Irwin council to advertise proposed 4.9 per cent rate increase

Irwin Shire could impose a 4.9 per cent rate hike across residential, farming and mining properties to address budget requirements.

At the ordinary council meeting on Tuesday, Shire councillors voted unanimously to advertise proposed rates increases to the public.

The 4.9 per cent proposal incudes a 1.9 per cent rise, which was suspended last year under COVID-19 measures, to recuperate costs associated with the $1.45 million purchase of the Dongara Medical Centre.

At the meeting, Shire corporate and community manager Danika Chandler said the remaining 3 per cent was in line with the Shire’s long-term financial planning.

The increase would see the Shire receive an estimated revenue growth of $245,103 from rates, taking the total rates income to $5,639,603.

Gross rental value rates are proposed to increase by 44¢ in the dollar, while the general differential rate would go up by 5¢ and the mining differential rate by 75¢.

Ms Chandler said before rates were imposed for the next financial year, the Shire would need to apply to the State minister for local government for approval because the mining differential rate was more than twice the general differential rate.

The proposed rates in the dollar will be advertised for a minimum of 21 days with a public submission process before the 2021-22 budget is finalised in June.