Council agrees on small rise for ratepayers

Donnybrook-Balingup Shire Council adopted its lowest rates increase in many years on Monday.

The council passed the 2019-20 draft budget which – subject to final approval on August 21 – includes a 1.95 per cent rates increase, one of the lowest throughout the South West for the financial year.

Donnybrook-Balingup shire president Brian Piesse said the council understood the increasing financial pressures experienced by many households and businesses.

“Working closely with the executive management team, we have made every effort to minimise the rate increase, whilst still maintaining the delivery of local services and meeting community priorities and expectations,” he said.

“All areas of the community will see the benefits of the 2019-2020 budget, with many exciting major projects commencing.

“There is also a focus on safer roads, emergency services, aged care and enhancing our townsites through road safety and economic and environmental stewardship initiatives.”

Major capital projects in the 2019-20 budget include the Donnybrook Town Centre Revitalisation Project, the Bridge Street Affordable Housing project and major upgrade works to the Apple Fun Park.

There will also be a significant expansion to the Tuia Lodge residential aged care facility.

According to a statement from the council, the 2019-20 budget makes provision for planning around the next portion of key projects for the shire.

The statement also said despite some State Government-related increases to levies and charges, the Donnybrook-Balingup waste management fees had been reduced.

Shire chief executive Ben Rose encouraged residents and business owners to have their say on the draft budget.

The 2019-20 Donnybrook-Balingup draft budget is available at the shire website or in the shire office.

The submission period for feedback finishes at 5pm on August 16 and should be addressed to the chief executive officer.

Feedback will be presented to the council for consideration before the finalised budget is adopted.