The City of Canning’s newly adopted 2022-2023 Annual Budget will focus on delivering essential services, renewing City-owned facilities and infrastructure, and providing investment to improve and enhance neighbourhoods.
Council adopted the $177 million budget at a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday 5 July 2022.
The budget includes a $43 million investment in projects and capital works, including revitalisation projects such as the Queens Park Open Space and City Centre developments, and significant upgrades to the City’s road and footpath networks and playgrounds.
This financial year marks the second of a three-year plan to achieve a net reduction in operating expenditure (OPEX) of $3 million per annum.
Since the City’s Long Term Financial Plan was adopted in 2021, $2 million in savings have been achieved, with the 2022-23 Annual Budget providing a further reduction in OPEX of $0.5 million. This has been achieved through genuine cost savings and has not resulted in a reduction of service levels.
Mayor Patrick Hall said work done so far to reduce operational expenditure had been positive.
“We know that the costs of living are increasing. You have asked us to reduce our costs and to find savings and we have. I am pleased to report we remain on track to return the City’s finances to a stronger, more sustainable position,” said Mayor Hall.
“In developing the new budget, all services, renewals and upgrades were carefully considered to ensure the City’s sustainable future. Unfortunately, with rising costs, a reduction in spending alone is not sufficient to bring the budget back to a breakeven position.
“When the Long Term Financial Plan was adopted in 2021, it introduced moderate rate rises that incrementally increased revenue to sustain the City’s services and capital works. The rates program for 2022-2023 continues to build upon this approach.”
Despite the incremental increase in rates this year, Canning remains one of the lowest rating local governments across the Perth metropolitan area.
Due to increasing cost pressures, most metropolitan councils have a proposed rate increase of between 4% to 6% per annum for the 2022-2023 financial year. In the City of Canning, average residential rates will go up by 4.65%, still well below the current Perth CPI of 7.6%.
The rate rises equate to an average increase of $1.10 per week, per household – with seniors and pensioners paying less than $1 per week after applying the relevant discount.
“We understand people are doing it tough right now and I want to assure you, our community, that Council and the City administration will continue to prioritise strong economic management and will focus on providing you with value for your rates. We believe that this budget achieves these outcomes,” said Mayor Hall.
If residents are experiencing financial hardship and are having difficulty paying their rates, they are encouraged to contact the City to assist in making alternative payment arrangements.
For more information about the budget, ratepayer benefits and incentives visit
www.canning.wa.gov.au/yourrates