Sustainable development will be the main focus of the Western Australian-based City of Fremantle’s 2012/13 budget.

The council has a number of programs in its budget including introducing a carbon reserve where 0.9 per cent of annually collected rates are allocated to the reserve to improve carbon reduction activities.

This carbon reserve will be the equivalent of $300000 to the 0.9 per cent rate.

A sustainability reserve for $1 million is also included as one of the council’s future projects, which comes to a total of $12 million in different projects.

Other sustainability projects will include the City of Fremantle Bike Plan for $420000 and eco-zoning at Fremantle Park for $350000.

Out of the total revenue received at $81.6 million and total expenditure of $81.5 million (surplus of $100000), $14.9 million has been marked for capital projects.

City of Fremantle mayor, Dr Brad Pettitt said initiatives have been introduced over previous years involving a low carbon city plan.

This adoption has been ongoing since adopting its strategic plan in 2010, with other initiatives in economic development, cultural development, the east end planning scheme amendment and the Kings Square project.

City of Fremantle corporate services director, Glen Dougall said council will be asked to consider and adopt forward estimates in the next 12 months.

These estimates will provide a clearer indication of projects and initiatives, Mr Dougall said.
 

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