Mandurah city council moves 2018/19 budget, rates increase by 2 per cent

The rates increase and budget was approved unanimously.

It is estimated the rate increase will bring an additional $1.55 million dollars to the City of Mandurah.

Council rates account for approximately 70 per cent of the City’s operating revenues.

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At the meeting, Coastal Ward councillor Fred Riebeling said the rate increase was the minimum amount the city required for “innovation and change”.

Coastal Ward councillor Thalia Jones agreed saying residents would get “significant bang for their buck”. 

“I would have liked to see it lower but it is reasonable for what we are delivering,” she said. 

City of Mandurah chief Mark Newman said he was pleased with the outcome.

“We have produced a strong budget with many new initiatives, and with only a minor 2 per cent increase in rates,” he said. 

“I am very proud of how the city officers and councillors worked together to frame the budget.”

Mayor Rhys Williams said a budget focus was the revitalisation of the city centre’s waterfront areas, with a project team being formed to initiate the project.

“We’re focused on key projects that support the new story and optimism that’s emerging in Mandurah – we’re on the cusp of our next big growth phase and we’re really excited about it,” he said. 

“For just a small adjustment to the rates, the value of this budget is immense as we deliver on enhanced recreation spaces, increased tourism, jobs for the future, and helping to build a stronger community.”

The capital program for 2018/19 is significantly higher than last year’s with the city delivering 13 major projects, including the Falcon Bay Foreshore redevelopment stage two ($427,000), Mandjar Square redevelopment ($1.06 million) and the Lakelands District Open Space ($2.9 million.)

The open space project would provide sport and recreation facilities from mid-2020, and sits over a 10-hectare site on the corner of Mandurah Road and Banksiadale Gate in Lakelands.

The Novara Foreshore redevelopment will also commence stage two ($427,000) and the Mandurah Foreshore Boardwalk development will commence stage three ($512,000). 

Funds have been allocated for the shark mitigation project ($414,000) and stage two of the Falcon Bay Seawall ($512,000). 

On top of this, more than $7 million will go towards roads, paths and car park rehabilitation.  

Also, $187,500 in grants and scholarships will be advertised.

For more information about the City of Mandurah’s 2018/19 budget go to their website.