VIBE Winter 2020

VIBE WINTER/SPRING 2020 • AUG – OCT • VICTORIAPARK.WA.GOV.AU

WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE

BUSINESS AWARDS 2020 WINNERS | RESTART VIC PARK – MOVING BEYOND COVID-19 | TOWN PLANNING IN THE ‘NEW NORMAL’

M AYO R ’ S M E S S AG E Mayor Karen Vernon

This edition celebrates the achievements of local businesses who won awards in the 2020 Vic Park Business Awards, where Swancare was inducted into the Hall of Fame. For the first time, the Town held a virtual Awards ceremony, premiering on social media.

Since the last VIBE, our lives have been impacted by COVID-19. As we move forward, it’s time to Restart Vic Park, a strategy adopted by Council in May to guide us beyond COVID-19. Read about the initiatives forming part of this strategy.

In our Growth Series article, we explore the “new normal” for Town Planning.

We may not have been able to gather as a community lately, but the Town has been busy with community consultations. We have been busy gathering your thoughts about the MacMillan Precinct Masterplan concepts. We’re developing our first Arts & Culture Plan, so get those creative juices flowing and share your ideas.

Telephone 0407 448 336

The Town began a public E: kvernon@vicpark.wa.gov.au awareness and education Term expires: Oct. 2023 campaign to inform our community about the WA Government’s proposed $400 million plan to replace level crossings on the Armadale line with elevated rail.

In August, the Town unveils its first Purple Bench with the Department of Communities. The purple bench project raises awareness of the prevalence of family and domestic violence, and serves as a safe place for reflection.

Read about Splashosauras, our new swim school mascot! We know he’ll be a hit with the young and the young at heart.

Stay safe.

JA R R A H WA R D

B A N KS I A WA R D

YO U R CO U N CI LLO RS

Cr Claire Anderson

Cr Wilfred Hendriks

Cr Luana Lisandro

Cr Ronhhda Potter

M: 0416 199 745 E: canderson@vicpark.wa.gov.au Term expires: Oct. 2023

M: 0403 121 543 E: whendriks@vicpark.wa.gov.au Term expires: Oct. 2023

M: 0406 825 806 E: llisandro@vicpark.wa.gov.au Term expires: Oct. 2021

M: 0449 730 493 E: rpotter@vicpark.wa.gov.au Term expires: Oct. 2021

Deputy Mayor

Cr Jesvin Karimi

Cr Brian Oliver

Cr Vicki Potter

M: 0419 942 944 E: bife@vicpark.wa.gov.au Term expires: Oct. 2021

M: 0412 047 447 E: jkarimi@vicpark.wa.gov.au Term expires: Oct. 2023

M: 0435 229 317 E: boliver@vicpark.wa.gov.au Term expires: Oct. 2021

M: 0433 704 140 E: vpotter@vicpark.wa.gov.au Term expires: Oct. 2023

Cr Bronwyn Ife

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#LoveVicPark

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02 | VIBE WINTER 2020

WHO’S IN YOUR TOWN

SwanCare joins Hall of Fame at the 2020 Vic Park Business Awards A celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation, the recent 2020 Vic Park Business Awards recognised the contributions of local businesses in the Town of Victoria Park.

This year the ceremony, which took place via video due to COVID-19 restrictions, saw several Vic Park business receive the coveted awards, including SwanCare who were inducted into the Vic Park Business Hall of Fame.

SwanCare has a vibrant and welcoming community offering retirement living, residential aged care and home care services in Bentley.

A business is inducted into the Hall of Fame when they have made a significant contribution to the Vic Park community over a long period of time, something SwanCare has constantly achieved in the decades it has called the Town home.

Town of Victoria Park Mayor Karen Vernon said, “Swancare has been a leader in aged care services and retirement living in Western Australia for almost 60 years.“ “Over the years, Swancare has collaborated on many projects with the Town of Victoria Park, cementing its place as a key stakeholder and leader in our local community. We are very proud to have such a trusted and innovative organisation within our Town helping seniors to live and age well.

Congratulations Swancare!”

SwanCare’s CEO Graham Francis said, “In our 60th year this tremendous accolade from the Town of Vic Park validates SwanCare’s strong community leadership as we continue to enrich the lives of our residents.”

Winners of each category were as follows: Business Hall of Fame – Swan Care Business of the Year Award, sponsored by 360 Degree Recruitment – Archer St Physiotherapy Centre Best New Business Award, sponsored by Liberty – Next Practice Victoria Park Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality, sponsored

by Archer St Physiotherapy Centre – Social Manna Community Connection Award, sponsored by Hawiian – Archer St Physiotherapy Centre Digital Innovation Award, sponsored by Park Dental Centre – Galactic Co-operative Excellence in Marketing Award, sponsored by Acton Victoria Park – Archer St Physiotherapy Centre Excellence in Access and Inclusion Award, sponsored by PeopleSmart – Archer St Physiotherapy Centre People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Baston and Co. Property – Social Manna Congratulations to all the winners.

The Town of Victoria Park would also like to thank all the community members who nominated a business, the award sponsors and all businesses who work towards making the Town a dynamic place for everyone.

To watch the full award ceremony head to victoriapark.wa.gov.au/businessawards

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G I N T H E T OW N

Arts and culture at the heart of Vic Park Did you know there are hundreds of hidden art works across Perth? Vic Park boast over 40 works of art just waiting to be discovered while you enjoy all there is to see and do in the Town.

We understand the important role art and culture plays in our community and have been working hard on an Arts and Culture Plan, the first of its kind developed by the Town.

The plan is the result of an extensive community engagement and we embraced this opportunity to shape a thriving, creative place for residents, businesses and visitors.

You can find out more about art in the Town at victoriapark.wa.gov.au/arts

The Purple Bench Project You may have noticed on your travels that Albany Highway has a colourful new bench opposite Memorial Gardens in Victoria Park.

While the purple bench is a vibrant addition to the Town’s street furniture, it is there to share a serious message. It was installed during Homelessness Week to honour victims of family and domestic violence, a leading cause of homelessness in Western Australia.

More information can be found at victoriapark.wa.gov.au/healthyrelationships

Remembrance Day 2020 10.15am Wednesday 11 November Please join us at the Memorial Gardens to honour fallen servicemen and women with a ‘Field of Remembrance’. There will be a symbolic planting of poppies and white crosses made by community members and students. The service will be supported by the Victoria Park RSL and the community.

04 | VIBE WINTER 2020

41%

of Western Australians seeking homelessness assistance in 2019 was due to family and domestic violence, above the national average of 38%

Turn the pages of history

W I N T E R AT YO U R L I B R A RY

The Local History Collection at the library is a remarkable collection of both historical and contemporary materials that tells the story of the development of the local community.

We are currently working on a digitisation project to make the collection available online 24/7 and also developing other projects and initiatives.

History Mysteries Keep an eye out in the Southern Gazette each month where we feature a photo or object from the collection which we have little information about and need assistance.

Piece together the past Put together jigsaws online using photographs from our Local History collection. Visit jigsawplanet.com/victoriaparklocalhistory

Time-warp Tuesdays Each Tuesday we feature a photograph from the collection on our Facebook page and provide insights that we know about the photograph: fb.com/victoriaparklibrary

LibraryCraft LibraryCraft is a Minecraft server available through the library. It’s available to WA kids aged seven to 17 years old and can be run from personal computers at home.

There are multiple worlds connected by portals, to allow for various styles of gameplay. For more information visit: librarycraft.net

It’s Buzz Week 25 - 27 August Experience the exciting literacy and learning opportunities the library has on offer during Buzz Week.

Visit victoriapark.wa.gov.au/buzzweek

This is a resource that tells the stories of significant citizens from the Town’s history. More biographies will be added over time: victoriapark.wa.gov.au/ dictionaryofbiography Take a trip back in time and explore the history of our great community through the Local History Collection: victoriapark.wa.gov.au/localhistory

Get into a new groove Did you know that we have a wide selection of music CDs to borrow for free? No need to use your mobile data for streaming! There is music for the boot-scooter, the classicist, the jazz fan and those who like pop, plus more. We regularly add new titles and you are also welcome to make suggestions of CDs to add to the collection.

Healthy Community

LIVE LIFE WEL L

Looking to kickstart a change?

Healthy Eating Activity and Lifestyle (HEAL) program helps people develop lifelong healthy eating and lifestyle habits.

It runs over six weeks and involves one hour of gentle to moderate exercise, plus one hour of lifestyle education. The exercise sessions involve group exercise with friendly and supportive people. They are designed for people of all fitness levels. The lifestyle education will help you develop lifelong healthy eating behaviours.

MAN v FAT soccer Join the league where the losers win!

Every player is in the same situation and wants the same thing: to enjoy soccer, lose weight and get healthier.

6.30–8:30pm Tuesdays Vic Park League, Area 5, Victoria Park $10 registration and $45 monthly subscription Sign up at manvfatsoccer.com.au. For more information, please call 08 6488 2286 or email info@sport.uwa.edu.au

Postnatal fitness program Sessions are designed for optimal postnatal fitness and include low-impact pram cardio, pelvic floor exercises and practical resistance training. Individual’s needs and fitness levels are catered for.

Come and exercise with your bub and be excited at the improvements each week.

Term starts Monday 12 October, with weekly classes also on Fridays. Book in early, limited spots are available. sign up to 2020 Goodness 06 To | VIBE WINTER

Photography on the move Put on your walking shoes and bring your camera along to this four-week active photography program. Each week you will walk through local areas taking snaps of the Town’s beautiful scenery and attractions. Learn how to explore light, composition and content to produce beautiful photographs. Professional photographer Adele Miles will give participants the skills and confidence to operate their cameras more competently.

The HEAL program will help you manage your: · weight · health conditions like diabetes · heart problems (including high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol) · diet and nutrition habits.

Receive one-on-one health consultations: · at the start and end of the program · five and 12 months after starting.

9.30–11.30am Saturday 24 Oct – 28 Nov Leisurelife Centre, East Victoria Park $36 (for all six sessions) Bookings are essential

Participants are required to bring their own camera. Digital SLR, point and shoot, phone cameras or film cameras, it’s your choice.

9–11am Sunday 30 Aug, 6, 13 and 20 Sep Various locations within the Town $36 (all four sessions) Bookings are essential

me! e-newsletter, make a booking or for further information about Healthy Community programs visit: vicpk.co/healthyToVP or call Leisurelife on 9373 5450

LEISURE CENTRES

Success for the swim school In May, our swim school was a finalist at the Swim Australia Swim School Awards of Excellence for the medium swim schools category. They were nominated for their unique approach to the way they conduct access and inclusion swimming programs.

Meet Splashosaurus The swim school has a new friend, Splashosaurus. During the shutdown period, we kept our swim school students busy with a mascot design competition, and 8-year-old Lucy created the winning design and his motto, ‘Come splash with me!’.

The swim school made a strategic decision to make the program more affordable and accessible during the day for families, which has enabled the facility to partner with external groups such as National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Autism Swim, Department of Health, and Department of Communities.

Join our swim school perpetual program

All Access membership Unlimited swim, gym and classes - one low rate Terms and conditions apply

victoriapark.wa.gov.au/allaccess

Enrol anytime with our ongoing classes Progress through swim school levels at your own pace Instructors will be able to provide more feedback between lessons Book online with direct debit For bookings, more information and terms and conditions, visit our victoriapark.wa.gov.au/ swimschool or chat to our friendly team at the front counter.

For more information go to victoriapark.wa.gov.au/swimschool or contact our friendly Swim School team at swim@vicpark.wa.gov.au

GROWTH SERIES

?

What do you think about the Macmillan Precinct concept plan?

Earlier this year we asked for your thoughts to help us shape Macmillan Precinct. Your contributions helped create a vision for the future.

Town planning in the ‘new normal’ As WA emerges into the post-pandemic “new normal”, planners and futurists are questioning how our cities might change. Many believe the work-from-home trend will stay, which could change the way we plan and build office spaces and homes. More people choosing to entertain at home could also lead to changes in how we design our homes, or the recent uptake in outdoor leisure activities could increase our need for public parks. Changes in commuting or recreation habits could alter our transport choices and how we structure our roads and public transport.

Next, a working group of community representatives, key stakeholders and the project team was formed. Guided by the vision they considered uses, character, funding, landscape and more.

Three options were created and we used your feedback to help us shape the concept plan.

You can now see this plan at yourthoughts.victoriapark.wa.gov.au. Check it out and let us know what you think by early September.

So what does this mean for the Town of Victoria Park? We need to continue planning great places and facilities for our community, a range of housing and housing densities to suit different lifestyles and excellent transport options. Over the past few months, the Town has continued to progress its future planning for places such as Higgins Park, the MacMillan Precinct, the Archer/Mint Street design project and Burswood Station East neighbourhood, and several exciting projects are identified in the 2020/21 budget.

Read more at victoriapark.wa.gov.au/growthseries

Put out your green and bulk waste The Town will once again be collecting bulk waste in August/September and green waste in November from your kerbside. Check which dates your property will be collected in your 2020 Waste and Recycling Guide or on the website at victoriapark.wa.gov.au/bulkwaste.

08 | VIBE WINTER 2020

Hazardous household waste drop-off day The Town, in conjunction with Mindarie Regional Council, is running the annual drop off day for household hazardous waste from 9am-1pm Saturday 31 October at 218 Planet Street Welshpool.

This is a free service and proof of residency will be required.

To find out what material you can drop off check your Waste and Recycling Guide or visit victoriapark.wa.gov.au/hazardouswaste

Moving beyond COVID-19

R E S TA R T V I C PA R K

COVID-19 has affected our community and the world unlike anything we’ve seen in modern times. As life begins to return to ‘normal’ there will be long-lasting impacts on our community. During the crisis the Town has developed a wide range of actions to support Vic Park to move beyond COVID-19.

COVID-19 Response Strategy In May 2020, Council adopted a strategy that focuses on the revival of Vic Park’s social and economic outcomes. The strategy is guiding the creation of specific initiatives aimed at reconnecting our community and reactivating our local economy.

Our goals and initiatives The goals and initiatives identified by the Town have been categorised into three phases.

Survive Providing relief and surviving the pandemic.

Revive

Thrive

Guiding the Town through recovery.

Long-term initiatives.

Financial relief During the pandemic Council endorsed a number of actions aimed at providing financial relief and economic support to the Vic Park community:

Business support The Town launched the #StillOpenForBusiness campaign and created an online hub for business support, advice and information during COVID-19.

In addition new planning exemptions were introduced as well as access to free trade areas.

Community support A one stop shop for community was created and hosts a range of health resources, information about vital services and a bank of good news stories from around the Town.

Grants and donations In addition to the Town’s regular grants and donations programs, Council resolved to create a community grant funding program.

• •

$70,000 community grant program. $50,000 local artistic and creative grants.

•

adopted a 7.88% reduction in rates

•

waived interest on outstanding rates for 2019-2020

•

waived cancellation and late fees

•

suspended membership fees

•

waived rent for not-for-profits and sporting clubs leasing Town property

•

deferred collection of charges for underground power

•

extended time for payment of rates

•

reduced interest rate and administration fees on rates instalments

•

waived non-statutory Environmental Health fees for 2019-2020

•

increased free parking time and reduced hourly rates along Albany Highway

•

adopted a Hardship Relief Policy

•

established a $500,000 COVID-19 Recovery Reserve.

BUDGET Mayor Karen Vernon Telephone 0407 448 336

Dear community, As part of our commitment to supporting our community through the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19, Council adopted an annual budget which achieves a significant reduction in total rates revenue of 7.88%, or $3.7 million, and freezes the majority of fees and charges.

This will result in most residential and business ratepayers paying the same or less than last year.

Whilst it was important not to increase total rates revenue from last year, Council recognised the importance of maintaining the delivery of services our community deserves, and committing to a significant capital works program to stimulate the local economy.

Additionally, this year saw a revaluation of gross rental values (GRV) by the WA Valuer General. A general reduction in GRVs across Perth means some ratepayers will see a decrease in rates payable, while others would see an increase. Our decision to reduce total rates revenue will help offset those negatively impacted by increases in their GRV.

RATES PRIZE DRAW! Pay the first instalment, or your rates in full by 2 October 2020 to automatically go in the draw to win one of our great prizes.

For full terms and conditions visit the Town’s website at victoriapark.wa.gov.au

Restart Vic Park COVID-19 Action Plan

The 7.88% reduction in rates E: kvernon@vicpark.wa.gov.au revenue was achieved on budget Term expires: Oct. 2023 night through careful consideration and amendments that focussed on funding part of the capital works program from reserves instead of relying on rates revenue, and also by identifying expenditure savings across the organisation.

Budget highlights for our community include approximately $6 million for road renewals, $1.7 million completion of upgrades to GO Edwards Park, $1 million towards the Urban Forest Strategy, $1 million for renewals of community sports facilities including Aqualife and Leisurelife, and a $500,000 COVID-19 Restart Vic Park program of economic and social support initiatives, which will ensure we remain a dynamic place for everyone.

Mayor Karen Vernon

Package one $2,000 cash

plus two A-Reserve tickets to WASO

Package five $500 cash

Package four $500 cash

Package two $1,000 cash

plus two A-Reserve tickets to WASO

Package three $1,000 cash

EXPENSES

REVENUE

BUDGET

Materials and contracts $27.3m • Maintenance of street trees, parks, reserves and sporting facilites • Waste collection and disposal • Consultancy

Rates $43.6m

Employee costs $22.6m

Fees and charges $7.5m

Depreciation on non-current assets $9.6m

• Salary • Superannuation • Leave allocation

• Parking • Leisure memberships • Development application fees

Utility charges $1.6m

Operating grants and contributions $1.4m

Interest expenses $0.3m

Interest earning $1.2m

Insurance expenses $0.25m

Other revenue $0.4m

Other expenditure $0.15m

Capital works breakdown

AT A G L A N C E

• Rebates and recoveries • Insurance subsidies

Roads

Land & buildings

Plant & machinery

Information technology

$7,515,578

$1,239,413

$880,340

$698,740

Other assets

Pathways

Parks & reserves

Drainage

$1,044,000

$2,279,636

$3,165,127

$440,000

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on the Town’s local community and businesses. Western Australia’s State Emergency Management Framework places local government at the forefront of leading recovery, once the initial emergency has passed.

To guide this recovery process, the Town has prepared the Restart Vic Park - COVID-19 Recovery Strategy, and allocated $500,000 to delivering recovery projects.

Restart Vic Park focuses on three distinct phases of the recovery process – survive, revive and thrive. Moving through these phases

will be ongoing and dependent on factors such as State and Federal Government policy and the progression of the pandemic. Recovery therefore needs to be a flexible and dynamic process, adapting to new challenges and opportunities as they arise.

To achieve this, Restart Vic Park is complimented by a COVID-19 Action Plan, a living document which details all the projects and actions the Town will undertake to support recovery as it unfolds.

BURSWOOD PENINSULA

PDE

LEGEND – Covid-19 Strategy

MAJOR PROJECTS GRAHAM FARM ER F

These projects will contribute to the economic recovery of the Town following the Covid-19 pandemic emergency

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SOCIAL RECOVERY

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OTHER CATEGORIES Greening – This is a project that will contribute to the Town’s strong focus on greening and increasing CH AP canopy coverage.

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GEORGE BURNETT PARK

Advocacy required – This project requires advocacy at multiple levels to attract funding and/or support from State or Federal Government.

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Climate change adaptation & mitigation – This project will be a significant contributor to the Town’s climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts.

This mapCHALLENGER shows some of the BODKINmajor capital works projects happening in the Town. Visit our website for more budget highlights.

WILSON PARK RESERVE

PARK

NEW PROJECTS

$2,900,000

Title

Description

1. LAOS Project - 25 Boundary Rd

Sump subdivision, increase of the sump’s capacity and stormwater network integrity

2. Rutland Avenue Shared Path

Construction of 1.7km shared path. Fully funded by State Government

RENEWALS

Icons S2

R1

Description

3. State Underground Power Projects (SUPP6)

Undergrounding of overhead power infrastructure in Carlisle, and Victoria Park (East and West)

5. Clubroom Changeroom Upgrades

Refurbishment of aged changerooms at Carlisle Reserve & JA Lee Reserve.

Upgrade of the facilities to accommodate all gender players and comply with disability access standards

6. Playground Renewals

Replacement of playground equipment at JA Lee Reserve and The Promenade

7. Library Fitout

Library fitout will accommodate new RFID systems with external return chute, automatic scanning and selfservice technology

8. Street lighting renewal

Replacement of old street lights in Burswood Peninsula

9. GO Edwards Masterplan

Delivery of final stages (4 & 5) of masterplan including revitalisation of ROW59

10. Blackspot intersection projects

11. Community Development Grants Programme

R2

S1

13. Lathalin Park Redevelopment Project - Zone 1

Perth Football Club and community facilities concept and detailed design

14. Ed Millen Heritage Precinct

Detailed design for the Edward Millen Park Master Plan

R1

T1

T1

R1

T2

15. Macmillan Precinct Masterplan

Stage 3 of the Macmillan Precinct Masterplan – detailed masterplan document

16. McCallum Park Active Area

Detailed design for the McCallum Park Active Area project

17. Update the Albany Highway Planning Framework

Precinct planning for the Town Centres of Victoria Park, East Victoria Park and St James and setting direction for Albany Hwy

18. Burswood Station Detailed design for stage 1 East Streetscape Upgrade

S2

Road safety improvements to: Archer/Orrong, Star/Briggs, Hordern St/Geddes and Hordern/McMillan.

State funding Stage 2 lighting upgrade along Terminus Lane, East Victoria Park and locations in Carlisle. Fully funded by Federal Government

The second year of funding for the five year drive to implement the Urban Forest Strategy and the actions from the Implementation Action Plan

S1

R1

T1

T2

T1

T2

R1

T1

T1

T2

S2

R1

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S2

$3,756,000 Description

12. Urban Forest Strategy (Town wide)

Icons

T2

Renewal of local roads with State and Federal Government funding

Title

Description

Icons

4. Local Road Renewal program (Town wide)

UPGRADES

$3,379,000

Title

R2

$9,779,000

Title

OPERATIONAL

Icons R1

T1

T2 S2

S2

19. Archer/Mint Street Upgrade detailed design

Detailed design for stage 1 of the Archer/Mint St Streetscape Upgrade project

20. Integrated Movement Network Strategy & Parking Management Plan (Town wide)

Update to the strategic direction for the Town’s transport network to create a more connected and accessible urban community

21. Burswood & Teddington Streetscape Improvement Plan

Creation of a concept plan to improve the streetscape and stimulate redevelopment

22. Local Planning Scheme 2 (Town wide)

Funding for technical advice to inform the Local Planning Scheme no.2

23. Climate Emergency Plan (Town wide)

Development of plan to reduce the Town’s climate impact

24. CCTV Partnership Program (Town wide)

Funding available for community to install CCTV

25. Operating subsidies

Subsidies supporting local community groups

T2 R1

R2

T2

R1

R2

T2

R1

R2

T2 T2

S1 S1

R1

T1

S2

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F R E Q U E N T LY A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S

What are differential rates?

Do I have to pay my rates all at once?

Differential rates mean there is a different rate in the dollar for different groups i.e. residential, commercial and industrial. The reason for them is so one group isn’t burdened by rate increases more significantly than others.

We understand that sometimes people experience financial hardship which makes it difficult to meet all of their financial commitments when they are due. Please contact the Town’s rates department to arrange a suitable payment arrangement to settle your rates by the end of the financial year.

How are my rates calculated?

How can I get more information about the budget?

X

Rate

Valuation

(cents in $ set by Town)

=

(set by Valuer General)

Annual rates

The rates paid on a property is calculated based on the potential rental value of the premises and the operating requirements of Council. The rates you pay are a proportionate share of what is needed by Council to provide local services and facilities. That is, if your home has greater potential rental return than your neighbours, you will pay a higher share of the total rates budgeted by Council.

What can make my rates go up?

Your rates can increase if Council requires more funds to provide local services and or facilities. For example, if it builds new facilities, adds services or implements new initiatives.

Rates can also increase if your property increases in potential rental value faster than others in your area. For example, if you make improvements to your home that increase its rental value then your share of rates will increase.

Council budgets and consequently funds required through rates are also affected by changes made by other sectors of government. For example, if the state government increases its charges for power and water, or adds to the street lighting, that increase in cost will need to be met by councils.

What is the Emergency Services Levy?

The state government requires councils to collect the Emergency Services Levy from ratepayers. The funds raised go to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services. The funds do not go to councils and the rate charged is not set by councils.

Do pensioners get a discount on rates?

Pensioners with a valid seniors or concession card have been entitled to rate reductions depending on their status on council rates, water charges and the Emergency Services Levy. On 1 July 2016, the state government capped the rebate to pensioners at 50% of their rates up to $750.

14 | VIBE WINTER 2020

A copy of the budget is available on the Town’s website or alternatively community members can call 9311 8111 to speak to one of the Town’s Finance officers.

How much will my rates go up this year?

On average rate payers should pay the same, or less, as last year depending on how their individual Gross Rental Value has moved.

Why did Council choose not to increase rates?

Due to the impact of COVID19, Council was conscious of balancing the need to maintain the operating costs of essential services for the community against the strain of the current economic climate and cost of living. As such, Council deemed it appropriate to provide assistance to ratepayers via a variety of financial relief options, one of which was the endorsement of a 7.88% reduction in rates.

How was Council able to achieve a 7.88% reduction?

The 2020/2021 Annual Budget was prepared utilising a zero-based budgeting approach which identified major productivity gains across the organisation. In addition Council has also drawn down on reserves to fund capital projects.

Does that mean I will pay the same amount as my rates notice last year?

As Gross Rental Valuations were carried out by the Valuer General’s Office this year, there have been some variations across the Town. However, the vast majority of rate payers should pay the same or less than last year.

What do I get for my rates?

Income generated from rates is used to provide services run from facilities such as the library, leisure centres as well as community development programs such as events, public art programs and safety initiatives. Your rates also helps to provide essential services such as waste collection, and is used for maintaining and improving the Town’s infrastructure such as parks, roads, footpaths and drainage and provide services relating to environmental health, animal control, local business support.

How do my rates compare to other local governments?

It is not reasonable to compare rates (and rate rises) with other councils as each council is unique in growth, services, and residential property versus commercial property ratios. The majority of local governments

have already indicated a 0% change in rates this financial year. In recognition of these unprecedented times the Town of Victoria Park has adopted a 7.88% reduction in rates.

How does the state and federal government impact the Council budget?

Increased cost shifting and legislation from state government means increased administration costs for councils to facilitate the collection of fees for various services and rebates. If the state government increases the cost of power, water and other utilities, these costs are passed on to you via rate increases.

All councils also rely on and compete for additional funds from the state and federal government through assistance grants and funding bid opportunities. Without these we would not be able to implement large scale infrastructure projects or subsidise health and safety initiatives such as installing CCTV cameras.

=

X Multiply

By

To calculate

the value of your property

the rate in the dollar

your rates for the year

Gross Rental Value explained

How reliant is Council on rate revenue?

Gross Rental Value (GRV) is the gross annual rental income that a property might reasonably be expected to earn annually if it were rented. This figure is provided to us by Landgate.

Around 76% of Council’s operating revenue budget is met through rate revenue.

Every three years Landgate undertakes a major review of all GRVs which is this year.

What if I can’t pay my rates?

A payment arrangement can be made if you are unable to pay in full or by installments.

The Town has also adopted a Financial Hardship Policy.

Please contact the Rates Team to discuss your options.

The calculation of the GRV for a residential property is based on many factors, including: • • • •

location age and size of the property additional facilities (including carports or below ground pools) proximity to services (schools, public transport, shops etc.)

We use the GRV of your property to calculate the rate in the dollar which, multiplied by your GRV, gives us your final rate amount.

D I F F E R E N T I A L R AT E S F O R 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 1 Due to a motion passed by Council at its April Special Council Meeting the proposed differential rate and the minimum payment was calculated based on a 0% rate increase, which was put forward to Council for consideration and approval as part of the 2020-2021 Annual Budget. Council has subsequent adopted a 7.88% reduction in rates and minimum payments.

A summary of the rates proposed and adopted is shown below.

DIFFERENTIAL RATING CLASSIFICATION

PROPOSED

ADOPTED

Residential - GRV rate in the $

0.0816

0.0916

Minimum payment in respect to residential - GRV

1,197

1,136

Non-residential GRV rate in the $

0.0913

0.0969

Minimum payment in respect to non-residential - GRV

1,245

1,181

Town of Victoria W H AT ’ S O N Park contact 1 SEPTEMBER 20 OCTOBER information Agenda Briefing Forum Ordinary Council Meeting Town of Victoria Park admin@vicpark.wa.gov.au

9311 8111

99 Shepperton Road, Victoria Park Monday – Friday: 8.30am – 5pm

Victoria Park Library 9373 5500 vicparklibrary@vicpark.wa.gov.au 27 Sussex Street, East Victoria Park Mon & Fri 9am – 5pm Tues, Wed, Thur 9am – 8pm | Sat 9am – 5pm Sunday & public holidays Closed

Aqua Centre admin@vicpark.wa.gov.au

9373 5400

42 Somerset Street, East Victoria Park Winter hours: Mon – Thu: 5.30am – 8.30pm Fri: 5.30am – 8pm Sat / Sun: 7am – 5pm Crèche Mon – Sat: 8.30am – 12noon Summer hours: Mon - Thurs: 5.30am – 9pm Fri: 5.30am – 8.30pm Sat / Sun: 7am – 6pm Crèche Mon – Sat 8.30am – 12noon

6.30pm, Council chambers, Town administration centre and streamed online

15 SEPTEMBER

Ordinary Council Meeting

6.30pm, Council chambers, Town administration centre and streamed online

6 OCTOBER

Agenda Briefing Forum

6.30pm, Council chambers, Town administration centre and streamed online

6.30pm, Council chambers, Town administration centre and streamed online

3 NOVEMBER

Agenda Briefing Forum

6.30pm, Council chambers, Town administration centre and streamed online

17 NOVEMBER

Ordinary Council Meeting 6.30pm, Council chambers, Town administration centre and streamed online

10 OCTOBER

Celebrate the new Lathlain Park 9–11.30am, McCartney Crescent Lathlain

Leisure Centre 9373 5450 leisurelife@vicpark.wa.gov.au Cnr Kent and Gloucester Streets, East Victoria Park Reception Mon – Fri: 5.30am – 9.30pm Sat 8am – 6pm | Sun 8am – 4pm Gym Mon – Thurs: 5.30am – 8.30pm Fri: 5.30am – 8pm | Sat: 8am 6pm Sun: 8am – 4pm Crèche Mon Wed Thu Fri: 9am – 11am / Tues 8.30am – 11am

Victoria Park Digital Hub

9329 4238

1 Harper Street, Victoria Park Currently closed while updates are made to facility and programs.

Animal Care Facility 199 Thelma Street, Como Closed to the public until further notice.

For lost animal and general Ranger enquiries: 9311 8111

Report It 9311 8111 (after hours message service)

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