Published on Friday, 20 July 2018 at 11:56:00 AM
The Shire of Chittering’s 2018/19 Budget was adopted by Council at its Ordinary Council Meeting on 19 July 2018. In commenting on the budget, the Shire President Cr Gordon Houston, said that “this year’s budget had been prepared in difficult and challenging economic circumstances. With a significant reduction in road grants provided by State and Federal Governments, increases in the Consumer Price Index and significant increases to electricity and utility charges, delivering a balanced budget has proved more challenging than in previous years.
At last night’s budget meeting, the Council adopted a 2.5% rate increase for the 2018/19 Financial Year (FY), which is consistent with many Local Governments in our region. Cr Houston noted that “the 2.5% barely covers the reduction in State and Federal subsidies and increases in costs such as electricity and utility charges. The 2.5% increase follows on from a 0% rate rise in FY 2015/16, a 1.5% rise in FY 2016/17 and a 2% rise in FY 17/18; making an average increase of 1.5% over four financial years; one of the lowest average rate rise in the State”.
“Council understands that no rate rise is popular, however we remain committed, as evidenced over the last four financial years, to developing responsible and affordable budgets. This budget recognises the difficult economic circumstances faced by many residents, while planning for the future and minimising the impact on services such road maintenance, roadside vegetation management and the maintenance of parks, ovals and public places.
More specifically, this Budget has been prepared based on detailed ten year asset management plans for all major asset classes (roads, buildings and plant) and on progressing a range of new and exciting strategic priorities. Most importantly, the budget has been structured to provide for roadworks and community facility upgrades in all areas of the Shire, from Wannamal through to Muchea and Lower Chittering”.
Budget highlights include: (continued)
- Planning for the Muchea Industrial Park as a major economic driver and job creating initiative for the Shire
- Design of a new Regional Sport and Recreation Facility in Lower Chittering
- CCTV projects at Muchea and Lower Chittering Halls and in the Bindoon town site
- Improvements to walking trails in Wannamal, Bindoon and at Blackboy Ridge
- Planned improvements to community facilities including:
- New cricket practice nets at Muchea
- Design of change room extensions at Muchea
- Design of a new BMX/Skate Park at John Glenn Park, Muchea
- Resurfacing of the Chinkabee cricket pitch in Bindoon
- Upgrades to Clune Park in Bindoon (new water supply and grass)
- Access ramps, pathways and other minor works at the Brockman Centre
- Minor upgrade works at the Chittering Cemetery
- New storage facility at the Wannamal Rest Area
- Funding for community activities and area promotion, including:
- Support of the Chittering Visitor Centre / Chittering Tourist Association
- Community Assistance Grants and Sponsorships for local community groups
- Education Scholarships
- Major Events - Wear Ya Wellies, Taste of Chittering, Bindoon Show, Volunteer Day/Week promotions
- Other annual events such as Australia Day, ANZAC Day and the annual volunteer function
- Youth Services - Youth Development Program, School Holiday Activities, Youth Sponsorship
- Feasibility and planning for a 120 Unit Lifestyle Village Development and associated caravan park/camping site in Bindoon as a commercial development.
- Feasibility and planning for a Mountain Bike Park and other outdoor / adventure based activities in Bindoon. Providing a future for the town beyond the Bindoon Bypass.
- Continued investment in initiatives that encourage economic development, such as Shop Local strategies, development of food and wine trails, support for local businesses and raising the profile of the region through new signage.
- Stage 2 of improvements to the Shire’s Administration Centre and IT systems
- Implementation of council’s Ten Year Roads Program, including:
- North Road - reconstruction works (Wannamal)
- Snake Spring Road - culvert crossing upgrade (Wannamal)
- Wells Glover Road - reseal (Mooliabeenee)
- Forrest Hills Parade - footpath and drainage works (Bindoon)
- Flat Rocks Road - reconstruction works (Bindoon)
- Blizzard Road Bridge - replace with culvert (Bindoon)
- Davis Road - reconstruction works (Lower Chittering)
- Chittering Road - safety barriers (Lower Chittering)
- Wandena Road - safety barriers (Lower Chittering)
- Muchea East Road - reconstruction works (Lower Chittering)
- Road reseal works in Lower Chittering (multiple roads)
- Mackenzie Street - reconstruction works (Muchea)
- Archibald St - footpath construction (Muchea)
Cr Houston summed up by saying that “the 2018-2019 financial year will be an exciting time for the Shire with a number of strategic projects in the feasibility / planning stages and with the completion/construction of a number of major road projects. In particular, the NorthLink highway project (due for completion by mid-2019) will provide a four-lane freeway-standard road between Muchea and Morley where it will link with the existing Tonkin Highway. The commute from Muchea to Morley will be cut to 20 minutes, meaning Muchea to Ellenbrook (home to the future Metronet railway station) will be a short 10 minute drive. At the same time, the Great Northern Highway will be upgraded via a highway-standard road, on a parallel alignment to the existing highway, from Muchea to the Chittering Roadhouse. These projects will have a positive impact on how residents travel to and from the metropolitan area, and how visitors access the Chittering region. We look forward to making the most out of these developments so that the local economy can grow and prosper in the years ahead”.
2018-2019 Annual Budget
For further information please contact Alan Sheridan, Chief Executive Officer, phone 9576 4600 or email chatter@chittering.wa.gov.au. This media statement has no regulatory value.
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