City hands down new budget and rates

City of Mandurah is urging the public to weigh in on the proposed 2018/19 budget.

Upgrades to community space, long-term job creation, tourism and empowering the community is what the City of Mandurah are hoping to do with its new budget 

The 2018/19 budget and rates were approved for advertising at a special council meeting overnight.

The City has proposed a 2 per cent increase to rates but in return residents will see money spent on development projects and economic opportunities. 

Mayor Rhys Williams said the people of Mandurah have been front of mind in preparing the new budget.

"A significant focus of the 2018/19 budget is the revitalisation of the city centre’s waterfront areas, with a project team being formed to initiate this important project," he said. 

“We’re focused on key projects that support the new story and optimism that’s emerging in Mandurah – we’re on the cusp of our next big growth phase and we’re really excited about it.

“This budget represents outstanding value for money, and lays the foundation for the crucial next part of Mandurah’s journey. It will help us pave the way for shaping our new story.

“For just a small adjustment to the rates, the value of this budget is immense as we deliver on enhanced recreation spaces, increased tourism, jobs for the future, and helping to build a stronger community.”

The recent completion of the Eastern Foreshore’s seawall, extended grassed area and path connections, and the new Mandurah Bridge, has allowed the City to undertake community consultation to see what people would like for the city centre waterfront revitalisation.

Also included in the budget is:

• Continue preparation work on the Mandurah-Murray Growth Plan that will help drive significant long-term regional economic growth and jobs for the future.
• Continue to support Mandurah and Peel Tourism Organisation’s delivery of local and regional tourism marketing and product development, aimed at increasing tourism in the region.
• Continue to deliver the highly successful Entrepreneurial Capacity Building Program, helping to build the skills and capacity of local community members.
• Commence the Novara Foreshore Redevelopment Stage 2.
• Offer more than $187,500 in grants and scholarships to help build a stronger, more connected community through skill and capacity building.

Work is already underway on a district open space in Lakelands to provide sport and recreation facilities from mid-2020.

The $7.9 million project sits over a 10-hectare site on the corner of Mandurah Road and Banksiadale Gate in Lakelands.

Mayor Williams said the City has also demonstrated a commitment to building stronger neighbourhoods in the new budget with a new neighbourhood safety program being trialled.

"We’ll also continue to support residents associations and encourage local champions to drive community building initiatives," he said.

Following significant recent changes to the global recycling industry, the City has been proactively working with long-standing waste alliance partner Cleanaway to minimise increased cost and help the community improve their recycling habits.

As the largest regional city in Western Australia, City of Mandurah manages assets with a value of nearly $1 billion.

The community is encouraged to have a say on the City’s proposed rates by Thursday, June 7 online here or by writing to the city. 

Once the public consultation period is closed, the comments will be taken into consideration and included in a report presented to Council, which will vote on the final rate increase and the budget adoption.