FREMANTLE council adopted its 2024-25 budget at this week’s council meeting, with some highlights in infrastructure development and lowlights in the form of raised rates.

In a press release, the council described the budget as “prioritising asset renewal” whilst “delivering projects and services” as pivotal aspects of this year’s financial plan. 

Important aspects include $14.3 million allocated to the library, the Leisure Centre, Arts Centre, and the Fremantle Community Legal Centre. 

According to the budget document, $892,633 will be knocked off repayments for what the council owes for the Walyalup Koort redevelopment. 

The dissolved Resource Recovery Group will cost the city $20,483 over the next year, but the total impact of its dissolution and future waste recovery services was “unable to be estimated” at the time the budget was released and adopted. 

Residents will be copping a 5.4 per cent rate rise in this year’s budget, with two specified area rates: the CBD security levy, which services the area between Parry and Phillimore Streets, and landscaping and maintenance of the Leighton Beach residential area. 

The service fee for the underground power project in South Fremantle will not be applied to the rates for this year. 

However, there is a service charge for residents using the bore at the Landcorp development site in White Gum Valley.

by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER