Annual Budget paves the way forward for Armadale

Efficient, long-term financial management has driven the City of Armadale 2015/16 Annual Budget which was adopted on 13 July. This follows a 3 month process of close examination of the finances of the City.

“The 2015/16 Budget has been developed to ensure the City can deliver the projects, programs, facilities and services that our community demands of us,” said Armadale Mayor Henry Zelones OAM, JP.

“Each financial year we have to budget for what we want to achieve both in the short and long terms. By forward planning for the coming 10 to 15 years we are able to efficiently manage our finances and deliver high quality services at the lowest possible costs to our ratepayers.

“We are continuing as the second fastest growing local government in Western Australia and the one of the fastest in the nation. We are working hard to provide the services and infrastructure our growing community needs in the most fiscally progressive manner.

Major redevelopment works this financial year include:

• Kelmscott Library expansion and improvement into Stargate Shopping Centre, Kelmscott, $800,000.
• Upgrade and improvement to Armadale District Hall, Stage 2, $3.2 million.

A $15.6 million program of capital expenditure works on the City’s infrastructure.

• Roads, drainage and pathways $10 million including:
  • Renewal - Ravenscroft (Regina Road to Adams Court) $265,000; Regina Road $210,000. Traffic calming – Westfield Road $826,200; Strawberry Drive $169,200; Forrest Road $366,560.
  • New foothpaths - Brookton Highway Stage 1 $115,500; Seventh Road $147,500; Garland Road Stage 1 $61,400.
  • Drainage - Banyard Avenue $223,000; Observation Circle $455,000.
• Parks and reserves $1.9 million including:
  • Frye Park $130,000; Kuhl Park $100,000; Springdale Park $50,000; YAA Skate Park $40,000; Gwynne Park $87,500.
• Community facilities/public halls $3.7 million includes upgrades to:
  • Greendale Centre $2 million; Aquatic Centre $178,000; Gwynne Park Pavilion $105,000; Champion Centre $116,800; Lions Park $148,000.

“The City has delivered a responsible budget by setting a rate increase of 5.2%.

“For the average improved residential property (not on the minimum payment) the rate increase will be $1.45 a week. For the approximate 4000 residential properties on minimum payment, the increase will be $1.04 per week.

“We’ve managed to keep our rates at a reasonable level and will continue to move forward with growth and development for our community,” he said.

The complete City of Armadale Annual Budget can be viewed at www.armadale.wa.gov.au.