City of Busselton looks back on year of successes at 2020-21 AGM

The City of Busselton has once again proven it is thriving, celebrating its many successes over the past financial year at its 2020-21 annual general meeting last Monday.

In its 150th year, the City sought to adapt to the ever-changing global landscape with a budget that included COVID-19 measures.

The City received five major awards over the past financial year across a variety of sectors.

They included the WA 2021 Parks and Leisure Award, the WA 2020 Boosting Productivity Through Infrastructure award, a highly commended award from the WA Bicycle Network, and a national award for Best Regional/Rural Industry Contribution.

The most significant prize for the City was the 2021 GWN7 Top Tourism Town Award, which was presented at the Perth Airport WA Regional Tourism Conference.

The honour described the City as “a destination recognised as a restful and easily accessible escape from urban life.”

City mayor Grant Henley said he was delighted with the council’s accomplishments.

“I take great pride in presenting the 2020-21 annual report and financial review,” he said.

“We will continue to attempt to offer the best services to our community.”

The City also recognised more than 30 achievements in the community, environment, economy, transport, leadership and places and spaces sectors, with many more projects in the works.

It comes as the council endorsed a strategic community plan to boost community engagement, encouraging feedback from locals about their “visions and aspirations for the future of the City”.

Notable initiatives included masterplan development for the Dunsborough Lakes Sporting Precinct, the City Centre eastern link bridge which has helped reduced traffic by 40 per cent, the introduction of a non-potable water supple in Dunsborough through the Sue Coal Measures Aquifer and finalising designs for the upcoming Busselton Performing Arts and Convention Centre.

Mr Henley thanked the community for their ongoing hard work and commitment to the City.

“I acknowledge and thank the efforts of all City of Busselton employees over the course of the year,” he said.

“I also want to recognise the City executives and my fellow councillors for their dedication and to their roles and the pride they have in the City of Busselton.”