Annual Budgets and Fees & Charges » Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup

Current Budget, Appendix, and Fees & Charges:

A Message from the Commissioner:

"On behalf of the Shire of Donnybrook Balingup, I acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land, the Wardandi People of the Noongar Nation, and pay respects to Elders, past, present, and emerging.

"After much deliberation, and factoring significant cost escalations like many other industries and businesses, I am pleased to announce that we are on track with the Shire's Long Term Financial Plan (22-42). Please remember that your rates are not a simple calculation of 6.5% for everyone, and each property is different. You can read more of the LTFP on the Shire website. Local Governments similar to ours are more susceptible to various kinds of inflation, as most of our capital works activities are heavily influenced by materials and contracts. We are also seeing a significant increase in waste management costs, too.

"I can confirm that the $2.9m loan that has previously been approved for the VC Mitchell Park Community Club Project will reactivate as the site works commence. We are also proudly partnering with Talison Lithium, who have generously provided funding of $3m - this is a huge outcome for our community and will ensure the Shire delivers the best results possible regarding this project. At this point in time, the Shire is still seeking supplementary funding from the State Government, which we seek to allocate to offset the original loan. Works are scheduled to commence soon in October.

"Other projects such as the Minninup Cottages and Langley Villas are also on track, with the former still in delivery and the latter soon to start. Beyond the talk of rates, projects and funding, our Annual Budget follows the Draft Budget Outline that was endorsed at the May Ordinary Council Meeting this year."

- Commissioner Gail McGowan

Browse our Strategic Documents here!

Let's take a look at our Key Projects:

VC Mitchell Park Project (aka the Community Club)

The goal of this project is to redevelop the VC Mitchell Park precinct to become a multipurpose facility that benefits the whole community, from sporting clubs to local businesses and residents.

The Shire has been working closely with a dedicated Project Consultation Group (PCG) that have, and will continue to, aid with advice for the development and preparation of the final Community Club plans and associated supplementary works. There has been heavy consideration for those with disability requirements, as well as room for community-led projects that would make the precinct unique. Works are anticipated to begin in the second half of 2023, and to conclude by the end of 2024. We are looking forward to seeing the final results and the benefits for our community come to fruition.

View the VCMP Project Page here!

Community Housing Refurbishments (Minninup Cottages & Langley Villas)

The Shire was pleased to receive $2,866,825.00 from the State Government's Social Housing Economic Recovery Package (SHERP). With this funding, and at no cost to our residents and ratepayers, we have been able to refurbish the Minninup Cottages and Langley Villas for our residents. These grants have been provided for many projects to assist in the Covid-19 recovery efforts.

We are proud to provide support for our senior community members, and expect the Minninup Cottages to be completed in November 2023, and the Langley Villas in July 2024.