Capel rates to rise by 7%

Residents in the Shire of Capel will face a 7% increase to their rates, with the council adopting its draft budget at last week’s meeting.

Confirming the rate increase, Capel shire chief executive Paul Sheedy said it was on par with other councils’ rate rises in the region.

‘‘Most of the councils around the South West are doing somewhere about the 7% mark and we have been going up about 7 to 9 per cent for the past four years,’’ Mr Sheedy said.

‘‘With our growth and infrastructure in the region, 3 or 4 per cent just wouldn’t cut it.’’

Mr Sheedy said $7.7 million would be raised from property and specified area rates for the 2012-13 financial year.

Area rates will increase by $9.70, taking the cost to $148.20. The minimum rate for all properties is now $855. Rubbish and recycling charges will go up by $14.

Ratepayers will pay between $209 for kerbside waste and recycling collections or $237 if they receive green and hard waste collections as well.

Mr Sheedy said he was pleased with the spread of projects and infrastructure in the budget.

‘‘There will be some money spent on recreation facilities, for example the Capel hardcourts which we are hoping to finish by the end of the year at a cost of about $1.2 million,’’ he said.

‘‘We’ve got some ablution facilities and a large portion of the budget will be spent on maintaining roads.

‘‘I’m happy that the budget has been signed off by the council and we can move forward with our projects.’’

Nearly $5 million will be spent on capital works projects. Of this, $2.8 million will be spent on roads, drainage and dual use paths and $1.2 million will go towards roads maintenance.

Parks, gardens and recreation grounds will cost $3.3 million to maintain and waste collection and disposal will account for $1.8 million.

The Dardanup Shire Council introduced the highest rate rise in the Greater Bunbury region for the 2012-13 financial year with an increase of 8%.

The Bunbury City Council raised its rates by 5.95%.

The Harvey Shire Council approved the lowest increase in the region, with 5.25 per cent.