Budget 2007-2008: Focus on growth

City of Gosnells Mayor Patricia Morris AM JP said planning for the future while meeting the needs of today’s community remained among the toughest challenges for local governments.

"This year, the City of Gosnells has delivered a well-planned Budget that responds to continued residential growth with another comprehensive infrastructure package," she said.

"A recent independent report on the City's financial viability highlighted an urgent need to replace ageing facilities and create new infrastructure.

"The provision of quality infrastructure has been a priority for the City for several years and remains a top concern as our population is expected to grow by more than 40,000 over the next 20 years.

"About $358 million on capital expenditure for infrastructure will be required and we will continue to seek out external funding opportunities to ensure ratepayers receive value for money."

At its Budget Meeting on Tuesday 3 July, Council adopted an average rate increase of 6 per cent.

Of the increase, 2.5 per cent will be quarantined for use on infrastructure projects.
The increase will enable the City to undertake a series of major projects, including the $6.5 million Amherst Community Village, to service Canning Vale and Southern River – two of Perth's fastest growing suburbs.

Work is also being finished on the $8.5 million Harmony Fields sports and recreation complex as part of the Maddington-Kenwick urban regeneration project and work begins on the redevelopment of the City's Administration Centre.

The balance of the increase keeps pace with inflation and will help the City support a growing need for more basic demands, such as waste and recycling collection, road improvements and community services.

The Mayor said the rate rise was a vital part of securing the City’s future sustainability.

"We have been independently judged as being among the State's best managed local governments and ratepayers can be assured that they are getting top value for their rates.

"The work we are doing now will benefit not only today's ratepayers but their children and grandchildren.

"We are building for a bright future here in the City of Gosnells where a diverse and active community is growing together as we welcome many new residents and businesses to the area."

As posted on the COG Website