Bridgetown-Greenbushes council adopts 2024-25 annual budget, locking in 7.5 per cent residential rate rise

The Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes council adopted its 2024-25 annual budget which includes a 7.5 per cent rates increase and close to $20 million of expenses. Expenses are set to outpace revenue this financial year by almost $2.7m largely due to higher employee and material costs. Despite the hit, the shire will still have nearly $5m in cash or cash equivalent at the end of the year. Rates are anticipated to bring in almost $6.2m revenue — or 36 per cent of total operating revenue — for the shire, while $2.7m will be raised from fees and charges. The shire’s expenses will reach almost $20m this financial year, up more than $3m from last year. Employee costs make up more than a third of expenses, while materials and contracts will cost $5m and depreciation $6.4 million. Of revenue raised by rates more than a third of it will be put into transport infrastructure and nearly a quarter will go into recreation and culture. Some major projects in the budget include upgrades to the town hall and reconstructing the shire depot after it was destroyed during a 2022 bushfire. Various community contribution expenses total $130,000. Talison Lithium will tip in $3m towards “essential capital projects” this calendar year and next as part of a partnership with the shire. Some of the projects funded include upgrades and refurbishments to sports grounds, buildings, roads and footpaths.