Perth Voice Interactive

THE Barnett government is being blamed for another year of soaring costs for Perth city ratepayers.

Since January the state government’s landfill tax has rocketed 96 per cent, and the premier is slugging the council another $3.1 million for its city carpark tax (taking it to $17m).

The tax hikes have led the council to raise rubbish collection fees 12.5 per cent, and it’s bracing itself for further demands from the cash-strapped state government in the second half of next year. According to the council’s budget document, state government tax now accounts for a whopping 40 per cent of tonnage fees at the tip gate.

Rate revenue across the city rises well above inflation next financial year, averaging at about 4.7 per cent.

The council’s also looking at jacking up reserve hire fees by 60 per cent, going from 50 cents per person per hour to 80 cents. Staff predict organisers will come begging for sponsorship to cover the hike.

Investment income has virtually flatlined, with $89m in cash-backed reserves expected to generate just $2m in interest (a smidge over two per cent).

It’ll also be a year of big capital works, with $60m slated for projects like:

• $4.8m for the Barrack Street upgrade and two way-traffic project;

• $3.5m for Perth concert hall;

• $2.8m to make Museum Street better for pedestrians;

• $2.5m to redevelop the supreme court gardens;

• $2.5m to fix cycling and pedestrian routes on Roe and Railway Streets;

• $2m to further improve St Georges Terrace and the new cathedral square precinct.

• $1.7m to convert a chunk of Murray Street to two-way.

Lord mayor Lisa Scaffidi’s pay and allowances rise to $199,000, deputy lord mayor Rob Butler goes to $80,000 and the other seven councillors $45,187.

Ms Scaffidi says “the city’s finances are in a sound state with reserve funds available to cover any future urgent needs”.

by DAVID BELL