Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan says Bunbury is "on the way up after a tough 12 months and is heading in the right direction."
The City Of Bunbury handed down the 2018/19 budget on Tuesday night with a 2.9% rate rise and an overall figure of $67.7 million which is made up of $16.2 million in capital works, $49.3 million in operating expenditure and $2.2 million for debt reduction.
Key focuses include a $1 million contribution to events, a $4.3 million contribution to sport and recreation, $1.4 million to arts and culture as well as $725,000 to go towards grants and subsidies to community and cultural organisations.
A major project for the next financial year will see $1.9 million budgeted for the redevelopment of the Stirling Street Arts Centre – an important community asset.
Other projects include upgrades and improvements to Hay Park, new cycle lanes throughout the City, a City greening strategy and funding for entry statements and landscaping to enhance entry points into Bunbury.
Mr Brennan said at a briefing today the issue of lost revenue from a change to the city's parking strategy will be addressed in the near future when a public forum will be held to address the issue.