rates booklet - city of fremantle

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ContentsMayor’s message 04

Strategic plan update 06

Key projects 07

Budget at a glance 08

City services and facilities 10

Rating information 21

Financial help 28

Did you know? 29

Online mapping: IntraMaps 30

Payment information 31

Your new website is coming! 32

Elected members 34

Mayor’s messageThe 2015–16 budget builds on the foundations of the City’s 2010-15 strategic plan to continue our forward momentum towards revitalising Fremantle and cementing our place as Perth’s undisputed second city.

To do this council will continue to focus on ensuring Fremantle remains a vibrant and liveable city for residents, strengthening the local economy and being an attractive place for visitors.

At its core, this year’s budget will deliver on essential community services and facilities as well as focus on the key areas of heritage conservation, sustainability and improvements to public spaces.

Mayor’s message Budget & rates 2015–16

Fremantle’s heritage is its defining feature and this year a total of $7.7m has been allocated towards heritage conservation and restoration projects. Some of this includes ongoing works at the Fremantle Boys School, Fremantle Markets, Evan Davies Building (formerly Kulcha) and Fremantle Oval. We’ve also allocated $2.8m towards restoration of the iconic Fremantle Town Hall.

The City continues to be leaders in the area of sustainability and last year became the joint first One Planet accredited council in Australia for sustainability. One Planet thinking is at the forefront of council’s policies and this is underpinned with 1% of your rates going towards the City’s renewable energy reserve.

Our sustainability efforts are far from being just a moral commitment to a better environment. I’m pleased to report our sustainability initiatives have resulted in utility costs steadily decreasing over the last few years with current costs now lower than they were in 2011. In an era of significant increases in electricity, gas and water costs, these initiatives have allowed us to save well over $400 000 every year which is passed onto you in the way of services and facilities.

We’ve worked hard to deliver a budget that balances the ‘big picture’ projects like the new Leighton Beach Kiosk, major improvements to the Cantonment Hill area and cycleway and road improvement initiatives, with smaller but no less important projects like public toilet upgrades, enhancing street lighting and improving your local public spaces with landscaping and new play equipment.

With $1.3b worth of public and private development in the pipeline I believe the future of Fremantle is looking bright. We have a diverse range of great new residential and commercial developments to boost our population and add some much needed quality office and retail spaces; as well as some exciting hotels like the Doubletree by Hilton coming to Fremantle very soon.

It’s always tough at budget time to get the balance right, but I believe the 2015–16 budget does this.

I hope you look forward to seeing all the small, medium and large projects coming to fruition throughout the year to make Fremantle an even better place to live in than it is already.

Dr Brad Pettitt Fremantle Mayor

04 05

Strategic plan update

Key projects

Strategic plan update / Key projects Budget & rates 2015–16

Green plan initiatives

High Street Mall upgrade

One Planet sustainability projects

Leighton Beach Kiosk/changerooms

Road improvement program

Rates to heritage conservation reserve

Rates to renewable energy reserve

Fremantle Town Hall restoration

Community arts program

Cantonment Hill landscaping

$2.8m

$3.7m

1.25%

$100k $200k

$325k

$500k

$1.12m

$1.4m

Improve Fremantle street lighting

$429k

For a list of more key projects visit www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/budget2015-16

The City of Fremantle Strategic Plan 2010–15 identifies seven key strategic imperatives to help guide the allocation of funds for future projects and initiatives. Visit www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/strategicdocuments

Economic development

• Draft economic development strategy released for public comment.

• Way finding and signage project initiated.

Urban renewal and integration

• Completion of first major new development in East End.• High Street Mall revitalisation project initiated.

Climate change and environmental protection

• South Fremantle Solar Farm Working Group established.• City now certified as a One Planet Council.

Transport

• Revised residential and multi–purpose parking permit policy adopted.

• Adoption of integrated transport strategy.

Character

• Pindi Pindi establishes agency at Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre.

• City successfully participated in PUBLIC 2015.

Community and safety

• Funding provided for lighting at Davis Park, Beaconsfield.• New community safety and crime prevention plan in

development.

Capability

• Freo 2029: Transformational Moves document launched.• City wins gold in Local Government Award for Tourism.

Bike infrastructure$885k

1%

06 07

Budget at a glance

Employees$36 989 067

Materials & contracts$22 178 854

Interest$806 768

Utility charges$1 720 066

Insurance$847 718

Depreciation$7 457 066

Other$2 003 704

Commercial$4 207 441

Industrial$7 310 603

CBD$6 865 773

Residential$21 740 874

Capital works$28 252 733

Loan repayments$2 471 326

Rates$40 262 727

Operating grants$4 785 186

Fees and charges$24 861 240

Interest earnings$554 045 Other revenue$198 292

TOTAL $30 724 059

TOTAL $71 624 490

TOTAL $72 003 243

TOTAL$40 124 691

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE 2015–16

OPERATING REVENUE 2015–16

OPERATING EXPENDITURE 2015–16

RATES DIFFERENTIAL MIX 2015–16

Budget at a glance Budget & rates 2015–1608 09

City services and facilitiesThe City provides a number of services to help maintain the social, residential, cultural, commercial and the safety environment of the city. All services and facilities can be contacted via the customer service centre unless alternative contact details have been provided. Services and facilities provided include:

Business and investment attractionThe City’s economic development team can assist anybody thinking of opening a business or developing in Fremantle. The team can provide information on investment opportunities, retail, residential and office developments, building business capabilities and networks, and place–activation projects.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/business

Buster the Fun Bus Buster the Fun Bus is a free parenting support service, which operates throughout the Cities of Fremantle and Melville and offers support, information and resources to parents to enhance their parenting skills.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/buster

Career opportunities The City features careers in a variety of fields.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/careers

CAT BusA free CAT Bus runs in the city seven days a week, including public holidays except Good Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The blue CAT Bus departs every 10 minutes and the red CAT Bus departs every 15 minutes.

W www.transperth.wa.gov.au

CitizenshipTo become an Australian citizen you will need to contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) on 131 880, or visit www.citizenship.gov.au for more information. If you are eligible, you are required to fill in and lodge an application form, pay a fee and attend an interview.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/citizenship

BookingsThe City has various venues and parks available to hire. You can check the availability of these venues on our website or contact our Bookings Officer to run through what is required to run an event in Fremantle.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/venues

Building services Gain advice on the building act, building permits, demolition permits, occupancy permits, structural signs and private swimming pools.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/buildingservices

Customer service centreContact the customer service centre on 08 9432 9999 or email [email protected] and a member of the City’s friendly customer service centre team will assist you with your query. The customer service centre is open weekdays between 8.00 am and 5.00 pm.

You can also lodge a service request online and track its progress using our erequest system at www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/erequest

City services and facilities Budget & rates 2015–1610 11

Community development fundingThe City offers a range of community development funding streams including community participation and wellbeing grants, community services sponsorships, youth sport grants, arts grants, donations and the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Scholarship.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/communityservices

Community engagement The City engages the community about projects, policies and programs being proposed or delivered to seek community feedback, identify community needs or respond to community interest. ‘My Say Freo’ also offers the chance to view our project plans and information online and contribute feedback.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/communityengagement

Community eventsContact the events management team at [email protected] for information on: ANZAC DAY, Australia Day, NAIDOC Week, Remembrance Day and Western Australia Day.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/civicevents

Community information database (Fre–info) Fre-info, primary information source about local groups, activities, organisations and services in the Fremantle region. Located at the Fremantle City Library. Contact 08 9432 9888 or email [email protected].

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/freinfo

Community safety Services include ranger services, CBD Safety and Liaison Patrol Officers, Nyoongar Patrol, Eyes on the Street and Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) in the CBD.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/communitysafety

Corporate communicationsThe City provides a range of free e–newsletters for the community including NewsBytes (updates on upcoming waste collections, road works, projects and news), Fremantle Trader (business news) and the soon-to-be-released ‘Pulse’ magazine for Fremantle residents.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au

Crossover and permitsAny new crossover needs to conform to City specifications. Permits are required for works undertaken in the road reserve, including use of cranes, excavations and placement of bins.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/crossovers

Disability services and access The City has a responsibility to ensure that people who live, work and recreate within the municipality are able to access all its functions, facilities and services provided to the community.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/daip

Dogs and cats The City rangers are responsible for ensuring the provisions of the Dog Act 1976 are complied with including registrations, barking and strays. The dog pound is located on 35 Forsyth Street, O’Connor. Contact 08 9331 7050.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/pets

Environmental health Our environmental health team are responsible for safety, recreational water quality, public buildings and lodging houses, noise control, infections disease investigation and control and alcohol management.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/environmentalhealth


Festivals The City’s annual festivals include the Fremantle Street Arts Festival. Fremantle Heritage Festival, Hidden Treasures winter music series and the Fremantle Festival.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/festivals

Fremantle Art Centre Fremantle Arts Centre offers a rich cultural program of exhibitions, residencies, art courses, music and events located at an historic site.

W www.fac.org.au

Fremantle City Library Print, online databases, ebooks, emagazines, eaudio, emusic, DVDs, CDs, MP3s, newspapers, languages other than English, internet (in house and wi-fi), history centre, Fre-info, home delivery (conditions apply), monthly guest speakers events and children’s programs and activities. Contact 08 9432 9766 or [email protected].

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/fcl

Fremantle Community Care FCC provides a range of services for the frail, aged and people with a disability residing within the City. The HACC program offers a social support (social outings) and a transport service (dial a ride).The Freo Club provides a recreation socialisation program for people with intellectual disabilities. A podiatry service is provided to assist with foot care.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/fcc

Fremantle Community Legal Centre

The centre provides assistance with issues including financial counselling, legal advice and tenancy as well as Department of Housing and welfare rights.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/fclc

Fremantle Leisure CentreThe centre is open all year round and offers a range of health and fitness programs and includes learn to swim, heated swimming pools, gym, group fitness, café, crèche and the Swim ‘n Gym Shop. Memberships available.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/flc

Fremantle place marketingThe place marketing team oversee the implementation of the “Fremantle Story” marketing strategy that aims to build awareness of the range of Fremantle’s leisure activities and encourage visitors to explore Fremantle.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/marketing W www.fremantlestory.com.au

Fremantle StoryThe campaign is the one stop when finding things to see and do in Fremantle. The cornerstone of the campaign includes a website that categorises the list into: arts & culture, eat & drink, see & do, events & festivals and shopping.

W www.fremantlestory.com.au

Fremantle Toy Library Borrow toys and games to enhance and enrich early childhood play experiences for children aged 0–6 years, fees apply. Party equipment and costumes, public access computer, collect/return Fremantle Library loans. Located at the Hilton Community Centre. Contact 9432 9671 or [email protected].

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/toylibrary


Fremantle Visitor Centre The centre facilitates the booking of accommodation, tours, bike hire services and offers, information on attractions, cafes and restaurants, things to see and events in the city. Contact 08 9432 9988.

W www.visitfremantle.com.au

Fremantle Volunteer Service Central point of information and referral for people interested in volunteering, with a database of organisations seeking volunteers. Appointments are necessary. Located at the Meeting Place in South Fremantle, contact 08 9432 9676 or [email protected].

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/fvs

Graffiti removal service Report graffiti by emailing [email protected] or by contacting the customer service centre.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/graffiti

Holding an eventThe City’s events package contains all the information required to hold a successful event in the city.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/holdingevents

Household waste and collection Services include refuse, bulk and green waste collection four times a year and a recycling program. Your bin collection days are available online on IntraMaps.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/waste

Justice of the Peace Operates out of the Fremantle Town Hall Centre between 9.30 am and 4.00 pm Monday to Friday and handles a range of duties such as witnessing passport applications.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/jop

Moores Building Contemporary Art Gallery The gallery promotes a wide range of contemporary art by providing low–cost gallery and project spaces. Phone 08 9335 3519.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/moores

One Stop Shop for over 55s This is a social and inviting place for over 55’s located in Kings Square, staffed by volunteers and open between 9.00 am and 3.00 pm Monday to Friday.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/positiveageing

Parks, reserves and beachesThere are a number of parks, reserves and beaches located throughout the City of Fremantle which are available for sports, picnics, BBQs and leisure. Our parks and landscape team regularly maintain these areas.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/parksandbeaches

Parking and parking permits The City manages almost 5 000 on-street and off-street car bays throughout Fremantle. The Queensgate carpark has 820 bays and is the cheapest parking in the CBD. Residents can also obtain a free parking permit between 9.00 and 11.00 am.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/parking


Payments Rate payments may be made by internet, phone, BPay, Australia Post, mail or in person. Sundry debtor payments may be made by internet, phone, BPay, mail or in person. Sundry invoices and infringement may be made by internet, phone, mail or in person.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/payments

Planning servicesPlanning staff are available to discuss development proposals such as additions, front fences, patios, outbuildings, carports, home business, change of use and small secondary dwellings.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/development

Precincts Precincts are groups of residents from local areas within Fremantle who “….work in partnership with the City of Fremantle to get things done for the good of the community.” (Precinct Working Group, September 2010).

W www.freospace.com.au

Property servicesThe City’s Property Services Administrator manages the leases of City-owned buildings and can help match business owners with suitable commercial property in Fremantle.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/business

Recycling and rubbishSee household waste and collection (p.16).

Roads, drainage and footpaths The City’s roles and responsibilities include infrastructure and property services such as local roads, footpaths and drainage. Report any potholes, urgent repairs and surface draining issues to the City.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/roads

Samson Recreation Centre The centre is a community recreation facility which runs activities such as ladies netball, senior badminton and yoga. The centre is available for hire.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/src

Sport and recreation Information on local sporting clubs, club development opportunities, youth sport grants, healthy lifestyle events such as Ride to Work breakfast or Travelsmart Trek are available.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/sport

Street lighting For street light faults in the suburbs, contact Western Power at [email protected]. The City maintains street lights in the CBD area. Contact the Engineering Projects Officer to report faults.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/streetlights

The Meeting Place The Meeting Place community learning centre in South Fremantle offers courses and activities to connect and bring together community members, develop friendships and new skills. Check for term programs. Collect/return Fremantle Library loans. Contact [email protected] or 08 9432 9676.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/tmp

Transport Free Fremantle CAT bus, train and bus port, free bike hire service and numerous bike parking racks are located throughout the CBD.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/transport


Venues The City has a range of venues for hire for your event including: Kings Square, Monument Hill, sporting reserves, Fremantle Town Hall and wedding venues.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/venues

VergesThe City offers horticultural help services as part of our verge beautification program.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/verges

Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre The centre showcases local Aboriginal art, culture and history through various exhibitions, workshops, film screenings, music and tours throughout the year. Keep an eye out for the program guide which comes out just before the start of each Nyoongar season.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/wacc

YouthThe City provides a variety of activities and programs including youth holiday programs, music events, skateboarding, urban art and much more. Like our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/freoyouthevents.

W www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/youngpeople

City services and facilities

Rating informationPensioner/senior state government rebateProperty owner(s) who receive a pension and who hold a Pensioner Concession Card or State Concession Card or hold both a Seniors Card and a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card may be entitled to:

• A state government rebate up to 50% off current rates and emergency services levy or forgo these state government rebates and defer the current rates and emergency services levy.

• Deferral is only applicable where a property owner(s) is/are eligible for a “full” rebate with payment of any deferrals required where a change in property circumstances, such as strata titling, ownership and/or occupation, occurs.

Property owner(s) that hold a Seniors Card may be entitled to:

• A state government rebate up to 25% off current rates and emergency services levy limited to maximum of $284.71 and $90.00 respectively.

Eligibility for any state government rebate or deferral is subject to the property owner(s) residing in the property at the 1 July of any rating year, full payment on or before the 30 June of the rating year of the pensioner/senior’s portion of the current rates/levies and/or charges and/or commencement of an acceptable payment program on any arrears. Payments under such a program must be paid in addition to the current rates and emergency services levy to claim a state government rebate. Application for a state government rebate is to be made with the Water Corporation at www.watercorporation.com.au/my-account/i-want-to/apply-for-a-concession or by calling 1300 659 951. Any state government rebate will be pro-rated from the lodgement date of an approved application.

Note: A penalty of $1 000 is applicable should a claim be made for a pensioner/senior state government rebate when ineligible for such a rebate.

Budget & rates 2015–1620 21

Minimum paymentThe setting of minimum rates is an important method of ensuring all properties contribute an equitable rate amount. The 2015–16 minimum payment is $1 222.00

Specified area ratesSecurity service: a safety and security strategy for a specified area of the Fremantle CBD that is bounded by Parry Street, South Terrace, Suffolk Street, Fishing Boat Harbour (west of Mews Road) and along the coast to Bathers Beach, Fleet Street, Phillimore Street and Elder Place.

Leighton precinct maintenance: to fund the above normal costs associated with maintaining the higher standard of the landscaping of the Leighton residential area.

Waste chargesWith the exception of residential rate exempt properties the City includes the waste charge applicable to a single standard service collection within each property’s rate levy. Residential properties that are rate exempt properties will incur a separate waste charge.

State government emergency services levyThe emergency services levy (ESL) is a compulsory state government levy which is forwarded to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) to fund services such as fire and rescue services, bush fire brigades and state emergency services throughout Western Australia. The state government has determined that the amount of ESL raised for this financial period will require a 10.8% increase. For further information please refer to the DFES website at www.dfes.wa.gov.au/emergencyserviceslevy/pages/default.aspx or call 1300 136 099.

Objects and reasons for differential ratesThe City of Fremantle has for the 2015–16 financial year adopted six (6) differential rates namely residential improved, commercial and industrial, city centre commercial, nightclubs, vacant residential land and vacant commercial and industrial land.

The source of each differential rate is:

52% Residential improved

2% Vacant residential

28% Commercial and industrial General

16% City centre commercial

1% Nightclubs

1% Vacant commercial and industrial land

Following are the objects and reasons for each of these differential rates:-

Residential improved differential rate The residential improved differential applies to all residential properties that are not specifically covered by the vacant residential differential rate.

At the start of the new triennial valuation cycle on 1 July 2014 cycle the valuations provided by the Valuer Generals Office (VGO) varied greatly between different property categories to the previous valuations. Such large variations make it very difficult to manage the general rate and waste increase across various parts of the community. To alleviate a substantial rate burden being placed on residential properties the City adopted a differential rate structure that separated differential rates being applied to commercial/industrial properties and residential properties. Therefore the rate for 2014–15 was established by calculating the actual revenue from 2013–14 for the affected properties and increasing it for the required percentage increase in revenue and then dividing by the new gross rental values (GRV) that were applicable from 1 July 2014.

For 2015–16 the rate in the dollar has been increased by the required percentage increase in revenue.

52%

28%

16%

Rating information Budget & rates 2015–1622 23

Rating information

Commercial and industrial differential rate The commercial and industrial differential applies to all commercial and industrial properties that are not specifically covered by the city centre commercial differential rate, nightclubs differential rate, and vacant commercial and industrial differential rate.

At the start of the new triennial valuation cycle on 1 July 2014 cycle the valuations provided by the Valuer Generals Office (VGO) varied greatly between different property categories to the previous valuations. Such large variations make it very difficult to manage the general rate and waste increase across various parts of the community. To alleviate a substantial rate burden being placed on residential properties the City adopted a differential rate structure that separated differential rates being applied to commercial/industrial properties and residential properties. Therefore the rate for 2014–15 was established by calculating the actual revenue from 2013–14 for the affected properties and increasing it for the required percentage increase in revenue and then dividing by the new gross rental values (GRV) that were applicable from 1 July 2014.

In 2015–16 the rate in the dollar has been increased by the required percentage increase in revenue. City centre commercial differential rate The city centre commercial differential rate is applicable to all commercial properties located within the boundaries of the City Centre zone and the abutting Metropolitan Regional reserves (refer map below) being areas bounded by Parry Street, Norfolk Street and including those properties located in Fremantle Fishing Boat and Challenger Harbours and on Victoria Quay.

On 1 July 2008 the City took over management of the Fremantle First brand and introduced a differential rate to fund the management, administration and delivery of marketing activities aimed at enhancing the economic and social viability, and the general amenity, of the Fremantle Commercial Business District (CBD) and environs.

In June 2010 council adopted the City of Fremantle Strategic Plan 2010-15.

The plan included the preparation of a new Fremantle economic development strategy and the preparation of a Fremantle retail model plan.

Budget & rates 2015–16

A recommendation in the Fremantle retail model plan, the introduction of a Fremantle CBD business improvement district, was subsequently incorporated into the Fremantle Economic Development Strategy 2011–15, adopted by council in April 2011.

In July 2011 a steering group comprising business people from within the Fremantle CBD, and representatives of the City of Fremantle, Fremantle Chamber of Commerce and Business Foundations, commenced planning the establishment of a Fremantle CBD business improvement district.

On 24 April 2012 council, on the recommendation of the steering group, resolved to support the establishment of a Fremantle CBD business improvement project through a funding and performance agreement between the City of Fremantle and the business improvement district entity, a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee.

The funding of the business improvement district (BID) entity, as recommended to the council by the steering group, will be collected by the City of Fremantle from the city centre commercial differential rate above what the commercial and industrial general differential would have raised. The base funding for the Fremantle BID is $315 000 indexed at 2.5% from 2012–13.

In 2015–16 it is estimated an additional $339 000 will be raised from this differential rate compared to what would have been raised from the commercial and industrial general rate.

In 2015–16 the rate in the dollar has been increased by the required percentage increase in revenue.

Fishing Boat Harbour

FremantleHarbour

To Canning Highway

24 25

Rating information

Nightclubs differential rate Nightclubs that operate to the early hours of the morning present numerous challenges to the community and Council in the level of resources that are required to maintain the amenity of the area where the nightclubs are located and deal with the behaviour of the nightclub patrons both prior to arrival and on departure from the clubs. These issues cover: - noise complaints, vandalism, increased street sweeping and cleaning costs, unsociable behaviour, facilitating safe access to public transport and taxis for all visitors to the city including nightclub patrons and CCTV surveillance.

Due the increased costs directly and indirectly linked to the operation of these premises, Council is setting a differential rate that is double the general differential rate so that nightclubs that remain open after 2.00 am make an additional contribution towards those costs that are incurred in maintaining the amenity in proximity to the nightclubs and the monitoring of peoples behaviours within the vicinity.

In 2015–16 the rate in the dollar has been increased by the required percentage increase in revenue. Vacant residential land differential rate Under the Valuation of Land Act 1978 (VLA) land for which an active rental market doesn’t exist is required to be valued on a prescribed percentage of capital value. Until recently only one prescribed percentage has been allowed and that was set at 5% in 1979.

Land Valuation Services reports that owners of vacant residential land have increasingly expressed their concern about higher GRV’s on their land than those that applied to neighbouring improved properties. New regulations under the VLA applied from 1 July 2011 and applied a single rate of 3% to all residential vacant land while the existing 5% will continue to apply to all remaining vacant land (i.e. commercial and industrial).

The City of Fremantle considers the development of vacant rateable land in the best interests of the community and the value of rates paid for vacant land should be consistent for all types of vacant land. Therefore as a consequence of the reduction in the prescribed rate for residential vacant land from 1 July 2011, a vacant residential land differential rate


was introduced to produce rate assessment value for vacant residential land equivalent to what a prescribed percentage of 5% would have produced.


Vacant commercial and industrial land differential rate The City considers the development of vacant commercial and industrial rateable land in the best interests of the community therefore has set a differential higher than that which applies to developed commercial and industrial properties.


26 27

Financial help

Advice can be provided on:

• what to do if you cannot pay your bills, fines or debts• bankruptcy• advocate and/or negotiate on your behalf• apply for Hardship and Utilities Grants on your behalf• apply for WA Nil loans on your behalf• assist you with consumer credit issues• refer you to an organisation which may be able to

assist you further• outline policies and laws relating to bills, fines and debts• assist you to work out payment arrangements with creditors• develop money management skills• outline your consumer rights and responsibilities.

The City’s financial counsellors will not provide you with investment or legal advice or provide advice on what action you should take.

The Fremantle Community Legal Centre provides free financial information and support to families and individuals living within the City of Fremantle. Financial counsellors can assist with enabling clients to understand and control their own financial situation.

Financial help / Did you know?

ContactFremantle Community Legal Centre Shop 11, 10 William Street, Fremantle T 08 9432 9790 F 08 9432 9794 E [email protected]

Open to the public by appointment only between 8.30 am and 4.00 pm Monday to Friday.

Opening hours


Did you know?Build and rent out a granny flat and earn extra incomeIt’s easier than you think to build your own ‘granny flat’ (aka small secondary dwelling) in your own backyard which may then be rented out for extra cash in your pocket!

The planning regulations mean non–family members are able to occupy these granny flats and in most cases you will not need a planning development application – just a building licence.

Find out more at www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/grannyflat

Where has you waste bin lately?Your giant world–class compost plant has a huge appetite for waste but it’s very picky on what it eats so remember to only feed it the right kind of items.

The below illustrations will guide you on what to put in your green tip bin (organic waste) and what to put in your yellow tip bin (recyclables).

Green binScraps, clippings, nappies, sanitary products

Find out more at www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/waste

Yellow binGlass, plastic, metal and paper/cardboard

28 29

Online mapping: IntraMapsMost of your most common questions about waste and recycling collection days, elected member details and City information are already available to you on one system. There’s no need to wait as our online mapping – IntraMaps is as easy as putting in you residential address in the ‘address search tab’ as a first step and going from there.

Step 1 Visit www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/intramaps and click on the address tab on the bottom of the IntraMaps window.

Step 2 Enter in your house number in the ‘number field’ and your street in the ‘street field’. Click search.

Information about your property will be shown to the right of the map window.

Jump online today at www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/intramaps

Other information to be found on IntraMaps include:• recent and past aerial photos

• suburb and community information

• planning policies and schemes

• heritage areas and places

• precinct and ward boundaries.

Online mapping: IntraMaps / Payment information

Payment informationPayment of rate assessments can be made either in one payment or via four (4) instalments where the first instalment is paid by the initial due date. The following payment methods are accepted by the City:

Internet at www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/paymentsVia MasterCard or Visa Card Limited to $250 000.00 maximum.

Reference No: Located at the top right hand corner of the notice.

NOTE: A 0.5% surcharge applies on all credit card payments.

BPay via your financial institutionVia cheque or savings account Limited to $250 000.00 maximum.

City’s biller code: 93708Reference No: Located at the top right hand

corner of the notice.

Telephone by calling 1300 658 371Via MasterCard or Visa Card Limited to $250 000.00 maximum.

Reference No: Located at the top right hand corner of the notice.

NOTE: A 0.5% surcharge applies on all credit card payments.

Australia PostVia EFTPOS, cash or chequePresent the notice intact at any office or agency.

Mail By sending a cheque or money order, along with the payment slip/s located at the bottom of the notice, to the City’s postal address.

In person Via EFTPOS, cash, cheque, MasterCard or Visa CardCredit card payments are limited to $10 000.00 maximum.

Present the notice intact to the City’s cashier.NOTE: A 0.5% surcharge applies on all credit card payments.


Your new website has arrived

Your new website is coming!You told us you wanted a new City of Fremantle website with a simpler design and a better user experience without all the clutter.

We’ve listened and gone back to the drawing board to build a new site from scratch. The new design and functionality is based on your feedback which has included a website survey, a community focus group exercise and feedback from our customer service team.

We’re confident stage one of the new website will be a big improvement on the current site. We plan on further enhancements as part of future stages.

We’re still busy behind the scenes putting the final touches on your new website, so please bear with us. See above for a little teaser just to whet your appetite.

Check our NewsBites ad column, register for our NewsBytes enewsletter or keep an eye out on our Facebook and Twitter accounts for updates. Visit www.fremantle.wa.gov.au

How do I register?

Grab a copy of your latest rates notice.

Enter the City’s biller code 93708 and the reference number that is located in the top right corner of the rate notice.

Follow the prompts and hit submit.

Log onto internet banking and look for the BPAY View or View Bills section.

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Receive your rates notices onlineBy registering for BPAY View your future City of Fremantle council rates notices will be delivered straight into your internet banking account. Visit www.fremantle.wa.gov.au

Since we’re on the subject of registering, why not register for ‘NewsBytes’, the City of Fremantle’s enewsletter to keep you up to date with news, festivals & events, project updates, waste collection information, road closures and more. Visit www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/newsbytes


Cr Rachel Pemberton (2015) » Planning services committee » Special projects committee

T 0405 307 158 | E [email protected]

Deputy Mayor Cr Josh Wilson (2017) » Planning services committee » Special projects committee


Cr Simon Naber (2017) » Library advisory committee » Special projects committee » Strategic and general services committee


Elected members

Cr David Hume (2015) » Library advisory committee » Special projects committee » Strategic and general services committee


Cr Dave Coggin (2017) » Library advisory committee » Special projects committee » Strategic and general services committee


Cr Ingrid Waltham (2015) » Planning services committee » Special projects committee


Elected membersMayor Dr Brad Pettitt (2017) » Planning services committee » Library advisory committee » Special projects committee » Strategic and general services committee


For more information visit: www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/electedmembers

South ward

Beaconsfield ward

Hilton ward

East wardCity ward

Northward

Northward

Cr Robert Fittock (2015) » Planning services committee » Special projects committee


Cr Sam Wainwright (2017) » Library advisory committee » Special projects committee » Strategic and general services committee


Cr Andrew Sullivan (2017) » Library advisory committee » Special projects committee » Strategic and general services committee


Cr Doug Thompson (2017) » Library advisory committee » Special projects committee » Strategic and general services committee



Cr Bill Massie (2015) » Planning services committee » Special projects committee


Cr Jon Strachan (2015) » Planning services committee » Special projects committee


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City of FremantleTown Hall Centre, 8 William StreetFremantle WA 6160

T 08 9432 9999F 08 9430 4634TTY 08 9732 9777E [email protected] fremantle.wa.gov.au

rates booklet - city of fremantle

Documents