Published on Thursday, 20 June 2024 at 3:59:00 PM

The City of Vincent remains one of Perth's lowest rating councils after adopting its 2024/25 Budget.

In addition to maintaining core services, Vincent’s budget will support necessary upgrades to infrastructure, playground renewals, accessibility improvements and a range of community programs and events aligned to the Strategic Community Plan 2022-2032.

Funding has also been allocated towards tree planting and restoration works in response to the upcoming polyphagous shot-hole borer eradication treatment in the City’s parks.

Residential rates will increase by a modest 4 per cent – which equates to $1.21 per week and $63 per year. Financial hardship assistance will be available for those in need.

Rates for vacant residential properties will increase by 8 per cent in a move to incentivise owners to develop or sell their land.

“The City of Vincent has made a concerted effort to reduce debt in the 2023/24 financial year and has no new debt planned in this Annual Budget,” said Mayor Alison Xamon.

“We will continue to improve our financial position through responsible financial management informed by our Long Term Financial Plan.

“We understand the cost-of-living pressures that ratepayers are experiencing so we have taken a balanced approach to keep rates low while ensuring our core services continue to be delivered.

“We will also be charging higher rates for vacant residential properties to encourage owners to sell, rent or develop their land.

“Vacant properties incur a huge cost to Vincent, as they are often left derelict, filled with rubbish, commonly attract anti-social behaviour and hamper the vibrancy of our suburbs.

“Our aim is to see these sites being occupied or developed as this will not only address Perth’s housing crisis but also improve the safety of our neighbourhoods.”

Vincent is continuing to work with Western Power to roll-out its once-in-a-generation Underground Power program throughout the City from 2025.

“We will continue to support the Underground Power program in partnership with Western Power, which is our biggest project over the next decade,” said Ms Xamon.

“Underground Power will see all our local streets clear of power lines, upgraded streetlighting and new trees that will add to our urban canopy cover.”

Designs and plans are moving forward, with construction anticipated to start for the first project area in the first half of 2025.

Vincent staff working on a footpath.

The budget will provide for upgrades and maintenance of core infrastructure such as roads ($3.1 million), footpaths ($185,500), drainage ($593,128), minor traffic improvements ($337,850) and playgrounds and exercise equipment ($855,000).

Major capital projects are also being funded, including works at Beatty Park Leisure Centre ($1.64 million), Litis Stadium changerooms and clubrooms ($2,121,653), Robertson Park ($1,979,000) and Banks Reserve ($362,000).

“Our community wants more than just better roads and a smooth bin service,” said Ms Xamon.

“They want to see their local playground and sporting club revamped, enjoy a vibrant and smoke and vape-free town centre, walk through leafy, green parks and streets, attend a fantastic community market, festival or workshop, exercise and swim at Beatty Park and have access to a well-resourced library.

“Pedestrians, prams and people that use alternate modes of transport need accessible passages to navigate through their local area, so we will be installing ramps on some of our footpaths.   

“We are doing everything we can to enhance and preserve our urban tree canopy and tackle the impact of climate change.

“We will be planting new trees and replacing trees that we lost during Perth’s long and dry summer and finalising our new Enhanced Environment Strategy.

“While the budget is economically responsible and includes much-needed funds to ensure we meet these expectations, we cannot just rely on our small rate base and revenue streams like Beatty Park and parking to deliver major projects and programs.

“We will continue to seek funding from the State and Federal Governments to upgrade community facilities and tree planting in response to the impact of PSHB in our beloved parks, as these assets are enjoyed by not just enjoyed by Vincent locals but people across Perth.”

Ms Xamon said the budget also included a diverse range of events, workshops, programs and activities for people of all ages, abilities and cultures.

“Council has allocated $274,000 to support a calendar of community events filled with fresh concepts including the Leedy Art Fest and the Magnificent World of Temporary Creations along with usual favourites, Neon Picnic and Pickle District After Dark,” she said.

“We will also be running engaging workshops and fun activities during NAIDOC Week, Reconciliation Week, Youth Week and Seniors Week.”

Projects of note

• Beatty Park Leisure Centre indoor changerooms ($742,352)
• Litis Stadium changeroom and clubrooms ($2,121,653)
• Robertson Park Development Plan Stage 1 ($1,979,000)
• Banks Reserve Implementation Plan ($362,000)
• Mt Hawthorn Youth Skate Space ($188,000)
• North Perth Bowling Club conversion of bowling green ($66,000)
• Birdwood Square playground and softfall renewal ($170,000)
• Beatty Park Reserve playground and softfall renewal ($170,000)
• Hyde Park east playground and softfall renewal ($150,000)
• Bicycle Network ($545,930)
• Mt Hawthorn Community Centre roof renewal ($200,000)

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