Source : Perth Now news
Shire of Murray president Douglas McLarty says the council “does not take lightly” a proposal to increase rates in the next financial year.
The council voted at its Thursday, May 28, meeting to release a proposed rates increase of 4.95 per cent for comment and adopt its revised business plan.
Last year, the shire adopted a rate increase of 4.5 per cent which was used to deliver upgrades to community spaces, with grants funding and contributions helping fill the gap in the budget.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr McLarty said the council remained acutely aware of the ongoing cost-of-living pressures facing households and businesses.
“With the same cost pressures faced by local governments, council’s adopted approach strikes a responsible balance between supporting residents today and planning sustainably for the future,” he said.
Mr McLarty said the council had been steadfast in its commitment to maintain essential services and support current-day affordability, while continuing to invest in roads, facilities, infrastructure and community services.
“While we understand households are experiencing increasing costs, I strongly believe the approach we have presented today supports a financially resilient and future-ready shire while continuing to deliver the services our community relies upon and the very important and exciting projects that we will be rolling out as per our council plan,” he said.
“Add to this mix the 3.9 per cent population growth in the shire over the last 12 months.
“Ensuring we plan for the needs of future generations is at the forefront of our minds and is imperative as it will allow us to plan for a new library and expanded Murray Aquatic Leisure Centre.”
Mr McLarty said decisions made at council, especially regarding rates, were never taken lightly.
“Our long-term vision for a sustainable and thriving community is a responsibility we all take seriously, and I thank both councillors and the administration for helping achieve a balance between immediate community expectations and the long-term needs of the shire,” he said.
The shire’s 4.95 per cent rate increase this year brings the total rate increase since 2019 to 20.35 per cent, about 28 per cent lower than CPI over the same period.
