The increase in net operating costs is expected to be 10.78 per cent or $120,711, taking into account an increase in fuel costs of 1.76 per cent and an increase in wages of 8 per cent.

The rate in the dollar on Gross Rental Values in the townsites is 10.44 cents.

Minimum rates have increased to $305 per assessment for the Darkan townsite.

Rural land and properties in other townsites have increased to a minimum of $215 per assessment.

Rubbish charges are $115 per bin per annum.

The rate in the dollar for Unimproved Values on rural land has decreased by 0.808 cents in the dollar, adjusted to take into account the increase in the value of rural land.

The total amount to be raised from rates is $1,188,394.

Major income budgeted for in the 2008/09 financial year include Federal grants: General Purpose Grants, $248,841 and Local Road Grants, $418, 867, Roads to Recovery funding of $298,988; and State funding of $240,617, in the form of Regional Road Group funds.

The following capital works and acquisitions are planned for 2008/09: Construction of two houses to be leased to GEHA, $534.800; Public toilets at Arthur River, $54,800; A truck, $130,000 and grader $215,000; Community safety and crime prevention, including lighting, $44,000; Darkan information bay, $22,900; and various works on roads within the shire.