City of Rockingham rates for 2023-24 locked in at 3.9 per cent

City of Rockingham mayor Deb Hamblin has warned ratepayers that her council’s average 3.9 per cent rates rise will not be felt equally. Landgate has just concluded its three-yearly revaluation of rental values for all properties, which provides a key figure in the calculation for household rates. “As a result the adjustment to rates will not be consistent across the city, so some ratepayers may see a greater or lesser increase than others,” Ms Hamblin warned this week. If the figures were equal, each household’s rates bill would be up about $85 this year. The mayor and the council ratified the City of Rockingham’s annual budget for 2023-24 last Tuesday. The budget was based on the council collecting 3.9 per cent more in total rates than last year, which Ms Hamblin said was well below inflation and in line with the council’s expectations to limit inflationary pressure on ratepayers. “The impact that inflation is having on ratepayers was a key consideration in the formulation of this budget which is focused on striking a balance between current financial realities and planning for future needs,” she said. As well as staff wages, waste collection, maintaining parks, library services and security patrols, the budget provides for some major works on community infrastructure projects. The list includes almost $30 million for the second stage of Warnbro aquatic centre Aqua Jetty, $4.52m for a clubroom extension at Stan Twight Reserve in Rockingham, construction of a nature playground, skate park and adventure play areas in Baldivis, as well as outdoor courts and a pavilion at the nearby Baldivis Sports Complex. “The City will also continue to provide its wide range of popular free community events,” Ms Hamblin said.