Fire station in the mix for Waroona budget

A significant investment in roads and a new fire station are among the big-ticket items in Waroona Shire Council’s proposed 2019-2020 budget.

The council is expected to formally adopt the budget at a special meeting this morning, spelling a “conservative” rates rise of 2.64 per cent.

This increase is 1.36 per cent less than the rise predicted in the council’s long-term financial plan.

Waroona shire president Mike Walmsley said the “disciplined” budget was aimed on putting money aside to benefit the community.

He said although some councils did not increase rates in 2019, he felt it was important to have savings to plan for the future.

“This is a conservative and sustainable budget,” Cr Walmsley said.

“I think we need to put money aside to maintain community assets and to plan for the community going forward.

“And we need management strategies for looking after them.”

Construction of the Waroona West Fire Station is the biggest single budget item at $596,000 for the highly-anticipated community asset.

Another $252,000 will go towards Roads to Recovery projects, including $75,000 towards upgrades to Hesse Street.

Among other projects forecast for 2019-2020 is the $629,500 reconstruction and realignment of Peppermint Grove Road through Black Spot Funding.

An amount of $45,000 was also allocated towards ramps and footpaths on South Western Highway in the town centre.

“We are not shying away from looking after our assets,” Cr Walmsley said.

“We need to look after what we’ve got.”

Funding for essential maintenance work to the Waroona Recreation and Aquatic Centre, upgrades to the Centennial Park playground and refurbishment of the visitors centre have all been allocated in the budget.

A special report to the council states there are no new loans proposed in the budget, and overall debt levels continue to be well within manageable levels.

These are among the factors which will allow the council to help the funding of future infrastructure projects or purchases, according to the report.

A resolution to adopt the annual budget and associated fees and charges requires an absolute majority vote of the council.