Report details successful year in Rockingham

Dedication to improving mental health, beginning work on a new road and library, and reducing dog euthanasia rates to 1 per cent for the first time are just some of the things the City of Rockingham has achieved during the 2012-13 financial year, according to the annual report which was formally endorsed last week.

In the report, which was officially presented to ratepayers at the annual electors’ meeting on Tuesday, December 17, Rockingham mayor Barry Sammels said the City continued to position itself for a financially, strategically, environmentally and socially sustainable future.

Cr Sammels said the new budget was met with some opposition from the community, but rates remained the second lowest of all Perth metropolitan councils.

“The City has been able to progress a number of big budget, much-needed infrastructure projects for the region this year, including the Rockingham Arts Centre, the new road to Rockingham from the Kwinana Freeway, and Baldivis Library and Community facility,” he said in the report.

Meanwhile, chief executive Andrew Hammond said the City had reduced its financial reliance on the Millar Road landfill site as a means of operational deficit, and received two awards for its energy efficiency initiatives.

However, it was not all good news in this year’s annual report, after the delay to works on Rockingham Arts Centre, delays in works at Rae Road, challenges in securing suitable venues for events and coping with demand for sporting facilities in Baldivis and Comet Bay.

Shoalwater resident James Mumme quizzed councillors at the meeting about the viability of the proposed Point Peron marina, citing concerns about the possible future construction of homes within the reserve, and extension of the Garden Island causeway.