Kalamunda
Connect Winter 2022, Edition 12
In this issue Message from the Mayor Budget 2022/2023 Forrestfield Library’s new home Your Ward - Updates & More High Wycombe Aquatic and Leisure Centre Funded Stirk Park transformation
Kalamunda Connect | 1
What’s On For full details go to kalamunda.wa.gov.au/events Kalamunda Night Markets 4th Friday of the month, January to April, 5pm to 9pm Barber St, Kalamunda Kalamunda Farmers Market Every Sunday morning 8am to 12pm Kalamunda Artisan Market First Saturday of every month 8:30am to 2pm Stirk Park, Kalamunda Exhibition: NAIDOC 2022 8 to 17 July 9am to 4pm weekdays 10am to 4pm weekends Zig Zag Gallery, Kalamunda Fungi Foray Walk with Roz Hart 9 July, 10 to 11:30am Jorgensen Park, Kalamunda Kalamunda Probus Club: Making Model Vehicles 13 July, 9:30am to 12pm Kalamunda Club Exhibition: Art is History 23 July to 7 August 9am to 4pm weekdays 10am to 4pm weekends Zig Zag Gallery, Kalamunda Library and Information Week Events 26 July to 28 July Various times and venues Author talk with Margaret Cameron 26 July, 12 to 3:30pm Kalamunda Library
2 Kalamunda Connect | Winter 2022, Edition 12
Morning Music: The Southern Star Band 3 August, 10am Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre kalamunda.wa.gov.au/kpac
Morning Music: The Boy George Show 5 October, 10am Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre kalamunda.wa.gov.au/kpac
Positive Ageing Workshop 4 August, 12pm to 2.30pm High Wycombe Recreation Centre
Exhibition: Natures Collective 7 to 30 October 9am to 4pm weekdays 10am to 4pm weekends Zig Zag Gallery, Kalamunda
Kalamunda Probus Club: Why don’t West Aussies speak French? 10 August, 9:30am to 12pm Kalamunda Club Exhibition: Luminary (Kalamunda Senior High School Arts Students) 12 to 28 August 9am to 4pm weekdays 10am to 4pm weekends Zig Zag Gallery, Kalamunda Exhibition: Everyday is Different 3 to 18 September 9am to 4pm weekdays 10am to 4pm weekends Zig Zag Gallery, Kalamunda Morning Music: The Golden Age Girls 7 September, 10am Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre kalamunda.wa.gov.au/kpac FREE Workshop: Housing Options in Retirement 22 September and 12 October 10 to 11am High Wycombe Library Exhibition: GEM Camera Club Spring in the Hills 25 September to 2 October 9am to 4pm weekdays 10am to 4pm weekends Zig Zag Gallery, Kalamunda
Forrestfield Night Market 14 October, 11 November, 9 December 4 to 9pm Hawaiian’s Shopping Centre Carpark, Forrestfield Morning Music: Gaven Nicklette 2 November, 10am Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre kalamunda.wa.gov.au/kpac Exhibition: Seniors Week 4 to 13 November 9am to 4pm weekdays 10am to 4pm weekends Zig Zag Gallery, Kalamunda Social Inclusion Forum 1 December, 5pm to 8pm Kalamunda Community Centre Morning Music: Freehold Jazz 7 December, 10am Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre kalamunda.wa.gov.au/kpac School’s Out Pool Party 15 December 2022 3pm-7pm Kalamunda Water Park
Note: Events subject to change. Please check status and venue of events prior to attending with relevant event organisers. For full details go to kalamunda.wa.gov.au/events
Message from the Mayor Dear Residents. Throughout the past three months, elected members have been working closely with senior staff to prepare a budget that facilitates the delivery of services and infrastructure to the community in a financially sustainable manner. This has been a complex process as the City is responsible for managing a significant asset base of more than $541 M and the year ahead presents significant challenges given the economic conditions both locally and globally. The Annual Budget is informed by the Long-Term Financial Plan (LTFP) which is focused on ensuring the City is financially sustainable now and into the future. The year’s budget reflects a 4.9% increase in the rate in the dollar for residential properties, and a 5.5% increase in the rate in the dollar for commercial and industrial properties. This will enable the City to deliver a capital works program of more than $35 Million. Current economic conditions are dominated by record high levels of inflation (the highest in more than three decades), low levels of unemployment, and significant disruption to supply chains. Recent examples of economic uncertainty include: • Perth CPI 7.6% increase for the year ended March 2022. • Fuel prices increased by 39% year on year. • Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) increases to the official interest rate for the first time in more than a decade. • RBA forecast interest rates to increase by up to 6%. In addition to the traditional economic metrics, the WA Local Government Association (WALGA) has developed a Local Government Cost Index (LGCI) which considers the typical costs borne by local governments, which has reported a 5.7% increase in 2021/22. Moreover, some categories reported significantly higher increases such as: • Road and bridge construction costs increased by 9%. • Non-residential building costs increased by 14.5%. Within the 2022/23 year the City will be investing heavily in infrastructure, including: • $6m in Parks and Ovals. • $10.2m in buildings. • $1.9m in footpaths.
I am delighted to share some significant recent highlights, which I am confident will make a difference to our community. The Cambridge Reserve Enhancement Project proposes to transform Cambridge Reserve to formalise and increase site activation and community safety, expose its natural beauty and amenity for the whole community, and concurrently transform the site into a community asset providing much needed services and accommodation. The City is actively pursuing a Climate Change Action Plan to address risk to the environment, economy, infrastructure, and community health, safety and wellbeing in the City of Kalamunda, brought on by Climate Change. The transformation of Woodlupine Brook into a living stream continues, and I can’t wait to see what it looks like when finished. We also have the completion of works on Central Mall in the Kalamunda Town Centre to look forward to, as well as the exciting relocation of the Forrestfield Library into Hawaiian Forrestfield Shopping Centre. The Stirk Park Master Plan is moving along, with works on the lake now complete, and construction of the $3.8M (across two financial years) playground and skatepark scheduled for construction in the summer of 2022/23. Designs have commenced on the High Wycombe Aquatic, Fitness and Leisure complex after pledges totalling $60m from the State and Federal Governments. The next six months will see the City commence the necessary land planning and design team engagement to get this massive project underway. As we head into the warmer months, I also remind everyone to remain vigilant with bushfire preparations. The earlier we start thinking about bushfires, the better prepared we are when summer arrives. Despite the challenges facing us, I have no doubt there is a bright future in store for our vibrant and robust community. Kind Regards
Margaret Thomas Mayor
Connect with us Sign up to our FREE monthly e-news! enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au
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$7
$7
$8
$15
$20
$22
Community Development
Commercial & Cultural Services
Parks & Environmental Services
Waste Management
Asset Operations & Maintenance
$5
Governance & Legal Services
$10M
Community Safety Services
$5
Strategic Planning
$3
Approval Services
$4
$3
Asset Planning & Management
Customer & Public Relations
$1 Asset Delivery
G
Capital Works Expen Budget Expenditure 2022-2023 $6.1M
$2.5M
Capital Works Expenditure 2022/2023 2022/2023 Capital Works Expenditure Parks & Ovals
Roads
$10M
$6.1M
Roads
$2.5M
$1M
Operating Revenue by Nature or Type Parks & Ovals
rating Revenue Nature or Type
1%
$10.2M
Furniture & Equipment
Plant & Equipment
Land & Buildings
$1M
Furniture Equipmen
Plant & Equipment
$1.5M
$1.9M
Drainage
$2.1M
Footpaths
Other Infrastructure
Expenditure by Program
Areas of Operating Expenditure Transport 21% Areas of Expenditure for Recreation & for every $100 Council receives 34% Culture
<1% <1% 4%
every $100 Council receives
Rates
67 %
Interest Earning
1%
Fees & Charges
27%
Grants & Subsidies
27%
1%
Contributions, Reimbursements & Donations
<1%
Other revenues
<1%
Community Amenities
67 %
$22 Interest Earning
Asset Operations Education & <1% Welfare & Maintenance
Fees & Charges $20
4%
Exgratia Rates
Rates
Rates Interest Earnings Fees & Charges
67 % 1%
1%
Contributions, Reimbursements & Donations
4%
Ex gratia Rates
<1%
Other revenues
<1%
3% 4%
Governance
Environmental Services
4%
Economic Services 2%
Commercial &
4%
Other Property 5% &Cultural ServicesServices
$7
<1% Community Development
$7
Community Safety Services
$5
Governance & Legal Services
$5
Strategic Planning
$4
Customer & Public Relations
$3
Approval Services
$3
Asset Planning & Management
$1
Asset Delivery
<1%
27%
Grants & Subsidies
4 Kalamunda Connect | Winter 2022, Edition 12
Waste 27% Law, Order & Management Public Safety
1%
Other revenues
Operating Revenue by Nature or Type
Health
Funding
Exgratia Rates
1%
1%
Purpose Grants & SubsidiesGeneral 1% Parks &
$15 Contributions, Reimbursements & Donations $8
67%
25%
nditure 2022/2023 $10M
Roads
$6.1M
$2.5M
Parks & Ovals
$1.5M
Foot
Drainage
Land & Buildings
$1.9M
$2.1M
Footpaths 67 %
Other Infrastructure
InterestPurpose Earning Funding1% 1% General Fees & Charges 27% 4% Governance Economic Services Grants & Subsidies 1% 2% Other Property Contributions, 5% &Reimbursements Services
<1%
25%
4%
& Donations
4%
Exgratia Rates
<1%
Other revenues
<1%
Major Projects 2022-2023 Roads Strelitzia Avenue, Forrestfield - Safety Improvements Orange Valley Road, Kalamunda - Safety Improvements Lyndhurst to Barbigal Mundaring Weir Road, Kalamunda to Weir Ledger Road - New Childrens Crossing at Gooseberry Hill Primary School Haynes Street, Kalamunda - Streetscape Upgrade Design Falls Road, Lesmurdie - Embayed Parking Canning Road, Carmel - Lighting & Safety Improvements Welshpool Road East to Glenisla Road Canning Mills Road, Canning Mills Widening & Barriers Anderson Rd & Holmes Rd, Forrestfield Resurfacing Roundabout/Approaches Welshpool Road East, Wattle Grove Road Resurfacing Patterson Road Bickley - Road Resurfacing Hale Road, Forrestfield - Road Resurfacing Dundas Road Rehabilitation Abernethy to Wittenoom Daddow Road, Kewdale - Road Resurfacing Canning Road, Lesmurdie - Road Resurfacing Hale Road & Strelitzia Avenue, Forrestfield - Street Light Renewal Footpaths Canning Rd, Kalamunda - Haynes St Signalised Pedestrian Crossing Burma Road, Lesmurdie
Transport
$192k $60k $55k $216k $211k $1.08M $491k $115k $237k $327k $388k $275k $343k $301k $270k $348k $66k
4%
1% 2%
5% 34%
Recreation & Culture
Community Amenities Footpaths (cont.) $200k
3%
4%
Expenditure by Program Law, Order & Public Safety
$1.9M
Expenditure by Program
e& Drainage Land & Expenditure by Program Rates nt Buildings 21% 34% 25% <1% 3%
Furniture & Equipment
Plant & Equipment
Operating Revenue by Nature $10.2M or Type $1.5M
Transport Recreation & Culture Community Amenities Education & Welfare Health
$10.2M
$1M
21%21% 34% 25%
Berkshire and Dundas, Forrestfield Education & $636k Shared Path <1% Welfare Drainage Toornart Creek Gooseberry Hill - Drainage Health 3% $259k Upgrade Ledger Road, Gooseberry Law, Order & Hill - New $299k 4% Drainage System Public Safety Buildings ScottGeneral Reserve Sport Pavilion Purpose $127k 1% Redevelopment Funding - Design Ray Owen Recreation Centre - Renew $427k Grandstand Seating Courts 1 & 44% Governance Kalamunda Tennis Club - Toilet $234k Refurbishment Economic Services 2% Kalamunda Rugby League Club Room $218k Refurbishment Other Property 5% Kalamunda Bowling Club Refurbish & Services $318k Female Toilets Cyril Road Hall - Fabric & Fixtures Renewal $139k Parks & Reserves Stirk Park - New Playground & Skate Park $2.3M Juniper Way, Forrestfield - Upgrade $398k Hartfield Park Little Athletics Facilities $87k Long Jump & Throwing Circles Scott Reserve Oval Reticulation & Turf $239k Kalamunda Tennis Club - Renew Court $161k Fencing and Security Fencing Other Infrastructure Woodlupine Brook, Wattle Grove Environmental Upgrade Cell 9 Stage 3
$1.26M
Kalamunda Connect | 5
South West Ward Cr Cannon Cr Miskiewicz Cr O’Donnell
Forrestfield Library finds a convenient new home A bold, innovative digital hub is coming to Forrestfield, as the Forrestfield Library will move into the Hawaiian Forrestfield Shopping Centre later this year. Embracing advances in technology and the service needs of the community, the new location will provide a modern library experience as well as the opportunity to transact with the City of Kalamunda for items
Bowled over by new synthetic green The Forrestfield Districts Bowls Club have recently completed the installation of a second synthetic bowling green at Hartfield Park. The new green reduces the impact on volunteer resources to maintain grass greens and provides the club with greater opportunities for its members and the wider community to bowl all year round. The new green complements the other synthetic green and was funded through a contribution from the State Government and the club. 6 Kalamunda Connect | Winter 2022, Edition 12
like animal registrations and rate payments. The City is in the process of the sale of the current Forrestfield Library site to the State Government for use in the construction of a new Police Station. This will necessitate closure of the Library in the current building. The new space will provide for a click and collect style service, mobile printing and scanning services for the
Brook comes alive The City is transforming Woodlupine Brook from Strelizia Ave to Dawson Ave into a functioning living stream resulting in a more attractive and useable waterway for wildlife and the community. Construction commenced in April with the first stage of the project set to restore 300 metres of the Woodlupine Brook from Strelizia Ave to Woolworths Bridge into a functioning ecosystem including a biodiverse, babbling living stream. Works are expected to be completed by September 2022 and you can view updates on the City’s website kalamunda.wa.gov.au
community, PC hubs with internet as well as public Wi-Fi, a hireable training space with computers and AV functionality, an area for services such as story time, rhyme time and adult programs, and pop up activations and creative installations. To stay up to date with the project visit engage.kalamunda.wa.gov.au
$5.4 million Secured for Hartfield Park Master Plan Stage 2 Through the 2022 federal election the City secured $5.4 million towards the implementation of the Hartfield Park Master Plan Stage 2. The plan, which identified the need to combine several sporting facilities across the site into new co-located facilities, was adopted by Council in August 2021, with an estimated cost of $13.7 million.
Master Plan previously funded by the Federal Government’s 2019 Election commitment of $2 million and State Government Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF) grant of $620,000 for new unisex changerooms and new little athletics long jump pits. The design and consultation process for these facilities is currently underway.
This funding commitment further supports Stage 2 projects in the
Mid 2022 will see the completion of new LED sports floodlighting at
School holiday fun
New look gym
Jump start your heart
Did you know the ever-popular Junior Volleyball, Junior Soccer and Junior Dance programs run at Hartfield Park Recreation Centre and the AwardWinning Kids Cooking Club classes run at High Wycombe Community & Recreation Centre each school holidays?
Hartfield Park Recreation Centre’s gym cardio equipment has been upgraded with new TechnoGym Treadmills, Bikes and Ellipticals. This, along with new flooring in the Cardio zone, is the first stage in giving the gym a fresh new look and feel. Stage 2 will involve giving the walls a fresh coat of paint and installing mirrors along the southern wall in front of the new cardio equipment in July and August 2022.
The Hartfield Park Recreation Centre’s Hart-Fit studio has a unique 10-week Progressive Youth Fitness Program in line with the school term.
Places are limited so enrol early to avoid disappointment. Contact staff on 9359 1700 or visit www. kalamunda.wa.gov.au/recreation
Hartfield Park. The new lighting will illuminate additional training areas for both Kalamunda Bulldogs Rugby League Club and Forrestfield United Football Club. The project was jointly funded through the State Government’s CSRFF program, City of Kalamunda, and Kalamunda Bulldogs Rugby League Club.
Participants learn how to use weights and kettle bells safely and with the correct technique, along with boxing and suspension training techniques. Jump Start is designed for youth in high school Years 7 to 11. Kalamunda Connect | 7
North Ward
Cr Osenton Cr Ritchie Cr Thomas
Stirk Park all set for once in a generation transformation In April 2022, Council adopted the detailed design and project budget of $3.8 million, across two financial years, for the new Stirk Park playground and skate park, paving the way for works to commence in late 2022.
existing facility on Canning Road. The project is being funded through grants received from Lotterywest, the Federal Government’s – Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Scheme, and Rotary Club of Kalamunda.
The design has been developed from community consultation undertaken through the Stirk Park Master Plan and concept design phase.
There have also been some very happy ducks down at Stirk Park lately, with the completion of the extension and beautification of the lake. Works included the replacement of culverts located at the inlet open drain to the pond, installation of an Ecosol storm pit and refurbishment of the outlet open drain from the pond.
The playground will provide a wide variety of nature based play equipment for all ages and abilities, while the skate park will replace the
Accessibility and inclusion drives upgrades to Pat Moran Pavilion The City recently completed an upgrade to Pat Moran Pavilion at Kostera Oval, including new unisex changerooms and toilets, a compliant universally accessible toilet and storage expansion. This facility upgrade is part of the City’s response to meeting the growing demand for female sports participation across multiple sporting codes. This project will now provide modern and contemporary facilities for 8 Kalamunda Connect | Winter 2022, Edition 12
the Kalamunda Cricket Club, Kalamunda and Districts Junior Football Club and Kalamunda Lesmurdie Little Athletics Club. The project received a funding contribution through the State Government’s Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund, the West Australian Football Commission’s AFL Facilities Fund and the resident local clubs.
The City will be calling tenders for the construction of the $2.4 million Playground and Skate Park with a view for works to commence in late 2022/23 and be completed in late 2023.
Scan below to view a fly through of the final design for the Stirk Park playground and skate park!
The latest on the Central Mall Works are nearing completion on the Central Mall in Kalamunda Town Centre. The Central Mall Project will mark the start of the 10-year vision for the Kalamunda Town Centre coming to life. The vision of the Kalamunda Activity Centre Plan, is for Central Mall to become the heart of Kalamunda’s night-time economy, delivering an intimate and vibrant urban experience that supports both
day and night-time activities in the centre. Central Mall will become a precinct with a food and beverage focus and act as a counterpoint to the more traditional and heritage spaces of the Kalamunda town centre. The precinct’s design will feature spaces for community to sit and enjoy with a vibrant line up of special events commencing from August
2022. We will also welcome the local and much loved Kalamunda Artisan Market, Kalamunda Farmers Market and the Kalamunda Night Market back into the Central Mall area. Don’t forget to take a look in the evening – the artist night lighting will be impressive.
Clubs receive welcome investment Kalamunda Tennis Club and Kalamunda Bowls Club will receive upgrades to their toilet facilities as part of an over $500,000 investment across the two clubs.
City calls for improvements to National Parks Following a series of complaints from residents and visitors, the City of Kalamunda is calling for improvements to local National Parks. Gooseberry Hill National Park in the northern area of the City of Kalamunda has no amenities provided, no marked walking trails, a lack of signage, limited car parking and no toilet facilities. The area is also a registered Aboriginal heritage site; however, no community education information is available, when compared to other similar and surrounding parks.
The City previously established a working group with the Local Member Matthew Hughes, representatives from Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and community members. The group proactively proposed a viewing platform, and clear trails to enhance and protect the environment with initial understanding that the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions would develop a concept plan for consideration– however the Department has since advised no funding is available.
This follows on from the recent delivery of improvements to Maida Vale Reserve including new floodlighting, a new retaining wall, pathways, fencing, signage and plantings, along with a resurfaced entry road. The Maida Vale Reserve Master Plan will now move into a new phase with the City’s design team busily designing the new Maida Vale Reserve Sports Pavilion. Construction is expected to commence in the 2023/2024 financial year. This project will be a $2.4 million investment.
Kalamunda Connect | 9
South East Ward Cr Giardina Cr Sewell Cr Stallard
New Playground and Synthetic Bowling Green for Pickering Brook Sports Club Last year the City was successful in attaining a grant of $240,500 through the Building Better Regions Funding (BBRF), which is an Australian Government initiative to build stronger regional communities into the future. The funding is to deliver a new nature based playground, solar panels and an eight rink synthetic bowling green at the Pickering Brook Sports Club. The works are valued at $481,000, with further funding contributions attained
through Lotterywest for the new playground, City of Kalamunda and the Pickering Brook Sports Club. Recently the new nature based playground with accessible play equipment and solar panels were completed on site, while construction of the new synthetic bowling green has commenced. It is anticipated that the bowling green will be completed in late 2022.
Adopt-A-Patch Program Helps Kids Connect with Nature This event was held as an early National Tree Day event to improve the understorey layer around Walliston’s new yarning circle. Earlier in the year, the City had a Cockatube installed to encourage black cockatoos to roost. It is hoped the plantings will complement this by providing food for the cockatoos. Walliston Primary School students planted over 500 plants earlier this month as part of the Adopt-A-Patch program with the City of Kalamunda.
Approximately 260 students worked with their buddy classes to prepare the soil, plant, and water their
plants. The students were then encouraged to visit their patch of bush throughout the year and watch its progress and monitor if they see animals benefitting from the improved habitat. The Adopt-A-Patch program was launched to schools in 2019, after a successful pilot program was undertaken with the Kalamunda Secondary Education Support Centre (KSESC).
The Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS) is changing! The Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS) Program is redesigning the forecasting of fire danger in Australia. The AFDRS is a project of national significance being developed collaboratively by each state and territory, and the Commonwealth government. It aims to improve public safety, reduce the impacts of bushfires and better support the community with nationally consistent ratings and messaging. The AFDRS will be implemented on 1 September 2022 across Australia.
Scan here to learn more! 10 Kalamunda Connect | Winter 2022, Edition 12
Deserving of a second chance Officially opened in March, the City’s new resuse shop, Second Chance, will provide items with a second life that might otherwise end up in landfill. Across March, April and May, the shop sold over 1,000 items and diverted around 20 tons of waste that would have otherwise clogged up our landfill. Second Chance is located at the Walliston Transfer Station and is proudly managed by Workpower, promoting employment for people with disability. Be sure to drop in, check out the shop and say hello to the team members running it! Open 8.30am - 3pm, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, and 8.30am - 2pm on Fridays. Closed on Public Holidays and during total fire bans.
Take a seat at Ray Owen Reserve With works on the car park at Ray Owen Reserve nearing completion, the project will soon move on to the next phase. In the 2022/23 budget, Council has set aside $427,000 for the renewal of grandstand seating on courts 1 and 4. Upgrades to Ray Owen Reserve are integrated with plans for a pipeline from the Hartfield Park Managed Aquifer Recharge to Lesmurdie. The concept involves evaluating a proposal for an alternative fit for purpose water source for irrigation in the hills environment, where groundwater supplies are scarce.
Rejuvenating our roads Canning Road in Carmel will receive lighting and safety improvements. Patterson Road in Bickley will also be resurfaced with over $1.3 million allocated across the two projects for the 2022/23 financial year. This is in addition to the City ‘s significant investment each year in maintenance to the City’s road network. Ongoing maintenance works are provided on a programmed basis, including: • Road sweeping • Patching of potholes • Grading of gravelled roads and road shoulders • Installing guide posts • Weed control If you notice something that needs attention, visit kalamunda.wa.gov.au and report it
Kalamunda Connect | 11
North West Ward Cr Bilich Cr Cooper Cr O’Connor
New High Wycombe Aquatic and Leisure Centre Funded by Federal and State Governments Through the 2022 federal election the City secured a total of $60 million, equally split across both the State and Federal Governments, for the development of a new Aquatic and Leisure Centre in High Wycombe, adjacent to the High Wycombe Train Station. The project is expected to take between five to six years to deliver.
This is the City’s most successful advocacy project to date and will ensure our growing community can access contemporary community facilities. Council adopted a new Foothills Aquatic Facility in April 2022. *Concept images only
The project will provide a new multifunctional and contemporary facility including a mixture of indoor and outdoor swimming pools, fitness centre, community meeting spaces, multipurpose indoor sports courts, allied health and wellbeing services and a childcare centre.
Upgraded Gladys Newton Park opens with a buzz The upgrade to Gladys Newton Park in High Wycombe has been completed and the park was officially opened at the end of May. There was a real buzz at the opening event and it was great to see everyone enjoying the new space. The City of Kalamunda undertook the improvements to the park to create a vibrant multi-purpose outdoor space that connects visitors with the surrounding natural environment while offering contemporary facilities for all. The park upgrade was jointly funded by the City of Kalamunda, State 12 Kalamunda Connect | Winter 2022, Edition 12
Government and Hall and Prior, the operator of Karingal Green. The objective of the park upgrade was to create a blended open space for young and old to share. The City undertook wide community consultation during the design of the
park, and implemented the upgrade based on the strong support of community.
Planting fun at Markham Reserve Everyone had a wonderful time planting at Markham Reserve in June as a part of the Adopt a Patch program with local legend and Friends Group Coordinator Eileen Stark. The Year three and four High Wycombe Primary School students spent the morning with Uncle Neville Collard who talked to them about the Noongar seasons and culture, the importance of the bush, and how Aboriginal people used some of the natural materials to make things. Students then walked over to Markham Reserve and everyone enjoyed the community planting. Eileen explained about the importance of weeding, with the students actively involved in caring for their local bushland.
Scott Reserve Sports Pavilion The City has recently appointed Architects to progress the design of the new Scott Reserve Sports Pavilion in line with the Scott Reserve Master Plan, with a view for construction to commence in the 2023/2024 financial year. This
project is estimated to be at least $2 million in works. High Wycombe Cricket Club, High Wycombe Junior Football Club, and High Wycombe Senior Football Club will all benefit from the new facility.
Kalamunda Connect | 13
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
SEED Young Entrepreneurs
Young Creatives Kalamunda
Calling all budding young entrepreneurs aged 15-25! Do you want to take your seed idea for a business and grow it to the next level?
Unleash your creative flair with the City’s Young Creatives program. Every second year we host the Young Artist Awards, and in the alternate year we explore a different arts practice. We’ve seen filmmaking, murals, the creation of a short story compilation… stay tuned on the website and social media to see what’s in store for this October.
Learn from business mentors, take part in skill-building workshops and get started on your small business journey joining an alumnus of like-minded young people! Email an expression of interest to be involved or receive more information in the 2023 program via youth@kalamunda. wa.gov.au or call 9257 9999.
Keeping our footpaths clear
YAK on the lookout for young leaders
The City is committed to ensuring our footpaths remain safe and accessible for people of all ages and abilities. Blocking any part of the footpath can result in an on-the-spot infringement. Parked vehicles blocking any portion of the footpath, including the crossover (where your driveway and the footpath meet), may force pedestrians onto the road or onto unstable ground. This can be both frustrating and dangerous for pedestrians, especially those with prams, people with disability and young children.
Youth Action Kalamunda (YAK) are on the hunt for more community-oriented and young leaders to join the team – will that be you? Check out the City’s website for more information. The group meet monthly at the Zig Zag Seminar Room in Kalamunda. Connect Online via Instagram - @ kalayouthservices or Facebook - @ cityofkalamundayouth
The Zig Zag Early Years Partnership The City assists this group of passionate community members, early childhood educators, service providers and health practitioners in supporting families by hosting early years (0-8) information sessions and events like Pop Up Plays. Want to join the partnership? Contact youth@kalamunda.wa.gov.au 14 Kalamunda Connect | Winter 2022, Edition 12
On rubbish collection days, you can help by placing your bins as close to the kerb as possible to allow for a big clearance enabling people in wheelchairs, walkers, gophers or people pushing prams to go around and remain on the footpath (if possible). Removing your bins from the verge/footpath as soon as possible after rubbish collection also helps. Everyone has the right to be safe on our footpaths, please be considerate of others. Following these simple steps can make a big difference to someone’s day.
Volunteers Wanted The City needs volunteers for a number of initiatives.
Woodlupine Coffee Lounge Running for over a decade, the Coffee Lounge welcomes people of all ages to connect and socialise, with a gold coin donation, for light refreshments. Volunteer support works around your availability and includes the setup of tables and chairs, organisation of refreshments and providing a friendly welcome to attendees. Visit kalamunda.wa.gov.au or call 9257 9958 to learn more.
Kalamunda WayFairers Do you have a particular skill or interest area that you could share with a local sporting club or community group? Are you looking for connection and involvement? The City’s WayFairer Project, in partnership with Inclusion Solutions, matches the skills of residents aged 50+ with local groups and clubs looking for support, leadership or mentoring. Please contact Erin via email: erin.taylor@inclusionsolutions.org.au or call 9443 7226 to learn more.
Compassionate Communities Compassionate Communities is a global movement that encourages our whole community to be involved in supporting people, their families and carers through serious illness, or at the end of life. Get involved by contacting the City’s Community Development Officer – Inclusive Communities on 9257 9958.
RATES EXPLAINED Why have rates increased? For the 2022/23 financial year, there is an overall rate increase of 4.9% for all categories except for Industrial/Commercial where the increase is 5.5%. All minimum rates have increased by 4.9% and for the Industrial/Commercial categories, they have increased by 5.5%. All Local Governments are measured to see how financially sustainable they are. As a result of the rate freeze in 2020/21 and lower than projected rate increase for 2021/22, the City needs to better align operating revenues with operating expenditures, in order to ensure that the we remain financially sustainable. Economic stress and inflation have also had an impact as the costs to deliver service to the community have escalated which is particularly evident in the delivery of the capital works program. As part of the budget process for 2022/2023, there have been costs savings made along with innovations in order to keep costs as low as possible. However, an increase in rates was still required to make the City more financially sustainable. The rating structure is a core element in ensuring ongoing financial sustainability. It is also vital in enabling the City to deliver its significant Capital works program and provide the services required by the Community. Some of the other costs that Local Governments have include road and bridge construction, building, machinery and equipment, electricity and street lighting, employment and materials and contract costs. Example of the increase from 2021/22 to 2022/23: On a $20,000 GRV property rates (approximate weekly rent of $385): For 2021/22 = (20,000 x 0.070843 RID) = $1,416.86 For 2022/23 = (20,000 x 0.074314 RID) = $1,486.28 Increase of $69.42 for the year due to the 4.9% increase in the RID.
How are rates calculated? Rates are calculated by multiplying a property’s valuation by the rate in the dollar set by Council. The valuation for each property is determined by the Valuer General and is either a Gross Rental Value (GRV) or Unimproved Value (UV). Gross Rental Value (GRV) is the fair annual rental value of your property and is an estimate of how much you could expect to receive if you were to rent your property. Where the property is vacant land, an equivalent GRV, based on 3% of the property value, is used. For properties situated in the City of Kalamunda, the Unimproved Value (UV) is the site value of the land. In general, this means the value of the land as if it were vacant with no improvements except for merged improvements. Merged improvements relate to improvements such as clearing, draining, and filling.
The last Triennial Revaluation that occurred across the Perth metropolitan area was in 2020/21, effective from 1 July 2020.
Financial Hardship Rates Assistance information
Example of how rates are calculated:
The City of Kalamunda is offering rates assistance for those ratepayers who are still experiencing financial hardship as a direct result of COVID-19. For payment of rates, the City will not charge penalty interest and the administration fee that is usually charged for alternative payment arrangements. In addition to this, an extension for payment of the rates outside of the payment options provided for on the rate notice will be provided for eligible ratepayers. The guidelines and application form are found on the City of Kalamunda’s website on the Rates page, under the heading of the “Pay Your Rates” section and found under the “Payment Difficulties?” heading.
A property that has the following: Gross Rental Value = $16,500 Rate in the Dollar = 0.074314 cents {GRV General) Annual Rates amount = $16,500 x 0.074314 = $1,226.18 (Minimum rates for this category are $925. If the rates amount equalled $925 or less, then this Minimum would be applied on the rates assessment) Unimproved Value = $375,000 Rate in the Dollar = 0.003706 cents (UV General) Annual Rates amount = $375,000 x 0.003706 = $1,389.75
Applications open on 15 July 2022 and close on 31 December 2022. For the financial hardship rates assistance, the City is offering no penalty interest or administration fee to be applied on the rates account. It allows for longer payment terms for a payment arrangement.
(Minimum rates for this category are $925. If the rates amount equalled $925 or less, then this Minimum would be applied on the rates assessment)
Can someone Appeal the Valuation of a Property?
Can I make a Special Payment Arrangement with the City? For 2022/23 the City has reintroduced the Administration fee of $20.00 for special payment arrangements and includes interest of 7% that will accrue on the overdue balance until it is paid in full. If you are unable to pay your rates instalments due to financial distress, you can apply for a payment arrangement by direct debit If you have a current Smarter Way to Pay Agreement with the City this will continue as normal. If you would like to make a new payment arrangement, please contact the Rates department by phone on 08 9257 9999 to discuss the payment proposal with the Rates Officer who will email you the appropriate documentation to set this up. Option 1: Direct Debit to be paid by 31/5/2023 – weekly/ fortnightly (interest of 7% will accrue) Option 2: Smarter Way to Pay minimum of 2 years lower payments· weekly/fortnightly (interest of 7% will accrue)
If a ratepayer feels that the valuation applied on their property is incorrect, they can lodge an objection with Landgate Valuation Services, within 60 days of the issue of their rates notice. For more information, please ask them contact Landgate directly on (08) 9273 7373 or visit their website landgate.wa.gov.au Landgate has further information on valuations for rating and taxing on their website.
What is the Emergency Services Levy (ESL)? All property owners in Western Australia contribute to the fire and emergency services through the Emergency Services Levy (ESL). Local Governments collect the levy on behalf of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). All funds collected are forwarded directly to DFES, who then redistribute the money to emergency services throughout the State. For further information on the Emergency Services Levy please contact DFES on 1300 136 099 or visit their website.
Our aim is to aid those ratepayers greatly impacted due the COVID-19 event without creating additional financial stress when the pandemic has been resolved. We are encouraging ratepayers who can continue to make payments on their rates to do so, preferably by 30 June 2023 to avoid new Rate Notices issued in July 2023 creating an even more financial difficulty.
For more rates information and a full list of FAQs, scan the QR code or visit Connect Kalamunda kalamunda.wa.gov.au/rates
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