Annual Budget reflects commitment to essential services, asset renewal and long-term financial sustainability

The City of South Perth Council approved the 2024/25 Annual Budget at the Ordinary Council Meeting on Tuesday 25 June 2024. The budget includes a rate increase of 3.4 per cent, which aligns with the Perth March CPI.   

This fiscally responsible budget minimises the financial impact on ratepayers, whilst ensuring the continued delivery of essential services, including waste and recycling collections, libraries and sporting facilities, as well as providing for the ongoing maintenance of parks, playgrounds, roads, paths and drainage.  

City of South Perth Mayor Greg Milner highlighted the City’s commitment to careful financial management and providing positive community outcomes amidst ongoing global economic uncertainty.    

“This year's budget reinforces our dedication to providing value for money and achieving positive outcomes for our community. 

“This budget provides for a net operating surplus, reflecting the ongoing improvement in the City's financial management and our commitment to financial sustainability.  

“Surpluses are important for replenishing the City’s financial reserves and preparing for the future replacement and renewal of essential long-term community assets and infrastructure.   

“With an operating budget of $73.1 million (m) and a capital budget of $26.6m, we’ve allocated funding for major projects, maintenance of community facilities and essential services and infrastructure improvements to meet the needs of our growing community.  

“This includes new changerooms at major sporting reserves to encourage more female participation in sports, improvements to public toilets at City parks and foreshores, the Manning Bike Track at George Burnett Park, two enclosed dog parks, enhancements to the Recycling Centre in Como, as well as upgrades to our roads, paths and drainage systems.  

“We’re also investing in CCTV, lighting and projects in key locations to boost public safety, in line with the priorities of our community.  

"These measures will improve the quality of life for all residents and ensure that our City is a wonderful place for people to live, work and play.

"I commend Council and the City administration in working closely together to develop a budget that provides for responsible financial management, whilst focusing on what matters most to our community."

How your rates contribute to our community   

In 2024/25, rates remain the primary source of operating revenue for the City. The City invests this revenue in developing new and revitalised infrastructure and amenities, enhancing the quality of life for over 46,000 residents. This commitment includes essential upgrades to existing parks, roads, paths and drainage infrastructure, as well as the establishment of new community facilities.   

The City provides a range of services to meet the diverse needs of the community, including libraries, weekly and fortnightly waste and recycling services, verge side collections, community events, parks, playgrounds and sporting facilities. The City also supports community facilities such as the George Burnett Leisure Centre, senior citizen centres and community safety initiatives.  

Budget Highlights  

The City’s budget includes the following significant investments in infrastructure:    

• $4.8m to Collier Park Golf redevelopment works (this involves no changes to the course layout). The first of a multi-year investment, redevelopment works will include the design and construction of exciting facilities and a contemporary driving range

• $4.2m to road and pathway renewal projects  

• $3.2m to new changerooms to increase female participation in sport – George Burnett Park, Collier Reserve, Bill Grayden Reserve, Challenger Reserve, Morris Mundy Reserve, Richardson Park   

• $2.3m to upgrade sports lighting to increase female participation in sport

• $1.1m to renew irrigation systems at Sir James Mitchell Park  

• $1.1m to upgrade and build new public toilets  

• $950k to Recycling Centre improvements including a new recycle shop, container deposit scheme drop-off point, staff offices and fire safety improvements  

• $810k to improve community safety – CCTV, lighting and activation projects  

• $660k to improve road safety in black spot areas  

• $600k to Manning Bike Track  

• $350k to replace Lake Douglas Bridge  

• $250k to renew playgrounds at Kilkenny Close Reserve and Jan-Doo Park  

• $210k to fully enclose the City’s dog park at Olives Reserve and build a new enclosed dog park for small dogs at Melville Parade, opposite Comer Reserve in Como   

• $100k to renew park furniture.  

These investments reflect the City’s ongoing commitment to improving infrastructure, enhancing community safety and providing high-quality services to its residents.   

 City of South Perth rates movements