Town of Port Hedland councillors unanimously endorse 2024/25 budget, in rare move of unity

Port Hedland residents will escape a rate hike this year with the Town of Port Hedland’s 2024-25 budget unanimously endorsed by council earlier this week (July 29). Highlights of the budget include extending the Rate Gap Program to support pensioners, $165,000 in rate concessions for community groups and sporting clubs, a $1.3 million Events program; $4m for a playground at Spoilbank Marina, $3m to support the Rose Nowers Childcare development, $6.67m for Wedgefield road upgrades and no increase in fees and charges. Residential, commercial/industrial and pastoral properties will also escape a rate rise with a minimum cost of $1300 remaining for residential properties and $1900 for GRV Commercial/Industrial, GRV accommodation and UV pastoral properties. UV mining properties will be charged a minimum of $250. Mayor Peter Carter said cost-of-living pressures were front-of-mind for Council when considering any rate increases. “Council is determined to play its part in relieving the cost-of-living pressures families and property owners in Hedland are currently experiencing,” Mayor Carter said. It will also include a $50m capital works program, $4.6m to upgrade Hamilton Road and entry ways, $2m to renew and upgrade parks and family-friendly spaces, $300,000 for increased tree canopy in parks and the refurbishment of the Port Hedland Yacht Club building. “The Town’s continued capital works program is about investing in Hedland’s future,” Mayor Carter said. “We want to continue advancing important projects that make Hedland an even more attractive place to live, work and play.” Councillors unanimously endorsed the Budget at a special council meeting on Monday night (July 29).