Kwinana council passes rates rise of 4.2 per cent, equating to about $1.22 a week extra

City of Kwinana councillors approved a 4.2 per cent rates increase at last Wednesday’s meeting, which means residents will pay about $1.22 a week extra on an average property.

It will increase residential, rural and vacant property rates from 2023-24’s $1173 minimum to $1222, a difference of $49 a year.

General industry, mining and industrial and commercial rates will rise from $1528 to $1592, a difference of $64 a year.

The increase is expected to yield $51,563,393 in rates income for city services.

The rate rise came along with the council adopting its 2024-25 budget and long-term financial plan for 2025 to 2034.

Mayor Peter Feasey said the rate increase proposed in the budget was based on a financially prudent approach informed by the city’s long-term financial plan and strategic community plan.

“The rates preparation process carefully considers the needs of the community as communicated through the Strategic Community Plan, in the context of the existing economic climate, while ensuring the city remains a sustainable local government able to serve its community going forward,” he said.

“Local governments are still being impacted by increasing material, contract and staff costs despite a decreasing trend in both the Cost Price Index (CPI) and the Local Government Cost Index (LGCPI), which was forecast at 3.9 per cent for the June quarter.

“Key major projects proposed in this budget include the three-bin Garden Organic (GO) waste service, solar panels at Kwinana Recquatic and four EV charging stations around the city, stage one of the Kwinana Loop Trail improvements and building renewals, including an upgrade to the city’s administration building, Thomas Oval changeroom upgrades and a new community facility at the Wellard West Sportsground.”