The letter to Albany Council

The letter submitted to Albany Council reads as follows:

Hon Milton Evans
Mayor of City of Albany
PO Box 484
ALBANY 6331


Dear

In response to the recent call for suggestions re local needs for infrastructure expenditure consideration, we submit the enclosed suggestions that relate specifically to the Middleton Beach precinct extending along the coast from Emu Point to Ellen Cove.

Several of us with a particular interest in Middleton Beach decided that your radio interview with Andrew Wenzel aired on ABC Regional Radio in early January should be the catalyst for inviting extended local community consultation about Middleton Beach.

Jon Doust and I discussed the proposition for a public meeting with local business people and residents, City of Albany officers, the Frederickstown Councillor Dot Price, Frederickstown Progress Association and all endorsed our proposal as welcome and timely.

In the past 7 days we have circulated about 60 surveys, advertised a public meeting, promoted it on Face Book and ABC Events website, and have aroused considerable discussion – all positive and encouraging.

Today 35 people participated in a fruitful discussion about ways to improve Middleton Beach and beyond, and the areas of need and other suggestions and bright ideas are included in the record of the meeting. Most significantly there was unanimous support that infrastructure improvements are needed in the area. Initially some basic improvements including a toilet, shower and picnic facilities at Surfers’ Beach and some paving improvements, seating and general tidying at Middleton Beach, with particular attention to rubbish bins and litter maintenance along the beaches and trails would be appreciated.

Additionally some funding allocated for entry statements and other public artworks and extended consultation with the Kinjarling group in regard to public artwork themes, and cultural heritage and environmental interpretive signage.

Infrastructure funds on notice for next years’ budget would also be appreciated to support the Middleton Beach Group in their request for overall streetscape and beach interface improvements. Ideally this should follow interactive consultation and shared planning with the City of Albany planners and the Esplanade Developers as well.

You will note that this group wishes to expand its consultation to include others who may be interested and a follow up meeting is planned for Sunday 15th February at the Surf Clubrooms at 5.30pm. Any councillors and staff who wish to attend will be welcomed.

It is envisaged that a Middleton Beach stakeholders group will be formalised at the next meeting with a view to be available for ongoing consultation – especially with City planning officers and with Esplanade developers, but also to keep abreast of local community ideas and trends.

The intent of all who participated in today’s community meeting was very cooperative and positive. It is very much hoped that you will receive the enclosed suggestions in the same spirit and support us in our endeavours to bring about local solutions to local needs.

Yours in community spirit


JANE MOURITZ
Interim Chair Meeting and
Shared Coordinator –with Jon Doust

Why we exist

From the City of Albany's website:

Have your say on major funding

You are invited to have your say on spending priorities for $1.57 million in Royalties for Regions funding from the State Government. The City of Albany Council will consider project options at its February meeting and public input is welcome. The funds are available for infrastructure only, such as roads, paths and community facilities, and cannot be used for events, programs, plant purchase or debt retirement. Submit your preferred project priorities or suggest new projects that would benefit the community. Comments must be received by Friday 23 January.

Jane (Mouritz) and Jon (Doust) got thinking, and invited other Middleton Beach users to do the same... together!

The first forum was held at the Albany Surf Club on Middleton beach (where else!), and attended by 37 people, with all sorts of ideas about what more money could do for the best beach in WA.

And from the meeting this letter was submitted to the City of Albany Council.