Proposed rates for 2024/25 go out for public comment

The City of Fremantle is encouraging residents to provide their feedback on the proposed rates for the next financial year, before they’re adopted with the annual budget next month.

In preparing the rates notice, City officers observed that while inflation appears to be returning to more manageable levels, the pressures its created will be here for some time with construction and other service costs remaining high over the next 2-3 years.

To address these significant increases, a rate rise of 5.4 per cent has been proposed.

Despite juggling these high costs, the City is looking to invest close to $8 million in the renewal of its existing assets, like parks, footpaths, roads, buildings, library, and other community facilities.

Just over $6 million will be invested in new projects and initiatives to meet the needs of our growing community in both the city centre and across the suburbs.

In 2024/25, the City will need to start making a contribution of approximately $16.5 million towards an underground power project in the South Fremantle and City South area.

Properties within the project area will be subject to a service charge, paid annually over a 7-year period.

All funds collected via the service charge will be placed in a reserve and drawn upon to fund the project.

For more information on the Targeted Underground Power Program visit fremantle.wa.gov.au/south-fremantle-targeted-underground-power-program

Full details of the proposed differential rates can be found at fremantle.wa.gov.au/budget-finances-and-annual-reports .

Submissions be electors or ratepayers on the proposed rates and any related matters must be made in writing and received by the City by 5pm on Saturday 1 June 2024.

They can be delivered in person to the Walyalup Civic Centre, by email at [email protected] or by mail addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, PO Box 807, Fremantle, WA, 6959.