Perth Voice Interactive

MENORA residents can expect a rate hike after a cost blow-out in upgrading the suburb with underground power.

Unexpected changes to Western Power’s code of practice jacked up equipment and labour costs, adding $680,000 to the cost of the project.

Stirling had agreed to foot 60 per cent of the bill, meaning Menora ratepayers will have to cover $400,000.

But all ratepayers will feel the pinch, with council-owned buildings in Menora accounting for an extra $17,000.

When the state finance department wrote to Menora householders about the project in 2016, it initially estimated they each household would have to pay an average of about $8000.  That was revised to $7000 in rates notices issued in July, before residents were informed of the cost blow-out.

by SEAN HILL