The City of Joondalup council has formally adopted its 2026–27 budget, locking in a 6.5 per cent rates increase that represents the highest rate rise in several years. The increase ends a period of modest rises, with total rates revenue in Joondalup having increased by 15.2 per cent over the past seven years, averaging 2.2 per cent annually.
Mayor Addresses Community Concerns
Mayor Daniel Kingston acknowledged that the rates increase is not an easy number for the community to digest but emphasised that the city is acting to ensure long-term financial sustainability. “The council has worked hard to deliver a budget that keeps rate increases reasonable while continuing to invest in the infrastructure and services our community values,” Mr Kingston said. “We know cost-of-living pressures remain, which is why we have focused on delivering efficiencies and maintaining one of the more modest rate increases across Perth.”
Background to the Budget
Last November, after a $20 million operating shortfall was flagged, the city set out budget parameters including a freeze on operating expenditure growth, cuts to some services, and a recommendation that rates be increased by 2 per cent above inflation. As a result, employee cost growth has been limited to 1.8 per cent and spending on materials and contracts held at zero growth, an outcome the city says reflects careful financial management and a focus on value for money.
Operating Deficit Reduction
An operating deficit of $6.8 million has been forecast in this year’s budget, down from $12.8 million in last year’s budget. To reduce the deficit, the city has implemented cost-saving measures including axing the Discovery Outbound program and the Joondalup Resource Centre, as reported by PerthNow last week. Mr Kingston said progress was being made in reducing the city’s operating deficit and increasing its asset renewal reserve, which was currently almost completely depleted. “We are building on that momentum to ensure Joondalup remains financially sustainable, with no debt and healthy reserves providing a solid foundation for the future,” he said. “Our focus is on making smart, responsible decisions that continue to deliver value for our community now and in the years ahead.”
Variation Across Households
While the city’s average rates increase sits at 6.5 per cent, this will vary across households due to recent property revaluations. Last month, city officers said some suburbs could see increases as low as 1.3 per cent, while others could face rises as high as 13 per cent.
Capital Works Projects
Revenue from rates will fund a wide range of capital works projects across the city. The budget includes an allocation of $6.1 million for the Burns Beach coastal node redevelopment and café construction, $7.9 million for the Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club redevelopment, $1.8 million for the Northshore Drive boulevard treatment, and $1 million for the Hillarys Cycle Network expansion. Other major investments include more than $4 million for the Joondalup Drive and Hodges Drive intersection upgrade, and $1 million for the Marmion Avenue/Forrest Road intersection upgrade. $12.3 million will be spent on road preservation and resurfacing works across the city, and $720,000 has been allocated to upgrade the Chichester Park skate and play facilities in Woodvale. More than $400,000 has been allocated to upgrading lighting at Marri Park in Duncraig, while $400,000 has been set aside for stage one of the Heathridge Park redevelopment. In Mullaloo, $575,000 has been allocated for upgrades to the Mullaloo Surf Life Saving Club changerooms.
