Mayor Dan Bull said the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the local community has left many residents, local businesses and community groups struggling to recover.
“We know our community is hurting and there are still tough times ahead. This budget will help us navigate these uncertain times as we embark on the road to recovery.
“We have responded to the Premier’s request to freeze rates and invest in projects that stimulate the local economy. We made a commitment to our community back in March to a zero percent rate increase. We will now deliver on this promise. This year, if you have not made any significant changes to your property, your rates will not increase.
“The bottom line is, if you are a ratepayer in the City of Bayswater, your rates will not go up this year.
“The City’s 2020/21 Budget provides for $31 million in works to help stimulate the local economy – this is double that of the previous year.
“The ability to deliver a budget with increased expenditure and a zero rate increase is a result of a strong focus on financial management over a number of years allowing Council to remain debt free. The City has also worked hard to reduce costs and streamline its services to meet community expectations since commencing service reviews back in 2017.
Mayor Dan Bull said that staff needed to be acknowledged for the contribution they have made to the 2020/21 Budget.
“Many of our staff live locally and have witnessed first-hand the negative impact the COVID-19 crisis has had on our community and local businesses. During the height of the pandemic in WA, the City worked hard to redeploy casual staff whose livelihoods were put at risk due to the closure of community facilities such as pools, gyms and libraries. This generated a significant amount of goodwill within the organisation and in addition to no new positions, staff have voted not to accept a pay increase this year.
“The $31 million of works included in this year’s budget follow the adoption of a $5.09 million local economic and social stimulus package in May that fast tracked the planning of four major projects and immediately progressed works previously requested by community clubs and groups, along with improvements to parks, town centres, roads and footpaths, and City facilities.
“Consequently, central to this year’s budget is the progression of those four major projects worth $11 million. They are the upgrade of the Morley Sport and Recreation Centre at a cost of $5.5 million, the redevelopment of Maylands Waterland at $2.5 million, $1.4 million for the replacement of the Noranda Netball Courts and $1.6 million towards the refurbishment of the 25m pool and pool hall at Bayswater Waves.
“We will reallocate reserves to bring forward projects to provide work for local contractors and suppliers, and deliver upgraded community facilities. This is a deliberate move by Council to stimulate the local economy.
“We are keen to attract investment in the City and have allocated funds in this year’s budget towards a Business and Economic Growth Program designed to support existing small businesses and make it easier for new businesses to start up. We will work closely with our local business community to identify their priorities so funding can be allocated where it is needed most.
“We have amended our procurement policy to provide a greater focus on the use of local suppliers and contractors. We are keen to support our local business community.
We understand that financial stress facing vulnerable ratepayers and have adopted a Financial Hardship Policy that provides flexibility in the payment of rates and service charges. We have opted to issue rates notice early, so community members will have longer to pay. We have a number of payment plans available and won’t be charging administration fees this year.
“We have made the tough decision not to progress with participatory budgeting at this time. While we remain committed to the process we feel, this year, the City must proactively respond to the challenges our community is facing as a result of the pandemic and concentrate our efforts on stimulating the economy.
The 2020/21 Budget has a clear focus – to deliver the facilities our community have been asking for while stimulating the local economy without charging more in rates. I am confident this budget will not only put us on a path to recovery but ensure we emerge in a stronger and better position than before.
Key highlights of the 2020/21 Budget
Morley Sport and Recreational Centre $5.5 million
- The detailed design work for the upgrade of Morley Sport and Recreational Centre was fast tracked as part of the City’s $5.09 million local economic and social stimulus package.
- Stage one of the three stage project will commence in late 2020 with the construction of two additional basketball courts. The courts will benefit junior basketball clubs in the local area and enable the City to host State basketball league competitions. The City anticipates the completion of stage one in late 2021. This project was initiated by a $2 million grant from the State government.
Maylands Waterland $2.5 million
- The detailed design work for the redevelopment of Maylands Waterland was fast tracked as part of the City’s $5.09 million local economic and social stimulus package.
- The project will be completed in two stages; with stage one ready for the community to enjoy by November 2021.
- Stage one includes a children’s wading pool, zero depth splash pad, water play area, toilet and changing facilities, community picnic and barbecue areas, and facilities for mobile food vans to access.
Noranda Netball Courts $1.4 million
- Fast tracked as part of the City’s $5.09 million local economic and social stimulus package, the Noranda Netball Courts received further funding in this year’s budget.
- The playing surface of the 16 courts will be reconstructed this year to comply with Netball WA competition standards. Floodlighting and fencing at the courts will also be replaced.
Bayswater Waves $1.6 million
- Refurbishments at Bayswater Waves will continue this year with the allocation of funding in this year’s budget.
- Stage two of the five stage refurbishment of the facility will focus on the renewal of the indoor 25 metre pool that is now 20 years old. Works will commence following the 2020/21 summer season in order to minimise disruption to patrons.