Shire of Augusta-Margaret River council approves contract variations to Aquatic Centre project

The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River says it cannot disclose the final cost of its aquatic centre redevelopment until a final report to elected members. Councillors accepted a report on contract variations on the $9.325 million project at the October 11 meeting behind closed doors, with no specifics reported in the minutes of the meeting made available last week. Councillors backed the motion as urgent business “to ensure the Shire can issue the appropriate instructions to the contractor and not delay project completion”. Shire sustainable development and infrastructure director Nick Logan told the Times “full details of project execution will be reported to council following conclusion of the project”. “Due to the nature of the Shire’s position on current contractual matters needing to be confidential, we are unable to provide further details regarding these matters at this time,” Mr Logan said. The Shire said previously reported delays with the final stage of the project meant it wasn’t possible to give an official reopening date. “Whilst we would like to pin down an exact opening date for everyone to look forward to, the final date will depend on trade availability in the coming weeks and final sign-offs provided by other government regulatory authorities,” Mr Logan said.