Bunbury proposes 3 per cent rates hike

Bunbury residents are likely to see a 3 per cent rate hike come Budget time with Bunbury City Council this week giving the tick of approval to its long-term financials.

On Tuesday night the council voted unanimously in support of its 15-Year integrated financial plan, which sets out a fully funded budget for the next 15 years.

The 2019-20 Budget will be prepared based on a 3 per cent rate increase as part of the long-term plan.

Mayor Gary Brennan said the proposed rate increase still needed to be endorsed at Budget time.

“The elected members are very familiar with the IFP and also predicting what the rate increase may be for the next 12 months,” Mr Brennan said.

“However, that final decision on the rate increase won’t be made until the Budget meeting.”

He said the financial plan would allow for the future growth of Bunbury and staff had identified “productivity savings” that contributed to $37.8 million in future projects over the 15 years.