Work on Waroona Community Precinct to soon commence but likely to be done in stages after costs increase

The highly anticipated Waroona Community Precinct is going to be undertaken in stages after the project bill came in $2 million more than anticipated. The Shire of Waroona had budgeted about $4.2 million for the development of the precinct, but tender prices received by the council now put the total cost of completing it at more than $6.2 million. Councillors voted at the February 28 meeting to award the contract for landscape and civil works to Perth-based Phase3 Landscape Construction, which will now initially only cover the major sections of the precinct. In his report to councillors prior to the meeting, chief executive Mark Goodlet said the three tenders received by the Shire had exceeded the budget for the project. “It is recommended that separable portion one be commenced, being the playgrounds, skate park and pump track, followed by separable portions two to four as funds become available,” he said. The remaining sections of the site which could be delayed in construction include a planned events area, open grassed area and landscaping and parking on the western side of Fouracre Street. Councillors requested Mr Goodlet make up the budget shortfall by seeking additional funding, though the Shire has approved budget charges to reduce the gap. An unallocated $51,725 from a Federal Government grant will now be used on the project, as well as a $40,000 windfall the Shire has received on its term deposit as a result of increasing interest rates. The additional funds would be enough to get the main section of the project completed with $12,656 to spare, although the whole project would still be more than $1.9 million over budget if all completed as the same time. Shire president Mike Walmsley said the council would find a way to make up for the shortages, but was still excited about the imminent commencement. “The project has come together fair quickly — some projects can take 15 to 20 years to get to this stage,” he said. “We hope to get work started on it shortly.” Funding for the project has come from a number of sources including the Shire, State and Federal Governments, Lotterywest, the Alcoa Waroona Sustainability Fund and the Waroona Lions Club.