VIBE VIBE BUDGET 2021 • AUGUST • VICTORIAPARK.WA.GOV.AU
WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE
THIS YEAR’S KEY PROJECTS, TOWN REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FIGURES
M AY O R ’ S M E S S A G E
The last year has been difficult in so many ways as we have all tried to survive the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic and learn to thrive in our “new normal”. Recent lockdowns and less travel remind us that keeping our local area as a great place to live, work and play is more important than ever. After two consecutive budgets resulting in no increase in overall rates revenue, Council recognised the importance this year of creating a conservative yet financially sustainable budget that focusses on enabling us to finish projects we have started, whilst continuing to deliver our core services to a quality standard. Some of the eye-catching new projects in the significant capital works program include the $7.5 million upgrade to Edward Millen Park, $2.19 million for the final stage of the Rutland Avenue shared path, $1.5 million for Stage 1 of Archer/Mint Street upgrade, and $1.5 million for commencing the final zone of the Lathlain
Precinct Redevelopment. Increasing our urban forest, community and economic development remain budget priorities. A new differential rating category for vacant land has been introduced to encourage development. However, for most other ratepayers, both residential and commercial, the average rate increase will be approximately 0.88%. This will enable Council to realise the objectives of our Strategic Community Plan, and fulfil the Town’s vision to be a dynamic place Mayor Karen Vernon for everyone. Telephone 0407 448 336 E: kvernon@vicpark.wa.gov.au Term expires: Oct. 2023
B A N K S I A WA R D
JA R R A H WA R D
YOUR COUNCILLORS
Cr Bronwyn Ife Deputy Mayor
Cr Jesvin Karimi
Cr Brian Oliver
Cr Vicki Potter
M: 0419 942 944 E: bife@vicpark.wa.gov.au Term expires: Oct. 2021
M: 0412 047 447 E: jkarimi@vicpark.wa.gov.au Term expires: Oct. 2023
M: 0435 229 317 E: boliver@vicpark.wa.gov.au Term expires: Oct. 2021
M: 0433 704 140 E: vpotter@vicpark.wa.gov.au Term expires: Oct. 2023
Cr Claire Anderson
Cr Wilfred Hendriks
Cr Luana Lisandro
Cr Ronhhda Potter
M: 0416 199 745 E: canderson@vicpark.wa.gov.au Term expires: Oct. 2023
M: 0403 121 543 E: whendriks@vicpark.wa.gov.au Term expires: Oct. 2023
M: 0406 825 806 E: llisandro@vicpark.wa.gov.au Term expires: Oct. 2021
M: 0449 730 493 E: rpotter@vicpark.wa.gov.au Term expires: Oct. 2021
FOLLOW YOUR TOWN! VIBE BUDGET 2021
TOWNOFVICTORIAPARK
TOWNOFVICPARK
#LOVEVICPARK
YOUR BUDGET EXPLAINED
Budget highlights
CIVIC LEADERSHIP
SOCIAL
To show leadership by communicating with, empowering and supporting people in the community
To promote sustainable, connected, safe and diverse places for everyone
Our annual calendar of events creates a local identity for the Town. We are committed to developing events that enhance our community spirit and provide ways for people to connect close to home. Our first Youth Plan will encourage young people aged 12-25 to contribute their ideas and get involved in the community. Our grants and funding program will continue to support local events, community groups and not-for-profit organisations operating in our Town. These important groups deliver services that cannot be done by the Town alone and these partnerships provide an important part of our delivery model.
The final phase of the Lathlain Precinct Redevelopment is the demolition and rebuilding of the grandstand. The redevelopment will support the future of football in the area and provide opportunities for community use of shared facilities. The jewel in our crown is Edward Millen Park and this year the park area will undergo restoration and redevelopment to support the new multi-use facility based in the house and surrounding buildings. The Macmillan Precinct Masterplan will be developed with stakeholders and the community to create a space for the future. We will create detailed design for the future of Higgins Park and Playfield Reserve.
DELIVERING OUR STRATEGIC COMMUNITY PLAN We took a conservative approach to budgeting this year with a focus on keeping rates low and supporting independent business to return from the impacts of COVID-19 in 19/20. Our focus is on completion of projects and stimulating the local economy.
“Adoption of the budget is the most important decision Council makes each year. To get it right, we held nine workshops and reviewed the financials numerous times.”
ENVIRONMENT
ECONOMIC To promote sustainable, diverse, resilient and prosperous places for everyone We will deliver the Etwell Street Revitalisation Plan to create a new and improved local centre. The upgrade will create a pedestrian friendly area and improved trading environment for businesses.
To promote sustainable, liveable, healthy, and green places for everyone Following community consultation, the concept plan for the Kent Street Sandpit site will be finalised and we will start on detailed design. We remain committed to greening our community, with an estimated 1500 trees to be added to parks and verges this year as part of our Urban Forest Strategy.
Delivery of the Streetscape Improvement Plan for Archer and Mint Street will commence, starting with upgrades to the Carlisle Town Centre.
We have approved our Climate Emergency Plan as part of a global movement to reduce carbon emissions. We will be providing the community and businesses with support and advice to address their carbon footprint and taking steps to reduce ours.
We will continue to support local business to thrive with the continuation of business events and training programs that include Small Business Development Corporation training and the annual Vic Park Business Awards.
We want to ensure that Burswood Station East becomes a safe and important part of the growing Burswood Peninsula district. This year we will be working to create conceptual designs for the area around the station.
YOUR BUDGET EXPLAINED
REVENUE
EXPENSES
Rates $36m
Employee costs $24.4m
Fees and charges $9.46m
Materials and contracts $48.95m
Operating grants and contributions $861,664
Depreciation on non-current assets $9.47m
Interest earnings $343,523
Utility charges $1.57m
Other revenue $560,426
Interest expenses $280,823
Service charges $11.41m
Insurance expenses $310,651
Non-operating grants, subsidies and contributions $8.78M
Other expenses $259,700
INVESTING IN OUR ASSETS
Roads
Land & buildings
Plant & machinery
Information technology
Furniture & equipment
$9,581,666
$2,775,685
$1,027,485
$420,832
$40,000
Other assets
Pathways
Parks & reserves
Drainage
$1,486,950
$2,654,227
$9,710,508
$300,000
VIBE BUDGET 2021
T O W N U P D AT E S
“The Strategic Community Plan is the informing document for every decision that we make as a Council.”
Our COVID response We created a strategy and action plan to support our community through the COVID-19 pandemic. We began the process by reviewing the impact of lockdowns on the local economy and the opportunities and practical initiatives that the Town could implement quickly. Restart Business Grants – funding available for local businesses to deliver recovery initiatives. Market series – five small markets were trialled across the Town over Autumn/Winter, all with different themes and locations to add vibrancy to commercial areas. Gallipoli Street Local Centre Revitalisation – Gallipoli Street Local Centre was given some love with street furniture and the creation of a micro park. Maker Space Study - we’ve partnered with the Cities of Perth, South Perth and Vincent to investigate opportunities to support the development of affordable spaces for local creatives to use.
Vic Vision The Town is required by the State Government to do a major review our Strategic Community Plan every four years. The engagement phase was open from February to May and we had a great community turn out of 880 participants. We are now reviewing the feedback and will have a revised plan out for comment later this year.
“Last year we reduced the cost to pay your rates by installment, this year Council made the decision to retain this lower cost of just $7 per rates notice.”
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