governance · City of Wanneroo
Wanneroo ratepayers face $90 rise after cost-of-living backlash
The City adopted its 2026/27 budget after 195 submissions, including 147 citing cost-of-living concerns, while the annual residential waste fee rises by $56.
Wanneroo ratepayers will face an average 6 per cent increase in residential rates, or about $90 a year, after the City adopted its 2026/27 budget following a cost-of-living backlash. The residential Waste Service Fee will also rise by $56, from $440 to $496 a year.
Individual rate increases will vary according to property valuations. Rates across all categories will rise by 8.4 per cent, while properties using unimproved valuations face an average increase of 13 per cent.
The rates process drew 195 public submissions. Cost-of-living concerns were cited in 147 submissions, 75 questioned value for money and 68 called for cuts.
A petition opposing the 6 per cent increase included 72 identified City of Wanneroo residents and seven unverified signatories.
Despite the concerns, councillors adopted by absolute majority the Council Plan Part B 2026-27 revision, the 2026/27 Annual Budget, the Schedule of Fees and Charges and the Capital Works Program, including 2025/26 carry-forward projects.
Non-statutory fees and charges will rise by 4.75 per cent as a guide. Ratepayers can pay in one, two or four instalments. Two- and four-instalment arrangements include a $5 administration fee for relevant instalments and 3 per cent annual simple interest.
A 5 per cent annual interest charge will apply to specified unpaid rates, waste-service fees and private swimming-pool inspection fees after the relevant due period. The due date for one-instalment payments is 7 September 2026.
The budget includes more than $6 million in targeted savings but still forecasts an operating deficit of about $2 million. About $38.5 million in capital works was rephased or deferred during budget preparation.
Council ordered a review of the cost of statutory and discretionary services, with a report due by February 2027. It also instructed the chief executive officer to manage the financial position towards a balanced net operating result or surplus and provide a mid-year update during the 2026/27 financial year.
Reference minutes
City of Wanneroo Special Council, 7 July 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- Most residential ratepayers face an average 6 per cent rates increase, about $90 a year.
- Rates overall will rise by 8.4 per cent, with an average 13 per cent increase for unimproved valuation properties.
- The residential Waste Service Fee will rise from $440 to $496 a year.
- The rates process received 195 submissions, including 147 citing cost-of-living concerns.
- A petition opposing the increase had 72 identified City of Wanneroo residents and seven unverified signatories.
- A service-cost review is due to report to Council by February 2027.
Why it matters
- Most Wanneroo residential ratepayers face higher rates and waste charges after strong concerns about affordability and value for money. Council will also review service costs while seeking to address an operating deficit of about $2 million.