Shire of Denmark sees 2 per cent rate increase and focus on roads, youth and environment in 2024-25 budget

Roads, youth and environmental conservation are at the forefront of the Shire of Denmark’s plan for 2024-25 funded by a rate increase of 2 per cent, with the council voting to adopt its annual budget on Tuesday night. Shire president Kingsley Gibson said the budget aimed to maintain focus on the key needs identified by the community. “Staff and councillors have worked hard to maximise community-focused outcomes while staying within our capacity to both fund and deliver these and many other projects,” he said. “I thank the community for their direction and guidance.” Ratepayers will see a 2 per cent rate rise, equating to an average increase of $106 per ratepayer. This is less than last year’s rate increase of 5.5 per cent. The president’s combined allowance and meeting attendance fees increased by $2581 and the deputy president’s by $1625. Councillors had their meeting attendance fees increased by $1039. More than $2.2 million is allocated to road, pathway and drainage infrastructure upgrades to address what Cr Gibson calls a “historic shortfall”. This is in addition to the $1.6 million general roadworks maintenance budget servicing the shire’s 600km road network. Major upgrades have been budgeted for Mt Shadforth, Parker, Tindale, Cussons and Wentworth roads, with other paths, carparks and drains to also receive maintenance and upgrades. The young people of Denmark will have an increase in their services with $120,000 allocated to the youth programs and activities as well as the Youth Outreach program for at-risk teenagers. Big projects include the revitalisation of Berridge Park with a $100,000 boost, the Turner Road Mountain Bike Trails Network ($60,000) and the Ocean Beach redevelopment. Environmental sustainability will be improved by a $350,000 allocation, funnelled into the popular Environmental Education Program and achieving sustainability strategy and action plan commitments.