6.0% Increase in Total Rates Income

The Shire of Mukinbudin has determined to keep rate increases to a minimum for the 2008/2009 financial year having regard to the two previous drought years experienced by the majority of farms in the region. The rate increase is necessary to cover the annual national wage increase determined by Canberra each year, and the increase in operating costs mainly due to the rising cost of fuel.

The Council of the Shire of Mukinbudin has determined to reduce the amount of projects in the budget and all scheduled works will be assisted through grants or the sale of residential housing blocks in the new 18 lot subdivision to be constructed between Earl Drive and Gimlet Way. The Shire has bee active in new projects in town in past years with projects such as the Sports Complex and Bowling Green, the Community Resource Centre and the 50's Farm Shed. It is now time to develop asset maintenance programs to look after existing buildings and infrastructure to ensure that costs are kept to a minimum in the future.

The Effect of Property Valuations on Rates

The rates increase will not be uniform across all farming and town properties due to the revaluations of town properties. Town properties are valued every four years unlike farming land which is valued annually. The average increase in town property valuations over the previous four years is 28%. This equates to an average annual increase of just over 6% each year. While less than the increase in Perth property prices it is a good result for Mukinbudin and displays confidence in the Mukinbudin property market and investor confidence in the future of the district.

The result of this is that for the 2008/2009 rates the larger increase will occur in town rates while farm rates, which have increased more than town rates in the previous three years, should remain relatively constant. These figures are only averages however and some property rates may increase more or less than 6%. Ratepayers' queries regarding individual property rates may be directed to the Shire Offices. Objections to the actual valuation of individual properties need to be addressed to the Valuer General and the process for this is contained on the back of the rates notice.

Voluntary Swimming Pool Levy

One project that will be required to be undertaken within the next two years is a refurbishment of the Mukinbudin Swimming Pool. Council has currently employed contractors to conduct core sampling of the concrete bowl and an initial assessment of the condition of the pool, pipe work, pumps, filters and all associated equipment and buildings. It is anticipated that Council will be able to adopt the less expensive option of retaining the current bowl rather than undertake a full reconstruction. Once some initial estimates have been obtained it is likely that Council will present options to the community for comments and suggestions before progressing.

The entire process is both lengthy and expensive. That is why work has commenced now when the current pool will still be required to be used for another two seasons. Grants from other levels of government and grant sources need to be applied for and a funding mechanism for the entire project is required to be developed. To assist in the funding of the initial assessments and to build reserve funds to fund the project Council has introduced a voluntary Swimming Pool Levy of $50 per assessment. It is hoped that ratepayers will get behind Council's efforts to secure the long term future of the Mukinbudin Swimming Pool and show support by paying the Voluntary Levy.

Emergency Services Levy

Property owners contribute to the cost of emergency services via the Emergency Services Levy (ESL), which is included on Council Rates. For further information regarding the ESL please refer to Jessica on 08 9047 1102.

Rubbish Collection and Recycling Fees

Townsite rubbish collection fees have been set at $99.00 per property and townsite recycling fees at $90.00 per property.

Budget Projects

These are some of the projects that your rates are helping to pay for. Grants and loan funds are involved in funding several of these projects.

• 5km of shoulder widening and reconstruction of the Koorda-Bullfinch Road from the top of Popes Hill to Lake Brown.
• Reconstruction of the Strugnell Steet - North Road intersection and North Road north to the edge of town. This will include an improved drainage scheme for the area and improved access to the CBH facility.
• Gravel sheeting and/or reconstruction on Forest Avenue, 46 Gate Road, Quanta Cutting Road, Moodon Road, Beringbooding Road and Lake Brown-Bonnie Rock Road.
• Finishing the Black Spot project on the Koorda-Bullfinch Road at Barbalin.
• Bent Street drainage from Maddock Street to Cruickshank Road.
• Footpath renewal on the east side of Bent Street from Shadbolt Street to Maddock Street.
• A new 3x2 residence at 11 Cruickshank Road. A tender has been awarded to Mukinbudin Building and construction will be completed in the 2008/2009 financial year. The project is being funded by the previous sale of an older Shire house and a grant from the Country Housing Authority.
• Storm water collection and waste water reuse at the Mukinbudin Sports Complex and grounds. Funded by a Community Water Grant with in-kind Shire support.
• A new Fire Station to be constructed at the Shire Depot facing Strugnell Street. Funded by a FESA grant and the sale of the current Fire Station. 
• An electrical and wastewater upgrade at the Caravan Park to accommodate expansion and ensure reliable supply to current facilities. Mainly funded by a State Government grant with a small Shire Contribution.
• Purchasing the Kununoppin Medical practice with the Shires of Trayning, Mt Marshal and Nungarin to ensure that the current level of services is maintained in all our communities following the retirement of Dr Radunovich. This purchase will be funded entirely by Council.
• Completion and opening of the Mukinbudin Gym "The Buff", and operating the facility with two qualified gym instructors. The cost of this project is covered by a Federal Grant with Council's contribution limited to upgrading and maintaining the building.
• Upgrading some street furniture in the tourist parking bays in Shadbolt Street.
• Council is continuing to fund a part-time Natural Resource Management Officer for the benefit of farmers and to develop projects for the protection of the natural environment. This position is funded entirely by Council however it is anticipated that specific projects will be available later in the year.
• Council is continuing to employ with NEWROC a Club Development Officer funded by the Department of Sport and Recreation.

More Information

Sound management of Community assets and continued success with grant funding is enabling Council to upgrade and maintain facilities and services to a high standard.

If you would like more detail regarding the 2008/09 Budget, contact me, Jamie or your local Councillor.

Trevor Smith

Chief Executive Officer

Deputy CEO Jamie Criddle