AS part of its 2018-19 Budget, the Shire of Gingin has included options for voluntary contributions from ratepayers toward combating coastal erosion, as well as stable fly and declared weeds in the shire.
Shire of Gingin President Sam Collard said the council had since received a number of questions regarding the levies and the shire wanted to provide further clarification.
“This year’s rates notice includes an optional $25 contribution toward a dedicated fund to help the shire deal with any unbudgeted expenditure and emergency work arising from coastal inundation, as well as provide funds for necessary monitoring action and professional advice when required,’’ he said.
“The council currently has no financial resources at all to fight this issue.
“With an increasing amount of infrastructure under threat in certain areas of our coastline, it is imperative we start preparing financially for what may lie ahead.
“We realise that coastal erosion isn’t an issue that directly affects everyone in the shire, which is why we’ve made the levy voluntary. However, we hope that the value of our beautiful coast is recognised and appreciated by the majority of our community members – whether as a place to visit, have a holiday or to live – and is well worth fighting for.
“We are extremely grateful for the support of our communities to date and thank everyone in advance for their contributions.
They will help us enormously.”
Also this year, the shire has amended its voluntary stable fly levy to include declared weed control.
Funds currently raised via this levy pay for a stable fly inspector whose role has been to survey and audit properties with the potential to breed stable fly in the Shire of Gingin.
This role will now be extended to include identification and control of declared weeds in the shire such as narrow leaf cotton bush, African love grass and doublegee.
