Narrogin is steadfast on bettering infrastructure, living costs and wellbeing with the shire’s 2024-25 budget

Living costs, enhanced infrastructure and community wellbeing are at the forefront of Narrogin’s priorities this financial year, revealed in the shire’s $32 million budget. The Shire of Narrogin released its 2024-25 budget on Tuesday, forecast to invest $32m with $16.7m in capital expenditure on road improvements, asset renewal and sustainable development to bring significant growth and diversity to the community. The shire described the 4 per cent rate increase as “modest” among the “current economic challenges” including “rising construction costs and global supply chain disruptions”. “In these challenging times, marked by a growing housing shortage and financial pressures, the council is steadfast in its commitment to our community,” shire president Leigh Ballard said. “As we move forward, the council is dedicated to fostering positive change and delivering tangible benefits from the six different renewable energy projects proposed within our shire. “This anticipated growth highlights the need for continued investment in housing by all levels of government to support the expectant growth in our town and population”. Narrogin’s biggest investment of $6.79m will go towards energy efficiency and upgrades for Narrogin’s Regional Leisure Centre subject to Commonwealth and State government financial support with an additional $195,000 for building upgrades. To partly address the ongoing housing crisis, $1.5m will fund the construction of 12 new single-person accommodation units at Narrogin Caravan Park. The budget will also contribute $1.64m to establish several new facilities such as liquid waste ponds, a recycling shed, plant purchases and the R.W. (Bob) Farr Memorial Library extension. Construction and re-sheeting of Whinbin Road and Wandering Road including the re-seals planned for the Road to Recovery Program will receive a combined $2.62m, and an extra $1.34m is allocated for footpath and bridge improvements and construction. The Senior Citizens Centre, Narrogin Speedway and Town Hall facilities have been granted $200,000 for repairs and upgrades with a $141,000 home care bus replacement. The shire’s enhancement of community safety will involve a $70,000 card-operated water standpipe system in the Narrogin townsite and Tarwonga Road, two new SES vehicles costing $992,000 in total, a $50,000 acquisition for electronic speed signs and $25,000 for Lions Park shade sails. “This budget has been crafted with careful consideration focusing on both immediate needs and long-term goals,” Cr Ballard said. “Ensuring that we continue to support our community through strategic investments and prudent financial management.” A full breakdown of the 2023-24 budget can be found on the Shire of Narrogin website.