Residents have been told to “step up or shut up” when it comes to paying their increased rates in the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale.
In a move to put road safety first in the local budget, rates have increased by 4.8 per cent with two per cent being contributed directly to fund the road program, which has more than $26 million of planned works to be commenced.
The remaining 2.8 per cent was said to reflect the rise in the Consumer Price Index.
However, many disgruntled rate payers took to social media to express their anger at the rate increase and council budget allocations, with one resident commenting about the councilors’ allowance.
“$26K for a bum on a seat and $3K for playing on a computer,” they said.
Shire deputy president Tricia Duggin fought back and said the comment was “one of the most ignorant and disrespectful comments”.
“Why have you never called me or talked to me about shire decisions? You ask about transparency so just ask and I’ll answer or find out,” she said.
“Despite me offering my number, you still haven’t called.
“Time to step up or shut up I think.”
Many users flocked to the private Facebook group to reply to Ms Duggin’s statement, calling it “not a good look” and “unprofessional”.
In the SJ budget for 2025-26, council members including president Rob Coales and Ms Duggin were allocated an ICT allowance of $2,500 in addition to their member’s allowance and meeting attendance fees.
Mr Coales’ allowance has jumped from $47,045 to $63,856 with an additional $31,401 awarded for meeting attendance compared to last year’s meeting attendance fee of $23,131.
Ms Duggin as deputy president has been allocated $15,964, an increase from the 2024-25 amount of $11,761. Like Mr Coales, Ms Duggin has been allocated an increased meeting attendance fee of $23,418 from $17,250 in the previous financial year.
In the more than $10 million local budget allocation made up of expected income, more than $8 million has been allocated to cover community amenities, which includes infrastructure and development costs.
Shire president Rob Coales said the budget allocations and the rate increases were designed to accommodate the growing community while acknowledging cost-of-living pressures.
“Our residents have told us loud and clear that road safety is their number one concern, which is why we will continue to work in partnership State and Federal government to deliver crucial infrastructure projects in the Shire,” he said.
“With two new families moving into the Shire every day, our roads are under increasing pressure to cope. This budget supports major upgrades at several key locations and will help deliver a smoother and safer journey for motorists.
“While roads are by far the budget’s biggest ticket item, we realise more needs to be done and this will be an ongoing focus for years to come.”
Key projects to be delivered from the road safety fund includes $5.9 million towards the construction of Kargotich Road roundabouts each year for three years, $3.3 million over two years for the construction of Indigo Parkway, and $1 million of gravel resheeting to Selkirk and Henderson West Roads, as well as upgrades to Briggs and Baskerville Roads.
A further $4.75 million has been allocated to works to reopen the Watkins Road Waster Transfer Station, with an additional $4.1 million for upgrading or building new footpaths.
Oakford Fire Station will also receive $2.7 million in the new budget, with many sporting facilities also getting budget recognition.
Mr Coales said the budget was a “balance of diverse priorities” based on submissions of residents.
“We understand the pressures facing households, and we also have a responsibility to provide the services that make our community liveable and connected,” he said.
“As well as roads, our footpaths, parks, library and waste services are all critical to our residents’ quality of life and these are all subject to rising costs and increasing demand.
“This budget ensures we can deliver the services and facilities our community relies on every day, and we will continue do everything we can to attract further funding for the Shire.”
The complete budget for 2025-26 can be found on the Shire’s website.
