance the area and provide so many more uses for the local community.” Cr West pointed to the most recent Shire of Broome community perception survey, which found 89 per cent of respondents felt there needed to be more done to ensure a safe environment in the region. “Cable Beach is not a priority for our community — the recent community perception survey found that,” she said. “The survey also showed safety was the biggest concern of residents.” Speaking against the motion, Cr Bruce Rudeforth said if the design process was not followed, there would be no business case to present to government, resulting in no funding for the project. “If we have no idea of where the money is going to go, then it’s like asking ratepayers to write us a blank cheque,” he said. “The works in Chinatown, I think, have been great. “If we hadn’t spent the initial money for detailed design on that, we probably would never have made that happen.” Echoing Cr Rudeforth’s comments, Cr Peter Taylor said he believed revitalising town precincts helped provide a safe community. The amendment was rejected by a 5-4 vote, with Cr West, Cr Elsta Foy, Cr Philip Matsumodo and Cr Nik Wevers voting in favour of the motion.