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City budget protects core services and maintains assets

Bayswater Council adopted a budget that protects the core services it delivers for the community and maintains its assets.

City budget protects core services and maintains assets
Jul 19 2022

Bayswater Council last night adopted a budget that protects the core services it delivers on behalf of the community and maintains its assets in a challenging financial environment.

Mayor Filomena Piffaretti said this year’s budget, her first since she was elected as Mayor in October 2021, had been pulled together under less than ideal circumstances.

“The financial challenges the City is currently facing are no secret.”

“I am confident the 2022/23 Budget, adopted by Council last night, is one that balances the need for the City to take steps towards financially sustainability without unfairly burdening ratepayers.”

“Hard decisions have been made in pulling together this year’s budget and I stand behind them. Savings have been made by reducing the number of new projects, freezing the current number of employees and opting to no longer subsidise immunisations on behalf of the State Government.”

“I am committed to getting the City’s finances back on track and ensuring this budget and our long-term financial decisions, do not burden the City’s ratepayers who are already struggling.”

“It is about funding the services our community want, maintaining our current assets for future generations and cutting back in other areas.”

“This budget puts money behind the services that are most needed by our community - basic services, such as rubbish and recycling collections, upgrading local roads, and keeping our neighbourhoods safe with regular security patrols.”

“This budget supports over 150 local community and sporting clubs by providing them with club rooms and buildings to operate out of. “It funds the maintenance of our over 180 parks, ovals and open spaces including 24 sporting ovals and two public golf courses.”

“This budget provides facilities our community need, from the pool at Bayswater Waves and the public sports courts at The RISE, to our three libraries and two community centres. These facilities are used by all ages and abilities.”

“This is a back to basics budget. It is not filled with a raft of new projects.”

“I am mindful cost of living pressures are causing financial distress for many as we face increases in the cost of food, petrol, utilities, rent and mortgages. And we are still recovering from the impact of COVID-19.”

“Just like our ratepayers, the City is faced with increases in the cost of fuel, electricity and water – these significantly impact our operations. Labour shortages, supply chain issues and price increases in the building and construction industry means it now costs more to maintain our ageing assets.”

“This year we have kept the rate increase as low as possible at 4.95%. This is less than the national CPI of 5.1% and the Perth CPI at 7.6%.”

“1% of the rates increase will be set aside so we can make the necessary future upgrades to our ageing assets.

“Our low rate in the dollar and low minimum rate mean that in 2022/23 Bayswater ratepayers in residential areas will continue to enjoy one of the lowest levels of rating across the entire Perth metropolitan area. Our rate in the dollar is lower than our neighbouring Councils of Vincent, Swan and Bassendean.

“I acknowledge getting the City’s finances back on track won’t happen within one budget cycle and there are some things that just can’t wait. That is why this year the City will borrow $7.14 million to complete the upgrade of Bayswater Waves. With 750,000 visits each year, the facility is used by older residents, schools, students and caters for special needs groups. We need to invest in this facility now to ensure it remains open. Our community deserve a facility that caters to their needs.”

“This budget will fund the reconfiguration of the Bayswater Waves foyer to improve accessibility and expand the group fitness area. It will also pay for the refurbishment of the popular wave pool.”

“Borrowing the funds to complete the upgrade of Bayswater Waves is a more equitable way to finance the construction costs of the upgrade. Our community deserve a facility that caters to their needs.”

“This Council is keen to encourage investment in the City that will make it a more vibrant and liveable place to live, work and visit. This budget will fund the rollout of the City’s Interim Economic Development Strategy that will see a renewed focus on the attraction of new development and the continued support for local businesses. Actively pursuing investment in areas such as the Morley Activity Centre will increase the range of commercial activities and make the City more financially sustainable in the longer term.”

“This budget will ensure the City is well positioned to capitalise on opportunities presented by the State Government’s investment in major road and rail projects. It also allows for the construction of underground power in a large portion of Maylands next year.”

“In this difficult economic climate it is important we work hard to leverage revenue from other sources. I am proud that in my term as Mayor the City has been able to secure over $3 million in election funding commitments from the Federal Government. I will continue to advocate for funding for projects that improve the lives of our community.”

“This budget allocates $30,000 towards the development of a new City-wide Community Safety and Crime Prevention Plan. The Plan will include practical actions aimed at improving safety, service delivery and reducing crime within the community.”

“Council has committed $49,000 in this budget towards the continued roll out of its Emissions Reduction and Renewable Energy Plan. As part of our commitment to mitigating climate change as we move towards net zero emissions in our operations, we have also installed solar panels and LED lighting across City and community buildings.”

“This budget provides over $220,000 in grant funding to environmental, sporting and community groups. This includes Community Capital grants that provide accessibility improvements or upgrades to community facilities; Better Bayswater grants that make our City a better place to live; Community Events grants that bring people together; and donations to charitable organisations. This budget contributes to the City’s vision for a strong and inclusive community.” 

“This budget allocates $242,000 towards a range of popular community events that contribute to the vibrancy of our City. They include the Avon Descent Finish Line Festival, Community Art Awards, as well as a raft of concerts and music in the park, and Carols by Candlelight.

“$46,000 will fund the continued roll out of the Homelessness Strategy to support those most vulnerable in our community.”

“I am mindful that more work will still need to be done to repair the City’s finances and that this will take time and continued financial restraint. I am, however, confident this budget delivers the services the community needs in a financially responsible way without unnecessarily burdening our ratepayers.”

“I would like to acknowledge my fellow Councillors, the staff and leadership team at the City for all their hard work in delivering the City’s 2022/23 Budget.”

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