SHIRE of Mundaring’s 2024-25 budget has allocated $12 million in capital works to improve community services, facilities and infrastructure including $2.8 million towards community recreation and $6.5m for improvements to the shire’s road network.
A statement from the shire said the budget aligned with the recently adopted council plan, and prioritises environmental protection, social advancement and economic prosperity for current and future generations, while remaining sensitive to the rising cost of living and its impact on residents.
Shire President Paige McNeil said the budget emphasised council’s commitment to deliver on community priorities with enhanced financial transparency.
“In addition to this, council is dedicated to bolstering tourism to the area,” she said.
“We have significantly increased our tourism marketing and promotions budget to attract more visitors to our shire – Heart of the Perth Hills, and we’re committed to revitalising the Mundaring town centre, which includes the advancement of our exciting flagship project - the Mundaring cultural hub,” she said.
“Council is committed to building a vibrant and sustainable shire that reflects our shared values and aspirations. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and eager to collaborate with our community to deliver positive outcomes for everyone in our shire.”
The $6.5m for the road network will largely go to Old York Road, Stoneville Road, and Clifton Street.
The big winners in terms of $2.8 million in funding for community recreation include the Brown Park flood lighting upgrade and carpark enhancement, Parkerville Oval cricket nets upgrade, Darlington Oval water tank and reticulation upgrade, and Sawyers Valley Oval drainage and reticulation improvements.
Almost $1.5m will go to modernisation projects for the Bilgoman Aquatic Centre changerooms, along with a new public toilet block at Norris Park, Parkerville Hall car park upgrade, Darlington heritage walkway, and Wooroloo Hall and reserve upgrades.
An allocation of $565,000 for footpath upgrades, double the previous figure, will benefit Vista Drive (Kilburn Road to Dodington Place), Ridgehill Road (Maguire Road to Helena Valley Road), and Old York Road (Throssell Road to John Forrest National Park).
Drainage improvements will see $867,000 spent on projects including Old York Road, Barussela Avenue, and Sawyers Valley Oval.
The shire president said council acknowledged the financial challenges some residents may be facing and encouraged those experiencing difficulties with rate payments to contact the shire to arrange a suitable payment plan.
The budget was adopted at a special meeting of council on July 31.
