infrastructure · City of Wanneroo
Wanneroo defers $38.5 million in capital works after budget review
Wanneroo Council adopted a 2026/27 capital works program with $138.6 million in new works and $6.5 million in carry-forwards after about $38.5 million of projects was deferred or rephased.
The City of Wanneroo has deferred or rephased about $38.5 million in capital works, while residents and suppliers face a 2026/27 program that still includes $138.6 million in new works and $6.5 million in carry-forwards.
Council adopted the program by absolute majority on 7 July as part of the City’s annual budget and Council Plan Part B revision. The changes followed an extensive review of the capital works program during the budget process.
Sports facilities account for the largest share of the program at 23 per cent, followed by roads at 14 per cent, investment projects at 13 per cent, community buildings at 8 per cent and traffic treatments at 8 per cent.
The program allocates 31 per cent of spending to new assets, 39 per cent to upgrades and 30 per cent to renewals, excluding carry-forwards. The City said the review balanced asset renewal obligations with strategic investment to support Wanneroo’s growing population.
About 23 per cent of the program is funded through grants and contributions, including $10.7 million from the Federal Government and $20.3 million from the State Government. The remainder comes from reserves, municipal funds and borrowing.
The capital works changes form part of a broader cost-control effort. Administration targeted more than $6 million in savings, but the adopted budget still includes an operating deficit of about $2 million.
Council ordered a review of the cost of statutory and discretionary services, with a report due by February 2027. It also instructed the CEO to manage the 2026/27 financial position towards a balanced net operating result or surplus and provide a mid-year update on progress and material external factors.
The adopted program includes works across roads, sports facilities, community buildings and traffic treatments. The City did not identify which individual projects were deferred or rephased.
Reference minutes
City of Wanneroo, Special Council meeting, 7 July 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- About $38.5 million in capital works was rephased or deferred during preparation of the 2026/27 budget.
- The adopted program includes $138.6 million in new works and $6.5 million in carry-forwards.
- Sports facilities make up 23 per cent of the program, followed by roads at 14 per cent.
- More than $6 million in savings was targeted, but the budget still projects an operating deficit of about $2 million.
- A review of statutory and discretionary service costs is due to report to Council by February 2027.
- About 23 per cent of the capital works program is funded by grants and contributions.
Why it matters
- About $38.5 million in planned capital works has been deferred or rephased across roads, sports facilities, community buildings and traffic treatments, changing the timing of infrastructure spending for residents and suppliers.