The WA Local Government Association (WALGA) has announced it believes that local governments have been spared some of the more serious consequences of the State’s grim economic position and validates the sector’s ongoing advocacy for a fairer deal.
WALGA President Mayor Troy Pickard said that while the State Budget delivered some challenges to the sector, Local Governments would not be affected to the extent that other industries were.
“Compared to last year’s State Budget, Local Governments can be reassured that there will be nowhere near the harsh impacts of previous years.
“There are a number of measures that reflect the sector’s strong advocacy for a reprieve from cost imposts that are ultimately borne by the community through increased rates or reduced services.
“The sector welcomes the acknowledgement by the State Government of the substantial financial burden of maintaining street lights, one of the biggest bills to Local Governments.
“The street lighting tariff increase of 7.5 per cent is far more reasonable than the 36.8 per cent foreshadowed in last year’s State Budget,” Mayor Pickard said.
The State Budget includes plans to increase utility costs to households by between six and 11 per cent.
“The proposed increases in State utility charges provides clear validation for Local Governments needing to implement rate adjustments to absorb additional costs.
“Indeed, in the main any Council rate increases are likely to be at or below the lower end of this scale.”
The Association cautioned the State Government against considering rate exemptions in the sale of assets.
“Local Governments will still need to provide essential infrastructure and resources to support newly privatised assets.
“In addition, the sector will be seeking reassurance from the State Government that the cap on pensioner rebates for Council rates at $550 from 2016 will not result in any cost shifting to Local Governments.
“Local Governments should not be expected to subsidise any resulting shortfall.”
