Published on Wednesday, 6 July 2022 at 1:46:51 PM
The Town of Port Hedland will invest $81.7 million into capital works over 2022/23, while achieving one of the lowest rates increases in the region.
Council adopted the Town’s annual budget and rating strategy for the 2022/23 financial year last week. It includes an overall 2.5 per cent increase to the amount collected from rates.
Within the rating structure, the total rates revenue gathered from residential properties has decreased by 2.3 per cent. This is driven by a reduction in the rate in the dollar charging mechanism, from 0.098 in 2021/22 to 0.071 for the current financial year. Rates from mining and resources will increase 2.2 per cent.
Mayor Peter Carter said the Council’s rating strategy appreciated the challenges placed on residential ratepayers and secures the Town’s financial position, meaning core community services can continue being delivered in the 2022/23 financial year.
“Many residential ratepayers will see a decrease in their rates bill, which is something the Town is proud of,” Mayor Carter said.
“I’m pleased Council has endorsed a rating strategy which reflects the cost-of-living realities households currently face, alongside an annual budget which will fund community services and a robust capital works program to build a better future for our community.”
The overall 2.5 per cent rates increase is lower than both the national 5.1 per cent national inflation rate and 5.7 per cent Local Government Cost Index.
The budget estimates a total operating expenditure of $108 million for 2022/23.
Meanwhile, the record $81.7 million capital works budget will see the continuation of key infrastructure projects including construction of seawalls, developing the Port Hedland Community Centre, shading the skatepark and upgrades and renewals to roads and public spaces.
Mayor Peter Carter said the investment was part of the Town’s continuing commitment to revitalising Hedland, while maintaining a focus on financial sustainability.
“Our approach to the 2022/23 financials builds on the progress we’ve made in recent years to strengthen the Town’s financial position, recognising that the town supporting the world’s largest bulk exporting port deserves world class infrastructure, services, amenity and livability.”
“We have been able to set this record capital works budget thanks to the Town’s prudent financial management, enabling us to invest while keeping rates low,” Mayor Carter said.
“I’m excited about this year’s budget which will see our commitment to rejuvenating Hedland continue.”
Capital Work highlights in the 2022/23 budget include:
- $15.5 million for the Port Hedland Community Centre
- $6.95 million for the Port Hedland Seawalls Project
- $4.5 million for the South Hedland Skate Park Shade Structure
- $3.7 million for the Depot Masterplan
- $2.32 million for the Finucane Island Boat Ramp stage 2 landside upgrade works
- $2.1 million for the South Hedland Entrance Statement and Commons
- $1.6 million for the Regional Roads Group Wedgefield Connection
- $1.54 million for the JD Hardie Youth and Community Hub stage 2 multi-use courts and surrounds
- $1.5 million for South Hedland townsite activation.
“I’d like to thank everyone who submitted their feedback when the Town’s 2022/23 Statement of Objects and Reasons was advertised in May, with these submissions informing the endorsed rating strategy,” Mayor Carter said.
Click here to access the Town’s 2022/23 Annual Budget.
Image: The extension of seawalls around Port Hedland are being funded in the Town's record capital works budget.
For media information:
Town of Port Hedland, PR and Communications Team
Email: media@porthedland.wa.gov.au
Phone: 08 9158 9300
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