Rates kept low but investment focus high

The budget means that, for the overwhelming majority of Claremont’s ratepayers, rates will remain at the same level or less than they were in 2019-20.

Mayor Jock Barker said the development of this coming financial year’s budget required careful consideration of the impact that COVID-19 has had, and will continue to have, on our community.

“I am very proud of this draft budget. It delivers on a number of priorities at a challenging time for ratepayers and businesses alike,” Mayor Barker said.

“In addition to delivering the strategies outlined in the Town’s Strategic Community Plan and continuing to deliver the same excellent services and facilities our ratepayers are used to, this budget has a strong focus on supporting local economic activity, through an $8million capital works program and a fully-funded local business support program.”

The 2020-21 budget seeks to meet the request of the State Government to ensure that capital programs are not deferred and that, where possible, these are used to generate further economic stimulus to the community.

The Town’s investment in infrastructure projects and commitment to the State Government’s request includes the building of two major community facilities: Freshwater Bay Museum and McKenzie Pavilion. This is in addition to the acceleration of the Town’s footpath replacement program, parks maintenance, a significant program of road resurfacing, drainage works, and a wide range of other projects.

The provisional budget is now available to review online, with feedback closing on Wednesday 1 July 2020.