Ratepayers in the City of Mandurah can expect to pay more for their rates for the 2023-24 financial year after the City proposed a 4.95 per cent increase.
The proposed rise would see the average household paying about $58 more for their annual rates.
Mayor Rhys Williams the Council had worked hard to develop the new budget and keep any increases to a responsible amount.
“We’ve kept increases to a minimum and tightened areas where we can, as we know the current economic environment and cost of living pressures are being faced by all Western Australians,” Mayor Williams said.
“As every household across Australia is keenly aware, current inflation rates and increased cost of living expenses, including utilities, goods and services, and insurances, have meant responsible, long-term budgeting is vital now more than ever.
“With a considered and strategic approach, we’ve been able to find new savings and reduce spending so the impact on our ratepayers is as minimal as possible, with the proposed rates below that of inflation."
Mayor Williams said this year's budget and rates have been impacted by property revaluation, which is conducted every four years in Mandurah by the Western Australian Valuer-General.
Revaluation impacts the rate amount by increasing or decreasing the Gross Rental Value (GRV), which can vary considerably.
“The challenge, as always, is to balance those things that we have no control over, with the requirements of our growing and evolving city,” Mayor Williams said.
Mayor Williams said the City is focusing on vital maintenance across its $1.4billion asset portfolio.
“We’re continuing to maintain our public facilities including libraries, community and sport centres, boat ramps, parks, reserves, playgrounds and more, as these are all things that help make our neighbourhoods such great places to live,” Mayor Williams said.
The community are encouraged to have their say on the proposed rates and the Proposed Long Term Financial Plan via mandurahmatters.com.au by Wednesday, July 19.
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