City of Kwinana adopts budget with higher rate rise than advertised

The City of Kwinana has adopted its 2026-27 budget with a rates increase higher than what it told ratepayers.

The city had initially sought public comment on a 4.5 per cent increase, but upped it last month to 4.75 per cent after comments had closed.

City officers had recommended the higher increase after reviewing the city’s financial position and economic conditions.

“While the advertised 4.5 per cent increase reflected the best information available at the time and sought to minimise cost-of-living impacts on ratepayers, the subsequent review identified a number of emerging cost pressures that are now expected to have a greater impact on the city’s operating and capital budgets over the coming financial year,” a report said.

These included escalating contract costs which were exceeding economic indicators, “volatile” construction and material costs, and major projects such as the Recquatic Centre redevelopment.

“The proposed increase of 4.75 per cent is considered a prudent and measured response to changing financial conditions,” it said.

For the average residential ratepayer, this is estimated to represent an increase of about $1.56 a week, but individual rate changes will vary depending on each property’s valuation and rating circumstances.

Cr David Acker said at a meeting last month he knew it would not be popular to adopt a 4.75 per cent increase after advertising 4.5 per cent but “we’re not here to be popular”.

The budget was adopted unanimously at a special council meeting on Tuesday, July 14.

The meeting was originally scheduled to be held the week prior but was cancelled after the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety asked for more information about the budget.

The council could not adopt the budget until ministerial approval was received for its proposed differential rates and minimum payments.

Features of the budget include $26.6 million for parks, reserves and open spaces, $2.01m for arts, culture and community events, and $2.32m for ranger services and community safety.

Although the meeting was livestreamed, audio of council members’ or officers’ comments was not available.

In a statement released afterwards, mayor Peter Feasey said the council had worked carefully to deliver a financially responsible budget that maintained valued services while continuing to invest in Kwinana’s future.

“This budget reflects the reality that the city is growing rapidly and must continue investing in the infrastructure, facilities and services our community relies on,” Mr Feasey said.

“Council is also acutely aware that household budgets remain under pressure. Every part of the budget has been closely examined to find efficiencies and minimise the impact on ratepayers while maintaining the services our community expects.

“The city identified $412,000 in efficiencies that will be directed to asset renewal without reducing service levels. This will help us look after the roads, buildings, parks and community facilities that residents use every day.”

Mr Feasey said the budget would help the city cope with its growing pains.

“Kwinana is one of Australia’s fastest-growing outer metropolitan communities, and this budget ensures we continue planning and investing for that growth,” he said.

“This budget is about delivering for the community today while making responsible decisions for Kwinana’s future.

“We are continuing to progress major projects that will provide long-term benefits for Kwinana, including the redevelopment of the Kwinana Recquatic, upgrades to the Kwinana Loop Trail, planning for the Regional Open Space and the revitalisation of the Kwinana city centre.”

Flexible rates payment options are available and anyone experiencing financial difficulty is encouraged to contact the city’s rates team.

The city has also introduced a new payment platform for weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments, including automatic credit card payments.