The City of Swan has continued a zero per cent rates increase for the third year running, the decision has made the LGA the envy of Perth. The council’s decision was made with consideration of the rising cost of living and ongoing challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deputy Mayor Mel Congerton said the city’s focus was meeting the community’s needs now and well into the future.
“With rising inflation and costs, our priority is to reduce financial pressure on our ratepayers which is why there will be no increase in rates,” he said.
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Ratepayers of the City of Swan are the envy of others across Perth, with the council adopting a zero per cent rates increase for the third year running.
In adopting its 2022-23 budget, the council was conscious of the cost of living and ongoing challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deputy Mayor Mel Congerton said the city’s focus was meeting the community’s needs now and well into the future.
“With rising inflation and costs, our priority is to reduce financial pressure on our ratepayers which is why there will be no increase in rates,” he said.
“We have achieved this through careful management of our operating budgets and capital works projects.”
The budget, which includes continuing the city’s COVID financial hardship policy, features $93.4 million on roads and bridges and $25.1m on community facilities.
The capital works program includes the Ellenbrook Youth Centre, Brockman Community Centre and Dayton District Open Space.
The Ellenbrook project is for a purpose-built youth centre for locals to access a range of activities, services and supports focused on health, wellbeing and development.
Stage two of the Dayton District Open Space, due to begin later this year, will deliver 12ha of recreation and sporting facilities, including sport pavilions, ovals, synthetic hockey fields, netball courts and cricket nets.
The city’s budget also includes increasing the urban tree canopy and providing rewards in relation to sustainability for businesses and residents.
As part of its Urban Forest plan, the city is planting trees in reserves and along roads, including 900 on the Stock Road extension in Bullsbrook, 370 on Henley Brook Avenue and 700 in various locations.
The city will also continue to provide discounts to residents and businesses on products and services, including solar energy, composting equipment and rainwater tanks as part of the Switch Your Thinking program.
“In a changing climate, community wellbeing and sustainability are closely linked, which is why we’re investing in protecting our natural environment,” Cr Congerton said.
“We’re implementing a range of initiatives, from extensive tree planting programs in Ellenbrook, Dayton and Henley Brook, to hosting free Thinking Green workshops that equip our residents with the knowledge to make more sustainable, environmentally conscious choices.”
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