City of Rockingham approves a 3.6 per cent rate rise

A RATE rise of 3.6 per cent was passed at tonight’s City of Rockingham meeting.

The Annual Budget for the 2018/2019 financial year was unanimously adopted.

The total rate yield is anticipated to be about $87.05m.

Councillor Matt Whitfield said a 3.6 per cent rate rise was needed.

He said council had lost a large contract and the City’s electricity costs had increased by $800,000.

Cr Whitfield said the rate rise was needed for the City’s infrastructure plan.

He said the Baldivis dog park and the all abilities playground in Secret Harbour were examples of the valuable facilities provided by council.

Councillor Deb Hamlin said the region needed the infrastructure, particularly in high growth areas.

“If we do not [provide these facilities] we will pay for it in the juvenile justice system,” she said.

“We have one of the biggest population growths and we need to be able to support it.”

The 2018/19 capital budget includes capital projects such as the Rockingham Beach Foreshore Revitalisation Project for $10.7m, City Asset Renewal (roads, parks, lighting and drainage) $10.5m, Baldivis District Sporting Complex Stage 1 $5.1m and the Baldivis South Community Centre $1.3m.

Rates

For all residential properties where Gross Rental Valuations are applied, a rate of 7.009 cents in the dollar with a minimum rate of $1,159 apply

For all non residential properties where Gross Rental Valuations are applied, a rate of 8.288 cents in the dollar with a minimum rate of $1,158 apply

For unimproved valued properties a rate of 0.103 cents in the dollar with a minimum rate of $630 to apply