President's Report
August 2021
Budget 2021/22
Council have adopted the 2021/22 budget with a goal to deliver our major project being the Vincent Street Streetscape Project. Following the award of $1.534 Million in Building Better Regions Funding (BBRF) the Vincent Street Streetscape project will progress with a total construction budget of $4.895 Million. The balance of the project will be funded by Other Capital Grants ($1.258 Million), Loan funds ($1.0 Million), Reserve Funds ($693,000) and General Revenue ($410,000). The project will see the revitalisation of our Mainstreet, including the undergrounding of power, to complement the recent completion of the Cornerstone building and the Moort Wabiny Park development.
In addition to the civil work component, Council has secured funding to complete a Heritage Trail along the main street focusing on the historical buildings. This project also includes the development of an augmented reality app to give users a snapshot of what the main street looked like in years gone by.
Infrastructure works for 2021/22 will include Road, Bridge and Drainage works of $1.317 Million part funded by Main Roads WA ($482,000) and General Road Grant ($216,000).
Council will also complete the construction of the Industrial Land Road with a contribution from Development WA of $192,000. Council will invest in a new grader ($245,000 net) and the renewal of the Rubber Tyred Roller ($150,000 net), the Road Maintenance Truck ($84,000 net) and other vehicles ($106,000).
Council will continue to provide a high standard of service in other programs such as Sanitation - street bins, refuse site, bulk recycling and e-waste; Community Spaces - halls, recreation ground, Moort Wabiny Park, gymnasium and library; and Tourism – caravan park and cabins, visitor booklets and visitor centre.
Rates
With the adoption of the budget the Annual Rates Notice will now be sent out on Friday 6 August. The increase in rate revenue is 5%. Individual rate notices could differ due to the valuation by the Valuer Generals Office on your property. A reminder that when your rates come out this year, the discount period will be reduced from 35 days to 21 days.
To receive the 10% discount, you must pay in full by Friday 27 August 2021. The Shire of Beverley is one of the last Local Governments to still offer an early payment discount so please take advantage of it. The Shire does not allow any grace or extension if you miss the payment deadline.
If paying by instalments, you must make your first instalment by Friday 10 September 2021 to join the instalment plan. The instalment date and discount date are two different options. There is no discount in the instalment option.
Caravan Park Cabins
The Shire is looking forward to welcoming our first visitors from the Avon Valley Golf Championships who will enjoy a trial stay between 4 and 7 August. It is hoped the booking system will go live on Monday 9 August 2021.
Extension to the Playground Area at the Recreation Ground
Work has commenced on the extended playground area with the picnic area, shelter and various play equipment now installed. Unfortunately the rain has caused a few delays with the fencing and ground works. It is hoped the play area will be completed by the end of August.
Avondale Machinery Museum
Council has decided to investigate various options (22/23 financial year) to move the museum closer to the townsite. Until then the Museum will reopen to the public dependent on volunteer availability. Open dates will be advertised.
Local Government Elections – October 2021
The Shire will have a tent at the Beverley Agricultural Show, if you are interested in becoming a Councillor, please do not hesitate to have a chat with a current Councillor.
Beverley Agricultural Show 2021
Best wishes to the Beverley Agricultural Show Committee for a successful day on Saturday 21 August. Council are aware of the mountain of work that goes into an event of this size. After COVID cancelled last years show we look forward to seeing everyone there.
Cr Don Davis
Shire President