Kwinana rates to rise

Kwinana residents will have to dig deeper after the City of Kwinana adopted a 3 per cent rate increase for its 2013-14 Budget.

A report to the council said the rate increase would raise $27.7 million to help the City pay for about 32 per of its planned expenses.

Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams said the City had secured more than $18 million in grants, meaning the City could pass on the modest rate increase.

“We’re delivering more than $86 million in projects, services, upgrades and amenities this year, yet rates revenue only amounts to $28 million or 29 per cent of revenue,” she said.

“Budgeting is not an easy process and it is one of the most difficult for councillors, especially as we all know any increase in rates is affecting the already stretched budgets of our local families.”

Projects in the City’s budget include the construction of the William Bertram Community Centre on Johnson Road, a $3.2 million upgrade for the Recquatic Centre and a $2.1 million redevelopment of Chisham Avenue.

At last week’s meeting, Cr Adams highlighted management, rapid population growth and completion of the $340 million City Centre Revitalisation as key aspects of the City’s budget.

“To prepare for the many new families who will call Kwinana home over the coming years, we are committed to building new infrastructure, improving our city centres and working with State and Federal governments and private industry to provide better opportunities to residents, particularly in areas such as education, employment and housing,” she said.

The City’s operating expenditure for 2013-14 is projected to be $55 million and its capital expenditure is set at $31.7 million.