The Bunbury City Council has voted to adopt the 2017/18 budget in a meeting on Tuesday night, with a strong focus on community, local organisations, improving infrastructure and driving growth.
At the heart of the budget is 4.5 per cent increase in rate yield, with one per cent of the rise allocated to the upgrade and renewal of existing assets, which continues an initiative adopted in the previous financial year.
The City’s total budget is $90.8 million which comprises $39.7 million in capital works, $48.8 million in operating expenditure and $2.3 million for debt reduction.
Major capital projects include the Koombana Foreshore upgrade at $11.6 million to continue construction for Stage 1 of the Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront project and the construction of the new purpose-built Picton depot at $8 million, to replace the 50-year-old Carey Park facility.
The redevelopment of the Stirling Street Arts Centre was also pinpointed as a key project in the budget with an additional $1 million allocated from the City to the state government-funded $2 million project. The redevelopment will see the creation of two new studio spaces, a meeting room, toilets, administration space, reception and retail space as well as a new kitchen.
Other infrastructure highlights include $704,000 toward footpath construction, replacement and maintenance and $436,000 for landscape, parks, gardens and entry statements as well as $2.4 million for upgrading and renewal of Bunbury’s stormwater drainage network and $800,000 for foreshore marine walls and jetty repairs.
The budget also has a strong focus on supporting the community, while providing for population growth, with an underlying strategy to support more community-based organisations than ever before.
These include:
- Increasing the operational subsidy of the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre by up to $435,000
- Providing $20,000 for the Bunbury RSL to assist with the 100 year commemoration of the end of the First World War
- $15,000 each to the Clontarf Academy and Girls Academy
- $10,000 for continuation of the School Chaplaincy program
- The annual Christmas in the City and Australia Day Skyfest events require an investment of $412,000.
Mayor Gary Brennan said the budget is well-rounded, which is what he has tried to achieve every year as Mayor.
“A rate increase of 4.5 per cent is responsible while also providing for growth, future expenditure and achieving Council’s strategic objectives,” Mr Brennan said.
“The City intends on borrowing $4.9 million to assist funding asset expenditure… which are within the prudent borrowing range applicable to the Local Government sector.
“The City’s finances are in a very sound position.”
A host of community projects are also set to receive a cash injection in the wake of the new budget, which has a strong focus on investing in the community to promote growth in the City.
The City will contribute $3.8 million to sport and recreation, $1 million to arts and culture and $1.9 million to community and library services.
Key community projects include:
- Replacement of playground equipment and upgrade to Kelly Park $318,000
- Additional family and accessible change facilities at the South West Sports Centre $295,000
- Replace Bunbury Wildlife Park volunteer and staff facilities, animal hospital, toilets, feed store and preparation area $214,000
- Remove liner and tile leisure pool at the South West Sports Centre $195,000
- Construct and accessible ramp to the Back Beach $160,000
- Implement Withers Local Area Plan strategies $150,000
- Landscaping adjacent to Bunbury City Surf Lifesaving Club $160,000
- Reseal Soccer Club car park at Hay Park $100,000
- Upgrade facilities to progress toward goal of becoming the Most Accessible Regional City in Australia $100,000
- Support club development $80,000
- Support Koombana Bay Sailing Club’s Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund application to refurbish male and change room facilities $50,000
- Develop a Bunbury Geographe Youth Strategy Plan $40,000
A pool of funds will also go toward community events, arts and culture grants and place-making grants.
Mayor Gary Brennan said the City’s finances are very healthy at the moment.
“We’ve got our cash back reserves and at the end of this financial year, we’ll have about $16 million in the bank allocated for various purposes,” he said.
“We’ve got money in the bank, we operate on a surplus, we’re getting things done, our projects are getting completed and we’re working in strong partnership with the state government and the private sector.
“Things are going really well, we’re in a good place.”
Other budget highlights include:
- Footpaths $704,000
- Landscape, Parks and Entry Statements $436,000
- Grants and Subsidies to the Community $525,000
- Annual Subsidies to Community and Cultural Organisations $697,000
- City’s Contribution to Arts and Culture $1.1 million
- City’s Contribution to Sport and Recreation $3.8 million
- Road Works $3.7 million
