Shire of Harvey set to double rates revenue over next decade as council adopts long-term financial plan

The Shire of Harvey has revealed it expects its rates revenue to nearly double over the next decade after it adopted its long-term budget blueprint.

Councillors voted unanimously at last month’s meeting to endorse the council’s 2024-34 financial plan, which outlines the expected income and expenses over the next decade.

The plan will be used to set the shire’s priorities based on its resources, with significant projects including improvements to Leschenault Leisure Centre and Leschenault Recreation Park, the Harvey Community Precinct, stage three of Brunswick River Cottages and continued works at the Stanley Road Waste Facility.

The big ticket items are set to come at a big cost, with the plan forecasting $45 million will be spent by the shire on asset renewal and upgrades in 2025-26.

But expenditure is expected to drop to less than $20m in the following years once major projects are completed.

The major increases in expenses are seen in the council’s expected borrowings, which are tipped to peak at $16m in 2026-27.

No new borrowings have been planned at this stage beyond 2028-29, with the hope it will provide the council with increased capacity to loan in the event of unexpected circumstances.

A near doubling of rates income over the next decade has been planned, with predictions the council’s revenue from ratepayers will rise from $30.5m this financial year to $59.9m by 2033-34.

The plan also provides greater detail on what the council is expecting to spend the most funds on over the next 12 months.

The council expects to spend $18.9m on shire buildings this financial year, with roads ($6.8m) and other infrastructure ($4.2m) the other big expenses.

“This proportion of expenditure demonstrates the clear priority the shire has for maintaining its most substantial assets, the road asset network,” the plan states.