Bunbury Council adopts 2021/22 City of Bunbury budget at Special Council Meeting on July 27

At a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 27, the council adopted the $82 million City of Bunbury budget based on a 2.5 per cent rate increase.

The budget comprises $25.6 million in capital works, $54.2 million of operating expenditure and $2.2 million in debt reduction.

The 2.5 per cent rate increase follows a zero per cent rate increase for 2020/21 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The rate increase again includes 0.5 per cent for upgrades and renewal of the city's existing infrastructure assets and 0.5 per cent for new major developments.

Due to the community still feeling the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan said it was crucial the city delivered a balanced budget that allowed a level of service the community expected, whilst still providing important improvements.

"Excitingly, the 2021/22 financial year will see completion of the city's first Youth Precinct and a number of other fantastic community facilities such as the Hay Park North pavilion," Mayor Brennan said.

"I congratulate city staff for again putting together a responsible budget that will see Bunbury continue to be a wonderful city to live, visit and invest."

Highlights of the budget include new community facilities such as the highly anticipated Youth Precinct and completion of the Hay Park North Pavilion.

Other projects supported by the 2021/22 budget include replacement of the athletics track surface, design and preliminary works for the Forrest Park sport pavilion, road upgrades on Ocean Drive, Bunbury CBD roads and Withers road connection and Waste Recycle Centre upgrades.

Whilst property rates make up a significant portion of the budget, the City of Bunbury also relies on grants from state and federal governments, reserve funds ($8.6 million) and loan borrowings ($4.7 million).