Published on Thursday, 8 August 2024 at 11:40:30 AM
The Shire of Murray Council has adopted its 2024/25 budget; investing to deliver the Council Plan and community vision where Murray is an outstanding place for community, lifestyle and opportunity.
Through the budget, the Shire will deliver a range of services and projects that align to community aspirations under five strategic pillars – people, planet, place, prosperity and performance – with a particular focus on health, economic development, tourism development and environmental sustainability.
Shire President, Councillor David Bolt, said the budget will allow the Shire to deliver essential ratepayer services, while also maintaining facilities and investing in the future.
“We will be investing $10,997,741 in sport and recreation through the Murray Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Murray Library, green spaces and community facilities such as a cricket and hockey pavilion, playgrounds and youth skate/BMX parks,” said Councillor Bolt.
“There will be a $3,632,276 investment in health, welfare and community safety, $21,990,114 in roads, footpaths, bridges and drainage, and $4,850,549 in waste management.
“We have also committed $6,358,021 in economic development and tourism activities such as the Dwellingup Trails and Visitor Centre, the Food Innovation Precinct WA, promotion of tourism destinations and economic stimulation projects. Plus, there’s a $1,519,659 investment in heritage, culture and events, and a further $3,064,353 in town planning and environmental protection.
“The budget will also progress a number of major projects. We will complete the much anticipated redevelopment of the Exchange Hotel, install new sport and recreational facilities, progress with a number of road works and foot paths, and install additional CCTV.”
As part of the budget, Council has adopted an overall rate increase of 3.95 percent.
Rates only account for 50 per cent of the Shire’s revenue, with the gap being funded predominantly through grants and contributions, and other fees and charges.
“Seeking funding through other sources eases pressure on rates, without compromising on the Shire’s needs,” added Councillor Bolt.
“Community expectations are always at the forefront of Council decisions. With a budget that is aligned closely to our Council Plan, we have great confidence we are investing appropriately in community aspirations.”
The Shire of Murray is proud of its strong commitment to sustainable and transparent financial management. The Shire has previously been identified by the Audit-General as in the Top 20 Councils in terms of financial performance. It does not have any end of year deficits in its Long-Term Financial Plan in any of the next 10 years.
Budget highlights
- $43,271,074 total revenue budget
- 50% of revenue collected in ways other than rates
- 3.95% overall rate increase
Revenue
- Rates: $21,507,214 (50%)
- Fees and charges: $7,896,819 (18%)
- Capital grants and contributions: $10,295,465 (24%)
- Operating grants and contributions: $1,688,629 (4%)
- Interest earnings: $1,300,216 (3%)
- Other revenue: $582,731 (1%)
Expenditure highlights
- $10,997,741 in sport and recreation
- $6,358,021 in economic development and tourism
- $21,990,114 in roads, footpaths, bridges and drainage
- $1,519,659 in heritage, culture and events
- $3,064,353 in town planning and environmental protection
- $3,632,276 in health, welfare and community safety
- $4,850,549 in waste management
Major projects
- The Exchange Hotel: $1,546,471 to complete the building and site redevelopment, creating a regional icon and destination hospitality venue. 2
- Sir Ross McLarty Oval: $630,000 to complete the car parking and construct new cricket wickets and supporting infrastructure adjacent to the Lovegrove Sports Pavilion. Overall project cost = $3,804,511. 1,2,3,4
- Humphrey Park: $300,000 to improve community facilities including greenspace to encourage a kickabout space for exercise, plus associated play equipment and recreational facilities. 1
- Corio Road Waste Transfer Station: $947,623 to complete the installation of a moving floor and compactor at the Corio Road Waste Transfer Station.
- North Dandalup Public Open Space: $125,677 to introduce multicourts for basketball and netball, plus cricket wickets. Overall project cost = $600,000.
- Footpaths: $638,155 for the renewal and upgrade of pathways across the shire, including 3km upgrade to the footpath linking to North Pinjarra.
- Munday Avenue Extension: $2,414,980 to progress design and construction works that will provide direct access to Greenlands Road; improving transport options to the Pinjarra industrial area for heavy vehicles. 1
- Coolup Road South: $439,415 to continue road reconstruction and upgrade works along a 2km section.2
- Regional roads: $1,930,843 for design and/or construction works on a variety of roads including Burnside Road, Lakes Road, Hopelands Road, Paterson Road, Old Mandurah Road, South Yunderup Road, Del Park Road and Old Bunbury Road. 1
- CCTV network: $98,815 investment to expand security network for community safety in the Pinjarra Central Business District.3
1 Supported by State Government
2 Supported by Australian Government
3 Supported by Alcoa
4 Supported by Cricket Australia
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