Shire of Mundaring to decide on cuts to services to deliver lower rates

TENNIS courts across the Shire of Mundaring will be closed as councillors agree on what cost-cutting measures to implement to achieve a lower rate increase over the next four years.

Although the decision must be endorsed at a July council meeting as part of the Shire’s Long Term Financial Plan, councillors are unanimously supportive of a rate increase of about 3.5 per cent percent in 2017-18 rather than the original 5 per cent forecast.

The Shire said significant changes to take effect as of July 1 include a reduction in new drainage and footpath programs, the disposal of Mahogany Creek Hall, cancellation of the Trek the Trail event, no rebates for cat or dog sterilisation, the closure of tennis courts in Wooroloo, Chidlow and Mahogany Creek and no tourism marketing funding.

Councillors agreed that due to overwhelming community support, there would be no change to library opening times and the Tree Canopy Understorey Program.

There will be no immediate change over the next financial year to commercial activities at Lake Leschenaultia or the Mt Helena Aquatic and Recreation Centre however these services would be the subject of further investigation and research.

Shire President David Lavell said council had worked hard with Shire employees to identify cost saving initiatives that would have minimum impact on the community .

“Collectively, we were able to achieve a balance of a reduction in services with cost saving efficiencies that will ultimately achieve a lower rate increase for the Mundaring community,” he said.

Significant changes to take effect as of 1 July 2017.

– Reduced expenditure on new drainage and footpath programs – Disposal of Mahogany Creek Hall – Discontinue Trek the Trail event – Ceased rebates for dog and cat sterilisation – Ceased funding for Tourism Strategy/Destination Marketing – Closure of tennis courts at Wooroloo, Chidlow and Mahogany Creek