City of Canning residents are set to face a proposed 5.75 percent differential rate increase under the council’s draft 2026/27 budget, considered at a meeting on May 19.
The increase would average about $87 per year for residential ratepayers, with a capped 50 percent rebate available for pensioners.
Council is expected to formally consider the full Budget on June 30.
The draft budget totals $215.8 million, including $24.6 million in State and Federal government funding.
The city says this funding helps reduce the level of rate increase required.
Mayor Patrick Hall said the city had taken “a careful and disciplined approach to spending” while dealing with rising costs and cost of living pressures.
“We know people want to see value from their rates,” he said.
“This Budget reflects the increasing cost of supporting a growing city and maintaining the quality services, facilities and lifestyle our residents expect.”
He added that the budget aims to balance cost-of-living pressures with ongoing spending on services and infrastructure.
“This Budget is about continuing to deliver the services, infrastructure and community spaces our residents rely on every day,” he said.
Gross Rental Values, set by Landgate, will be updated from July 1, following a three-year revaluation. The city said it has reduced the residential rate in the dollar from about six cents to four cents to help offset the impact of higher property valuations.
The city said priorities in the Budget were based on feedback from the recent Living in Canning community survey. Residents highlighted safer streets, better roads, maintained parks, Leisureplexes and community spaces as key concerns.
Roads and infrastructure projects account for $46.9 million in the draft Budget. Planned works include shared paths, footpath renewals, road safety upgrades and the Welshpool Road duplication project.
The Budget sets aside $6.2 million for community safety initiatives. That includes 24/7 Community Patrols, Holiday Watch patrols and expansion of the City’s CCTV network to more than 500 fixed cameras.
Parks, playgrounds and sporting reserves would receive $25.6 million. The draft Budget also includes funding for the Kent Street Weir playground upgrade, irrigation works and neighbourhood playground renewals.
Leisure and recreation facilities account for $33.8 million in spending. Planned works include gym equipment upgrades across both Leisureplexes and improvements at Riverton Leisureplex.
The city also plans upgrades at Ferndale Pavilion and Wyong Changerooms, alongside planning work for the Willetton Sports and Community Facility redevelopment.
Environmental and waste services would receive $40.5 million. The funding covers biodiversity projects, tree planting, waste collection and recycling services.
The city said it continues to maintain one of the lower residential rating levels among benchmarked metropolitan local governments.
Community feedback on the proposed rates is open until 5pm on June 15, with submissions to be considered before the final budget is adopted at a special council meeting on June 30.
