EAST Fremantle council has adopted its 2024-25 budget alongside its Corporate Business Plan, with allocations for the environment, suburban infrastructure and women’s sport. 

East Freo residents and property owners will be facing a 4.25 per cent rate rise, which the council says is “in line” with its Revenue Strategy and Long-term Financial Plan. 

The Town’s environment and climate action was a major focus of the budget, with over $700,000 allocated towards an electric vehicle charging station as part of the Community Park development. 

As with its Fremantle counterparts, the council says it has a “commitment to increase action” on the town’s urban tree canopy, including “resistance” to WA’s polyphagous shothole borer outbreak which was originally found in an East Freo backyard. 

The Town’s infrastructure is also getting an upgrade, with $325,400 going towards footpaths in certain areas and $200,000 allocated for carparks. 

Riverside Road will also be receiving funding from the state government through the Regional Road Group and Roads to Recovery grants totalling over $480,000 to support its upgrade. 

The Corporate business plan, which was adopted alongside the budget, will address the Town’s “priorities” including climate action, heritage protection, the Community Park, regeneration of the Town Centre, and community engagement over the next four years.

A notable priority of the plan is to update the Council’s business systems, which are “outdated” and are hindering the Town’s “improvements and innovation”. 

This will include an upgrade in the Council’s online services, according to the plan. 

According to mayor Jim O’Neill, the Corporate Business Plan was formulated from consultation from East Fremantle residents. 

“We have listened to our community and recognise and understand that these priorities must be our focus,” Mr O’Neill said. 

by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER