Budget delivers rate relief in COVID-19 recovery

In light of the pandemic, Council has delivered on its commitment to rates relief by going over and above a rates freeze to ensure City charges will be the same or less than last year’s amount.

In a suite of measures to support ratepayers, the City has introduced new flexible payment options and removed interest and instalment fees for rates this financial year.

Mayor Mark Irwin said the past six months had presented unforeseen and severe impacts to the community and the City of Stirling’s focus was to balance service delivery with responsible use of ratepayer funds.

“Our immediate response was to overhaul our services before going back to the drawing board with our budgets so we could deliver support where it’s needed most through our $43.7 million Economic Stimulus and Community Recovery Package,” he said.

“As well as tailored measures to support the community through the recovery phase, Council will be reviewing services and budgets in October to allow us continue to support the community. We’re also continuing our debt free policy, with no provision to borrow funds in 2020/21.”

A key component of the Annual Budget, the package will alleviate pressure on the local economy through:

• $4.9 million for ratepayer relief
• $7 million for business and activation
• $2.9 million community support
• $28.9 million capital investment.

Mayor Irwin said many ratepayers were doing it tough, so the City had drawn down on reserve funds and reviewed its rating structure to minimise the financial impact on ratepayers.

“In the past, the City has applied a single rate in the dollar to all property types but to help us meet the commitment to keep rates charges the same or less than last year, we have adopted a differential rates structure,” he said.

“We understand the difficulties many people are facing and we encourage you to reach out for support. With new flexible options now available for rates payments, we’ll help however we can.”

In accordance with the Local Government Act 1995, the City advertised its differential rating structure, which has been adopted as follows: 

Some key highlights in the City’s capital investment package for 2020/21 include: 

• Accelerated Recycling Centre Balcatta redevelopment
• Major refurbishment of Terry Tyzack Aquatic Centre
• Upgrade to Hamersley Public Golf Course
• Upgrades to parks, sporting facilities and cycle ways.

Construction will also begin on the Stephenson Avenue Extension, which is jointly funded by the Australian ($65 million) and the State ($60 million) Governments.

An Osborne Park company will complete Phase One works to extend Stephenson Avenue from Scarborough Beach Rd to Sarich Ct, with new Howe St and Oswald St connections to Ellen Stirling Boulevard. 

The City will also invest in $23.4 million for road networks (including upgrades, street landscaping, footpaths, rights of way upgrades and cycle ways) and $7.8 million for reserve development, recreation and sporting facilities, revegetation, and irrigation replacement.

For more information, head to www.stirling.wa.gov.au/rates.