Shire budget changed for arts centre upgrades

Shire of East Pilbara councillors voted unanimously to alter their budget to fund upgrades to facilities at the East Pilbara Arts Centre.

In the second budget review this financial year, councillors voted in favour of moving $1 million within the budget to pay for a carpark upgrade and toilet facilities at the centre, which will officially open later this month.

Shire chief executive Allen Cooper said the move required “significant rearrangement” of the budget and added prudent budgeting and savings within the budget made it possible.

“We’ve managed to isolate some funds from other projects to facilitate a better use of the building,” he said.

“If we’re going make sure it’s a venue people want to go to we’re going to put more toilets in there. It’s about the little things.”

In a report to council, deputy chief executive Sian Appleton said if the budget review was approved, the financial implications would mean council would bring forward a surplus of about $108,000 into the 2016-17 year.