Shire of Waroona vote to lock in 4.96 per cent rate rise

Waroona ratepayers have been hit with a 4.96 per cent rates rise after councillors voted to support the Shire’s new budget at a special council meeting on August 6.

Councillors voted unanimously to support the rate rise, which will see the shire’s income increase by around $500,000, from $5.8 million in 2023-2024 to $6.3 million.

The new budget will also see shire’s reserve increase more than $238,000, which Cr Larry Scott said was “gratifying” to see.

Speaking to the Reporter last week, shire president Mike Walmsley said the council was not immune to the rising cost of goods and services around the State.

“We have tried to be as responsible as we can in our rate rise,” he said.

“I think a rate rise just under 5 per cent is about as good as we could land at the moment.”

The newly approved budget contains plans to complete phase two of the Railside Park project as well as redevelopment at Drakesbrook Weir and upgrades for the Environmental Centre.

Last week, Cr Walmsley said he hoped to see the Lake Clifton recreation plan progress.

Also included in the budget is an incentive prize of $1000 for one resident who pays their rates early.

It comes after the Harvey Shire Council locked in a 7 per cent rate rise for its residents, which will see that council spend $98.2 million before June next year — down from the $131 million budgeted in 2023-24.

The shire’s total revenue from rates is set to increase by 9.77 per cent to nearly $30.5 million with residential and rural ratepayers to pay 7 per cent more, while businesses will see a 9 per cent increase.

Land used for workforce accommodation will take the hardest hit at 11 per cent.