Resident Tiarnee Dyer said residents were concerned after West Wimmera Shire did not renew the contract for watering and landscaping for Kaniva.

“Council then extended the contract for six months - it is unknown what will happen after this,” she said.

“We believe they did this to cut costs, but in doing so, they have cut the level of service.”

Mrs Dyer said being on the Western Highway, the appearance of the town was vital to entice tourists to stop for a meal or fuel.

“The reduced contract and the dry weather has already seen the town’s appearance slipping,” she said. 

“The community is worried about what is going to happen if the contract is cut, as it will have detrimental effect on businesses and the sense of pride the community has for their town.”

Mrs Dyer has encouraged Kaniva residents and community groups to voice their concerns by writing a letter to council.

West Wimmera Mayor Annette Jones said council and residents were on the same side.

“We all want Kaniva to be well serviced and looking great - it’s just a case of working out how they can be achieved, giving best value to ratepayers,” she said.

Cr Jones said the landscaping contract expired and council moved to renew it.

“Unfortunately, there was only one tenderer for the contract and this did not meet the best value guidelines as mandated under the Local Government Act,” she said.

Cr Jones said council recognised the importance of a well-maintained town and extended the contract for six months to give them time to finish the tender process.

“There was never any intention to cut or change the service when the six months were up,” she said. 

“However, budget is always a consideration and the question is, how can the service be delivered while at the same time giving the best value to ratepayers?”

Cr Jones said the Kaniva community were deservedly proud of their town.