THE City of Mandurah has revealed projects worth $1.3 million will be delayed to pay for a blow-out in the construction cost of the Mandurah pedestrian bridge.
This amount includes $577,000 of work to the City's parks moved into next financial year's budget.
Road, drainage, and building projects have also been deferred.
City chief Mark Newman said the delays in these projects were necessary to keep the City's budget balanced after the bridge's construction contractors were awarded an extra $1 million in costs after a delay due to safety concerns.
"The deferral of these projects will not have a significant impact on the community," he said.
"Although the City is disappointed by the recent decision, overall it maintains a strong financial and operating position."
The City of Mandurah revealed the cost blow-out on Tuesday even though construction firm McDonnell Dowell agreed to build the bridge for a "guaranteed maximum price" of $6.1 million.
Mr Newman did not comment on whether the term was misleading, but said a "maximum guaranteed price" provided a "high degree of certainty around project cost but may still be subject to conditions that are not able to be foreseen".
"Council vigorously defended the claim but the adjudicator determined in favour of McConnell Dowell," he said.
"Looking at the bigger picture, the City has gained a fantastic piece of community infrastructure valued at $8 million for an input of approximately $2 million, with the remainder funded by the Federal Government and Landcorp.
"This bridge is about building for the future and ensuring future surrounding suburbs and affordable housing are well connected with transport linkages.
"The City remains disappointed with the decision."
A spokesperson for McDonnell Dowell refused to comment.
