Published on Monday, 5 August 2019 at 12:00:00 AM
MEDIA RELEASE
NARROGIN SHIRE ADOPTS 19-20 BUDGET
At its meeting on 24 July, the Council of the Shire of Narrogin adopted the new financial year budget. The Budget was developed following several workshops, attended by Elected Members and senior staff of the Shire, to consider the funding priorities for the coming 12 months. In considering the priorities, Council aligns its decisions with the Strategic Community Plan and its Long Term Financial Plan.
Shire President Leigh Ballard explained that "Some of the significant projects presented at the workshops, and included in this year's budget, include 'Roads to Recovery' roadworks as well as Regional Road Group roadworks. Improvements to Narrogin township incorporates projects such as various townscaping projects, cemetery and public conveniences improvements, footpath construction and playground upgrades and in Highbury, townscaping projects and a contribution towards the resurfacing of the tennis courts. Council also decided to invest in the development of strategies to pave the way for the future in relation to youth services, rail heritage, the Caravan Park and Gnarojin Park”.
Mr Ballard said, "We continue our efforts to maximise grant funding with obtaining over $3.2m in Federal and State grants”.
Mr Ballard added “The Council looks forward to continuing to bring improvements to our community and the district as a whole, and to continue to be a leading driver of regional economic change and furthering initiatives that build on our social activities and inclusiveness as a community.”
Despite difficult economic conditions and increases in State Government charges, the Shire Budget shows several significant new initiatives, with only a modest rate increase.
Refuse charges have not increased from 2018-19 levels and the refuse tip pass system has been removed, providing free access to residential customers to the Narrogin Landfill & Recycling Facility (if delivering green or domestic waste less than 1 cubic metre per visit).
Mr Ballard added “Council continues to focus on improving community infrastructure, with a concentrated effort in providing and upgrading public conveniences, footpaths and the cemetery, as well as increasing funding to Shire roads and drainage”.
“The Council looks forward to another year in advocating for and investing in our infrastructure, our roads and other assets, and to further the work underway in restoring confidence in the housing and retail sector and the CBD”.
“The Budget has been prepared with a rate increase of 2%, demonstrating Council’s commitment to keeping increases low and, combined with the zero increase in refuse charges, the average residential ratepayer will only have an effective increase of 1.65%, or $30 per annum from last year”. “Elected Members declined to give themselves any increases in allowances, reflecting the desire of the Councillors and myself to keeping the rate increase to that which was absolutely necessary.”
“A reminder that this is a local government election year, and nominations for four vacancies on Council, will be advertised in late August”.
For former Shire ratepayers, there is an additional small “parity” increase, as per the merger Memorandum of Understanding.
Copies of the Annual Budget are available from the Shire’s website https://www.narrogin.wa.gov.au/documents/.
Budget Highlights
- Road maintenance activities $3.83M
- Grain Freight Grant - Cooraminning Rd - stabilisation and surface defect repairs $144k
- Roadworks - Roads to Recovery (various projects) $303K
- Clayton Rd – stabilisation and surface defect repairs (from Wiese Rd to boundary $738k
- Dongolocking Rd - 2,80km of new bituminous seal $218K
- Road construction activities other $0.97M
- Construction of new public toilets and seating at Memorial Park $137k
- Replacement or renovation of Toilets at Smith Street, Clayton Road Oval & Harris Street $130k
- Highbury Tennis Courts –courts resurfacing subject to receipt to a grant $75k
- Footpath Construction (Ensign St, Argus St and Park St) $76k
- Installation of addition CCTV cameras $37k
- Narrogin Caravan Park - new accommodation units and campers kitchen $452k
- Yilliminning Rock Recreation Area (3 shelters, BBQ, seating, signage) $18k
- Gnarojin Park (Cultural Heritage Plan, landscaping, hydrology and electrical design) $165k
- Renovations to Narrogin Railway Station Platform and Pedestrian Overpass $53k
- Narrogin Railway Station and Former Goods Shed Conservation and Adaptive Reuse Plans $35K
- Supply and install Gazebo to Wilbur Park, Highbury $15k
- Youth Services in conjunction with service providers $50k
- Library Additions $120k
- Accessibility upgrades Narrogin CBD $50k
- John Higgins Centre Air-conditioning $22k
- Highbury Refuse Site remediation $20k
- Nomans Lake Playground equipment $6.5k
- Cemetery improvements $47k
– Ends –
Further information on this media release may be obtained by contacting Dale Stewart, enquiries@narrogin.wa.gov.au or telephone 08 9890 0900.
Approved by:
Dale Stewart
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Shire of Narrogin
PO Box 1145
Narrogin WA 6312
Email: enquiries@narrogin.wa.gov.au
See the Budget Snapshot
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