Wanneroo council adopts its ‘largest’ capital works program ever as part of 2025-26 budget

The City of Wanneroo has adopted a 3.5 per cent rates increase as part of its $353.4 million 2025-26 annual budget, which features a $132.6m capital works program, its largest ever.

The city’s budget and 2025-26/2028-29 corporate business plan were approved 11-2 by the council at its Tuesday meeting.

While the overall rates increase averages 3.5 per cent, residential property owners will face a lower increase of 3 per cent, which amounts to less than $1 per week for most homeowners, according to the city.

This year’s budget is supported by a “significant reserve balances” totalling $70.4m.

Of the $132.6m capital works program, $51.7m comes from grants.

Among the key projects funded in the program is $60.9m for new and existing sport and leisure facilities, including $48.9m towards the $88m Alkimos Aquatic Recreation Centre, which is already under construction.

An additional $4.9m will go towards the $18m Dordaak Kepup Library and Youth Innovation Hub in Landsdale, which is expected to open in December.

$6.7m has been allocated for park and playground upgrades, including new spaces at Rotary Park and facilities at Amery Park in Hocking.

$3.7m has been set aside for upgrades to fire brigades and emergency services, including improvements to the Two Rocks Bushfire Brigade and progressing the Wanneroo Emergency Services Precinct.

Mayor Linda Aitken said she was proud to support a budget which she believes has been carefully designed to meet the needs of both today and tomorrow.

“People want a safe, connected, liveable, and well-governed city, a thriving local economy, and a sustainable future,” Ms Aitken said at Tuesday’s meeting.

“We’ve listened and we’ve acted. This budget is a direct reflection of our community’s priorities.

“It acknowledges our city’s growth, the evolution of our neighbourhoods, and the challenges we face from rising living costs to global economic pressures, requiring council to be smart, focused, and forward-thinking.”

Community centres in Carramar, Butler, Yanchep, and Girrawheen will also receive funding for upgrades as part of the capital works program.

As part of standard operational expenditure, $16.7m has been allocated to local roads and street lighting, $36m to waste services and $49.2m to environment and sustainability.

Ms Aitken said half of this year’s budget would be paid for other than by rates.

“It’s an ambitious yet achievable plan building on the successful delivery of last year’s capital program, which for the first time was fully completed,” she said.

“Every dollar in this budget is a deliberate investment in what our community needs now and in what we’ll need in the years to come.

“I’d like to thank our community for their trust, their feedback, and their continued partnership in building a stronger city of Wanneroo for today and for generations to come.”

The city is also spending $18.2m to “make roads safer,” with upgrades to Flynn Drive between Mather Drive and Old Yanchep Road, as well as improvements to intersections and dual carriageways.

“Whether you’re commuting, walking the dog, or riding with your kids, you’ll see improvements in how you move through our neighbourhoods,” Ms Aitken said.

Despite being lower than several neighbouring councils, some residents expressed concern during community consultation over the rate increase, given the financial stress many are experiencing.

City officers said the increase was necessary to cover rising costs and the increase was only slightly higher than inflation. Support remained available for those who needed it.

“The city is also absorbing the State Government charges which are higher than the 3.5 per cent increase,” a report said.

“The city provides concessions to those who meet the State Government’s criteria, pensioners (for Waste Service Fee) and has a financial hardship policy in place which is accessible to ratepayers who are in financial difficulties.”