Broome Shire Council adopts 2023-24 Annual Budget
Published on 14 July 2023
The Broome Shire Council has adopted the 2023-24 Budget at a Special Meeting of Council on Tuesday evening, with several exciting projects committed to over the next 12 months.
The Annual Budget is a roadmap of where Shire funds, raised by rates, fees and external grants, will be utilised over the next year, guaranteeing consistent direction that aligns with our Corporate Business Plan 2023-2027 and Strategic Community Plan 2023-2033.
The 2023-24 Shire Budget reflects the challenging economic climate, with external factors including increases to CPI, interest rates, utility costs and insurance premiums, balanced with income to ensure consistent service delivery to the Broome community.
The Shire has carefully selected priorities for the 2023-24 financial year, with the organisation’s Strategic Community Plan providing guidance.
Along with the services that Broome residents come to expect, the Council funded more than $27 million in capital and special projects, $11.34 million of which was obtained through external grants and contributions.
Highlights include:
- $12.26 million for Stage 1 of the Cable Beach Foreshore Redevelopment (wholly funded by grants, reserves, and borrowings).
- $590,163 for the Town Beach Café Redevelopment.
- $467,500 for the BRAC Dry Side Redevelopment Detailed Design.
- $400,000 for the Sanctuary Road Caravan Park, Key Worker and Over 55s Village Detailed Design.
- $339,765 for De Marchi Road Black Spot upgrades.
- $200,000 for the McMahon Estate Structure Planning.
- $182,500 for the Catalina’s Boat Ramp Retaining Wall.
Shire of Broome president Desiree Male said the Council had adopted a balanced Budget that would deliver critical capital and special projects in 2023-24 while absorbing the increase to general operating costs caused by increases to CPI and interest rates.
“Through the adopted 2023-24 Budget, the Shire’s investment in Broome and the broader community reflects our commitment to provide, facilitate and advocate for services and infrastructure to improve quality of life for everyone,” Cr Male said.
“The 5 per cent increase in this year’s rates is below the national inflation rate. They are also in line with most other local governments around Western Australia, even though our remote location attracts additional CPI pressures to the Shire’s operating budget.
“I applaud the Shire staff that have exercised effective financial management and cost-cutting measures to ensure we can continue to deliver services without the community having to cover an additional outlay.
“I believe this Budget will contribute to Broome’s continued positive evolution and exciting future for everyone.
See a PDF document of the 2023-24 Annual Shire Budget attached.