2021-22 budget sees a 3.75 per cent rate increase for Shire of Harvey residents during the next financial year

Property owners in the Shire of Harvey have been hit with a 3.75 per cent rate hike for the next financial year. Councillors unanimously endorsed the 2021-22 Budget at an ordinary meeting last month, which was based on the significant increase. It comes one year after every local government in the State decided to freeze all rates, fees and charges as the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc. This year’s surge means a residential property owner with a standard home in Harvey should expect about a $41 increase to their rate payments. Shire president Paul Gillett said the 3.75 per cent increase was to cover the operating costs of last year and this year. “Every effort has been made to minimise the rate increase while not reducing the level of service offered to the community or to allow the Shire’s assets to fall into disrepair,” he said. A total of $22.5 million in rates revenue is expected for 2021-22, compared to about $21.1 million last year. According to the document, the Shire expects to have a surplus of about $10.6 million, taking into account other revenue, as well as expenses and finance costs of about $47 million. Major projects as part of this year’s Budget include construction of the Leschenault Bushfire Brigade station, the redevelopment of the destroyed Yarloop Workshops, construction of a Yarloop Men’s Shed and renovations to the Harvey Senior Citizens Centre. The budget also includes upgrades to the Shire’s playgrounds, road, drainage and footpath construction projects and continued planning for the Australind and Harvey community precincts as well as the Leschenault Leisure Centre courts expansion. “A key focus for the 2021-22 budget period is to continue to build an even better lifestyle to meet the needs of our growing population and the many communities in our Shire,” Cr Gillett said “As the Shire has $525 million in infrastructure, much of the budget is required in this area to ensure the good repair of those assets.” Shire employee costs are also tipped to increase this year, with three new roles expected to be introduced.