Roadworks remain a top priority for Denmark spending in this financial year, with the Shire of Denmark allocating $3.57m in its 2025-26 annual budget, adopted at a special council meeting last month
The shire’s 2025-26 budget was adopted on July 29, with councillors voting unanimously for its approval.
The shire plans to spend $3,571,500 on roads, paths and drains in the coming year through combined rates and grant funding, a $1,297,217 increase from last year.
The program of planned road improvements include drainage upgrades, gravel re-sheeting, road widening and realignment, with the biggest expenditures planned for Hardy Street sewerage, drainage and remediation works and Mt Shadforth Road reconstruction.
The shire’s ratepayers will see a rates increase of 4.8 per cent, which shire officers noted in the special meeting agenda would allow for renewal, maintenance and upgrades to existing assets within the shire.
This year’s increase is higher than the 2 per cent rise imposed in 2024-25, but lower than the 5.5 per cent lift of 2023-24.
Shire president Kingsley Gibson said he was “very happy” with the 2025-26 budget and he was “very comfortable” supporting the rate rise despite it being above the inflation increase of 2.8 per cent.
“I will just acknowledge the rate rise, it is part of our long-term financial plan, and we understood when we adopted that plan that it would take this in order to have enough money going forward to raise the level of our assets to an appropriate standard,” he said.
The shire president’s allowance has increased $1260 from last year and the deputy president’s allowance will go up by $315.
Community infrastructure works were also a prominent feature, with the Denmark Surf Club Precinct development project receiving $1.75 million for its final stage to see the popular Ocean Beach facility reopened for the public.
Upgrades to Berridge Park are planned as another big spend on community infrastructure, with $1.5m budgeted for the project.
“Completing the surf club and Ocean Beach precinct redevelopment will be one of this year’s highlights and will enhance community use and ensure the area remains safe and welcoming for future generations,” Cr Gibson said.
“We’ve listened to our community and responded with a budget that reflects their values and aspirations.”
The shire is offering a $3000 prize pool for residents who pay their rates in full and on time, with the money divided up between seven prizes, to be awarded to ratepayers at random.
The prizes will be awarded in Denmark Dollars, to be used at participating businesses in the Chamber of Commerce Denmark Dollars program.
https://thewest.com.au/news/albany-advertiser/million-dollar-plans-for-roadworks-and-infrastructure-adopted-in-shire-of-denmarks-2025-26-budget-c-19546945
