Denmark wins extra time for bridge site

The Shire of Denmark’s request to the State Government for a four-month extension on a new bridge across Denmark River has been granted.

The bridge is one component of the $14 million Denmark East JUDevelopment Precinct Project, which pertains to the construction of a light industrial area east of Denmark.

The Shire requested an extension to the March 31 deadline after a motion was passed at a special council meeting last month JUauthorising chief executive Bill JUParker to write to the Minister for Regional Development.

The March 31 deadline required a crossing point to have been chosen with relevant permits in place.

The Shire council has failed to find a suitable crossing point after a five-hour meeting in January left them undecided with a variety of concerns raised regarding the two major options.

The Shire received $7.6 million of funding from the State Government for the project under a JUFinancial Assistance Agreement.

Acting chief executive Annette Harbron confirmed the extension request had been granted.

“We are pleased to have had the request granted — additional time is needed to make the right JUdecision,” she said.

Part of the request for an extension was to also ascertain whether additional funding was available for the project, however Ms Harbron said this was “most unlikely” given the budget constraints for the government.