Shire seeks $1.2m for Chinatown plan
Work has begun on securing $1.2 million to bankroll a project that would connect two main roads in Chinatown and link up with a lookout with views across Dampier Creek and Roebuck Bay.
The Frederick Street/Dampier Terrace connection alongside Kennedy Hill would involve building a viewing platform and accompanying pocket park.
The Shire of Broome would contribute $300,000 from funds identified for Chinatown from its forward budget estimates for 2015-16.
Council officers are working to secure an additional $600,000 from Tourism WA and $300,000 from Royalties for Regions.
If the applications are successful, the council expects construction to begin before June 30.
The project could run as part of the Chinatown revitalisation project or as a separate entity.
In a report to councillors last Thursday, special projects co-ordinator Tim Graffen said the funding applications would be enhanced with a financial commitment from the council.
He said the project would activate and improve an area subject to antisocial behaviour and would improve the tourist offering through improved visibility and connectivity.
He said it would also compliment work undertaken by traditional owners the Nyamba Buru Yawuru and the Shire with the jetty-to-jetty heritage walk trail.
Mr Graffen said it would provide an elevated opportunity to see and interpret Roebuck Bay and the surrounding areas, as well as providing a "stimulus" piece for the Chinatown revitalisation.
"The location and elevation allows for a picturesque outlook from the proposed lookout, affording patrons views of Roebuck Bay and Dampier Creek, enhancing the tourism offering in Chinatown and providing urban design improvement by reorientation of the interface between Chinatown and Dampier Creek," he said.
Council chief executive Kenn Donohoe said the Shire was keen to begin practical revitalisation of the Chinatown project in accordance with the recently adopted Chinatown Strategy.
The pocket park would include power, water and grey water disposal infrastructure flexible enough to support a variety of uses, such as social and indigenous enterprise providing economic benefits to Chinatown.
If the funding were successful, an item would be presented to the council outlining the proposal, which could be a mixture of in-house construction and contractors secured through the tender process.
Councillors agreed any work would be carried out in consultation with the Mallingbar community at Kennedy Hill and asked Mr Donohoe to liaise and engage with the Mallingbar chairperson to keep the community fully informed.
