community services · City of Wanneroo
Wanneroo service-cost review to report by February 2027
A CEO-led review of statutory and discretionary service costs will report to Wanneroo Council by February 2027, informing future service priorities and cost management.
Wanneroo’s statutory and discretionary services will undergo a cost review, with the chief executive officer required to bring a report to Council by February 2027.
The review will examine service costs to help the City prioritise services and manage expenditure. It could lead to future reprioritisation or further cost-management measures, but no specific service changes were identified in the resolution.
The February deadline was added through an amendment carried 10-3. Cr Bedworth, Cr Berry, Cr Figg, Cr H Nguyen, Cr V Nguyen, Cr Huntley, Cr Parker, Cr Seif, Cr Smith and Cr Wright voted for it. Mayor Aitken, Cr Coetzee and Cr Miles voted against.
The review forms part of Wanneroo’s 2026/27 financial plan, approved by absolute majority. That package included the Annual Budget, the Council Plan Part B 2026-27 Revision, the Schedule of Fees and Charges and the Capital Works Program, including 2025/26 carry-forward projects.
The adopted budget included more than $6 million in targeted savings but retained an operating deficit of about $2 million. About $38.5 million in capital works was rephased or deferred during budget preparation.
Council also instructed the CEO to manage the City’s 2026/27 financial position towards a balanced net operating result or a net operating surplus. A mid-year update will report on progress towards that target and on material external factors affecting the financial position.
The review covers both services the City is required to provide under legislation and discretionary services it chooses to provide. Its report will give councillors information for considering service priorities and cost management, but the source does not specify which services will be examined or what changes might follow.
The report is due by February 2027. The separate mid-year update will track whether the City is moving towards a balanced or surplus operating result during the 2026/27 financial year.
Reference minutes
City of Wanneroo Special Council - 7 Jul 2026 6:00 PM, held on 7 July 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- The City of Wanneroo authorised a further review of the cost of its statutory and discretionary services.
- The chief executive officer must lead the review and present a report to Council by February 2027.
- The amendment setting the February reporting deadline passed 10-3.
- The adopted 2026/27 budget included more than $6 million in targeted savings and an operating deficit of about $2 million.
- The CEO was instructed to manage the 2026/27 financial position towards a balanced net operating result or surplus.
- About $38.5 million in capital works was rephased or deferred during budget preparation.
Why it matters
- The review will give Wanneroo councillors information to consider future service priorities and cost-management measures, although no specific changes have been identified.