The City of Busselton’s budget features one of the lowest rate increases across the South West

The City of Busselton has revealed it’s new budget, featuring a rate increase lower than many other local governments in the South West. Adopted by the council last week, the budget will see a rate increase of 3.9% as the council strives “to keep rates below inflation.” By comparison with neighbouring councils, the City of Bunbury set a seven per cent rates increase while the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River adopted a 4.75 per cent rise for the financial year. “This is a practical budget that focuses on planning for the future and delivering on commitments that help make our city more liveable and will help attract new residents,” said Busselton Mayor Grant Henley. The budget will provide for $160 million of operational and capital investment to support services, facilities and projects important to the city’s themes. The budget includes a hefty $47 million for maintenance and construction of rural and urban road networks,bridges, footpaths cycle-ways, road drainage, street lighting and as well as the operation of the airport. Capital projects to the value of $11.1 million will be invested in roads and drainage, this includes a $2 million upgrade to Bussell Highway and major upgrades Jalbarragup Road, Payne Road, North Jindong Road and Commonage Road. Other highlighted projects of the new budget include continuation of Dunsborough Lakes Sporting Precinct Stage 1, the upgrade of the Churchill Park oval, and the development of a memorial at Rotary Park. “As one of the fastest growing regional local governments, we have a responsibility to deliver value for money for our ratepayers, while also investing in the future of our facilities and infrastructure.” Mayor Henley said.