Shire of Waroona set to vote on new budget bringing a 4.96 per cent rate increase to the shire

Residents in the Shire of Waroona could be paying an additional 4.96 per cent in rates, with the increase set to be debated by councillors this week.

The Peel council will vote on a new budget this Tuesday night, which would result in an increase in rates for the more than 4650 residents living within the shire.

The boost in rates is tipped to increase the Shire’s income by about $500,000, from $5.8 million in 2023-2024 to $6.3m.

About 4 per cent of total revenue gathered from rates comes directly from Alcoa of Australia’s Wagerup refinery as well as an additional $225,000 from a rating change to Alinta’s storage battery within the Wagerup refinery.

The budget breakdown states the majority of funds within the shire will go towards recreation and culture, which will receive 26 per cent, with transport and community amenities both receiving 19 per cent of total funds.

Under the proposed budget, several community projects will receive funding from a range of sources, including rates, Federal and State government grants, and the council’s existing reserve.

Shire president Mike Walmsley said the new budget and increase in rates would allow the shire to progress “business as usual”.

Cr Walmsley said the shire was not immune to the rising cost of good and services around the State.

“We have tried to be as responsible as we can in our rate rise,” he said.

“I think a rate rise just under 5 per cent is about as good as we could land at the moment.

“This budget will put a little back into reserves and get a few jobs done around the shire.”

Cr Walmsley said he was most hopeful about seeing Lake Clifton’s recreation plan progress but is also happy to see projects such as phase two of Railside Park, the Drakesbrook Weir redevelopment and Environmental Centre upgrades on the agenda for this year.

Also included in the budget is the purchase of a new tip truck for the Shire, implementation of the Peel Regional Trails Project and funds for the Preston Beach volunteer rangers to receive a new ATV and ranger vehicle.

“Council is trying to be as responsible as practically possible in getting capital items delivered to the community,” Cr Walmsley said.

“We’re looking at everything we can do to maintain the standard of service people are expecting of us whilst trying to fund it as modestly as possible.”