Life in the Park Budget Edition 2014/2015

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

BUDGET AT A GLANCE

FIRE SEASON

RATES UP CLOSE

RATES PRIZE DRAW!

BUDGET EDITION

WINTER 2014

Message from the Mayor His Worship the Mayor Trevor Vaughan 9311 8155 0447 374 528

As we edge closer to the much anticipated State Government announcement around Local Government reform, the Town has been working proactively toward an amalgamation with the City of South Perth.

This is our opportunity to develop a new model of local government, a model that is truly customer centric and tailored around what the ratepayer needs.

Local Government Reform has fast tracked what the Town was hoping to achieve long term, anyway – a new model of local governance. Talk to us about what you think a new awesome city should look like to best satisfy your needs as a resident or ratepayer.

With this at the forefront of our minds, as you would expect, it has been a challenging year financially, with the cost of reform as well as additional State Government charges for essential services, being put upon us.

We are also still anxiously awaiting an announcement on whether the new city will retain the Burswood Peninsula – the loss of which will cost us around $3 million in revenue per year.

With all this added pressure – Council took a decision this year to introduce a differential rate which means residential rates and commercial rates will differ.

This step was taken to reduce the impact of the necessary rates increase on residents as much as possible.

Please read this special Budget Edition of Life in the Park, where we explain this in more detail and show where the money will go in an easy‑to‑read format.

If you need to speak to someone further about your rate notice or the ways in which you can pay, please call our Rates Department on 9311 8111.

Mayor, Trevor Vaughan

Your Councillors Banksia Ward

Cr Claire Anderson Deputy Mayor 9472 9947 0416 199 745 Term exp: Oct.2015

Jarrah Ward

Cr John Bissett

Cr Keith Hayes

Cr Mark Windram Cr Vince Maxwell

9361 9222 0418 901 977

9361 0385

9470 4144

Term exp: Oct.2015

Term exp: Oct.2017

Term exp: Oct.2017

Cr Vin Nairn

Cr Brian Oliver

Cr Vicki Potter

0427 962 855

9361 2662 9472 7991

0435 229 317

9361 5464 0433 704 140

Term exp: Oct.2017

Term exp: Oct.2015

Term exp: Oct.2017

Term exp: Oct. 2015

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 ensure that you and your family have access to dozens of services and facilities provided by the Town.

Some of these include: • Victoria Park Library • Aqualife and Leisurelife Centres • well‑maintained parks and facilities (playgrounds, BBQs, toilets, etc.)

• policing of Local Laws • animal control • access to sporting reserves • public art programs • free community events 1

• • • •

community health and safety initiatives Town planning waste collection street and road maintenance

The Town works with State and Local Government 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 vibrant community.

Differential Rates Q&A What is happening?

This year the Town will, for the first time, introduce differential rates bringing it into line with many other councils. This means the residential rate and commercial rates will differ and are equal to an average increase of 10.5% for residents and 14% for commercial properties (or 12% overall average).

The Town is still one of the lowest rating councils in the Perth metro area.

What are differential rates?

The introduction of differential rates is necessary as it is a ‘revaluation year’ for the State’s Valuer General who has determined that residential property values in the area have increased by 26%.

Local Government rates are tied to the State Valuer General’s determination. Without the introduction of differential rates the necessary rates increase would burden residents significantly.

Traditionally there has been a uniform rate for all.

A differential rate is designed to push the rating effort toward those who can more readily afford it. Council opted for this structure, going forward, to relieve as much pressure on residents as possible.

Why are our rates going up?

For a number of years our rates have increased by approximately 8% as part of the Town’s Long Term Financial Plan. The extra 4% this year is required to cover State Government impacts (waste levy, street lighting tariff, electricity charges, withdrawal of roads funding, water charges, local government reform, etc). This is not money that the Town can absorb and wouldn’t absorb at a cost to service delivery.

How much are my rates going up?

Your rates notice will show your individual rate amount.

On average the increase will be 10.5% for residents and 14% for commercial and industrial properties.

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 (further information shown left).

The rates are calculated to provide income to fund next year’s budget which also takes into account all other sources of income for the Town. The charge includes the waste 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. The latest valuation took place this year and will be current until 2017.

For further information about the valuation of your property, contact the Valuer General’s office on 9273 7373.

Yearly Fees – Yearly fees are clearly marked on your rate notice and include the Emergency Services Levy (ESL) charged to all property owners in WA to fund fire and emergency services. 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 further information please refer to the ESL section of the DFES website (www.dfes.wa.gov.au) or free-call 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 Administration Fee (instalments) Instalment Interest

11%p.a. $21 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

www.victoriapark.wa.gov.au

2

L P M SA 3

Y L N O LE 4

Budget at a Glance Some key features of the 2014 - 2015 budget include: • Local Government Reform Emphasis for the Town throughout this coming financial year will be on the many tasks associated with Local Government reform.

• Progression of Equitable Access Parking Management Plan The implementation of the Parking Management Plan commenced in 2014. Following the initial roll‑out, continual community consultation and significant adjustments will be undertaken.

• ANZAC Centenary A cross-functional team has been established to work in partnership with the RSL to commemorate the 2015 centenary of the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli.

• Public Art Masterplan Projects Include: • Two public outdoor ping‑pong tables (St James and East Victoria Park) • G.O. Edwards Park (utilising rare heritage Coastal Blackbutt log to create a nature play area) • Lathlain Place Project (entry statement)

• English Conversation Classes In partnership with Curtin Volunteers and Polytechnic West, English Conversation Classes enable residents to gain the necessary language skills to participate in the local community.

• Albany Highway Activation!

(AHA!) Initiative The Albany Highway Activation! (AHA!) Initiative sits at the very core of the Town’s Vision: Victoria Park – Vibrant Lifestyle. The aim of AHA! is to create a vibrant place, day and night, that encourages the community to be socially and physically connected. The Town looks forward to rolling out new parklets along Albany Highway and creating quirky public spaces to be utilised by locals, workers and visitors.

• Raphael Park Lighting Funding from the Department of Sport and Recreation, in addition to further funding from the Town, will enable the completion of the lighting project in the 2014 - 2015 financial year.

• Lathlain Precinct Redevelopment Project (LPRP) • The construction of a new community building,

accommodating the local playgroup and toy library, to enable the delivery of infant health services is proposed for 2014 - 2015. This project relates to Zone 6 of the LPRP.

5

• The comencement of a major streetscape upgrade

to Lathlain Place to create a pedestrian friendly environment with improved public infrastructure is also proposed for 2014 - 2015. This relates to Zone 4 of the LPRP.

• Major Building Asset Renewal and Upgrade Includes renewal of air‑conditioning at Leisurelife and the Victoria Park Library.

• Major Road, Drainage and Park Works Works underway at several locations around the Town, including new bus shelters, new park lighting, revegetation, asphalt overlay works, pathways and drainage renewal.

Information for Pensioners and Seniors SENIORS CARD The holder is a valued member of our community.

Please extend every courtesy and assistance.

AUTHORISED SIGNATURE

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.

• State Seniors Card holders can receive a rebate of up to 25% (to a maximum of $276.42).

• 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%.

Retrospective rebates are also available to pensioners and seniors who own and occupy their property at 1 July 2014 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, you must lodge an application with the Water Corporation: 1300 659 951 or www.watercorporation.com.au For further information contact the Water Corporation (as above) or the Town on 9311 8111.

John Hughes Package

pfr.com.au Living Local Package

Living Local Package courtesy of pfr.com.au

Comprises local business gift cards combined worth $900

Six‑month Maxi‑life Membership to Leisurelife / Aqualife worth $450

Rates Prize Draw

Pay your rates in full by 5 September 2014 and you will be in the draw to win one of these two great prize packages!

Six‑month Maxi‑life Membership to Leisurelife / Aqualife worth $450

Four tickets to Sibelius’ Violin Concerto, performed by the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra

Four tickets to Black Swan State Theatre Company’s performance of Gasp! by Ben Elton Images courtesy of © Black Swan State Theatre Co. & © Sussie Ahlburg 2011

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

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

2: by instalment

3: by payment arrangement

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 5 September 2014 you will automatically go into the draw to win one of the early‑bird Rates Prize Draw packages filled with wonderful prizes.

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.

If you are unable to pay your rates in full or by instalments please contact the Rates Team to discuss this option.

An administration fee will apply.

If you have any questions about paying your rates please call a member of the Rates Team on 9311 8124 or 9311 8187.

6

Are you ready for fire season?

Each year, local property owners have a legal obligation to ensure their property complies with firebreak requirements Firebreaks must be in place from 1 November until 30 April each year. During this time, all properties including residential, industrial and vacant land are required to comply with the legal requirements. The maximum penalty for failing to install a firebreak is $10,000.

The type of firebreak you must have depends on the size of the property.

Properties 2000m2 or less must have all loose flammable matter removed (clear debris and dead leaves, prune branches away from fence lines).

For land larger than 2000m2 :

2. Firebreaks to a minimum width and height of three metres are to be cleared immediately surrounding all buildings situated on the land and any place where flammable liquids and gas products are kept.

1. Firebreaks of a minimum width and height of three metres are to be cleared inside all external boundaries of the land.

For further information contact the Town’s Ranger Team on 9311 8171 or email admin@vicpark.wa.gov.au

Town Contacts Facility

What can I do here?

Town of Victoria Park 9311 8111 Administration Centre 99 Shepperton Road, Victoria Park admin@vicpark.wa.gov.au www.victoriapark.wa.gov.au Opening hours Monday – Friday 8.30am - 5pm

• • • • •

Planning applications / approvals Dog registrations Council information Book facilities Access & Inclusion information

• • • • • •

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

• • • • •

Library membership Library events Public computers & printers Town / community information Books, DVDs, CDs, e-readers, mags

• Download e-books, e-audio books & e-zines from the Library • Storytime / Baby Rhymetime sessions • Local History information

Aqualife 9373 5400 Somerset Street, East Victoria Park

• • • •

Outdoor 50m pool Indoor 25m pool Children’s indoor leisure pool Gym

• • • • •

Swim School Café Crèche Group Fitness classes Personal Training sessions

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

• • • •

Gym Sports team Group activities Hire sports / squash courts

• • • •

School Holiday programs Creché Bingo Children’s birthday parties

Victoria Park Digital Hub 1 Harper Street, Victoria Park

9329 4238

Opening hours Monday 9.30am - 4pm Tuesday 9.30am - 4pm Wednesday 12.30am - 7pm Thursday 9.30am - 4pm Friday 9.30am - 4pm Saturday open by appt.

Sunday closed

Victoria Park Pound 9311 8171 199 Thelma Street, South Perth

Opening hours Monday to Friday 11.30am - 12.30pm (except certain public holidays

Report It 9311 8111 After hours message service available

• Potholes • Abandoned cars • Graffiti

This information is available in alternative formats on request

Waste information Council Meetings Pay infringements Pay rates notices Event information Report lost animals

• Individual / group sessions • Free computer training • Business development & training

• Lost animals • Litter • Dumped rubbish

100% recycled