funding · City of Vincent
Vincent receives 80-signature petition against 40.9% vacant property rates rise
City of Vincent councillors received an 80-signature petition calling for a proposed 40.9% lift in vacant residential property rates for 2026/27 to be withdrawn or cut.
City of Vincent councillors received an 80-signature petition on Tuesday night opposing a proposed 40.9% increase in vacant residential property rates for 2026/27. The petition asked the council to withdraw, reject or substantially reduce the rise.
The petition was received at the City of Vincent’s ordinary and special council meeting on 16 June 2026 at the Administration and Civic Centre in Leederville. The meeting also saw councillors adopt an amended Community and Stakeholder Engagement Policy, back an updated professional development policy for elected members and establish a new Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee.
The vacant-property item sat alongside a broader set of rates and governance decisions. Councillors adopted the annual budget for 2026/27 by absolute majority and received the monthly investment report, financial statements and accounts paid under delegated authority for April 2026, which totalled $9,533,256.94.
The minutes say the vacant property rates decision includes financial hardship assistance and concessions for some non-minimum rated vacant residential properties. The petition came from Mount Hawthorn residents and ratepayers.
The Community and Stakeholder Engagement Policy was adopted, setting the way residents and community groups are consulted on city projects and decisions. The Council Members Continuing Professional Development Policy also passed by absolute majority, after an amendment proposing a capped high-level training contribution arrangement was lost.
Council formally established the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee and appointed members to it, including the Deputy of the Presiding Member, by absolute majority. The meeting also listed separate motions on Perth Parking Levy funding and public transport access.
The minutes record further work ahead on planning, transport and tree-related matters. They also flag implementation of the new audit committee and engagement policy after the meeting.
For vacant property owners, the petition keeps pressure on a rates rise that would directly affect carrying costs. For other residents, the meeting set the rules around consultation, councillor training and internal oversight at City of Vincent.
Reference minutes
Based on the City of Vincent Council Meeting (Ordinary and Special) minutes for 16 June 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- Council received an 80-signature petition against a proposed 40.9% increase in vacant residential property rates for 2026/2027.
- The petition asked for the rise to be withdrawn, rejected or substantially reduced.
- The meeting was the City of Vincent Ordinary Council Meeting and Special Meeting on 16 June 2026.
- Councillors adopted the amended Community and Stakeholder Engagement Policy.
- Councillors adopted the updated Council Members Continuing Professional Development Policy by absolute majority after an amendment was lost.
- Council formally established the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee and appointed members to it.
- Accounts paid under delegated authority for April 2026 totalled $9,533,256.94.
Why it matters
- The petition puts pressure on a rates rise that would directly hit owners of vacant homes and adds to the debate over how the City of Vincent taxes empty property.