Labor MP Jane Kelsbie says Shire of Augusta-Margaret River sought to reallocate childcare election pledge

The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River’s president has refuted claims officers ever suggested reallocating a $100,000 election promise for a much-needed childcare service in Augusta to other projects, despite the Labor MP herself alleging that was the case. The Shire council shocked the Augusta community last month after backing out of moves to help establish a base for the Augusta & Districts Community Childcare group which has campaigned for two years to get their volunteer-driven project off the ground. During last year’s election, Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie pitched $100,000 towards the project — money earmarked as a contribution to upgrade facilities to house the service — if she was elected. Instead, the MP told the Times senior Shire officers emailed councillors to say that money could be used elsewhere amid talk about not supporting the Augusta Recreation Centre refurbishment because it was too costly. “Jackie (Jarvis Labor MLC) and I were made aware of advice provided to Shire councillors indicating — incorrectly — that my election commitment to Augusta & Districts Community Childcare could be reallocated to Shire projects,” Ms Kelsbie said. “I clarified that the statement was incorrect. “My election commitment of $100,000 is to the ADCC. I remain fully supportive of the ADCC and their endeavours to secure a childcare facility for Augusta.” The claims came to a head after former Shire president Mike Smart challenged Shire corporate and community services director James Shepherd about the matter. While Shire president Paula Cristoffanini told the Times the reallocation claims were a “misunderstanding”, in emails obtained by the Times, Mr Smart claimed Mr Shepherd provided “fictitious” cost estimates in advice to councillors. Advice from Shire officers “heavily influence the decisions that councillors ultimately make,” Mr Smart said. Mr Shepherd also rejected those claims, as backed by the Shire president. “The Shire has made no such proposal (to re-allocate the funds),” Cr Cristoffanini said. “I am aware of a possible misunderstanding about this matter which has now been corrected. The State Government pledge is strictly a matter for them.” In response to Mr Smart’s email, Mr Shepherd said a January council decision showed expenses for any upgrade related to the childcare service would be funded through borrowings. “The funds committed to childcare in Augusta by the State Government through MLA Jane Kelsbie’s election commitment remain unchanged,” the director said. The Shire has advertised a $50,000 grant funding pool for potential family daycare operators in the Augusta area to meet the childcare shortfall, which was met with disappointment by volunteers.