Published on Friday, 28 July 2023 at 7:56:23 AM
The Town of Port Hedland has delivered a budget which will see average residential rates drop, while continuing to invest in initiatives to lift the liveability of Hedland.
At its meeting last night, the Town of Port Hedland Council adopted the 2023-24 rating strategy and budget, which includes an overall 5.1 per cent drop in the rates charged on residential properties.
“We have recognized the escalating cost of living and the pressure that places on residents,” Town of Port Hedland Mayor Peter Carter said.
“Meanwhile, we’ve dedicated funding to tackle key areas that make it challenging for people to choose Hedland as their home".
“We will invest in housing and childcare projects as we demonstrate leadership in addressing Hedland’s biggest challenges.
“At the same time, we will continue to advocate for increased funding from State and Federal Government, and other potential funding partners, to ensure our vision for Hedland can be achieved.”
The budget anticipates annual revenue of $92.6 million, with 73 per cent coming from rates revenue, totaling $68 million. This revenue from rates contains a 3.5 per cent increase compared to the rates revenue gathered by the Town in the 2022-23 financial year, and also includes revaluations of some rates plus new additional rates.
“The decrease in residential rates has been offset with increasing rates charged on mining-related properties - these properties will see an increase in rates of 6.5 per cent, lifting revenue from this rates segment by 14.7 per cent to $46 million,” Mayor Carter said.
“This increase in rates charged on mining properties acknowledges the cost burden placed on the Town from this activity, such as the increasing cost to maintain roading. In this financial year we will spend $8.5 million on roads and bridges.”
Town of Port Hedland Chief Executive Officer Carl Askew said the budget includes anticipated spending of $56 million on capital works, with more than $33.2 million going into either new facilities or upgrading existing amenities.
“This investment continues our focus of investing in Hedland to make it an even better place to live, work and play. This includes investing more than $8 million into the transformational Hedland Sports and Arts Precinct and $5 million on existing parks, ovals and family-friendly spaces such as playgrounds and BBQs,” Mr Askew said.
“Additionally, the budget allocates more than $2 million to implement our solar energy strategy by installing solar on key community and Town-owned facilities to reduce operating costs.
“And, we will continue to deliver an impressive events program for the enjoyment of our community, including adding news events to the calendar.”
Budget highlights:
- Maintained or improved service levels across board
- Residential rates drop by 5.13% (average reduction $105.28pa)
- 25% of new FTE’s are Trainees
- $1.2 million to develop Cooke Point shared path
- $8 million to start South Hedland Integrated Sports Hub
- $4 million to upgrade existing parks and ovals
- $1 million to rejuvenate Hedland’s family-friendly spaces such as playgrounds, BBQs and drinking fountains
- $2.3 million to reseal roads
- $2.1 million to implement the solar strategy
- $1.3 million to rejuvenate Koombana lookout
- $0.5 million to refurbish the Port Hedland Tennis and Hockey Club
Media Enquiries
Town of Port Hedland, Public Relations Team
Email: media@porthedland.wa.gov.au
Phone: (08) 9111 5000
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