Special Council - 7 Jul 2026 6:00 PM

Topics

• Wanneroo adopts budget with 6% average residential rate rise
  Wanneroo Council adopted its 2026/27 budget and rates, including an average 6% increase for most residential properties and an 8.4% overall rates increase.
  Most residential ratepayers will pay more, although individual changes may vary with property revaluations. The budget raises about $14.4 million more in rates than the estimated 2025/26 amount.
• Wanneroo waste charge to rise by $56 for households
  The residential waste service fee will rise 16.2%, from $440 to $496 a year, as the City passes on higher waste-service costs.
  The increase is a separate and substantial household charge on top of general rates and will affect residential property owners and landlords.
• Wanneroo orders service-cost review after budget deficit warning
  Council ordered a further review of statutory and discretionary services and required a report by February 2027 while directing the CEO to pursue a balanced or surplus operating result.
  The adopted budget still presents an operating deficit of about $2 million despite more than $6 million in targeted savings, raising the prospect of future service prioritisation.

Decisions

• 2026/27 budget package adopted
  By absolute majority, Council adopted the 2026/27 Council Plan Part B revision, Annual Budget, Schedule of Fees and Charges and Capital Works Program.
  This formally authorises the City’s financial plan, charges and capital spending for 2026/27.
• Rates and payment arrangements approved
  Council imposed differential rates and approved rates payment options, including one-, two- and four-instalment arrangements.
  The decision determines rate bills and available payment schedules for property owners.
• Service-cost review ordered
  Council authorised a review of the cost of statutory and discretionary services, with a report to Council by February 2027.
  The review may identify services for reprioritisation or further cost management.
• Balanced operating result targeted
  Council instructed the CEO to manage the 2026/27 financial position to a balanced net operating result or surplus and provide a mid-year update.
  The City will monitor whether its budget remains financially sustainable.

Discussion

• 2026/27 budget and Council Plan adopted
  Council adopted the revised Council Plan Part B 2026-27, the 2026/27 Annual Budget, the Schedule of Fees and Charges and the Capital Works Program, including 2025/26 carry-forward projects.
  These documents set the City’s spending priorities, rates, service charges and infrastructure program for the financial year.
• Differential rates imposed
  Most residential ratepayers face an average 6% rates increase, while rates overall are proposed to increase 8.4%. Unimproved valuation properties face an average 13% increase.
  Actual increases will vary by property valuation and rating category.
• Fees and waste charges increased
  Non-statutory fees and charges were increased by 4.75% as a guide, while the residential Waste Service Fee rises from $440 to $496 per annum.
  Residents and service users may face higher charges beyond the general rates increase.
• Rates payment options and charges
  Ratepayers can pay in one, two or four instalments. Two- and four-instalment options include a $5 administration fee for relevant instalments and 3% per annum simple interest.
  Payment plans are available, but instalment payments may attract fees and interest.
• Interest on overdue charges
  Interest of 5% per annum will apply to unpaid rates, waste-service fees and private swimming-pool inspection fees after the relevant due period.
  Late payment may increase outstanding charges.
• Community-group concessions
  Council waived 2026/27 Council rates for community groups listed in the budget notes and waived the 2026/27 Waste Service Fee for the Western Australian Scout Association site at 76 Ashley Road, Tapping.
  Eligible community organisations receive targeted financial relief.
• Financial sustainability measures
  The adopted budget includes an operating deficit of about $2 million despite more than $6 million in targeted savings. Council required a balanced or surplus net operating position and a mid-year progress update.
  Further cost controls or service prioritisation may be considered during the year.

Impacts

• Most residential ratepayers will see an average rates increase of about $90 a year, or $1.73 a week, although individual changes will vary with property revaluations.
• The residential Waste Service Fee will increase from $440 to $496 a year.
• Payment is available in one, two or four instalments, with administration fees and 3% interest applying to relevant instalment options.
• A 5% per annum interest charge applies to specified unpaid rates and service charges after the relevant due period.
• The City will review statutory and discretionary services and may consider future prioritisation or cost changes.
• Capital works worth about $38.5 million were rephased or deferred during budget preparation.

Places

• City of Wanneroo (local government area)
  Local government area whose 2026/27 budget, rates and fees were adopted.
• Carramar (suburb)
  Resident who submitted written questions about the budget and rate increase.
• Tapping (suburb)
  Community group receiving a 2026/27 waste-service-fee waiver at 76 Ashley Road.
• Civic Centre, 23 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo (facility)
  Meeting venue and City administration location.

Next

• Administration to undertake the further review of statutory and discretionary service costs and present a report to Council.
  By February 2027
• CEO to provide a mid-year update on progress towards a balanced or surplus 2026/27 net operating position and material external factors.
  During the 2026/27 financial year
• Issue annual rate notices, with the one-instalment due date identified as 7 September 2026.
  7 September 2026
• Hold the next Agenda Briefing.
  14 July 2026 at 6:00 PM

Extract

COUNCIL MINUTES Unconfirmed Minutes Special Council Meeting 6:00PM 07 July, 2026 Council Chamber (Level 1), Civic Centre, 23 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo wanneroo.wa.gov.au RECORDING AND ACCESS TO RECORDINGS OF COUNCIL MEETINGS POLICY 1. POLICY STATEMENT All Ordinary and Special Meetings of Council, Agenda Briefing Forums and meetings of Electors will be live streamed and digitally recorded, consistent with the objectives of the Local Government Act 1995, section 1.3 (2)(c), which promotes greater accountability of local governments to their communities. This policy does not apply to any part of the meeting which is closed to the public in accordance with section 5.23 of the Local Government Act...