I must say I did not see this decision coming, should have given the timing in the lead up to the election, but didn't.
Last night Bunbury City Council voted to raise the Koombana Bridge 1.4m at a cost of just under $500,000.
Some of that will come from the project contingencies and some from private enterprise who offered up their own money to help make it happen.
My questions are as follows:
Why was the project re examined after a council vote last year to leave it at the planned height, and the expressions period had passed?
Is the Bunbury inlet even suitable to have bigger boats in there?
What are the environmental implications, especially for the delicate mangroves? EPA been contacted?
Any thoughts given to the more passive users of the inlet, paddle boats, stand up paddlers, rowers etc?
What if one of the boats bottoms out, will there then be a request to dread the inlet for their convenience?
How many people in the City Of Bunbury will actually benefit from this move?
The way I see it Bunbury Council acceded to a handful of noise makers over the parking issue which will cost the city coffers millions over the coming years, and now they've rolled over again.
If enough people don't like the result of the grand final this weekend will there be a rally,a campaign and a change somewhere down the track?
Politics is a dirty game and yes pragmatism plays a part however the council is there to act for the whole community, always.
It's also about turning up and the vocal minority did turn up, after the game was done, and now they've had a win.
Ultimately it's probably time for us to build a bridge...............
Cliff