Life in the Park Budget Edition 2016/2017

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

vic toriapark .wa .g ov. au

BUDGET AT A GLANCE

RATES UP CLOSE

FIRE SEASON

RATES PRIZE DRAW

BUDGET EDITION

Rates Prize Draw Get in early and win your share in $5,000 worth of prizes!

2016/2017

Message from the Mayor

His Worship the Mayor Trevor Vaughan P: 9311 8155 M: 0447 374 528 tvaughan@vicpark.wa.gov.au

As the Evolve project nears the end of the public participation phase, I would like to thank the many resourceful and passionate individuals and community groups that exist within the Town who have participated in the Evolve project, telling us what services they value and working with us to determine a shared vision for our Town’s future and the Strategic Community Plan.

This year, the Town has made a genuine effort to minimise the rate increase for households without compromising our ability to deliver quality services and respond to the needs of our growing and diverse population. As well as supporting and delivering on our community’s aspirations for a vibrant place to live, work and play, we are committed to demonstrating sound financial management, good governance and accountability.

Despite a low rate increase of 4% in 2016/2017 we will continue our commitment to investing in facilities, roads, footpaths, public open space and infrastructure, providing innovative and creative events, programs and services, and supporting and delivering projects that will benefit our community. Some of these projects and activities are summarised here, but you can read about them in detail in the Annual Budget available on the Town’s website.

A large part of the projected rate increase is associated with improving and maintaining the Town’s current assets, funding major projects and improving parking and transport options within the Town. Council has agreed that a 4% increase in rates for this year combined with our commitment to ongoing proactive community consultation and engagement will ensure that we maintain the high level of service and facilities that our community values.

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: • Victoria Park Library • Aqualife and Leisurelife • well maintained parks and all they have to offer (playgrounds, BBQ’s, toilets etc.)

• policing of local laws • animal control

• access to sporting reserves • public art programs • free community events • community health and safety initiatives • Town planning • waste collection • street and road maintenance The Town also works with State and Federal 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions 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.

In 2014 differential rates were introduced as a result of the State’s Valuer General determining that residential property values in the area had increased by 26% as opposed to commercial (14%) and industrial (15%).

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

Why have my rates increased?

As the Town’s population grows, it is true that we receive more rates revenue. However we also have an increased demand for services, higher usage of our roads, parks, and public buildings which leads to more maintenance and service. We have a vision to provide exceptional and innovative services to our community and we need the resources to do so.

In recent years, the cost of some utilities and services passed down by the State has increased more than the rate of inflation and we need to fill that gap.

Many of the Town’s assets are requiring increasing service and maintenance as they age which the Town currently doesn’t have the money in reserve for. The Long Term Financial Plan aims to bridge this gap, and increasing rates is a part of achieving this.

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 of late payments.

Late Payment Penalty Interest

11% p.a.

Administration Fee (instalments)

$36

Instalment 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

victoriapark.wa.gov.au/rates

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7

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

VALUATION TYPE GRV

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 $ 0.012672

2 September 2016

27 July 2016

WARD: JARRAH

DUE DATE

DATE OF ISSUE

ASSESSMENT WARD: 123456 NUMBER

DUE DATE

DATE OF ISSUE

2 September 2016 Total Option 1: $1248.77 $312.19 2 September 2016 7 November 2016 $312.19 11 January 2017 $312.19 17 March 2017 $312.19 $58.90

ARREARS

RATE cent in $ 0.0771

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

8736

VALUATION

(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 $1156.00

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 2 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 $36 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.

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

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: 4 September 2016

DUE: 2 September 2016

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

Pay online at victoriapark.wa.gov.au

REF #:

payment methods

PAY YOUR RATES IN FULL BY 2 SEPTEMBER 2016 AND YOU WILL BE ENTERED INTO THE RATES PRIZE DRAW TO WIN A GREAT PACKAGE. SEE THE ENCLOSED NEWSLETTER FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

PAY YOUR RATES IN FULL BY 2 SEPTEMBER 2016 AND YOU WILL BE ENTERED INTO THE RATES PRIZE DRAW TO WIN A GREAT PACKAGE. SEE THE ENCLOSED NEWSLETTER FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

Option 3 – Payment Arrangement

Y L N O LE

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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 2 September 2016 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.

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 please call a member of the Rates Department on 9311 8111.

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 (to a maximum of $750).

• State Seniors Card holders can receive a rebate of up to 25% (to a maximum of $288.70).

• 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 2016 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 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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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? Go to victoriapark.wa.gov.au/rates to register your interest.

This information is available in alternative formats on request