Major leaps forward for City in 2023/24

The City of Stirling has adopted a revised Corporate Business Plan 2023-2027 and annual budget for 2023/24, continuing to deliver exceptional services and facilities for the public.

The City’s strong financial position and careful planning through the pandemic has allowed for a modest increase in rates that takes into account the increasing cost of living and inflationary pressures.

Mayor Mark Irwin said that given it was a Landgate revaluation year, the City has taken the step to lower the rate in the dollar to compensate and apply a 3.24 per cent increase, ensuring we remain one of the lowest in WA.

The average increase for just under two-thirds of residents in dollar terms will be $45.43, and for those paying the minimum rate the rate increase of 3.14 per cent equates to $28.00 more than last year.

“The City has delivered a budget that is debt-free and balanced while at the same time delivering a lower rate increase than last year,” he said.

“In the past financial year, we made the difficult decision to put several key infrastructure projects on hold while the economy experienced intense inflation and astronomical building and construction costs. Putting these projects on hold and carefully managing the budget enabled us to be in a position to invest reserve funds into several critically important projects without the need for debt.

“Staged improvements at Terry Tyzack Aquatic Centre will continue and be delivered in time for summer, the Hamersley Public Golf Course pavilion and driving range will go out to tender, and works will begin on the renewal of the Recycling Centre Balcatta’s waste drop-off and transfer station.

“Recognising that community safety is a priority for our residents and businesses, the City will invest in cybersecurity to protect the ratepayer data we hold, additional security patrol vehicles, growing our CCTV network and continuing our strong relationship with WA Police.

“We are on track to plant one million trees and shrubs by 2025, and we will continue to fund key programs to enable the community to play their part by becoming more sustainable. Free tree programs, our waterwise verge rebate scheme, support to residents to maximise their home energy use, community workshops and other educational initiatives will bring residents along on the journey to protect and conserve our natural environment.

“In line with our Solar Escalation Program – which targets 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2030 – the City will also invest in additional solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, including at the City’s Operations Centre and Osborne Community Hub. To ensure public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is provided appropriately and adequately, the City will investigate suitable locations in City-managed parking bays, public demand for charging and the most common types of charging points.

“The Corporate Business Plan 2023-2027 maps out how the City will achieve the vision and priorities set out in our Strategic Community Plan, and this budget will implement that plan by making major leaps forward for everyone living, working and enjoying the City of Stirling – the City of Choice.”

The City’s Community Grants Program has also launched, with over $1.1 million in funding which will promote active, productive, creative, sustainable and vibrant locally-led initiatives and help to shape what it means to be ‘a local’.

Other highlights from the budget include:

• $3.8 million for the renewal of existing park assets including playgrounds, BBQs, seating, drink fountains, fencing, concrete paths, and park signs
• $986,314 to improve the standard of turf surface for the City’s high-use sports fields and playing surfaces, allowing for additional top-dressing, fertilising and aeration
• $750,000 to implement coastal management works like water access ramps, a five-year coastal management works program, sand nourishment and other coastal maintenance
• $614,500 in Mirrabooka to fund a number of infrastructure projects to support further land releases, improve the public realm and activate the Town Centre
• $570,000 in sponsorship funding to support major events that will attract visitors and stimulate spending to support local business, tourism and generate overnight stays
• $350,000 to fund the next phase of the Stirling City Centre project including a land development strategy.

For more information regarding the City’s rates and key budget initiatives visit www.stirling.wa.gov.au/your-city/rates.