Commission approves Pyrenees application for higher cap

Pyrenees Shire Council in the state’s central west has been given approval to raise rates an extra 1.5 per cent above the state’s rate cap for the next two years.

The Essential Services Commission has approved the council’s application to raise rates above the 2 per cent cap in 2017-18 and in 2018-19.

The approved increase will allow an extra $356,000 to be collected by Pyrenees over the next two years for renewing gravel roads.
 
Under the Fair Go Rates system, councils can apply to the Commission for a higher cap if they can demonstrate a long term funding need.

In determining the council’s application, the Commission was satisfied higher caps were appropriate for 2017-18 and 2018-19 because Pyrenees’s overall finances are constrained and they had demonstrated a need to renew assets.

The Commission indicated a more comprehensive and strategic approach to community engagement, service reviews and asset management would be needed for future applications.