Council approves balanced and forward-focused 2026-27 Budget

The Joondalup Council has adopted the City’s 2026-27 Budget at its June meeting, delivering a balanced and forward-focused financial plan that supports the community while carefully managing ongoing cost pressures.

The budget reflects a strong commitment to financial responsibility, with a continued focus on keeping rate increases moderate while maintaining essential services and investing in key community infrastructure.

Planning for the budget began in November 2025, guided by the City’s updated 10-year Strategic Financial Plan where the Council set clear priorities around cost control and long-term sustainability to ensure the City remained well positioned for the future.

Despite challenging economic conditions, including inflation and rising contract costs, the City has achieved significant efficiencies. Employee cost growth has been limited to just 1.8%, while materials and contracts have been held to zero growth – a strong outcome that reflects careful financial management and a focus on value for money.

As part of the 2026-27 Budget, the overall rates increase is 6.5%, which remains competitive compared to other local governments across the Perth metropolitan area.

Over the past seven years, the City has consistently delivered low rate increases, averaging just 2.2% per annum, well below inflation over that period.

In the past five years, cumulative rate increases have amounted to 8.9%, compared to an average increase of 18.2% against benchmarked local governments.

2026-27 is also a Gross Rental Value (GRV) revaluation year. To help offset increases in property valuations, the City has reduced the residential rate in the dollar by 23.7%, helping to moderate the overall impact on ratepayers, with individual outcomes varying.

Importantly, the budget continues to deliver strong financial improvements. The City has reduced its operating deficit from $13.1 million to $6.5 million and increased net cash from operations by $8 million to $27 million per year, strengthening its capacity to renew community assets and invest in the future.

2026-27 Budget highlights include:

• Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club Redevelopment ($7.9 million)
• Burns Beach Coastal Node Redevelopment ($6 million)
• Joondalup Drive/Hodges Drive Intersection Upgrade ($4.06 million)
• Road Preservation and Resurfacing Program ($12.3 million)
• Coastal Shared Path Design ($1 million)
• Northshore Drive Boulevard Treatment ($1.88 million)
• Eddystone Avenue upgrade – Joondalup Drive to Honeybush Drive ($1.26 million).

Joondalup Mayor Daniel Kingston said the budget strikes the right balance between supporting the community today and planning responsibly for the future.

“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” Mayor 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.”

“At the same time, we are strengthening the City’s financial position, with strong progress made in reducing the operating deficit and increasing funding available for asset renewal.”

“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.”

“Our focus is on making smart, responsible decisions that continue to deliver value for our community now and in the years ahead.”

Ratepayers are encouraged to register for the City’s eRates service to receive their 2026-27 rates notices electronically. Further information is available at joondalup.wa.gov.au.

Residents will be able to download the annual waste guide, greens tipping and shredded green waste (mulch) vouchers directly from the City’s website from 1 July 2026.

NOTE: Funding shown is for 2026-27 only
* Subject to grant and/or external funding.
** Multi-year project.