Budget aims to strike the balance in 2019/20

Budget aims to strike the balance in 2019/20

Council has adopted a 2019/20 budget that aims to strike the balance between an ambitious program of development to stimulate the local economy and build assets for the community, and the need for frugality as challenging economic conditions continue, according to Broome Shire President Harold Tracey. 

Cr Tracey said Broome was coming off a year of considerable investment that included completion of the Chinatown Revitalisation Project that injected more than $14 million into reinvigorating the town centre and generated significant local employment, and the Town Beach Project that was creating a wonderful community asset and again injecting many millions of dollars into the local economy.

However, Cr Tracey said the need for economic restraint remained and Council had continued its commitment to minimising increases in rates and had achieved a balanced budget with a rise of 1.75 per cent -  the equal-smallest increase in more than a decade.

“We’ve achieved this by making sure that our budget is as lean as possible despite the continued increase in costs such as staffing, utilities, fuel and insurance, and the need to continue providing a high standard of facilities and services in the community,” Cr Tracey said.

“Council has worked hard to secure external grant funds and to partner with stakeholders and funding bodies to deliver these transformative projects that stimulate our local economy, ensure that Broome remains an enviable place to live and work, and place us in good stead to take advantage of opportunities.”

Key projects to be rolled out in the coming year include:

More than $11 million for the Town Beach Project to progress a new all-access jetty; Millions of dollars for the local road network including $1 million for upgrading McDaniel Rd, $700,000 for a roundabout at the Herbert/Saville St intersection Black Spot, $1.2 million for resealing and drainage, and $224,000 on new and upgraded footpaths; Investment in sport and recreation including $2.5 million to upgrade BRAC outdoor multi-sport courts and $200,000 on projects including designs for a new skate park, installing new fans, tennis court fencing and adjustable backboards at BRAC, and upgrading cricket facilities; $500,000 to upgrade parks, ovals and public open spaces; $300,000 to improve street lighting; $224,000 for a new Broome Volunteer Bushfire Brigade facility; $100,000 on community events including Australia Day, Reconciliation Week and Community Christmas Party.

A review of property Gross Rental Values was undertaken by the WA Government through Landgate this year resulting in new valuations effective from 1 July. The previous revaluation was completed in 2015, and the new valuation from Landgate has shown varying fluctuations in property values across the Shire of Broome.

Rates notices will be distributed by email and post from 18 July with a due date of 22 August 2019.

The full Shire of Broome 2019/20 Budget can be accessed at the link at the bottom of this page: