Broome rates to rise 4 per cent as shire looks to adjust for CPI increases

Rates in the Shire of Broome will rise 4 per cent to cover pressures created by a rising Consumer Price Index and ensure “critical” projects still receive the funding needed.

Shire councillors adopted the 2022-23 budget at a special council meeting on July 5.

Almost $2m will be set aside for upgrades to Stewart Street and the intersection of Port Drive and Guy Street.

Some $6.37m has been allocated to establish a new community recycling centre and $467,500 for the detailed design and tender package for the Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre’s dry side upgrades.

Shire of Broome president Harold Tracey said critical projects had been prioritised in this year’s budget.

“The Shire of Broome exists to provide, facilitate and advocate for services and facilities to improve the quality of life for everyone in Broome — the adopted 2022-23 budget reflects this,” he said.

“Officers are continually focusing on leveraging council funds to attract significant grant funding, which has made recent redevelopments in Town Beach and Chinatown come to fruition. Similarly, we have successfully secured $9.8m in Federal funding towards the Cable Beach foreshore redevelopment project.

“A 4 per cent increase in this year’s rates is modest in comparison to other local governments around WA, especially given the Shire of Broome rates have remained at 2 per cent or under for the last five years.”

Cr Tracey said the shire had to raise rates by a higher percentage this year to offset CPI increases.

In the previous budget, councillors had been recommended to introduce a 4.24 per cent rate rise but instead went for 1.83 per cent, cognisant of money pressures being felt around the State due to COVID.