Perth Voice Interactive

BAYSWATER residents will pay an extra 4.5 per cent for their rates this year. Perth’s rates went up 5.1 per cent and Vincent’s 3.92.

Cr Mike Anderton says the small rise is a win for ratepayers.

“Considering the large increases in electricity and other utility costs, this is a good result for ratepayers,” he said.

The council has allocated $18.7 million of its $77.3m Budget to capital expenditure this financial year.

Major items include:

• $2.84m to maintain and improve roads and footpaths

• $2.1m for three libraries

• $1.72m for the Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary

• $818,533 for community events such as the Avon Descent and Autumn River Festival

• $457,500 for foreshore environmental restoration

• $220,000 to upgrade playgrounds

Tony Green, president of the Bayswater City Residents’ Association, described the budget as a “mixed bag”.

“I’m disappointed priority wasn’t given to the funding of a proposed $2.4m sustainability centre at Lightning Swamp.”

by STEPHEN POLLOCK