Published on Tuesday, 28 June 2022 at 8:00:00 PM
As costs continue to increase across the globe, the City of Greater Geraldton Council has adopted the 2022/23 Budget that “meets the challenge” of the current economy and ensures rate rises remain low.
A booming property market sees Western Australia rental revaluations increase by 20% and to combat the surge, the City has managed to reduce the rate-in-the-dollar by 16% to deliver a modest rate rise of 3.6% for residential properties.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said many ratepayers would see decreases in their rates notices.
“The Valuer General’s Officer has reviewed the property market and some of our suburbs have experienced significant development whether that’s through new builds or renovations. Overall, market sentiment was stronger than the previous General Valuation period,” he said.
“To combat this, we have reduced our rate-in-the-dollar so that some ratepayers will see decreases in their rates notices. The reality is though that some property valuations have gone up significantly and some households will see a rate increase of above 3.6%.
“Over the last few years we have kept rate increases to all-time lows, and on average around 1% per annum, but this year has presented significant challenges. Cost of goods and services have gone up enormously, which we are not immune to.
“We are meeting the challenge with a 3.6% rate increase, which is a measured response to the economy and allows us to keep delivering the projects and priorities outlined in our Strategic Community Plan,” added Mayor Van Styn.
The 2022/23 Budget also sees Council adopt one GRV rate category as opposed to having multiple.
“We are merging both residential and non-residential categories to create equity in Greater Geraldton. This is a win for our entire community as it brings us together instead of being segregated with varying costs,” continued Mayor Van Styn.
Annual bulk verge side rubbish collection will return with $650,000 allocated to remove resident’s bulky unwanted items such as white goods and furniture as well as green waste.
Spalding will also be revitalised with the Spalding Revitalisation Plan that sees a joint contribution of $3 million to the area from both the City and State Government.
Spalding isn’t the only suburb to reap the rewards, with $1.4 million committed to beautifying and increasing the liveability of other suburbs across Greater Geraldton.
Maintaining and upgrading rural and urban roads as well as footpaths continues to be a top priority and has $18 million allocated.
The City precinct and various sport and leisure facilities will be a focal point too with $1.3 million committed for renewal works.
Waste diversion infrastructure at the Meru Landfill has $5.2 million allocated in the 2022/23 Budget as we continue on a path to reduce our carbon footprint.
All of the projects are priorities outlined in the City’s Corporate Business Plan and Strategic Community Plan.
To view the full Budget, visit www.cgg.wa.gov.au
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