Kalamunda Connect: Edition 14 (Winter 2023)

What’s On

For full details go to kalamunda.wa.gov.au/events

Kalamunda Farmers Market

Every Sunday morning

8am - 12pm Central Mall, Kalamunda

Kalamunda Artisan Market

First Saturday of every month

8.30am - 2pm Central Mall, Kalamunda

Milli and Jenny’s Sustainability & Recycling Show

Session 1:

Lesmurdie Library

12 July, 10.30am - 11.15am

Session 2:

Kalamunda Library

13 July, 10.30am - 11.15am

Session 3:

High Wycombe Library

14 July, 2.30pm - 3.15pm

Exhibition: Transitions

29 July – 27 August

9am - 4pm weekdays & 10am –4pm weekends

Zig Zag Gallery, 50 Railway Rd, Kalamunda

Entrepreneur to Megapreneur

31 July, 6pm - 7pm

High Wycombe Library, 15 Markham Rd, High Wycombe

Author talk with Murray Hall

1 August, 1.30pm - 3pm

High Wycombe Library, 15 Markham Rd, High Wycombe

Morning Music: Melting Beats

2 August, 10am - 12pm

Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre, 48

Canning Rd, Kalamunda

Compassionate Communities

Art Exhibition

4 – 27 August, 10am – 2pm Thursday - Sunday

Opening Night - 4 August, 6pm - 8pm

Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre

48 Canning Rd, Kalamunda

Growing Kalamunda – A

Compassionate Community Forum; Living Well, Ending Well

8 August, 10am - 2.30pm

Kalamunda Agricultural Hall, 48 Canning Rd, Kalamunda

Family History Workshop

15 August, 9.30am - 11.30am

Kalamunda Library, 7 Williams St, Kalamunda

Introduction to Healing Herbs

17 August, 10am - 11.30am

High Wycombe Library, 15 Markham Rd, High Wycombe

Exhibition: Australiana

2 - 17 September

9am - 4pm weekdays & 10am –4pm weekends

Zig Zag Gallery, 50 Railway Rd, Kalamunda

Morning Music: The Cavern Club

6 September, 10am - 12pm

Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre, 48 Canning Rd, Kalamunda

Exhibition: Young Artist Awards

23 September – 15 October

9am - 4pm weekdays & 10am –4pm weekends

Zig Zag Gallery, 50 Railway Rd, Kalamunda

Morning Music: Lisa Woodbrook

4 October, 10am - 12pm

Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre 48 Canning Rd, Kalamunda

Growing Native Plants in Pots

19 October, 10am - 11.30am

High Wycombe Library, 15 Markham Rd, High Wycombe

Exhibition: Enshrined

21 October - 12 November

9am - 4pm weekdays & 10am –4pm weekends

Zig Zag Gallery, 50 Railway Rd, Kalamunda

Morning Music: Death by Cabaret

1 November, 10am - 12pm

Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre

48 Canning Rd, Kalamunda

Introduction to Energy Conservation in Your Home

9 November, 10am - 11.30am

High Wycombe Library, 15 Markham Rd, High Wycombe

Note: Events subject to change. Please check status and venue of events prior to attending with relevant event organisers.

Full details - kalamunda.wa.gov.au/events

Cover Image: Baby Carnaby cockatoo, Max Ledger

Message from the Mayor

I am pleased to deliver the 2023/24 Annual Budget, following many months of consultation and negotiation.

The City of Kalamunda is committed to ensuring we deliver quality services, facilities and infrastructure for our community.

The City’s Annual Budget is informed by our Long-Term Financial Plan (LTFP) which focuses on ensuring we are financially sustainable now and into the future.

Like our community, the City is not immune to these tough economic times with unprecedented cost pressures, especially in the areas of building and construction costs, typically seeing major project increases of more than 15%.

As such, the 2023/24 Budget reflects our commitment to providing value for money services and programs while fulfilling our many statutory obligations.

This Budget outlines our ongoing delivery of significant projects including building projects ($12.9M); parks and reserves ($11.8M); roadworks and safety improvements ($8.7M); drainage projects ($1.1M); and footpath improvements ($0.5M).

All of our significant projects have been selected to help cater

for the City’s growth and enhance access and amenity.

The City recently drafted the Strategic Community Facilities Plan‘The Big Picture’ - that sets out a blueprint for the region’s facilities and services over the next two decades.

A key element of The Big Picture is to invest in the renewal of ageing facilities and assets; seeking grant funding to develop new community infrastructure to meet the needs of the community into the future.

We have put in place a number of options to assist ratepayers facing financial stress, including payment instalment options which can be tailored to meet individual needs. I encourage all households facing financial pressure to reach out for assistance - don’t be silent, we want to help support you.

Kind Regards

Margaret Thomas Mayor

The Big Picture Vision for Community Facilities: Next Steps

The community have been asking for new facilities for the past decade, evidenced through the many strategic community engagement processes the City has undertaken. In response, the City drafted the Strategic Community Facilities Plan - The Big Picture - which details a vision for the next two decades.

Earlier this year, we shared The Big Picture and asked for community feedback via workshops (2); pop ups (3); drop in/ information sessions (8); and an online survey.

Comments closed in July and the City is now reviewing all of the feedback to finalise the Strategic Community Facilities Plan and will bring a report back to Council towards the end of 2023.

Significant Projects 2023-2024

Cr Cannon

Hartfield Park Master Plan (HPMP) - Stage 2 Update

At the April 2023 Ordinary Council Meeting, Council endorsed the funding strategy for the use of the $5.4 million Federal Government election commitment for the HPMP Stage 2. The grant commitment is set to achieve the following projects, in line with the original funding strategy endorsed by Council in November 2021:

• New AFL / Little Athletics Pavilion;

• New Little Athletics infrastructure;

• Co-location of Bowls and Tennis including two new courts with lighting;

• New Rugby League unisex changeroom & refurbishment of current clubrooms

• Upgraded changerooms for Football (Soccer)

• New Foothills Men’s Shed

• John Reid Oval – Car Parking Stage 1

The City is now seeking to finalise the funding agreement with the Federal Government with the design phase for the projects starting 1 July 2023. In April 2023, the City received conditional approval from the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs for the implementation of HPMP Stage 2.

Men’s Shed Receives Much Needed Funding

Foothills Men’s Shed has received a $290,000 Lotterywest grant towards its new home at Hartfield Park.

The Foothills Men’s Shed has been operating at Anderson Road in Forrestfield since 2011 but has outgrown the current facilities, resulting in the restriction of memberships.

The grant funding will aid in the reconstruction of a new Shed, costing an estimated $720,000, with the remaining construction costs coming from the $5.4

million Federal Government election commitment for the Hartfield Park Master Plan Stage 2 and the City of Kalamunda.

Local Member for Forrestfield Stephen Price MLA presented the Lotterywest funding to Foothills Men’s Shed President Lee Stedman and Mayor Margaret Thomas at a morning tea in June where the Mayor thanked Lotterywest for its ongoing support of local community programs and services.

“It’s wonderful to see progress like this for such a fantastic group,” Cr Thomas said. “Men’s Sheds play a vital role in the health and wellbeing of men in our community.

“I’ve seen treasured friendships grow over the years and I cannot wait to see what comes next for the group when they relocate to their new location.”

Construction is expected to start in the 2023/24 financial year. Keep an eye on the City’s website for project updates.

Cr O’Donnell

Check Out the New Forrestfield Library

The Forrestfield Library, located near the northern entrance of the Hawaiian’s Shopping Centre, opened its doors in July.

The Library’s opening hours are:

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9am – 5pm

• Thursday 9am – 7pm

• Saturday 9am – 12 noon

Council services (rates payments and animal licenses) will be available from the Forrestfield Library. The library includes bookable meeting spaces, 10 public PCs and flexible printing options.

Increased digital services are also available along with new library technologies including a variety of selfservice options and an external returns

On Your (new) Bike

Hartfield Park Recreation Centre is upgrading with the innovative Body Bike Smart + in July 2023.

Body Bike Smart + combines stateof-the-art technology with functional design allowing for easier adjustment, and a smoother ride, along with the amazing app that uploads and links to additional relevant apps.

chute and book vending machine for after-hours returns and collection. Regular programs:

• Justice of the Peace, Mondays, 11.00am – 2.00pm

• English Conversation Classes, Tuesdays, 10.00am – 11:30am

• Knit & Yarn, Tuesdays, 12noon –2:30pm

• Rhymetime, Thursdays from 9:30am during the school term

• Storytime, Thursdays, from 11.00am (new time) during the school term

• Justice of the Peace, Thursdays, 12:30pm – 4pm

• Be Connected, Thursdays, 2pm – 4pm

• Discover & Create, Saturdays, from 10am during the school term.

Junior Programs

The City of Kalamunda Recreation Centres offer a variety of kids activities, including indoor soccer, badminton, Kindy Gym, volleyball, squash, and our Jump Start sessions.

In a fun and safe environment, your child will learn and develop skills whilst making new friends!

Want to know more?

July School Holiday Activities:

• Storytime with Halle-Rose Abraham, Saturday 8 July, 9:30am – 11:00am. Bookings via Trybooking.com/CIPGK

• Totem Workshop with Sharyn Egan, Tuesday 11 July, 10:30am – 2pm. Cost: $10 Bookings via Trybooking. com/1067994

• Lego Creation, Monday 10– Friday 14 July. Drop in between 9am and 1pm to help build a Lego creation.

If you have any questions or feedback regarding the new Forrestfield Library, please get in touch via: enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au - we hope to see you at the Library soon!

Active Seniors

Active Seniors offer a range of programs designed for people over 50 years old. Join our Stretch & Tone, Yoga Gold Zumba Gold, Live Active and COTA WA Strength for Life programs from Monday to Friday and improve the quality of your life!

Contact (08) 9359 1700 or visit kalamunda.wa.gov.au or more information about everything happening at Hartfield Park Recreation Centre.

Cr Ritchie

Changes to Duty Planner Availability

The City’s Duty Planners are now available to answer your questions or provide feedback every Monday to Friday between the hours of 10am to 3pm.

Outside of these hours, visitors will be asked to make an appointment for the next day or another convenient time. Similarly phonecalls received outside of these hours wil be returned the following day.

Skate Park and Playground Update

Construction of the new Stirk Park skate park and playground projects are well underway and progressing at a great rate!

The skate park bowl and ‘Zig Zag’ are starting to take shape and the old playground equipment has been removed to make way for the new elements.

Works have also begun on the new basketball half court, with preparations being made for the new sand and water play area.

KPAC Launches Bumper New Program

The Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre (KPAC) is gearing up for a bumper second half to the year, with a stack of shows booked to suit a whole range of ages and tastes!

In addition to the popular montlhy Morning Music event, music enthusiasts can look forward to events like David Scheel’s ‘Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only The Piano Player’; international jazz singer Serge Le Goueff; Sun Rising: the songs that made Memphis; Comfortably Numb: the songs of Pink Floyd; Fred Smith’s

‘Sparrows of Kabul’; acoustic gypsy jazz band, Sassafras; the Foghorn Stringband & Bluegrass Parkway double header; and a night of Scottish dancing featuring the Jarrah Celts!

For those more theatrically inclined, you can look forward to the hilarious, award winning, home grown smash hit Bogan Shakespeare.

There’s a show for everyone at KPACcheck out kalamunda.wa.gov.au to see what’s on!

The $3.8 million project will be funded from a combination of sources including grants from the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and Lotterywest, as well as a contribution from the Rotary Club of Kalamunda.

Construction is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2023 and will bring a new and exciting play space for all generations to enjoy.

Notice of Proposed Permanent Closure

The City of Kalamunda invites public comment on the proposed closure of the section of Elizabeth Street between Railway Road and Williams Street in Kalamunda.

A plan depicting the details of the closure can be viewed in person at the City of Kalamunda Administration Centre, 2 Railway Road, Kalamunda WA 6076 or online at engage.kalamunda.wa.gov.au.

Submissions close 4pm, Tuesday 1 August 2023.

Cr Thomas

City Wins Environmental Health Team Award

Congratulations to the City’s Environmental Health Services Team on winning the 2022 Environmental Health Team Award!

The award is presented to teams who have excelled in their roles or projects and have demonstrated outstanding service in the field of environmental health, and our team has gone above and beyond.

Despite the limited resources and staff

shortages during the pandemic, the team continued to provide university students with the experience they need to kickstart their career as an Environmental Health Officer by providing work placements for students. The team also conducted career-oriented workshops in local high schools, where students were provided with hands on demonstrations of duties and employment pathways in the field.

Friends of Kadina Brook Brave the Weather

At the first Busy Bee of the season

Friends of Kadina Brook assisted with the creation of a riffle (leaky weir) just north of John Farrant Drive.

The stream bed was reshaped; a bund created; and geotextile laid and dug in.

Rocks will cover the entire structure after some of the first rains have occurred to allow for easy access if certain sections should have failed. The works were followed by a cuppa, cake and laughs. The rain did not deter the 12 participants!

Mayor Margaret Thomas said, “The City is extremely proud of the dedicated work the Environmental Health Services Team has put in to support students and the local community, the award is welldeserved.”

Nextdoor: Keeping You Safe

Neighbourhood Watch supports neighbours looking out for neighbours, and this commitment got a huge boost recently when it launched a free app/website titled Nextdoor to share safety tips and information.

It’s free to join and you will:

• Receive tips on how to keep your home and street safe.

• Get to know your neighbours.

• Share local news and safety information.

Local private group, Nextdoor Orange Valley Road and Surrounds, are using the app to keep Orange Valley Road residents upated by sharing information and discussing local safety issues.

What are you waiting for? You can sign up now via nextdoor.com.au

East Ward

Cr Giardina

Cr Sewell Cr Stallard

Second Chance Reuse Shop

The Second Chance Reuse Shop has been operating since March 2022. In its first year the shop, managed by Workpower, diverted approximately 100 tonnes of waste from landfill. The shop resells quality items to the local community for affordable prices – all whilst supporting people with disability in employment and in the community.

The shop is open Thursday to Sunday from 8.30am to 3pm, except for Fridays where it closes at 2pm. It accepts donations

of a range of second-hand items from good quality furniture and household goods, crockery, tools, books, CDs and records, plants, scrap metal, household electrical appliances, landscape and renovator items. They also accept the 10c Containers for Change glass and plastics – with all donations going to support people with disability through Workpower.

For more information about the Second Chance Reuse Shop visit kalamunda.wa.gov.au/waste

Students Learn About Sustainability

The City of Kalamunda provides incursions to schools, delivered by Cleanaway, to encourage students to become active, informed and sustainability-minded citizens. The comprehensive program has been designed to complement national and state curriculum, while providing waste solutions at the local council level. Students are provided with the opportunity to discuss solutions from all levels of the waste hierarchy and promote easy and authentic ways to care and look after our environment.

Recently, Walliston Primary School and High Wycombe Primary Schools have benefited from the incursions. They helped to sort items of waste and talk about making the right choices for waste disposal and, more importantly, how to prevent waste!

Top Tips For Taking Care of Your Fur Babies

As we are now in the colder months it is important to remember the safety and comfort of our furry friends.

The City receives regular calls about ‘lost’ dogs wandering but during periods of high storm activity the team takes an even higher number of calls relating to missing pets.

Animals left to wander become a serious threat to themselves and the community.

The City has also seen an increase in dog attacks recently. Many attacks are due to dogs wandering or not being under control in public places.

Note: Dog attacks can be very costly not only for the victim but if found guilty of an offence under the Dog Act 1976 offenders can face charges of up to $10,000.

To help, the City has put together some

tips to help avoid your pet wandering and being impounded:

• Ensure your dog or cat is registered.

• Ensure your registration and microchipping details are current and up to date.

• Check your fencing, ensure it is adequate for the breed/ size of your dog, and ensure the fencing is in good condition and free from holes.

• Ensure your cat is contained within your premises (cat enclosure or in the house). Note: Cats can be legally trapped if they are roaming on someone else’s property.

• If your dog is anxious or nervous around loud noises, like thunder, checking the forecast before you leave your pet for the day to ensure the animal can be contained within the house to eliminate the stress from the noise.

Managing Your Smoke Emissions

Are you using your wood heaters and completing burn offs to stay warm this winter? Here is what you can do to ensure you manage the smoke you create and not cause a smoke nuisance or fire risk:

• Consider alternatives to burning off – using your green waste wheelie bin and free skip bins.

• Before burning, always check with the Bureau of Meteorology (bom.gov.au/ ) to check the weather conditions in your local area and if a haze alert has been issued.

Receive your rates notice and reminders via email!

• Obtain veterinary advice, and research products which may be able to assist with stressful situations.

• Remember our furry friends feel the cold too, if they are outside animals, please ensure they have access to adequate shelter, food, and water.

By following these simple points, you could save yourself and your pet from unwanted vet associated costs or impounding fees/ and unnecessary penalties.

For more information contact the City of Kalamunda Community Safety Ranger Team.

• Always give your neighbours ample notice of your intention to burn.

• You are only permitted to burn dry/dead material to minimise the smoke produced.

• Do not burn more than you can manage and ensure your fire is always attended by an adult.

Visit the City’s website for more information on current burning periods and your obligations under the Bush Fires Act 1954 at kalamunda.wa.gov.au/our-city/fire

Kudos to the City’s Asset Delivery Team for their enviro-friendly use of crumb rubber to build/repair low traffic local roads including Peter Road, Carmel Road, Boona Court, Raymond Road and Welshpool Road.

While other LGAs are just getting started in this space, we’ve been using crumb rubber for more than two years diverting thousands of end-of-life tyres from landfill.

North West Ward

Cr Bilich Cr Cooper Cr O’Connor

High Wycombe Aquatic and Recreation Centre Update

The Federal Government and the Western Australian State Government have confirmed funding contributions of $30 million each towards the High Wycombe Aquatic and Recreation Centre. The City is progressing a funding agreement with government, while the design process is moving ahead. This is an exciting project for the City

and will be one to watch out for over the next few years.

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.

This is the City’s most successful advocacy project to date and will ensure our growing community can access contemporary community facilities.

New Medium Density Housing Code Introduced

The State Government has introduced a new Medium Density Housing Code which contains new development controls that apply to single and grouped dwellings, in areas coded R30 and above, and multiple dwellings coded R30-R60. This ranges from single houses on small lots, terraces, villas, apartment houses and low-rise apartments.

It shows how to position your house on your block to maximise natural light, improve ventilation, reduce concrete and unwanted heat gain to provide flexibility in how people live. The policy

focuses on designing homes that are sized appropriately, that suit the context of the lot without compromising on living space. The provisions guide home builders, homeowners and local governments on how to get the best out of medium density living.

The provisions of the policy will challenge house design and the delivery of medium density housing by fostering good design which drives innovation and diversity in housing types and improves liveability for better social and environmental outcomes.

The new code will apply from 1 September 2023.

For further information relating to the Medium Density Housing Code, please refer to the link below on the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage website: wa.gov.au/government/documentcollections/medium-density-housingcode-and-supporting-resources#faqs

Stay Safe this Storm Season

Are you ready for the up coming storm season?

From May to October each year, storms such as tornados, thunder, lightning, hail, flash flooding and gale force winds cause major destruction, and as storms are unpredictable, their impact is often underestimated.

Here are some simple precautions you can take to keep you and your family safe this storm season:

• Prepare a household disaster and evacuation plan.

• Pack your storm kit and have it fully stocked and ready.

• Keep a list of emergency numbers handy.

• Ensure important documents such as passports and identification certificates are safe in waterproof containers and easy to locate.

During a storm, remember to stay away from windows, unplug electrical appliances, and park your vehicle undercover and away from trees.

As storms can happen at any time and sometimes without notice, it is important to prepare and maintain your property throughout the year, if you need help to make a temporary emergency repair, call the State Emergency Service on 132 500.

Fleming Reserve Gets an Upgrade

Fleming Reserve Playground revitalisation is underway.

The new playground will include activity areas for children ages 3-12, a refurbished liberty swing, accessible trampoline, nature play elements, new toddler equipment and toddler track with line marking and signage.

Trees and shrubs will be planted as part of the project, and access to the park

will be improved to align with the City’s accessibility focus.

The upgrades to the Reserve follow significant community engagement. You told us you wanted to see improved gardens and additional trees; a water drinking fountain; benches; improved exercise equipment; Nature Play; improved lighting; a half basketball Court (masterplan); and better accessibility.

The community can look forward to continuing to exercise, play, socialise and relax in the reserve once the upgrades are completed.

Coming Up: The City plans to commence a new Master Plan for Fleming Reserve to take into account the future needs of the community. In due course, the City will provide more information about the ways the community can participate in this Master Planning.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT

Two Locations for Youth Meetings

If you are passionate about creating projects addressing youth related community issues, you can now join Youth Action Kalamunda (YAK) meetings fortnightly at Kalamunda Senior High School or monthly meetings at Darling Range Sports College.

If you live or study in the City and are aged 11-25, call 9257 9867 or email youth@kalamunda.wa.gov.au to join the team!

Business Minded Youth Support

Congratulations to Sarah Liebeck, winner of SEED Young Entrepreneurs Program for 2023! Owner of Country Sunshine Designs, Sarah took out first place, receiving $2,000 to further grow her business. You could be next!

Registrations for 2024 will open later this year. If you are a young entrepreneur aged between 15-25, now is the time to start brainstorming! For more information, email youth@kalamunda. wa.gov.au or call 9257 9999.

The Zig Zag Early Years Partnership

The Zig Zag Early Years Partnership (ZZEYP) is a working group of passionate community members, early childhood educators, service providers, and health practitioners committed to improving the health and wellbeing of children and support for families within the City of Kalamunda.

Email youth@kalamunda.wa.gov.au to get involved.

Young Creatives Kalamunda

The annual Young Creatives Kalamunda program is back! The 2023 theme, “A Medley of You”, aims to inspire a journey of self-expression and identity, to explore all the different aspects that make you who you are and showcase the uniqueness of the young people in Kalamunda. There are six categories and a total prize pool of $1100. Submissions close Friday 4 August 2023. For more information or to speak with the team about your concept, email youth@kalamunda.wa.gov.au or call 9257 9999.

Volunteers Wanted

The City needs volunteers for a number of initiatives including:

Woodlupine Coffee Lounge

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

The City’s WayFairer Project, in partnership with Inclusion Solutions, matches the skills of community members aged 50+ with local groups and clubs looking for support, leadership or mentoring.

Please contact erin.taylor@ inclusionsolutions.org.au or call 9443 7226 to learn more.

Compassionate Communities

As part of the Kalamunda Compassionate Communities project, artist Eleisha Pirouet has been commissioned to produce a series of large-scale portraits capturing the life stories and legacy of patients at the Kalamunda Hospital Palliative Care Unit. This project encourages the community to get involved with supporting individuals through serious illnesses or end of life, as well as supporting their families and carers.

For more information on how you can be involved visit kalamunda.wa.gov.au or call 9257 9958.

Local Government Reform Rolling Out

The State Government’s Local Government Act 1995 reforms will provide for a more consistent framework for local government across the State. The first tranche focuses on electoral reform and has been introduced to ensure the reforms are ready to go for the 21 October 2023 local government elections. These reforms include:

• optional preferential voting

• public election of the Mayor

• standardised council meeting procedures , and

• mandating live streaming and recording of Council meetings

For more details visit dlgsc.wa.gov.au

RATES EXPLAINED

Why have rates increased?

For the 2023/24 financial year, there is an overall rate increase of 4.9% for all categories including Minimum rates. This is also a revaluation year in which Landgate has assessed and provided values for the individual properties. The revaluations are conducted every 3 years for the metropolitan area. The average valuation change across all categories is an increase of 17.38%.

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 costs that local governments have include road and bridge construction; building; machinery and equipment; electricity and street lighting; employment; and materials and contract costs.

As a result of the rate freeze in 2020/21 and lower than projected rate increases for 2021/22 and 2022/23, the City needs to better align operating revenues with operating expenditures, to ensure we remain financially sustainable.

Economic stress and inflation have continued to escalate costs over the past 12 months. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), over the twelve months to the March 2023 quarter, CPI rose 7.0%. The City’s 2023/24 rate increase of 4.9% is below this and is comparable with other metro councils.

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 valuations provided to the City for GRV properties are reviewed on a Tri-annual basis by Landgate. 2023/24 is a revaluation year and Landgate has provided the City with new valuations, with the date of valuation being 1 August 2021. These valuations will be in force from 1 July 2023. GRV values are reflective of the estimated rental yield per year of the property.

Example of how rates are calculated: A property that has the following:

Gross Rental Value = $16,500

Rate in the Dollar = 0.063605 cents {GRV - General)

Annual Rates Amount = $16,500 x 0.0636050 = $1,049.48

(Minimum rates for this category are $970. If the rates amount equalled $970 or less, then this Minimum would be applied on the rates assessment)

Unimproved Value = $375,000

Rate in the Dollar = 0.003655 cents (UV - General)

Annual Rates amount = $375,000 x 0.003655 = $1,370.62

(Minimum rates for this category are $970. If the rates amount equalled $970 or less, then this Minimum would be applied on the rates assessment)

Can I make a Special Payment Arrangement with the City?

For 2023/24 the Administration Fee for special payment arrangements remains at $20 and includes interest of 11% 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 also 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 9257 9999 to discuss the payment proposal.

Option 1:

Direct Debit to be paid by 31/5/2024 – weekly/ fortnightly (interest of 11% will accrue)

Option 2:

Smarter Way to Pay minimum of 2 years lower payments· weekly/fortnightly (interest of 11% will accrue)

Our aim is to aid those ratepayers experiencing financial stress. We are encouraging ratepayers who can continue to make payments on their rates to do so, preferably by 30 June 2024 to avoid new Rate Notices issued in July 2024 that would create even more financial difficulty.

Financial Hardship Rates Assistance information

The City of Kalamunda is offering rates assistance for those ratepayers who are still experiencing financial hardship.

For payment of rates, the City is offering no penalty interest or administration fee to be applied on the rates account. 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. Applications open on 1 July 2023 and close on 30 June 2024.

Can someone Appeal the Valuation of a Property?

If you feel the valuation applied on your property is incorrect, you may lodge an objection with Landgate Valuation Services, within 60 days of the issue of their rates notice. For more information, please contact Landgate directly on (08) 9273 7373 or visit 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.

For more rates information and a full list of FAQs, scan the QR code or visit kalamunda.wa.gov.au/rates

LPP 33 SPOTLIGHT

City’s Commitment to Protecting and Retaining Trees

In December 2022, the City adopted Local Planning Policy 33 - Tree Retention (LPP 33).

LPP33 has been adopted to carefully consider the need for the removal of trees of a particular size and maturity and to minimise the removal and impacts to these trees through the planning and development process.

The planning policy also seeks to increase canopy cover with planting provisions for new development and replacement planting for unavoidable tree removal.

Mayor Margaret Thomas said it was crucial the City implement this policy to protect trees.

“One of Council’s key objectives is to protect and

enhance the environmental values of the City,” she said.

“The preparation of LPP 33 has been identified as a key initiative throughout the City’s strategic environmental framework.

“The policy will assist the City in attaining several key strategic outcomes, including those in the Kalamunda Clean and Green: Local Environment Strategy 2019 – 2029, Environmental Land Use Planning Strategy, and the Draft Urban Forest Strategy 2020.”

More information on LPP33, along with the policy itself, can be viewed on the City’s website kalamunda.wa.gov.au