Stirling ratepayers hit with $59 hike under new budget
A surplus of $4.5 million is expected.
In a last-minute attempt to reduce the rate increase, Stirling deputy mayor Suzanne Migdale argued at Tuesday's council meeting the proposed rate rise was too high amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures and called for an increase of 3.95 per cent.
'The Consumer Price Index, our most objective measure of inflation, currently sits at 2.8 per cent ... By contrast, the proposed 4.5 per cent increase in local government rates represents an uplift that is approximately above that index,' Cr Migdale said.
'In purely economic terms, this is difficult to justify, and in human terms it becomes even harder ... We cannot build civic strength at the cost of household stability.' City of Stirling deputy mayor Suzanne Migdale. Credit: Supplied
Cr Migdale argued that given Stirling's 'strong fiscal foundations', ratepayers deserved to be rewarded.
'Over the last two decades, our strategic property investments have yielded exceptional, unprecedented, significant returns well above forecast,' she said.
'In any private enterprise, such extraordinary gains would typically lead to dividends distributed among shareholders.
'In our case, our community is our shareholder base. The fairest dividend we can offer right now is rate relief.'
Corporate services director Ingrid Hawkins said dropping rates to 3.95 per cent would provide ratepayers with an average saving of $7.43 but would cost the city $946,000.
Mayor Mark Irwin urged councillors to support the proposed budget as presented, given the budget had been in development since October and councillors had participated in multiple workshops to review its details.
'There's a flow-on effect. It's not about just changing a figure; everything through the budget and the corporate business plan (would be affected),' Mr Irwin said. Mayor Mark Irwin wasn't up for debating the rates rise on the night of its adoption. Credit: Supplied
'I really don't think after four half-days sitting around discussing budget deliberations, I don't think you need to sit here tonight and argue about per cents. I don't think it's worthy of debate.'
Cr Migdale's amendment was lost, keeping the rate increase at 4.5 per cent.
The City of Stirling expects to generate $174 million this year from rates, which will help fund its $332m expenditure plan.
The 2025-26 budget includes a $119.5m capital works program, with $24.9m allocated for infrastructure renewals such as roads, drainage and footpaths; $8m for capital building works; and $14.5m for parks and reserves.
Major capital works include upgrades to the Carine Regional Open Space parkland, the start of the Hutton Street extension to Walters Drive, and the renewal of the Balcatta Recycling Centre's waste drop-off and transfer station.
The budget also provides funding for safety improvements to Scarborough Beach precinct and advances the concept design and cost planning for the Hamersley Community Hub.
Although the city's rate rise is higher than several neighbouring local governments, Stirling CEO Stevan Rodic said the city had developed a strong budget.
'The city continues to be in a solid financial position, remaining debt-free, with its finances aligned to strategic priorities,' Mr Rodic said.
'This 2025-26 budget charts a path to achieve the vision and priorities set out in the city's strategic community plan and will ensure that we create a bright future for everyone living, working and enjoying the City of Stirling.'
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