The City of Cockburn’s 2018-19 budget has been adopted by Council, with a rate rise of 1.90%, less than the average metropolitan increase of 2.23%.
The low rate rise comes despite the State Government’s self-described ‘modest’ increase of up to 10% in its Emergency Services Levy (ESL).
The ESL increase is the largest since its introduction by the State Government in 2000 to fund the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
The City will collect about $17.98m in ESLs compared to $15.9m in 2017-18, resulting in an annual increase for the average Cockburn residential ratepayer of 3.16% (rates notice total payable), inflating the proposed 1.90% Council increase.
This year the City will also experience a 3.2% increase in State-sanctioned electricity costs, a 5.5% increase in water charges, a 3% increase in gas charges, a 5.8% increase in motor vehicle registrations, and a 9% increase in third party motor vehicle insurance.
“The State Government’s Landfill Levy of $3.78m will rise from $65 to $70, or 7.7%, per tonne from 1 July 2018. “However, the City’s rate rise will continue the trend of 2017-18 for Cockburn, when home owners paid some of the lowest household rates in Perth,” Mayor Logan Howlett said.
“Overall, the average residential improved ratepayer will pay an extra 56 cents per week after concession and for those on the minimum payment rate the increase will be 48c per week.
"This excludes the State Government’s Emergency Services Levy. “2018-19 will also be the tenth straight year that the City will deliver an operating surplus result, a primary indicator of financial health and performance.
“The pension rebate cap of $750 (first applied in 2016-17) will remain the same, effectively saving the State Government millions of dollars through neither lifting the cap nor indexing it to CPI.
“The Seniors Rebate will also be capped at $100 and remain unchanged.
“The City will continue its SmartRates initiative after a successful launch in 2017, and anticipates an increase in the 5,000 ratepayers who currently choose either weekly or fortnightly direct debit payment options, allowing greater convenience and assisting affordability.
“This financial year, $40.90m will be spent on capital assets including roads, drainage, parks and community infrastructure. “We continue to buffer our residents from the rising costs of emergency services, utilities and waste, while ensuring our budget provides an extensive capital works program.
“More than 80% of the City’s materials and contracts expenditure is subject to competitive procurement practices, an increasing trend in recent years due to a concerted effort by the City to drive better value for money from its annual budget,” Mayor Howlett said.
Budget Highlights 2018-19
- Spearwood Avenue Bridge (Yangebup Rd to Barrington St) - $3.3m
- Jandakot Road (Berrigan to Solomon Stage 1) - $3.0m
- Wetlands Education Centre Stage 1 - $2.0m
- Lakelands Reserve Hockey Facility & Clubrooms Year 2 funding - $2.0m
- Operations Centre Stage 2 - $1.8m
- Karel Ave (Berrigan Drive to Farrington Road) - $2.0m
- Port Coogee Marina Infrastructure - $1.0m
- Bibra Lake Master Plan - $0.7m
- North Lake Road (Phoenix Road to Bibra Drive) - $0.6m
- Jandakot Road Louisiana Glen Proposed Right Turn - $0.5m
- Coogee Beach Master Plan landscape work - $0.5m
- Len Packham Reserve, Coolbellup Nature Play - $0.5m
Operating spend (percentage of total) for 2018-19
- Roads, Footpaths, Cycleways, Drains & Sumps - 17%
- Land Development, Planning & Building Permits - 5%
- Parks/Infrastructure & Streetscapes - 15%
- Buildings, Fleet & Plant - 4%
- Recreation, Sport & Leisure - 13%
- Community Development – Child Care, Youth, Family, Aged/Disabled & Seniors - 10%
- Libraries - 4%
- Health – People & Environment - 2%
- Governance - 7%
- Community Safety - 4%
- Arts, Culture & Events - 2%
- Waste Collection & Disposal - 17%
- Administration - 1%