2024-28 Corporate Business Plan and annual budget adopted

During the year, a minor review of Sustainable Stirling 2022-2032, our Strategic Community Plan, reaffirmed that the City’s vision, priorities and objectives remain a focus for the community.

Conscious of the current economic climate, the City’s average residential rate increase of 2.95 per cent is one of the lowest in the Perth metropolitan area, remaining well below inflation and equating to $37.22 per resident on average.

Two major City projects will reach completion in 2024/25, with Stirling Leisure – Inglewood – Terry Tyzack Aquatic Centre outdoor pool redevelopment expected to open in mid-2024 and Hamersley Public Golf Course redevelopment due to be finished in summer 2024.

The City will also invest $3 million for the redevelopment of the Recycling Centre Balcatta, with further investment planned in future years to ensure best practice in waste reduction.

Mayor Mark Irwin said the City’s 2024-28 Corporate Business Plan will deliver local priorities and essential services while focusing on upgrades to community infrastructure, funding for strategic priority areas and investment in environmental sustainability.

“Council is conscious of the pressures facing local families and households, and we have responded by adopting one of the lowest average residential rate increases in the Perth metropolitan area,” he said.

“The City’s careful long-term financial planning has meant that large-scale projects can be funded from reserves, enabling the City to remain debt-free as we continue to provide essential services while keeping rates comparatively low.

“Alongside a capital works program of $74.3 million, we are investing $1.1 million for our Community Grants Program; $620,000 in event sponsorships to attract world-class events; $560,000 for renewable energy generation; and funding for Christmas lights in key precincts and new community learning trails.

“Recognising that community safety is a priority for our community, we will continue to invest in visible and responsive community safety patrols; mobile and fixed CCTV infrastructure; and other safety initiatives to help prevent crime, reduce antisocial behaviour and help to create a safer City, with the Safer Suburbs Rebate also being extended.

“Our environment will continue to be a central focus, with increased funding for tree planting and protection of our 502 parks and reserves. Investigation of an environmentally sensitive Coastal Boardwalk design will explore the feasibility a new link between Scarborough and Trigg that focuses on the protection and enhancement of our natural environment while creating unique tourism infrastructure along our coastline.

“The City is also funding initiatives that will help to enhance our built environment. This includes an extension of Hutton Street to Walters Drive, funding to progress advertising on our new Local Planning Scheme No. 4 and to commence the preparation of our updated Planning Strategy, and site investigation and monitoring at Hertha Reserve to determine the potential of this strategically located site within Stirling City.

“In the lead-up to the 2025 State and Federal Elections, the City will advocate to ensure our strategic priorities are understood by other levels of government to encourage collaboration to deliver projects that will benefit the community.”

Other major initiatives funded in 2024/25 include:

• $23 million on infrastructure renewals including roads, drainage and footpath projects
• $13 million on parks and reserves
• $8.4 million to fund building renewals for local community facilities
• $1 million in Mirrabooka Town Centre to improve the safety and vibrancy of the Town Square
• $800,000 for the Safer Suburbs project, including CCTV installation and network improvements and $150,000 for the Safer Suburbs Rebate (security screens/locks, home alarm systems and security and sensor lighting)
• $600,000 for coastal erosion management works.

The 2024-25 Budget Newsletter will be distributed Citywide to highlight services and programs available to City residents and ratepayers in 2024-25, such as free on-demand waste and recycling services, rebates and more.