Councillors unanimously approved the City of Busselton’s annual budget and corporate business plan at its meeting last night.
The total expenditure in the budget amounted to $154.3 million which included $81.3 in capital expenditure with around $60 million being spent on a number of significant projects in Busselton and Dunsborough,
Around $11 million will be spent on road infrastructure projects.
Around $11.1 million was proposed in new borrowings to complete infrastructure projects and road works.
In this year’s budget, officers said they found savings which could be used to reduce the rate increase to 3.9 per cent rather than a 4.75 per cent increase, with no increases to waste charges.
It was also noted that while some ratepayers would receive a rate rise which would be below the average three percent, some ratepayers would receive a higher rate rise than the average.
The corporate business plan sets out the strategic direction of the city over the next four years and is also linked to the community plan.
City officers stated initiatives which were set out in last year’s business plan have been carried over including the airport, foreshore development and performing arts centre.
The budget and business plan were guided by the city’s strategic community plan along with long term financial, workforce and asset management plans.
Have your say: What do you think about the city’s budget for this financial year? Email editorial.bdmail@fairfaxmedia.com.au.