Shire of Augusta-Margaret River council passes ‘challenging’ budget with 4 per cent rates rise

The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River has delivered a balanced budget, with reduced carry-overs, responding to the region’s “challenging economic and labour environment,” according to the Shire president. This year’s budget sees operating income rise almost $3 million to $45.5 million, including outside funding, with an expected $24.765 million rates take. Anticipated staff costs were about $17.85 million, up about $700,000, though recruitment issues would likely see another underspend, with a capital works program of $23.6 million almost entirely focused on existing assets. In a statement after passing the 2022-23 budget last week, president Paula Cristoffanini said the 4 per cent rates rise struck a balance between rising inflation affecting Shire operating costs while minimising the pain on households. “Being acutely aware of the impact of inflation on community members, we have managed to keep the increase in rates to less than $2 per week for the average ratepayer, by taking every measure possible to keep costs down,” Cr Cristoffanini said. “This includes careful prioritisation of projects, with over 85 per cent of our capital works program being based on renewal of the Shire’s existing asset base rather than upgrading, expanding or building new. “I am proud of the wide range of essential services and facilities we continue to provide for residents,” the president said. “Like all local governments, we are facing the challenge of meeting community expectations for service delivery and minimised rate increases in the face of increasing cost pressures and population size. “I feel the 2022-23 budget balances these concerns to ensure a great outcome for community.” The budget was already under fire from Gracetown-Cowaramup Bay Community group president Richard Muirhead, but despite cost pressures, the Shire outlined a significant range of community projects, with the budget strongly informed by the 2040 Strategic Community Plan developed in consultation with residents. Key highlights included the major refurbishment of the Margaret River Recreation and Aquatic Centre, which included a new roof and cafe expansion, $5 million for roadworks subsidised by $3 million in grant funding, $650,000 to the Davis Road tip and $295,000 for the Augusta Aerodrome funded externally. Also noted was a community grants program valued this year at $1.135 million which included subsidies for local arts groups to hire the Margaret River Heart as well as conservation works and community activities. The Shire said volatile conditions also provided “the perfect opportunity for the Shire to take a step back and focus on planning for the future”. As well as looking at contract and labour costs, design planning would look at major projects including the Memorial Drive intersection in Cowaramup — identified this week by the RAC as the seventh-most dangerous location in regional WA — and the feasibility of a long-awaited bike path to Gracetown, master planning for Gracetown and Karridale, and multipurpose courts at Alexandra Bridge and Witchcliffe. The budget balance was bolstered by a brought-forward $4.278 million, with the Shire noting tight labour and supply conditions last year challenged some projects.