Council adopts sustainable budget
At its Ordinary Meeting held on 28 June 2011, Council adopted the 2011/12 Budget.
Council was very mindful of the economic and social environment and has developed a budget that is consistent with its Strategic Plan and at the same time keeping the rates increase to an amount of 3.95% as well as maintaining a level of service that the community expects.
We have a budget of approximately $19 million and this budget reflects Council’s commitment to ensure that we provide a sustainable and viable future for the Town of Bassendean.
For your information, below are the areas of income, expenditure and capital works program that are included in the 2011/12 Budget.
Reserve Funds
The Town’s Reserves funds have increased considerably from $650,000 in 2009/10 year to an estimated closing balance of $3.9 million in the 2011/12 year. This is mainly attributed to the sale of the Masonic Hall and 85 Old Perth Road.
Infrastructure Development
An allocation of $2.2 million has been allocated to major capital works projects listed as follows:
| • Roads Program | $353,195 |
| • Drainage Assets | $168,464 |
| • Parks & Reserves | $1,163,259 |
| • Building Improvements | $313,535 |
| • Plant and Machinery | $195,500 |
| • Furniture & Equipment | $57,350 |
|
Total
|
$2,251,303 |
Grant and funding sources for the 2011/12 Capital works projects total $1,146,941 and these consist of:
| • Swan River Trust | Success Hill Reserve | $253,391 |
| • Cash in Lieu | Success Hill Reserve | $317,135 |
| • Cash in Lieu | Point Reserve Toilet | $217,135 |
| • Hyde Retirement Village Reserve | Hyde Retirement Village Building Bond | $24,000 |
| • Office of Crime Prevention | Graffiti Management Software | $20,000 |
| • Roads to Recovery | Hyland Street and Collier Road | $145,400 |
| • Main Roads WA | Clarke & Pearson Streets | $108,530 |
| • Office of Crime Prevention | CCTV Trailer | $25,000 |
| • Plant | Trade-ins | $20,000 |
| • Office of Crime Prevention | CCTV Skate Park | $16,350 |
|
|
Total
|
$1,146,941 |
The balance of $1,104,000 will be funded from rates and reserves funds.
Environmental Enhancement
The Town of Bassendean prides itself on the environmental enhancements that have been developed with the assistance of the EMRC and has included projects totalling $225,000. These include Bushland Management, Cities for Climate Protection, Solar Cities Program, Collective Biodiversity, Water Campaign, Green Fleet and School Education, Future Proofing, and Weed Control.
In addition to the above, Council has received funding for a Flood Inundation Mitigation Plan totalling $73,000.
Public Events
Public events to be held in the 2011/12 year total some $250,000 and these include Australia Day, NAIDOC Day, Anzac Day, Seniors’ Week, Summer Outdoor Movies, Visual Arts Awards, Avon Descent, and the Bassendean Festival, as well as providing funds for other community events of some $15,000.
Economic Vitality
Council has allocated a total of $119,000 for Economic Development. The Old Perth Road Markets will be held again in the 2011/12 financial year. The Markets aim to revitalise the Town Centre and provide a community event that will assist in the development of the ‘Bassendean Means Business’ approach.
The Town of Bassendean is also a partner in the tourism promotion of the region and contributes some $11,000 to the EMRC for this purpose.
Conclusion/Summary
The budget is mindful of the increases in State charges which not only affect the Town’s operations but also the cost of living for its residents. The budget attempts to reconcile those opposing issues by ensuring that the budget is responsible but attentive to the increasing costs for the community.
There has been an emphasis on the maintenance of vital infrastructure, and also the environmental concerns we all face. The budget looks to consolidating the assets of the Town whilst preparing for a future which may see a changing and drying climate affect the way we do business.
The Town prides itself on being in touch with its community, and the budget makes provision for studies and community consultation on a wide range of projects and activities.
The community will also note that there is a reduced cost in governance for Elected Members, with the Council showing leadership by reducing the number of Councillors to six and abolishing the ward structure. As of October 2011, Councillors will be elected by the whole district and residents are encouraged to participate in the democratic process of choosing your representatives at the Local Government elections in October.
From the Mayor
There has been a lot of discussion recently regarding Local Government Reform and the future of the Town of Bassendean.
The State Government has commissioned a three-member panel to review the Local Government sector and provide the State Government with an outline of how Local Government should be defined into the future.
The future of the Town of Bassendean is entirely in the community’s hands. The Council will be engaging with all stakeholders within the Town shortly to ascertain your views on the future and way forward for our Town.
We are a Town steeped in history, culture, ownership and pride of place, founded on a strong community sense and involvement that is rarely seen in today’s society and I personally believe this is worth saving and cherishing.
As part of this process, the Council will be drafting a plan for public comment on how best the funds from our reserves can be allocated for maximum community benefit.
Let’s all work together to ensure that the Town of Bassendean continues to prosper now and into the future.
Kind regards,
Cr John Gangell
Mayor
Out for Public Comment
Registrations of interest to undertake the following services are being sought by Council:
Provision of Food and Beverage Service at Sandy Beach Reserve
on a Trial Basis.
Registrations should be in writing and to the
Chief Executive Officer, Town of Bassendean, PO Box 87 Bassendean WA 6934,
by email to mail@bassendean.wa.gov.au
and should be clearly marked “Registration of interest for the Provision of Food and Beverage Service at Sandy Beach Reserve”.
Registrations close on 30 September 2011.
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