Published on Thursday, 25 July 2019 at 4:34:00 PM
Council endorsed its 2019-2020 Budget at its Ordinary Council Meeting on Tuesday night, budgeting $109.5 million to continue its high level of service delivery to the community and complete upgrades to community infrastructure.
$69.4 million has been allocated to a range of operating areas to continue the delivery of key services and facilities, including $21.5 million for transport, $17 million for recreation and culture, $10.6 million for community amenities, $6.1 million for economic services, $2.7 million for law order and public safety, and $2.2 million for education and welfare.
A further $37.5 million has been assigned for capital works that cover a range of projects.
$6.8 million has been allocated to road infrastructure, with a total of 41 projects earmarked for completion. Significant spend is expected on Millbrook Road, Chillinup Road, Townsend Street, Kojaneerup West Road, Mindijup Road, and Lower Denmark Road to name a few.
Large major projects the City has budgeted for include $7.9 million on coastal enhancement works at Middleton Beach, $3 million on the Town Hall, and $3 million for the continuation of stage two and three of the Centennial Park precinct redevelopment.
Other significant capital expenditure includes $3 million on parks and reserves, $1.2 million on footpath projects, and $900,000 on drainage projects.
Council has adopted a 2.95% increase in rates revenue, while the City anticipates it will receive more than $16.6 million in Federal and State government funding towards significant capital projects.
Mayor Dennis Wellington said it was always a challenge for Council to continue to deliver the projects, programs, services and facilities that support the community while keeping rates as low as possible.
“We carefully consider the funds our community contributes and we strive to get as much value for your money as we can, while providing the necessary services and facilities that benefit everyone,” he said.
“Rates will make up about 60 per cent of our operating income, so it is important revenue and you can see from all the services and projects it helps us continue to meet the demands of running a large regional city and enhance where we live.”
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