Image
Camera IconImage Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Average rates bill up by $64

Bryce Luff, Fremantle GazetteFremantle Gazette

City finance director Stuart Downing said the increase of $1.23 a week was needed to accommodate operation and capital costs, estimated at $164 million.

Mr Downing said the figure, up from $160 million for 2012-13, had increased for a number of reasons.

‘The cost of operating the business will include higher labour costs, cost increases for utilities, additional insurance to cover workers’ compensation insurance, public liability and property, as well as additional funds for parks, roads and facility maintenance,’ he said.

Mr Downing said the $54 million allocated to capital projects would be spent on a range of community, civic and infrastructure programs not yet approved by the council.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

These included $9 million for road upgrades, $15m for the completion of the Success Library and GP super clinic and $6.75m towards the recreational facility at Cockburn Central West, on the basis that the council would approve the plan.

‘The council continues to provide roads and facilities in addition to having highly regarded planning and building approval processes which facilitates business to get on with building the city rather than fighting the City as happens in other municipalities,’ he said.

Submissions on the increase can be made to the council by Tuesday, June 4. Visit www.cockburn.wa.gov.au.