City of Stirling Budget Newsletter

City of Stirling Community Magazine 2020

JULY 2020 Budget Newsletter

Major projects p2 • New ways to pay your rates p5 • City services p6

Major projects

Bina Parkland After a recent public vote, the exciting new community parkland project taking shape at Princess Wallington Reserve in Balga will be known as Bina Parkland. The $6.2 million project will deliver a skate facility, multi-court sports area, walking trails, picnic areas and more next year. Work on the parkland’s junior and advanced single loop BMX tracks is nearing completion. The parkland’s skate facility will ultimately offer a beginner street section, central transition and hybrid zone as well as an open half pipe, which proved a hugely popular feature during the community consultation stage. Work on the project is set to reach completion in mid-2021. Lotterywest has contributed $2.34 million to the project via community sponsorship. Recycling Centre Balcatta redevelopment The public can look forward to a new look and more user friendly Recycling Centre Balcatta with a complete redevelopment of the facility on the way. The revamp is set to update many outdated aspects of the ageing facility. The redevelopment will reshape the facility into three distinct areas

including a new Free Community Drop-Off section to handover a variety of recycling materials as well as a container deposit scheme refund point. The Paid and Pass Community Drop-Off area will enable the community to dispose of waste using tip passes or to pay for disposal of items such as green waste and general junk. A new Waste Transfer Station will accept commercial waste and provide a transfer area for kerbside waste. The environmental approval process is underway and design work for the revamped centre is set to start later this year. Construction is expected to get underway during the 2021/22 financial year. Stephenson Avenue Extension Phase 1 works for the Stephenson Avenue Extension project are now underway. A joint project between the City, State Government and Federal Government, the extension will open large areas of land for development and reduce traffic along Scarborough Beach Road. Managed by the City of Stirling, Phase 1 works will extend Stephenson Avenue from Scarborough Beach Road through to Sarich Court in Osborne Park. It is anticipated Phase 1 works will be completed in mid-2021. The City will also deliver follow-up works to extend Sarich Court through

to Cedric Street, parallel to the freeway. Main Roads WA is working on the procurement stage of Phase 2, which will provide a new interchange at the Mitchell Freeway. It is anticipated these works will get underway in 2021, subject to all relevant approvals. The overall project forms part of a broader plan to transform the Stirling City Centre – an area bounded by Karrinyup Road, along Cedric Street and Ellen Stirling Boulevard to Scarborough Beach Road, into a strategic metropolitan centre. Much needed upgrades to the central sports clubroom facility at Des Penman Reserve in Nollamara are almost complete. State and Federal governments allocated $900,000 to the $1.7 million project, which will deliver improved amenities including two new change rooms and improved storage facilities for local clubs. Construction works are set to be completed by the end of August 2020. Hamersley Golf Course The City will start design work for redevelopment of the clubroom facility at the popular course this financial year. Construction works are scheduled to get underway in mid-2021. Des Penman Reserve (Nollamara)

Hamersley Golf Course

Bina Parkland

Des Penman Reserve

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The past six months have presented unforeseen and severe impacts to our City and I’m proud of the strength the community has shown in responding to COVID-19. Our immediate response was to overhaul our services so we could support those most affected. We then went back to the drawing board with our budgets so we could deliver support where it’s needed most. Council has committed to easing the financial burden on our community wherever possible. We have balanced service delivery with sustainable and responsible use of ratepayer funds into 2020/21 and our $43.7 million Economic Stimulus and Community Recovery Package is central to the Annual Budget. It aims to alleviate pressure on the local economy, with a $4.9 million ratepayer relief package, $7 million for business and activation, a $2.9 million community package and a $28.9 million capital investment package. Highlights include freezing rates, new flexible payment options and removing interest and instalment fees for the 2020/21 financial year. The budget will also see investment Mayor’s message

in town team and community creativity funds; relief for community groups and sporting clubs; and more job opportunities through capital projects. Capital works: • Accelerated Recycling Centre Balcatta redevelopment • Major refurbishment of Stirling Leisure Centres – Terry Tyzack Aquatic Centre • Upgrade to Hamersley Public Golf Course • Upgrades to parks, refurbishments to sporting facilities and cycle ways. Work will also begin on the Stephenson Avenue Extension; a key component of the vision for Stirling City Centre. It will help unlock private investment, relieve traffic congestion, create 100 construction jobs and support future light rail. A local Osborne Park company will complete Phase 1 works to extend Stephenson Avenue from Scarborough Beach Road to Sarich Court, with new Howe Street and Oswald Street connections to Ellen Stirling Boulevard.

In October, Council will review our services and budgets, ensuring we continue to support the community. We understand the difficulties many people are facing and we encourage you to reach out for support. With new flexible options now available for rates payments, we will help you however we can. My fellow Councillors and I look forward to working with Stirling businesses, stakeholders and the community in the 2020/21 financial year as we navigate through the recovery process together.

Mark Irwin City of Stirling Mayor

Where your rates will be spent in 2020/21

8%

11%

23%

The City's 2020/21 Revenue Budget

14%

16%

$'m

Community Services and Libraries 24.9m

Facilities, Projects and Assets $33.6m

Design and Engineering $70.7m

Parks and Sustainability $44.1m

$137.6

General rates

Waste and Fleet $50.0m

Security service charge Grants, subsidies and contributions

$3.0

(operating and non-operating)

$22.6

Profit on sale of assets Fees, charges and other revenue

Total $307.4 m

$0.4

Community Safety $7.8m

Development Services $8.6m

Administration, Governance and Council Support $41.3m

Planning $6.2m

Recreation and Leisure $20.2m

$26.1 $38.7

Waste services

2%

7%

3%

3%

$2.7

Interest earnings

13%

$231.1

Total

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Stay home and access services online!

The City has a range of online services and payment facilities available around the clock, 24/7. You can pay your rates, register pets, lodge development applications, book a range of on-demand services and much more from the comfort of your home. If you need any assistance to use our online services, please phone (08) 9205 8555 during business hours. For more information, visit www.stirling.wa.gov.au/onlineservices

Rates prize draw postponed this year Given the severe and sustained impacts of COVID-19 on the community, we know many households and businesses are doing it tough. Our immediate response has been to re-direct services and resources to support those most in need but we recognise the community recovery process may take months or years for some. As a result, the City will not be running a rates prize draw in 2020/21. We will instead focus our efforts and resources on minimising the impact for community members experiencing hardship due to the pandemic. We look forward to working in partnership with ratepayers and the community to navigate the recovery process together. In the meantime, remember to reach out to the City if you need support as we are here to help.

Gross Rental Value (GRV) update Your annual rates are calculated using a Gross Rental Value (GRV) for residential, commercial, industrial and vacant properties issued by the Valuer General’s Office. The yearly GRV estimates how much you could expect to receive if you were to rent out your property and it also allows for outgoings such as rates and other property expenses. The Valuer General (Landgate) provides updated GRV figures to the City of Stirling every three years. The Council then sets a ‘rate in the dollar’ figure to calculate your annual rates as a percentage of the assessed value of your property, i.e. GRV multiplied by rate in the dollar. This year is a revaluation year and the latest figures have shown a general trend that GRVs have fallen across the City. On average, the GRVs for Stirling have dropped by 13 per cent, but this has not been consistent across all suburbs. Some suburbs have fallen by only 4 per cent, while others have dropped by 21 per cent.

The fall in GRV has also varied depending on the property type

minimum rates for Strata Titled Storage Units and Parkland Villas units under 36m 2 in size. The table below shows differential and minimum rates for 2020/21. Rate in the $ amount Residential $0.056122 Commercial $0.052442 Industrial $0.057837 Vacant $0.068241 General Minimum Rate $853

with residential property GRVs falling much more than commercial property. As a result of this variation, the City has introduced differential rates for the first time this year – a different rate in the dollar will be charged depending on whether the property is residential, commercial, industrial or vacant. The differential rates in the dollar are higher than last year’s single rate to allow for the overall decrease in GRVs, but that will not result in paying higher rates this year. As the Council has committed to freezing rates for 2020/21, the City will issue a credit to your bill to allow for any changes in GRV that might increase your rates this year. Waste charges will reduce by $15 for residential ratepayers and this will be taken into account when calculating the credit. Vacant property owners will be required to apply for a credit if their rates have increased. All minimum payments will remain the same for 2020/21, including lower

Parkland Villas Retirement Village (apartments less than 36m 2 )

$805 $553

Strata Titled Storage Units

Property owners have the right to appeal their assessed property value with the Valuer General’s Office within 60 days of the issue of the rates notice. For any questions about your GRV, please phone Landgate on (08) 9273 7373 or visit the Landgate website www.landgate.wa.gov.au

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1. This is your payment reference.You should quote this number when you contact the City about your account or when you make a payment. 2. This is the individual number allocated to the property that this notice is related to. 3. This is the street address of the property that this notice is related to. 4. The Valuer General’s Office (VGO) estimates how much you could expect to receive if you were to rent out your property. This is known as the Gross Rental Value or GRV. If you object to this value please phone the VGO on (08) 9273 7373. 5. The period this notice covers. 6. This is the date the bill was produced. 7. The amount you have to pay and the due date if you choose to pay your rates in full. 8. The amount you have to pay and the due dates if you choose to pay your rates in two instalments. 9. The amount you have to pay and the due dates if you choose to pay your rates in four instalments. 10. The amount you have to pay and the due dates if you choose to pay your rates by Rates Smoothing. 11. This is the State Government Emergency Services Levy. This forms part of your total rates bill but it is not set or controlled by the City of Stirling. Please see the separate brochure produced by the State Government for more information about this charge. 12. As part of the City’s Economic Stimulus and Community Recovery Package, the City will apply a COVID-19 concession to reduce the rates for any property where the improved rates were more in 2020/21 than in 2019/20. This applies to City charges only and does not include the Emergency Services Levy. 13. Depending on your property, you may be charged for the weekly collection of your recycling/rubbish bin, a pool inspection fee, a security charge, and residential and other rates. 14. States whether your property is subject to a pensioner/ senior discount. 15. Your tip passes and a free swim pass to either Stirling Leisure Centres – Terry Tyzack Aquatic Centre Inglewood, Leisurepark Balga or Scarborough Beach Pool.

Your rates explained

1

0 0 0 0 0000 00

2

3

9 SAM Street SAMPLE WA 9999 Lot 99 D 99999 Vol 1280 Fol 190 Area: 716.000000 m2

999999

32760

4

01/07/2020 - 30/06/2021

1321212022220233331132323223223330313

999 00001

22/07/2020

Sam Sample 9 Sample Street SAMPLE WA 9999

26 August 2020

5 6 7 8

$2,423.95

J4gAMkIVcpfGxdMrbLeRpMH

12 11 13

EmergencyServicesLevy 1Residential ImprovedPropertyCOVID-19 Concession

$2,423.95

26/08/2020

Option 1

32760@ESLMax.Pay

$441.00

CouncilConcession

-$25.36

Option 2 Instalment1 Instalment2

$1,211.95 $1,212.00

26/08/2020 11/11/2020

32760@ 5.6122c/$

ImprovedResidentialRates

$1,838.56

Total$2,423.95 (costofoption$0.00)

1@ 30.00

ServiceCharge -Security

$30.00

1

Option 3 Instalment1 Instalment2 Instalment3 Instalment4

StandardWasteService

$350.00

$605.95 $606.00 $606.00 $606.00

26/08/2020 11/11/2020 13/01/2021 17/03/2021

SubTotal

$2,634.20

9

StateGovernmentRebate

-$210.25

14

 This is yourPensioner/SeniorsDiscount Total

Total$2,423.95 (costofoption$0.00)

$2,423.95

Toqualify for instalments, the ExactAmount shownas Instalment1on yourRateNoticemustbe received in onepaymentby26August2020.

26/08/2020

$57.71

Weekly

10

Total$2,423.95 (CostofOption:$0.00) Fortnightly 26/08/2020 Total$2,423.95 (CostofOption:$0.00) Monthly 26/08/2020 Total$2,423.95 (CostofOption:$0.00)

$115.43

S000001Q01000001#77299

$242.40

15

0 0 0 0 0000 00

1010966711

J4b9W:keTpGKpfIvcIVcq1KpfIvcIVcqVKpfIvb86rv *26950000000000000000000000

New ways to pay your rates Make paying your rates an easier process with the City’s new direct debit and Rates Smoothing direct debit options. The online direct debit option enables you to pay your rates in full, by two instalments or by four instalments. With direct debits you won’t have to remember to pay your rates before the due date. Rates Smoothing provides ratepayers with the option to spread payment of their 2020/21 rates notice over a longer period by setting up a series of direct debits. Instalments can be paid weekly,

fortnightly or monthly across the 42- week period from 26 August 2020 to 30 June 2021. A breakdown of the Rates Smoothing payment options are included on this year’s rates notice. The City has introduced these new payment methods as part of its Economic Stimulus and Community Recovery Package. Along with implementing a rate freeze for 2020/21 and new flexible payment options, the stimulus package has removed interest, instalment and arrangement fees on rate payments.

For more information, visit www.stirling.wa.gov.au/payyourrates If you are having difficulty paying your 2020/21 rates notice, please contact the Rates team on (08) 9205 8555. Still receiving your rates notice through the post? Want to go paperless? To receive next year’s rates notice via email, visit www.stirling.wa.gov.au/erates and register.

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City Services

Stimulus package takes a City-wide approach After a lot of deliberation and number crunching, Council approved an

instalments and providing more flexible payment options. The City also allocated $7 million to supporting small businesses by offering rent reductions, counselling services and new programs aimed at boosting revenue. Close to $3 million was allocated to helping local community groups bounce back and supporting vulnerable members of our community. Rounding out the stimulus package, $28.9 million was dedicated to a range of capital works projects with an emphasis on labour needs as a way of helping boost jobs.

Economic Stimulus and Community Recovery Package in May. Aimed at supporting the community during the COVID-19 response and recovery, the $43.7 million stimulus package focused on four key areas – financial relief for ratepayers, business and activation, community, and capital investment. Primarily drawing on the City’s reserves, the stimulus package included a $4.9 million commitment to ensuring a zero per cent rate increase this year, removing fees associated with paying rates by

Spike in beach rescues With many beautiful beaches, the City of Stirling is the only local government with year round beach patrols. The City’s Beach Inspectors patrol our 7.5km of coastline seven days a week and during peak season (October – April) they are ably assisted by 14 Beach Lifeguards and two additional casual Beach Inspectors. Annual figures show the number of rescues this summer almost tripled – up from 203 rescues in 2018/19 to 589 rescues during 2019/20. The City works in collaboration with voluntary patrols by members of Trigg Island and Scarboro Surf Lifesaving Clubs from October to April. These patrols complement the City’s service on weekends and public holidays in supervising areas between the red and yellow flags. From June 2019 through May 2020, around 925,000 people visited local beaches.

Fire safety requirements for homeowners All land owners and residents in the City of Stirling must ensure their properties comply with City requirements for the upcoming fire season. Land area less than 2,000sqm

Any required works must be completed before 30 November

– Slash or mow all grass to a maximum height of 5cm and remove all flammable material. Land area greater than 2,000sqm – Install a continuous 3-metre wide firebreak that is clear of all flammable material around all structures and external land boundaries.

and maintained until 31 March each year. If your property does not meet these requirements, you may receive a $250 fine and be charged for remedial works. Visit www.stirling.wa.gov.au/firebreaks for more details.

Stirling Food Services Did you know you can buy fresh or frozen delicious and nutritious meals direct from the City of Stirling? All meals are cooked fresh on site at the City’s purpose-built kitchen at 97 Delawney Street in Balcatta and can be purchased from 10.00am to 2.30pm on weekdays. The Stirling Food Services team can also deliver meals straight to your door as well as cater for individual dietary requirements such as vegetarian or diabetic friendly dishes. Our generously portioned, two-course meals are delivered freshly chilled so they can be heated and eaten when it suits you. Phone the team on (08) 9205 7632 for more information.

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Be part of Containers for Change from October Containers for Change is coming to the City of Stirling on Thursday 1 October 2020. When the new facilities open, residents can take their eligible beverage containers to the City’s refund points and receive 10 cents for each eligible container returned. The City has two proposed drop-off locations: – 257 Balcatta Road, Balcatta Drive through facility (instant cash refunds) – Recycling Centre Balcatta Bag drop-off only (electronic direct debit refunds) The scheme aims to: • Increase recovery and recycling of empty beverage containers • Reduce the number of empty beverage containers disposed of as litter or to landfill • Create opportunities for employment • Provide opportunities for social enterprise and benefit community organisations • Complement existing collection and recycling activities for recyclable waste. For updates please visit www.stirling.wa.gov.au/containers

Drive-through emergency food relief More than 3,500 food hampers were distributed to people in need during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic via a joint project between the City of Stirling, Vinnies WA, Second Bite and Share the Dignity. The hampers ultimately supported about 9,500 people. Until late June, temporarily redeployed City staff helped pack thousands of hampers containing fresh fruit and vegetables and non-perishable foods. The hampers were then distributed to people experiencing hardship using a drive-through service based at Stirling Community Centres – Balga.

The collaborative project proved a great opportunity to work with

Vinnies WA and expand on an existing relief service delivered by the City in partnership with SecondBite and Share the Dignity, which offers fresh food and sanitary packs to people in need. Due to ongoing community need, Vinnies WA now operates a weekly emergency relief food service for City of Stirling residents at 97 Delawney Street, Balcatta on Tuesdays between 10.00am and 1.00pm. Please contact Vinnies WA on 1300 794 054 for more details or to register for food hampers.

Stirling Libraries app now available Stirling Libraries now has its very own app so you can search the entire catalogue with ease. Along with being a great way to browse through our online content, the nifty app enables you to manage any loans and holds. You will also have the technology in the palm of your hand to scan a barcode in a bookshop and find out immediately if the title is available in the Stirling Libraries collection. Look for ‘City of Stirling Libraries’ on Google Play or the App Store and download the app.

Book your next round online Online bookings are now available for Hamersley Public Golf Course. The 18-hole venue at 102 Marmion Avenue in Karrinyup is the City’s only public golf course. Golfers can now book online up to 10 days in advance. Visit www.stirling.wa.gov.au/hamersleygolf and follow the prompts to book your next round. Players can also still book by phoning the course on (08) 9447 7137.

Watch Council meetings live Fortnightly Council meetings are now streamed live via the City’s YouTube channel. If you miss the live stream, recordings of meetings are also added to the YouTube channel. To watch the latest Council meetings, subscribe to the City’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/cityofstirlingwa

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This publication costs a total of 14 cents per copy to produce and has been printed using carbon neutral environmentally friendly paper that is recyclable.

Administration Centre: 25 Cedric Street Stirling WA 6021 | Telephone (08) 9205 8555 | Facsimile (08) 9345 8822 | www.stirling.wa.gov.au Opening hours: 8.30am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday | Enquiries: www.stirling.wa.gov.au/enquiries

Your Mayor and Councillors’ contact details

Mayor Mark Irwin Ph: 9205 8502 mark.irwin@stirling.wa.gov.au

Deputy Mayor Councillor Bianca Sandri Ph: 0439 185 175 bianca.sandri@stirling.wa.gov.au Councillor David Boothman JP Ph: 0419 047 224 david.boothman@stirling.wa.gov.au

Inglewood Ward Dianella* Inglewood Yokine* Balga Ward Balga Dianella* Mirrabooka Coastal Ward Doubleview* Karrinyup* North Beach

Councillor David Lagan Ph: 0408 068 597 david.lagan@stirling.wa.gov.au

Councillor Keith Sargent Ph: 0402 202 149 keith.sargent@stirling.wa.gov.au

Nollamara* Westminster

Councillor Felicity Farrelly Ph: 0407 170 090 felicity.farrelly@stirling.wa.gov.au

Councillor Karen Caddy Ph: 0419 477 757 karen.caddy@stirling.wa.gov.au

Scarborough Trigg Watermans Bay

Doubleview Ward

Councillor Stephanie Proud JP Ph: 0411 070 793 stephanie.proud@stirling.wa.gov.au

Councillor Elizabeth Re Ph: 0419 913 988 elizabeth.re@stirling.wa.gov.au

Churchlands Doubleview* Innaloo

Wembley Wembley Downs Woodlands

Hamersley Ward

Councillor Karlo Perkov Ph: 0447 904 714 karlo.perkov@stirling.wa.gov.au

Councillor Chris Hatton Ph: 0439 752 279 chris.hatton@stirling.wa.gov.au

Balcatta* Carine Gwelup

Hamersley Karrinyup* Stirling*

Lawley Ward Coolbinia Dianella* Nollamara* Osborne Ward Balcatta* Glendalough Joondanna

Councillor Joe Ferrante Ph: 0418 891 274 joe.ferrante@stirling.wa.gov.au

Councillor Suzanne Migdale Ph: 0417 137 362 suzanne.migdale@stirling.wa.gov.au

Menora Mt Lawley Yokine*

Councillor Adam Spagnolo Ph: 0419 043 174 adam.spagnolo@stirling.wa.gov.au

Councillor Lisa Thornton Ph: 0490 237 604 lisa.thornton@stirling.wa.gov.au

Osborne Park Stirling* Tuart Hill

* These suburbs are located in multiple wards.

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