Rate rises on the way for Rockingham, Mandurah ratepayers

Rate rises are on the way for Rockingham and Mandurah ratepayers.

Both councils endorsed increases at their council meeting's on Tuesday night.

The City of Mandurah a 4.95 per cent hike and Rockingham a 4.58 per cent rise.

Mandurah Mayor Amber Kearns said while she understood a rate increase is not welcome news for everyone, it was about making the right decision for the future of the city.

"No one wants to see costs rise, and I understand that many households are already feeling pressure. That's something I never lose sight of," she wrote in a social media post.

"Mandurah is growing. Our community expects safe roads, well-maintained parks, thriving sporting clubs, quality libraries, vibrant public spaces and services that support people at every stage of life. Those things don't happen by chance, and they don't happen without careful investment.

"Tonight's decision ensures we can continue delivering the services our community relies on today; while planning responsibly for the future we all want to see."

Mandurah's rate increase will see residents paying an extra $87 per year for an average residential property.

Rockingham ratepayers will be paying about $121 extra per year.

Rockingham Mayor Lorna Buchan said the budget aims to strike a careful balance between addressing the growing needs of the community while recognising cost-of-living pressures facing many households.

“Council has been very mindful of the current economic conditions and the pressure many households are under and has worked hard to keep the rate increase as low as possible,” Mayor Buchan said.

“The increase is 4.58%, which equates to approximately $2.34 per week for the average residential property.

“It is important to highlight that the state’s official land and property information agency, Landgate, has conducted its three-yearly revaluation of all properties in the City. As a result the adjustment to rates will not be consistent across the City, so some ratepayers may see a greater or lesser increase than others, depending on the change to their property’s value.”

Mayor Buchan said as a rapidly growing local government area with a population of approximately 160,000 people, maintaining existing services and assets while meeting the needs of a growing community remains an ongoing challenge.

“This year’s budget includes $144 million in capital expenditure, which will support upgrades to key community assets and deliver projects that will benefit our community now and into the future,” she said.

Ratepayers will begin receiving their rates notices in late July or August.