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City of Mandurah’s 1.9% rate increase its lowest for two decades

Jill BurgessMandurah Coastal Times

MANDURAH’s rates increase of 1.9 per cent is the lowest for two decades, according to City councillor Fred Riebeling.

The increase was approved unanimously at a special council meeting on Tuesday.

Cr Riebeling said council had worked for many months on the budget and still had a significant public works program.

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“A rates increase of 1.9 per cent does not just happen, “ he said.

“It’s a great achievement and I hope a sign of things to come.’’

Rates represent about 70 per cent of the City’s operating revenues.

The capital works program is significantly lower than the previous financial year and includes Falcon Bay and Novara foreshore re-developments, the Dower Street intersection, Pinjarra Road upgrade and the boardwalk renewal on the eastern foreshore.

The City has been able to achieve significant savings in its waste management expenditure in the award of a new contract to Waste Alliance.

That will ensure not only a return to a more equitable regime of full recovery of waste management costs through the refuse charge but continue to provide improved community services such as the new Lakelands Library and Community complex.

The demand for capital expenditure continues to grow.

Although the availability of grants is less than in previous years, a council report said election commitments from the new State Government meant other projects such as the Lakelands District Open Space and on-going development of the eastern foreshore could proceed.

The Shire of Murray will consider its rates increase at its meeting on Thursday, July 27.

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