Budget passes with zero rate rise to support community recovery

Core features of the 2020-21 budget passed by the Council this week include no increase to rates, no cuts to services, select business fee waivers and new funds to aid community recovery through the Coronavirus pandemic.

Shire President Ian Earl said the Council’s key priority is to continue supporting the local community through this challenging time.

“It’s been a year unlike any other and as a Council we’re focused on helping our community and local businesses navigate the road to recovery,” he said.

A $21.6m investment in capital works over the next 12 months will help stimulate the local economy.

Highlights of the 2020-21 Budget include:

No rate rises. $21.6m in capital works focused on supporting local construction businesses and local jobs that includes; Over $8.3m for road, footpath and drainage renewal and upgrades $1.3m renewing and upgrading community buildings $1m to construct a synthetic hockey turf training facility $160k for solar panel installation on the Shire’s admin building $700k improvements at Davis Road landfill. $1.4m allocated towards COVID-19 Community Care Package $8m to deliver community services and facilities including Libraries, Recreation Centres, Out of School Hours Care, Arts & Culture, Beach Lifeguards, maintaining parks, reserves and streetscapes. $860k for environmental related projects and contributions to environmental groups. $557k to support halls associations, community groups, youth services, capacity building, access and inclusion and age friendly programs. $230k for iconic and community events.

Details of how remaining funds from the Council’s COVID-19 Community Care Package will be determined at the next council meeting.

Shire Chief Executive Officer Stephanie-Addison Brown said the Shire’s healthy financial position helped deliver a range of measures to support the community whilst delivering a balanced budget.

“The 2020-21 balanced budget seeks to build upon the pandemic recovery measures implemented during the last quarter of 2019-20 while also ensuring prudent financial management for the continued operational sustainability of the Shire,” she said.