Modest rise for Kwinana ratepayers

City of Kwinana residents are facing a 3 per cent increase for 2016-17 after a motion to adopt the modest rise was passed at last week’s council meeting.

The specific figure will not be formally endorsed until the City’s yearly budget is confirmed in June or July.

However, the City of Kwinana looks set to bring in more than $30 million in rates for 2016-17 in a collective increase of about $1.43 million.

As such, residential properties will pay a minimum of $943 a household.

Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams said the City had looked to keep increases to a minimum this year and “really cut it to the bone”.

“There were indications at one stage that we were looking at 6 per cent but we have asked the chief executive and the officers to go back and sharpen the pencils,” she said.

“We know that there is a lot of unemployment in the area and the economic environment at the moment is hard for many people.

“What is pleasing was that although we have cut back, we have still been able to include funding for projects that are near and dear to the community.”

From December 2015 to this month, councillors have taken part in budget and financial planning workshops before determining the level of increase.

The council has hence attempted to balance the need for revenue to fund services with the desire to limit any increase on the ratepayers to affordable levels.

Ms Adams said the amount rates increased was assessed year on year, with previous tallies jumping by higher increments due to a need to establish infrastructure in the city.

“There is a fine line but you have got to look at the circumstances,” she said.

“We rated the community hard for consecutive years and when they look around they can see the infrastructure that is now in place — there is a list a mile long.”

Ms Adams said State Government levies were also included in the amount ratepayers will pay and as such pensioners in particular could well end up with higher rates.

“People forget that there are State Government costs (included),” she said.

“If you are pensioner your rebate is not going to be as generous as it has been because of the State Government’s policy position.

“Getting the rates from last year and taking away all the State Government charges gives you the real bottom line.”

Cor Ruth Alexander commended the city officers for their efforts in keeping rates low at the council meeting, calling a 3 per cent increase “an amazing feat.”

A breakdown of what Kwinana rates will go towards in the 2016-17 budget will be available on the City’s website.