Council votes in favour of a zero per cent rate increase

Council votes in favour of a zero per cent rate increase

Published on 06 July 2018

Town of Cambridge Council votes in favour of a zero per cent rate increase for the second year running

The Town of Cambridge Council voted last night to a general rate increase of zero per cent in its Draft Annual Budget for 2018/19.

Mayor Keri Shannon said the decision was a result of the Council’s ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility, driving efficient service delivery and sustained growth through investment in strategic infrastructure and developments.

"This is the second year in a row the Town of Cambridge has delivered a zero per cent increase in general rates to residents and ratepayers, the lowest of any local government in the Perth metropolitan area.

"The proposed low rate is indicative of a Council that has a track record of exercising budget restraint while generating growth through new developments, predominantly in Perry Lakes and Wembley," Mayor Shannon said.

The Cambridge Council’s draft 2018/19 budget also provides for a number of strategic infrastructure projects and capital works improvements for the community. An operating expenditure of $72 million includes a one off special project of $22 million for underground power, funded by cash reserves.  The capital budget commits $12.5 million to capital works, of which $8 million is spent on asset renewal, $2.5 million on asset upgrades and enhancements, and $2 million is spent on new assets.

"The Town is in a sound financial position and this allows us to keep rates low for residents, while investing in key infrastructure projects and improvements for the benefit of the whole community,” Mayor Shannon said.

“The Council is particularly pleased this financial year to be able to complete the underground power project within the Town of Cambridge, which will sink the power lines of all remaining homes in the community, improving the street scape and positively impacting the value of property in the area.”

The Town of Cambridge Council’s Draft Budget for 2018/19 also provides for the following beneficial programs and initiatives:

250,000 towards the implementation of the Aged Friendly Community Plan recommendations; An increase of $250,000 in the Planning and Sustainability programs and services budgets to implement the economic, heritage and sustainability strategies and to complete the Local Planning Strategy; An increase in waste costs resulting from contract increases and higher disposal costs, offset in part by additional revenue from an increase in the number of waste services; A further $1.7 million provisioned for specific works programs, including; trees and other enhancement programs, Open Space Planning (Public Open Space; Urban Forest; and Natural Areas Strategies); and Perry Lakes water replenishment.

The draft budget will now go to a period of community consultation commencing Friday, 6 July 2018 and closing Friday, 20 July 2018.

“The input from our community on the draft budget is important to ensure the Council continues to deliver high quality services that meet our community’s needs," Mayor Shannon said.

Residents and ratepayers wishing to contribute to the consultation process can find further information online on the Town of Cambridge’s website or by contacting the Town's Administration Office.

View the draft 2018/19 budget(PDF, 2MB)

ENDS.

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