Bunbury's new Budget looks to priority projects and affordable living

Roadworks, footpaths and airport upgrades on the way

Water playground, multi-sports sports pavilion will benefit Bunbury for years to come

KEY projects including the completion of the Hay Park Multisports Pavilion, the first stage of a water playground, the reconstruction of 600 metres of Koombana Drive and replacement of the George Baxter Boardwalk will be delivered as part of the City of Bunbury’s 2015/16 Budget adopted by council last night.

The Budget has been touted as having a disciplined approach to spending while also catering for growth, with a modest rate increase of 3.5 per cent.  

City of Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan said the Budget represented a strong discipline in spending while also looking to the future.

“We are entering another exciting period in our City’s development and growth as we continue to build on the solid work of previous generations to provide more opportunities for current and future generations,” Mr Brennan said.

“Investment enquiries have increased during the past 12 months and with Council facilitating growth, I anticipate private investment in some large construction projects to escalate.”

Mr Brennan said the 3.5 per cent rate increase was part of a responsible Budget that focussed on achieving Council’s strategic objectives and to ensure future financial viability.

“A rate increase of 3.5 per cent is responsible, it is affordable and will provide for growth and future expenditure,” Mr Brennan said.

“With a lot of people such as FIFO workers out of a job now, we’re looking to make living in Bunbury more affordable – we took a lot of things into consideration.

“Half of our income is generated by rates which is extremely healthy for the city.”

Other key points of the 2015/16 Budget include:

operating expenditure);

($17.7m); capital grants ($13.7m); new loan borrowings ($2.4m); and disposal of assets ($4.5m);