Welcome, and thank you for scanning through to learn more about the City of Bunbury’s 2026-27 Annual Budget.
Adopted by Council on 28 July 2026, this $115.1 million Budget is a responsible, community-focused plan that continues to invest in the city we all love – while recognising the cost-of-living pressures facing our community.
This is the first Budget shaped by our new Council Plan, with every dollar directed towards the five focus areas where we can make the greatest difference: Our Homes, Our City Centre, Our Economy, Our Environment, and Our Organisation.
This year’s Budget includes:
- $27.5 million in capital works across the city
- Major projects including the Community Courts at Hay Park, the Bunbury Water Resource Recovery Scheme, and a solar energy upgrade at the South West Sports Centre
- Continued investment in the Greening Bunbury Plan, and upgrades to the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, Boulters Heights and Hands Oval
- Ongoing delivery of the everyday services our community relies on – roads, waste collection, parks, playgrounds, libraries, pools, events and more
ABOUT YOUR RATES
This year’s rate increase is 6.2% – reduced from the originally recommended 6.7% following a comprehensive review that identified over $4.3 million in savings. For the average residential property, this equates to around $134 for the year, or about $2.60 per week.
We understand that any increase is challenging, particularly right now. If you’re experiencing financial hardship, we’re here to help – our team can talk through the flexible payment options and support available to you. Please contact us on 9792 7000 or info@bunbury.wa.gov.au
MAYOR'S MESSAGE
I know that for many in our community, times are tough – and every dollar counts. That’s why, in preparing this year’s Budget, we’ve worked hard to keep costs down while continuing to invest in the city we all love.
Before proposing any increase, we carefully reviewed our spending and found more than $4.3 million in savings. This allowed Council to reduce the rate increase to 6.2% – around $2.60 a week for the average household – with part of that going directly towards maintaining the roads, parks and community spaces you use every day.
Even in a challenging year, we’re proud to keep delivering for Bunbury – from the new Community Courts at Hay Park to greening our suburbs and recycling water to keep our open spaces thriving.
Thank you for being part of our community, and for helping shape its future.
Together, we’re making Bunbury the brighter choice – to live, visit and invest in.
Jaysen De San Miguel
WHERE DOES THE MONEY COME FROM?
FOR EVERY $100 WE SPEND, THIS IS WHERE IT WILL GO
KEY PROJECTS IN 2026 - 2027
Take a look through the projects and investments planned for your community this year.
Community and Sporting Facilities
Major investment continues at Hay Park, with the landmark $25.7 million Community Courts project underway to deliver a new regional indoor sports facility and support growing participation in basketball, netball and other indoor sports across the South West. The project is supported by upgrades to surrounding roads, parking and pedestrian access.
The City is also investing in key community assets, including an energy upgrade at the South West Sports Centre, improvements at Hands Oval, and new lighting infrastructure at Forrest Park and the Hay Park Precinct.
Sustainability and Greening
The Greening Bunbury Plan continues to increase tree canopy and green spaces across the city, helping create cooler, healthier neighbourhoods for future generations.
Supporting this work is Aqwest's Bunbury Water Resource Recovery Scheme. This will use recycled water to irrigate 43 hectares of parks and sporting grounds, including Hay Park, helping secure Bunbury's long-term water sustainability.
Public Spaces
Investment is also continuing in projects that improve everyday liveability, including the Safe Active Streets Program, playground renewals, the Beautifying Bunbury Streetscapes Program, and planning for the future Bicentennial Square Precinct Upgrade.
COUNCIL PLAN
Council has endorsed the City’s Council Plan 2026-2036, setting a bold vision for our future as:
Western Australia's Most Connected Coastal City.
Developed through extensive community engagement, the plan focuses on the areas residents told us matter most:
Our Homes, Our City Centre, Our Environment, Our Economy and Our Organisation.
These five priorities will guide Council's decisions, investment and advocacy over the next decade, helping deliver a connected, vibrant and sustainable Bunbury for current and future generations.
YOUR WASTE SERVICES
Value that keeps working for you
We know every dollar counts. That’s why we’ve kept this year’s waste service charge increase to just 4%, in line with CPI while continuing to deliver the services our community relies on every day.
Your waste charge covers far more than kerbside bin collection, including two green waste and two hard waste verge collections a year, street sweeping, illegal dumping response, recycling and education.
Hard waste: Oct - Nov 2026 & March 2027
Green waste: Nov - Dec 2026 & March - April 2027
We’re also pleased to share that Council has committed to resuming FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) processing for our community, with processing expected to recommence later in 2026.
As the first council in the South West to introduce FOGO, we’ve done everything we can to return your food and garden organics to productive use as compost, rather than landfill. While we finalise arrangements, keep bins well-sorted.
BE BUSHFIRE READY
Western Australia is one of the most bushfire-prone regions in the world, with dry vegetation, hot conditions and extreme summer temperatures creating a heightened fire risk.
Everyone has a responsibility to help reduce the likelihood and impact of bushfires. By understanding seasonal restrictions, preparing your property and staying informed, you can play an important role in protecting your family, neighbours and community. Working together helps keep our communities safer during bushfire season.