The City of Cockburn’s 2021-22 Budget has been adopted by Council, with Cockburn households continuing to pay some of the lowest rates in Perth, despite ongoing economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The budget incorporates a small rate rise of 1.5 per cent, with Cockburn’s average residential improved rate of $1,596 for 2021-22 (inclusive of concessions) making it the lowest among neighbouring councils, while also maintaining a COVID-19 concession.
Rates collected this year will total $112.17m with a capital budget of $36.19m, including roads, drainage, parks and community infrastructure.
Council listened to community feedback on the draft capital budget and included planning, design and consultation funding to upgrade Yandjet Park in Yangebup, Tempest Park in Coolbellup, and Beeliar Reserve.
Mayor Logan Howlett said the projects were of significant importance to the Cockburn community.
“This seed funding will allow the City to seek other funding opportunities,” Mayor Howlett said.
2021-22 is the 12th consecutive year Council has adopted a balanced budget with a small overall surplus, together with a surplus on the operating account, which are both primary indicators of financial health and performance.
“The low rate increase is in keeping with the City’s continued financial strategy to ensure our rates are low, including in comparison to neighbouring councils,” Mayor Howlett said.
“Council has retained the COVID-19 concession at 50 per cent of the 2020-21 level for eligible Residential Improved properties only, with a positive impact on 14,764 properties.
“The concession will not be retained for Commercial, Industrial and Vacant Land properties, in line with the elimination of similar Commonwealth Government concessions and support measures.
“The adopted budget will enable the City to deliver on the high level commitments in the Strategic Community Plan and four-year Corporate Business Plan, providing funds for vital high quality infrastructure and improvements for our growing community.
“Minor reviews of both the Strategic Community Plan 2020-2030 and Corporate Business Plan 2020-21–2023-24 were also adopted at the Special Council Meeting.
“The City’s fees and charges to the community have either remained the same or had small CPI increases, with the City’s Waste Services charge for commercial and industrial properties staying at $458.
“The pension rebate cap of $750 (first applied in 2016-17) will remain the same along with the Seniors rebate, capped at $100.”
For the third year, community resident groups were invited to submit projects for consideration in the budget process and 14 projects valued at $308,000 have been included in this year’s budget.
Budget highlights:
Major building and facility construction projects totaling $7.28m including –
- Treeby Community and Sports Centre $2.92m (total $6.7m)
- Frankland Park Sports and Community Facility $1.77m (total $10.7m)
- Goodchild Park change rooms upgrade $850,000
Parks and Environment Construction Program totaling $4.8m including –
- New park developments plus a range of other projects covering greening plans, natural area improvements, playground renewals and 18 new projects under the City’s Shade Sail Strategy
Numerous major road projects totaling $13.8m including –
- Hammond Road duplication (Branch Circus to Bartram Road) $6.04m
- Rowley Road and Lyon Road $1.65m
- Rockingham Road rehabilitation (various sections) $1.30m
- Spearwood Avenue and Hamilton Road upgrade $510,000