Proposed Rates 2024-25 Open for Public Comment

A message from the Acting Shire President – Tracey Muir

Hi everyone,

On Wednesday, Council considered the challenging topic of increasing rates for the 2024-25 financial year.

Rates are the primary way we fund all the things our community needs and an investment in making the shire a great place to live.

Rates pay for road repairs and create parks for our kids to play in. They also allow us to do work to protect our unique environment, as well as develop fabulous facilities such as Nala Bardip Mia - Margaret River HEART  and Nala Waabi Mia - Margaret River Recreation Centre for us all to enjoy. 

Our community is also growing. There’s been 354 new homes built in our shire since last August, which generates more income. At the same time, new subdivisions mean we have ‘inherited’ $14.9m of assets including local roads, parks and footpaths in 2022-2023 alone which we need to look after.

After weighing up the cost-of-living pressures we’re all experiencing and the needs of our community, Council is proposing a 4.9% increase, which equates to $2 a week for the average household. This increase will ensure we can continue to fund all the services our community expects and deserves.

Behind the scenes, we’ve also been talking to the State Government and asking them to make a bigger investment in our community for the benefit of everyone and to help us protect our natural assets.

We appreciate the impact any cost increases can have, so to assist our community we’ll also be looking into removing any fees associated with paying your rates in installments.   

We invite the community to share their thoughts about the proposed increases in writing before we make our final decision at the June Council meeting. Please go to Proposed Rates 2024-25 for more information or visit our Shire Office in Margaret River or Augusta. 

Tracey Muir
Acting Shire President