2024/2025 Budget Plans for Now and the Future

“As a coastal community we are very exposed to the impacts of climate change, and the cost of adapting to changes on our coast is likely to be significant”, Mayor Hamblin said.

We can’t simply let future generations deal with the consequences of the changes that are coming; we need to share the responsibility. So, 0.25% of rates will be allocated to a reserve fund to help ensure the City can pay for coastal adaptation measures in the future.

Mayor Deb Hamblin said rates were a vital contribution to the City’s ability to meet the community’s service delivery and infrastructure expectations.

“As a rapidly growing outer metropolitan local government, keeping pace with population growth, working towards the aspirations identified in the Strategic Community Plan, and maintaining existing assets and services are ongoing challenges for the City of Rockingham,” Mayor Hamblin said.

“The increase, which equates to approximately $1.21 per week for the average residence, ensures the continued delivery of essential services and the enhancement of our community’s future services, facilities, and infrastructure without compromising our financial stability.”

Mayor Hamblin said “Due to the challenging economic conditions of the previous year Council has had to make some tough decisions, and in some cases has declined tenders due to high costs, and deferred some projects”.

“However, given the needs of the community, we still have to provide infrastructure and services in a timely and sustainable manner.”

Some of the major projects included in this budget are:

Stan Twight Clubroom redevelopmentStage 3 of Baldivis Sporting Complex, including outdoor courts, Southern Pavilion and outdoor recreation space.Southern Depot landLotteries House relocationAnniversary Park Clubroom redevelopment

Some of these projects may run over multiple years.

The City provides multiple payment methods, including, Rates Smoothing, instalments and alternate payment arrangements. Credit card options are also available. The City also has a Financial Hardship Policy for residential and small business ratepayers experiencing difficulty paying their rates.

Information about potential future hazards facing the coast, and pathways to adapt to changing oceanic and coastal conditions, is available on the City’s website.