WANNEROO Council has adopted its 2019-20 Budget with an average rates revenue increase of 1.8 per cent.
The council held a special meeting on Friday night to adopt the budget and impose rates, which equate to an average increase of $23 for the residential improved gross rental value category.
“This is the lowest rate increase for the City of Wanneroo in a decade,” Mayor Tracey Roberts said.
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READ NOW“This year’s residential rate rise equates to an average of 45c a week, and ensures the City continues to deliver services and facilities.”
Mrs Roberts said it was a “carefully considered and responsible budget” that recognised the impact of the current economic climate on ratepayers.
A council report said the increase was within the forecast Perth CPI increase of 1.75 per cent and WALGA local government cost index forecast of 2 per cent.
Rates notices are due to be issued on September 6, with the minimum rate set at $988 for residential improved properties and $1344 for commercial and industrial categories.
The waste service fee will be the same as last year at $410 and rates notices will also include the State Government’s emergency services levy.
The report said the State Budget, handed down in May, included 6 per cent price increases for power and water as well as a 2 per cent increase in motor vehicle licensing costs.
“Through many initiatives which include energy efficient LED street lighting, solar panel installation, fleet review and water saving devices, the City has managed to contain the cost of utilities across all service units,” it said.
“As a result the annual increase for 2019-20 (utility charges) has been set at 1.9 per cent.”
Councillor Domenic Zappa said the budget was developed in line with the City’s long term financial plan and to cater for a 4 per cent growth in population over the next year.
The Capital Works Program will have $76.8 million of new funding, including $21.6 million in grants and contributions, and $14.2 million carried forward.
Major road projects include widening Marmion Avenue ($9.3m), widening Pinjar Road ($4.2m), widening Connolly Drive in Butler ($3.2m) and intersection upgrades at Hepburn Avenue-Highclere Boulevard ($1.2m).
Other projects include Halesworth Park sports facilities in Butler ($7m), Kingsway netball clubrooms upgrades ($2.1m), Shelvock Park clubrooms in Koondoola ($2.1m), Hudson Park pavilion upgrade in Girrawheen ($1.4m) and Belhaven Park change rooms in Quinns Rocks ($1m).
There is also $2.1 million for long term coastal management works at Quinns Beach and a $410,000 contribution to the coastal path connecting Mindarie and Burns Beach.
Funding was also allocated for soccer clubrooms for two clubs at Kingsway Regional Sporting Complex, skate parks in Landsdale and Yanchep and developing Neerabup industrial area.
Cr Linda Aitken said a $2 million transfer to the coastal infrastructure management reserve would give the City “wiggle room” for emergencies.
Cr Paul Miles welcomed a $40,000 allocation for a family change room at Aquamotion, saying he used to have to take his young daughter to change in the men’s room.
Crs Dot Newton and Brett Treby said ratepayers in older suburbs were helping to fund infrastructure in newer areas, but facilities could benefit everyone.
Speaking in favour of his 20th budget on council, Cr Treby said he understood “it’s tough out there” so had introduced financial hardship policy this year.
The council also agreed to waive rates for 27 community groups, equating to about $98,000.
Visit www.wanneroo.wa.gov.au for more information.
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