The City of Cockburn in the southern suburbs of Perth has been left with a shortfall of $160 million to complete the vital new city bypass. This is in spite of the $145 million commitment in the State Budget which will allow the first stage of the project to commence.
With over 100,000 vehicles travelling daily through the centre of Cockburn, the city’s mayor Logan Howlett is disappointed to see the issue has been only partially funded.
“Congestion on Armadale Road and at Cockburn Central costs millions in lost productivity as residents east of the Kwinana Freeway try to access jobs, goods and services on the west side and along the coast.
“The City would also like to have seen more of the general funds allocated for underground power and infill sewer assigned to Cockburn projects, and the 4.2percent increase in the Emergency Services Levy will also be left for us to pass on to residents yet again.
“The charges outlined in this budget reflect an increase of 5.82percent for the City of Cockburn over last year’s budget, which ultimately will be passed back to residents and business.
However Mayor Howlett said he was dismayed but not surprised to once again see large increases in costs for services being handballed to local governments and their communities.
He said that the State Budget, handed down on Thursday, would put further pressure on local governments in the lead up to setting their own budgets and rates for next year.
“This won’t just affect Cockburn, local governments throughout the State will wear the brunt of these announcements and the potential flow on impacts to individuals, families and business.
“However, with major projects underway and services that appeal to our entire community we have no intention of slowing down and will continue to do our best to meet the needs of our growing population.”
This includes continuing to pressure both state and federal governments through an ongoing joint Community Connect South Campaign with the City of Armadale ahead of the Federal election on 2 July.
In the battle for the hotly contested new Federal seat of Burt, more than half of residents surveyed in Armadale said they would vote for a party that is committed to building the $160 million Armadale Road Bridge and connection to the Kwinana Freeway.
