Canning residents could soon see more local events, safer streets, and upgraded parks under a $207.65 million draft budget focused on delivering key community services and building for the future.
The City of Canning unveiled its 2025–2026 draft budget at a council meeting on May 20, with a proposed average rates increase of $1.69 per week for residential households. Pensioners will receive a 50 percent discount.
Mayor Patrick Hall said the budget was shaped by strong feedback from the City’s “Living in Canning” survey, which highlighted priorities like community safety, parks and leisure, transport upgrades, and spaces that bring people together.
“Our community has been clear about what matters to them, and this draft budget responds,” Mr Hall said.
“It delivers services people rely on today, while making thoughtful investments that will benefit future generations.”
Key features of the budget include $5.4 million for community safety, including expanded CCTV coverage and security incentives, and $33.2 million to maintain parks, playgrounds, urban forests and sporting reserves.
The City will also invest $4.6 million in renewing playgrounds and $30.8 million to support its Leisureplexes and the Whaleback Golf Course.
Canning will commit $8.6 million to libraries, youth centres and community events, and spend $35.1 million on roads and infrastructure. Additionally, the City will commit $4.4 million to provide, expand and improve our community and club facilities.
Waste and recycling services will receive $24.7 million, including programs to boost sustainability and cut emissions.
Mayor Hall said despite economic pressures, the City had worked hard to keep rates low. Canning remains one of the lowest rating councils in metropolitan Perth, averaging 18.1 percent lower than similar councils.
But he warned this was becoming harder to sustain.
“Our low rating base is a legacy of the past,” he said.
“It makes it challenging to maintain existing facilities, upgrade ageing infrastructure and meet growing demand.”
He said rising utility costs, wages, and service provider fees had all pushed up expenses, but the City remained committed to delivering value for money.
“Every service costs more to deliver – from waste and recycling to maintaining parks and running community centres,” he said. “Despite these challenges, we’re maintaining the places people use every day while building for the future.”
Community feedback on the proposed differential rates is open until 5pm on June 16. Submissions can be made online at yoursaycanning.com.au/canningrates or by post. Council will consider all feedback before voting on the final budget at a special meeting on July 1.
