Wanneroo waste fee rises $56 to $496 a year

Wanneroo ratepayers will pay $496 a year for the residential Waste Service Fee in 2026/27, up $56 from the current charge of $440.

The 16.2 per cent increase was approved as part of the City of Wanneroo’s adopted Schedule of Fees and Charges. The City said waste services are charged on a cost-recovery basis and face ongoing cost pressures.

Non-statutory fees and charges will also rise by 4.75 per cent as a guide, reflecting inflationary and market factors. Fees and charges income is projected to increase by 12.2 per cent through price increases and higher service demand.

The higher waste fee will come alongside an average 6 per cent residential rates increase. Most residential ratepayers will pay about $90 more a year, or $1.73 a week, although individual changes will vary with property revaluations. Rates overall are proposed to rise by 8.4 per cent, while unimproved valuation properties face an average increase of 13 per cent.

Ratepayers can pay in one, two or four instalments. Payment in full is due by 7 September 2026. Two- and four-instalment options include a $5 administration fee for relevant instalments and 3 per cent simple interest. Interest of 5 per cent a year will apply to specified unpaid rates and service charges after the relevant due period.

The City has also ordered a review of the cost of statutory and discretionary services, with a report due to Council by February 2027. The chief executive must manage the 2026/27 financial position towards a balanced net operating result or surplus and provide a mid-year update.

The adopted budget includes an operating deficit of about $2 million despite more than $6 million in targeted savings. About $38.5 million in capital works was rephased or deferred during budget preparation.