Life in the Park Budget Edition 2017/2018

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

vic toriapark .wa .g ov. au

BUDGET AT A GLANCE

RATES UP CLOSE

FAQ

RATES PRIZE DRAW

BUDGET EDITION

RATES PRIZE DRAW Get in early and win your share of $5,000!

2017/2018

Message from the Mayor This financial year’s priorities and budget have been informed by the participants of Evolve. You told us what services you valued and worked with us to determine a shared vision for the future of the Town of Victoria Park. All of the hard work has now His Worship the Mayor been put together in our Strategic Trevor Vaughan P: 9311 8155 Community Plan 2017 – 2032 (SCP) M: 0447 374 528 tvaughan@vicpark.wa.gov.au and we have a new vision – The Town of Victoria Park – A dynamic place for everyone. You can read more about the vision on page 11. Thank you to everyone that was involved in planning for the future of the Town.

This budget sets us up to begin delivering our new SCP. Our new vision will guide what we do and the Long Term Financial Plan, Asset Management Plans, Workforce Plan

and Corporate Business Plan outline how we will reach the vision. These plans are informed by our community through the SCP and will be available on our website, along with the budget.

The Town will also be implementing a new organisational structure this financial year. The new structure will help to provide the services that our community want in a more efficient and effective way. This is just another example of how we are evolving to meet the wants and needs of our community.

I hope that you find this special budget edition of Life in the Park very informative.

Mayor, Trevor Vaughan

Your Councillors Banksia Ward

Cr Claire Anderson

Cr Keith Hayes

0416 199 745

9361 0385

Term exp: Oct.2019

Term exp: Oct.2017

Jarrah Ward

Cr Mark Windram

Cr Jennifer Ammons Noble

Cr Vince Maxwell

Cr Brian Oliver Deputy Mayor

0400 512 974

6262 5432

0452 405 841

0427 962 855

0435 229 317

Term exp: Oct.2019

Term exp: Oct.2017

Term exp: Oct.2019

Term exp: Oct.2017

Term exp: Oct.2017

Cr Julian Jacobs

Cr Vicki Potter 9361 5464 0433 704 140 Term exp: Oct.2019

Where do my rates go?

Your rates are not a voluntary contribution to the Town, but should be looked at as an investment in the community where you live. Every year when you pay your rates, you make sure that you and your family have access to dozens of services and facilities provided by the Town.

Some of these include: • public art programs • Victoria Park Library • free community events • Aqualife and Leisurelife • community health and safety initiatives • well maintained parks and all they have to offer (playgrounds, BBQs, toilets etc.)

• town planning • policing of local laws • waste collection • animal control • street and road maintenance • access to sporting reserves The Town also works with State and other local governments to bring projects, development and funding to better the community for everyone. Your rates enable us to provide the very best services for all residents to enjoy a happy, healthy and dynamic community.

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Frequently asked questions Why have my rates increased?

To meet costs and remain operational without cutting back on services, the Town needs to have a certain figure of revenue.

The Town considered many factors while setting the rate.

In recent years, many operating costs including utilities (water, power) and products (bitumen), for example, have increased more than the rate of inflation. While CPI is a good general economic indicator, it is not a great reflection of the true costs incurred by local governments.

As the Town’s population grows, it is true that more rates revenue is received. However, there is also an increased demand for services, higher usage of roads, parks, and public buildings and this leads to more maintenance and service provision. Through Evolve, our community has made clear its service level expectations. The Town has a vision to provide exceptional and innovative services to the standard the community expects and need the resources to do so.

What are differential rates and why do we have them?

Differential rates mean that there is a different rate for different groups e.g. residential, commercial and industrial.

The reason for them is so one group isn’t burdened by rates increases more significantly than others.

The Gross Rental Value (GRV) of my property has changed - why is this?

GRVs are currently assessed every three years in the Perth Metropolitan Region. This year is a revaluation year, meaning the Valuer-General sets a new Gross Rental Value (GRV) for properties in the Town.

What do I do if I think my GRV is too high?

You can object to the GRV subject to meeting the requirements outlined below.

• Your written objection is sent within 60 days of the rates notice being issued.

• You provide grounds and supporting reasons which might include: »» rental evidence at or around the date of valuation which shows the GRV of your property to be too high. »» examples which show your GRV is significantly higher than similar properties within your local area.

Objecting to the GRV because you consider your rates notice, or the increase in rates too high are not valid reasons and the objection will not be accepted.

For information about your land valuation visit Landgate’s website at landgate.wa.gov.au/for-individuals/landvalues or call 08 9273 7373 and quote the VEN number on your rates notice.

How are my rates calculated?

RATE (cents in $ set by Town)

VALUATION (set by Valuer General)

YEARLY FEES

Rate – The Town charges a differential rate across properties in the Town. The rates are calculated to provide the income to fund next year’s budget which also takes into account the other sources of income that the Town has.

The charge includes the rubbish service charge.

Valuation – Every three years the Valuer-General assesses all the rateable properties within the Town. The valuation is a fair and independent assessment of the rental earning potential for the property. The property is therefore rated by its current earning potential, rather than its re-sale value. For further information about the valuation of your property, contact the Valuer-Generals office on 9273 7373.

Yearly fees – Yearly fees are clearly marked on your rates notice and include the Emergency Services Levy (ESL) – charged to all property owners in Western Australia to fund fire and emergency services in the region. The Town collects this levy on behalf of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) who then redistribute the money to emergency services throughout the state. For more information please refer to the ESL section of the DFES website dfes.wa.gov.au or freecall 1300 136 099.

Additional costs Paying by instalments will incur additional costs. Payment received after the due date will incur late payment penalty interest. Pensioners do not pay any fees or interest on instalment payments or late payments.

Late payment penalty interest

11% p.a.

Administration fee (installments)

$39

Installment interest

5.5%

Changed your address?

If you have moved house within the past 12 months, please ensure the Town has your current address for delivery of your rate notice. Contact us: by post

Town of Victoria Park, Locked Bag 437 Victoria Park, WA 6979

by email

admin@vicpark.wa.gov.au

online

vicpk.co/e-rates

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8

admin@vicpark.wa.gov.au

Administration Centre 99 Shepperton Road Victoria Park WA 6100

Mr J. Smith & Mrs J. Smith PO Box 100 PERTH WA 6000

GRV 00123

0000123

Cost of Instalment Option 2:

tax invoice

TOTAL DUE

CURRENT $1112.00 $136.77

DEFERRED

ESL Category & Usage Category 1 – Residential

$1248.77

TOTAL $1112.00 $136.77

ESL Cents in $ 0.013259

2 September 2017

27 July 2017

WARD: JARRAH

DUE DATE

DATE OF ISSUE

ASSESSMENT WARD: 123456 NUMBER

DUE DATE

DATE OF ISSUE

2 September 2017 Total Option 1: $1248.77 $312.19 2 September 2017 7 November 2017 $312.19 11 January 2018 $312.19 17 March 2018 $312.19 $58.90

ARREARS

RATE cent in $ 0.0816

DUE BY: Instalment 1 DUE BY: Instalment 2 DUE BY: Instalment 3 DUE BY: Instalment 4 DUE BY:

VALUATION

VEN NUMBER

(08) 9311 8111 (08) 9311 8181

tax invoice victoriapark.wa.gov.au

Locked Bag No. 437 Ph Fx Victoria Park WA 6979 ASSESSMENT ABN 77 284 859 739 NUMBER

123 Lucky Street, EAST VICTORIA PARK WA 6101

PAYMENT OPTIONS Option 1 – Payment in Full Option 2 – Payment in FOUR instalments

TOTAL GST: $0.00

DETAILS Residential Rates ESL

MINIMUM RATE $1197.00

PROPERTY ADDRESS:

FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION SEE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS NOTICE

PROPERTY ADDRESS:

rate notice

FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION SEE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS NOTICE

rate notice

L P M SA

Valuation GRV (Gross Rental Value). See page 3 of this newsletter for further information about the value of your property.

3.

Cost of Option The cost of option for paying by instalments is a combination of your rates, the $39 administration fee, and

ESL The Emergency Services Levy rate in the $ is set by the State Government and is paid by all property owners.

See page 2 for further information.

Due Date is the final date for payments in full, or the first instalment, if paying by instalments.

Town contact details If you need to contact the Town for any reason, use these details to do so. The Town website is full of information about all of the Town’s facilities and services.

2.

1.

4.

123456

PAY IN PERSON Administration PROPERTY ADDRESS 99 Shepperton Rd Victoria ParkDUE WA AMOUNT

AMOUNT DUE (INSTALMENT) CUSTOMER REFERENCE NUMBER

AMOUNT DUE (PAYMENT IN FULL)

PROPERTY ADDRESS

CUSTOMER REFERENCE NUMBER

PAY BY POST Town of Victoria Park Locked Bag 437 Victoria Park WA 6979

DUE: 2 September 2017

DUE: 2 September 2017

NOTE: $10,000 Credit Card maximum

Cashier Office Hours Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm

$312.19

$1248.77

123 Lucky Street, EAST VICTORIA PARK WA 6101

123456

NOTE: $10,000 Credit Card maximum

Instalment Dates These are the due dates for each payment if you choose to pay in instalments. You will receive a reminder notice in the mail before each instalment is due and it must be paid by the printed date. Pensioners pay zero fees or interest on instalment payments.

the 5.5% interest paid on your rate amount.

(PAYMENT IN FULL) REF #: Payment Methods Contact your financial institution to make AMOUNT DUE payment fromfor your These are your options thenominated differentaccount. ways to pay your rates.

Please make sure you take careful note of the details if you are using the Town’s website, BPAY or (INSTALMENT) Post Billpay and enter them correctly. You can pay in person at the Town Administration Centre with EFTPOS, cheque or cash – American Express is not accepted.

BILLER CODE: PAY BY POSTand a cheque for the amount you are paying.

PAY INmail PERSON Cashier Remember toBILLPAY bring your Rates Notice.0617 If you wish to pay by post, the detached payment slip from your Rates Notice REF be #: made payable to ‘Town of Victoria Park’.Administration Cheques should If you would like toOffice pay your how, the Townknow of Victoria ParkDigital Hub runs training sessions Hoursrates online but don’t Pay inpayments. person at an Australia Post on making online Locked Bag 437 99 Shepperton Rd Monday to Friday outlet, by phone on 13 18 16, or online at Victoria Park WA 6979 Victoria Park WA 8.30am to 4.30pm postbillpay.com.au

MASTERCARD ONLY Post Pay in person &atVISA an Australia outlet, by phone on 13 18 16, or online at postbillpay.com.au BPAY BILLER CODE: 18176

REF #: BILLPAY CODE: 0617 Pay onlineBILLER at victoriapark.wa.gov.au REF #:

payment from your nominated account.

payment methods Contact your financial institution to make

BPAY BILLER CODE: 18176 REF #:

MASTERCARD & VISA ONLY

Register at: vicpk.co/e-rates Pay online at victoriapark.wa.gov.au

REF #:

payment methods

Register at: vicpk.co/e-rates

PAY YOUR RATES IN FULL BY 2 SEPTEMBER 2017 TO BE ENTERED INTO THE RATES PRIZE DRAW. SEE THE ENCLOSED COPY OF LIFE IN THE PARK FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

PAY YOUR RATES IN FULL BY 2 SEPTEMBER 2017 TO BE ENTERED INTO THE RATES PRIZE DRAW. SEE THE ENCLOSED COPY OF LIFE IN THE PARK FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

Please contact the Town if unable to pay in full or by instalments

Y L N O LE

Option 3 – Payment Arrangement

Rates up close

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Payment options There are three options for paying your rates: 1: In full within 35 days

2: By instalment

Payment can be made in full within 35 days to avoid paying any interest charges for instalments or administration fees. By paying in full before 2 September 2017 you will automatically go into the draw to win one of the Rates Prize Draw packages.

Paying by instalment allows you to break your rates up into more manageable payments. You can pay in four instalments over the financial year. Paying by instalments will incur additional fees. The options for paying by instalments are found on your rates notice.

3: By payment arrangement

If you are unable to pay your rates in full or by instalments please contact the rates department to discuss your options.

If you have any questions about paying your rates, call 9311 8111.

Information for pensioners and seniors

Rebates are available for eligible concession card holders who own and reside at the property at 1 July of the rates year.

• Pensioner Concession or State Concession Card holders can receive a rebate of up to 50% on rates charges (to a maximum of $750).

• State Seniors Card holders can receive a rebate of up to 25% (to a maximum of $100).

• If you are a holder of both a State Seniors Card and a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card you can also receive a rebate of up to 50% (to a maximum of $750).

Retrospective rebates are also available to pensioners and seniors who own and occupy their property at 1 July 2017 and become eligible during the financial year.

If your circumstances change (e.g. card type, pension type or change of address) you must notify the Town immediately.

To apply for the concession card holder rebate, lodge an application with the Water Corporation online watercorporation.com.au or by calling 1300 659 951. If you have any questions you can contact the Water Corporation as above, or the Town on 9311 8111.

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New Strategic Community Plan The Town has formally adopted a new Strategic Community Plan that sets the long-term vision, values, aspirations and priorities for the Town.

Vision The Town of Victoria Park: A dynamic place for everyone • We are Perth’s most empowered and engaged community.

• We are Perth’s premier place for entertainment and entrepreneurship.

• We lead in sustainability.

• We put people first in urban design and safety.

• We are inclusive and connected with a thriving community

Mission We will communicate with, empower and support the community and promote social, economic and environmental sustainability to create our vision.

Social – To promote sustainable, connected, safe and diverse places

for everyone.

Economic – To promote sustainable, diverse, resilient and prosperous

places for everyone.

Environment – To promote sustainable, liveable, healthy and green places

for everyone.

Civic leadership – To show leadership by communicating with, empowering

and supporting people in the community.

You can read the plan online at victoriapark.wa.gov.au.

Are you ready for fire season?

Firebreaks must be in place in the Town of Victoria Park from 1 November until 30 April each year.

It is a legal requirement that during this time, all properties including residential, industrial and vacant land must comply with the conditions of the Firebreak Notice.

The maximum penalty for failing to install a firebreak is $10,000.

Firebreak Notice (abbreviated version) 1. Properties 2000m2 or less must have all loose flammable matter removed from the property

(clear debris and dead leaves, prune branches near fence lines) and any dry vegetation must be mown to a height of no more than 50mm.

2. For land larger than 2000m2 Firebreaks of a minimum width and height of three metres are to be cleared inside all external boundaries of the land.

Firebreaks to a minimum width of three metres and height of three metres are to be cleared

immediately surrounding all buildings situated on the land and any place where inflammable liquids and gas products are kept.

The full version of the Town of Victoria Park Firebreak Notice is available on the Town’s website victoriapark.wa.gov.au/residents/ firebreaks. For more information contact the Rangers on 9311 8171 or email admin@vicpark.wa.gov.au.

Town Contacts Facility

What can I do here?

Town of Victoria Park 9311 8111 • Planning applications / approvals Administration Centre • Dog registrations 99 Shepperton Road, Victoria Park • Council information admin@vicpark.wa.gov.au victoriapark.wa.gov.au

• • • •

Victoria Park Library 9373 5500 27 Sussex Street, East Victoria Park

• Public computers & printers • Town / community information

• Books, DVDs, CDs, e-readers, mags • Local history information

Aqualife 9373 5400 Somerset Street, East Victoria Park

• Indoor 25m & outdoor 50m pools • Children’s indoor leisure pool • Gym

• Swim school • Café / crèche • Group fitness / personal training

Leisurelife 9373 5450 Cnr Kent Street and Gloucester Street East Victoria Park

• Gym • Sports teams • Hire sports / squash courts

• School holiday programs • Bingo • Children’s birthday parties

Victoria Park Digital Hub 1 Harper Street, Victoria Park

• Individual / group sessions • Free computer training

• Business development & training

9329 4238

Animal Care Facility 9311 8171 199 Thelma Street, South Perth

• Lost animals and general Ranger enquiries

Report It 9311 8111 After hours message service available

• Potholes • Abandoned cars

Waste information Council meetings Pay infringements / rates notices Report lost animals

• Litter / dumped rubbish • Graffiti

rate notice ARE YOU INTERESTED IN RECEIVING YOUR RATES NOTICE VIA EMAIL? Register at vicpk.co/e-rates

This information is available in alternative formats on request | Printed on 100% recycled paper