Town of Bassendean rates to rise by 3%

TOWN of Bassendean council moved to drop its rate increase by 1 per cent to be “more in line” with community expectations.

The drop from a proposed 4 per cent rate rise to 3 per cent means the Town will scrap a new $65,000 footpath in Carman Way and a $60,000 street audit project in its 2016-17 budget.

Mayor John Gangell said council felt the rate rise was suitable, given current economic conditions.

“The reduced revenue shortfall meant a drop in rates revenue of $126,500,” he said.

The minimum rateable income will increase from $1026 to $1057.

In the capital works program, new grandstand seats at Ashfield Reserve and playground upgrades have been promised.

Ashfield Sports Club president Bill Busby said the Town allocated $20,000 to replace damaged seats.

“The existing seats are a polymer and plastic and are deteriorating due to ageing and weather,” he said.

“They are becoming brittle…vandalism and graffiti also takes its toll on the seats.

“The funding appears to be getting approved finally and the funds will replace seats that were damaged over the last 18 months.”

A nature-based playground at Sandy Beach Reserve was allocated $290,000 to begin the design process.

Cr Gangell said design and construction would commence this year.

“Given the timeframes to conclude the tender process for design and construction and then the comprehensive community engagement design process, it is envisaged the first phase of construction will be achievable in the current year,” he said.

He said $250,000 was allocated to upgrade the playground at Mary Crescent Reserve.

“The play structure is ageing and no longer meets local community needs,” he said.

“The playground for Mary Crescent Reserve will be a nature based playground in keeping with council’s agreed position that all new significant playgrounds are to include nature play elements.”