Published on Friday, 5 August 2022 at 10:39:38 AM
The City of Busselton has released a budget “for the times” balancing economic restraint with investments that will cater to the region’s future.
This measured approach has resulted in an average general rates increase of 3.5 per cent, significantly lower than the Perth CPI which has soared to over seven per cent. This represents one of the lowest local government rate-in-the-dollar increases in Regional WA, and is in line with the City’s Long Term Financial Plan.
Mayor Grant Henley said “Some properties will see a higher overall rate increase than 3.5%, due to the impact of a Gross Rental Value (GRV) and Unimproved Value (UV) revaluation this year. The Valuer-Generals Office, independent from the City, has provided new GRVs and UVs for all rateable properties, which the City must use in calculating rates.”
Council has adopted a conservative approach to this year’s budget to keep costs down while balancing strong demand for new and improved services and facilities. The City has also successfully secured a number of Federal and State Government grants to stimulate the local economy and deliver important infrastructure projects including the Dunsborough Lakes Sporting Precinct, Bovell Change rooms Project, Vasse Oval Lighting, and major footpath and road construction projects.
Matched with the City’s own funding and other contributions, the budget will deliver over $161 million to maintain our commitment to the delivery of infrastructure with a focus on roads, footpaths, public open space and townscapes, and increased investment towards coastal management. It also funds future planning to support our growing community.
Mayor Henley further said “We have struck a balance between the demand for services and facilities, and the impact on ratepayers. This fiscally prudent budget will benefit both current and future members of our community.”
“Through this budget the City will continue to deliver a wide range of services and programs to our growing community, maintaining our focus on making the City of Busselton a great place to live with a great lifestyle and the creation of opportunities across the District.”
The Council’s 2022/2023 budget highlights include the following in alignment with the City’s key themes:
Environment
- Lower Vasse River - Continuing to progress sediment removal to improve the health of the Lower Vasse River.
- Waste Management - Commence construction of Cell 2 at the Vidler Landfill Site to provide for future waste management.
Lifestyle
- Busselton Performing Arts and Convention Centre - Construct and fit-out a purpose built performing arts and convention centre.
- Youth Services - Continue to focus on a five year strategic plan for the delivery of youth services.
- Dunsborough Recreation and Community Facilities - Undertake a master planning exercise to progress the effective delivery of recreation and community facilities across Dunsborough and surrounds.
- Sports Facilities - Continue to improve sports facilities through programs including oval renewal at Churchill Park, sports lighting upgrades at Vasse, and progression of the Dunsborough Lakes Sporting Precinct.
Opportunity
- Dunsborough Precinct Structure Plan - Completion of a plan to guide the overall development of the Dunsborough Town Centre.
- Dunsborough Townscape Upgrades - Completion of Stage 6 (Naturaliste Terrace) of the upgrades to the Dunsborough Town Centre.
Leadership
- Systems Improvement - Continue to implement improvements to the City’s IT system, including ongoing review of the website, to ensure its user friendly and informative.
- Community Survey - conduct a biennial survey to assess the level of community satisfaction with City services and facilities and help with planning for the future.
In addition, the Council has allocated funds in the budget to improve the presentation and management of street scapes and verge areas across the City. This includes areas along major traffic routes, verges and adjoining bushland.
Learn more about the City of Busselton’s 2022-23 budget on the City’s website.
Objectives outlined in this statement are aligned with the City of Busselton’s Strategic Community Plan (2021 - 2031) Key Themes, Opportunity: A vibrant City with diverse opportunities and a prosperous economy.
Ends. Media enquiries can be directed to media@busselton.wa.gov.au
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