Published on Thursday, 27 July 2017 at 12:00:00 AM
Investment in community assets, road upgrades and continued service delivery and support for community groups is the focus of the Town of Port Hedland’s 2017-2018 annual budget, adopted at last night’s special meeting of Council.
Town of Port Hedland Mayor Camilo Blanco said he was pleased that community members and residential ratepayers would benefit from the $84 million budget, and that the Council has worked hard to reduce costs and address inefficiencies across the organisation.
“This is a budget which builds and invests in the community. We will set out to renew ageing infrastructure, enhance our maintenance programs and deliver improved community services and programs”, Mayor Blanco said.
“Against the backdrop of a significant economic downturn, we have adopted tight fiscal measures and focused on building stronger relationships, improving efficiencies and increasing community consultation to deliver a balanced budget”.
“Substantial cost reductions have taken place right across the organisation. This includes a staffing reduction of $3.5 million and further savings with the reduction of contractors and consultants, by a further $500,000. This significant change will be invited without compromising our ability to deliver consistency and excellence in our customer and community services.”
The budget includes $63m for the provision of services and $21m in capital expenditure including $3m to the Spoilbank Marina Project, to deliver the first stage of works to the community that is operationally affordable.
“The Town is committed to maintaining the integrity of the Spoilbank Marina Development,” said Mayor Blanco.
“The project will be rolled-out in a strategic-phased approach. Prior community consultation will take place across the project as we work to create a functional waterfront facility”.
Residents will see an average 1.5% rate increase as part of this year’s balanced budget.
“We have done our best to keep the rates as low as possible while ensuring that we do not lose the many essential services provided by the Town”.
“I look forward to building on the strong results achieved in 2016-17 to create a vibrant and sustainable city and unlocking the true potential of our town”.
The 2017-2018 Budget provides for $21m in capital expenditure. Key items include:
- Spoilbank Marina Waterfront Development, deliver the first phase of project to detailed design: $3,000,000
- Road Upgrades: Approximately $3,825,000
- McGregor Street Sporting and Recreation Precinct master plan: $100,000
- Drainage construction Wanangkura Stadium completion of works: $410,957
- South Hedland Cemetery master plan and upgrades: $48,327
- Cassia Primary School footbridge replacement & upgrade: $125,000.00
- Local History Collections Digitisation Project: $75,000
- Tyre Management Project waste recycling initiative: $1,500,000
A full list of the 2017-2018 budget highlights is available here.
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