Bunbury City Council has adopted its 2026-27 Annual Budget, delivering a $115.1 million plan that balances significant investment in community infrastructure with a clear focus on responsible financial management and cost-of-living pressures.
Published 29 July 2026
Adopted at a Special Council Meeting tonight, the budget is the first to be shaped by the City’s newly endorsed Council Plan and its five focus areas – Our Homes, Our City Centre, Our Economy, Our Environment, and Our Organisation – ensuring investment is directed where it will make the greatest difference for the community.
Mayor Jaysen Miguel said the budget delivered for the community while recognising the financial realities facing households.
“We know that cost of living continues to weigh on many in our community, and this budget reflects that,” Mayor Miguel said.
“Before landing on this year’s rate increase, our Executive and Staff undertook a comprehensive review of all projects and operating expenses, which allowed Council to reduce the increase to 6.2% - down from the originally recommended 6.7%.
“For the average residential property, this equates to an increase of around $134 for the year, or about $2.60 per week. We don’t take any increase lightly, but this is a responsible position that allows us to keep delivering the services and infrastructure our community relies on.”
Of this year’s increase, an additional 0.5% is directed specifically to maintaining and renewing the community assets we all rely on – our roads, buildings, paths, parks and drainage – building on the 0.5% allocated in previous budgets. This investment helps extend the life of our infrastructure and avoid larger costs in the future.
The proposed rates were advertised for public comment, with three submissions received and considered by Council prior to adopting the budget.
The Budget includes $27.5 million in capital works, headlined by:
- $7.2 million for the Community Courts at Hay Park – the first year of a $25.7 million multi-year project
- $2.5 million for Aqwest’s Bunbury Water Resource Recovery Scheme, using recycled water to irrigate 43 hectares of parks and sporting grounds
- $2.5 million for an energy upgrade at the South West Sports Centre, including replacing the gas boiler with solar
- Continued investment in the Greening Bunbury Plan, and major upgrades to the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, Boulters Heights and Hands Oval
- Advancement of the Bicentennial Square Precinct project to detailed design
The budget is funded from a range of sources, with property rates forming a significant portion of revenue alongside $17.9 million in State and Federal government grants, reserve funds and loan borrowings.
“This budget is about more than bricks and mortar,” Mayor Miguel said.
“It’s about maintaining the parks, roads, pools, libraries and community spaces that make Bunbury a great place to live, while investing responsibly in the projects that will shape our city’s future.
“I want to thank our community for their continued input, and our staff for their diligent work in preparing a budget that is both ambitious and financially sustainable.”
Rate notices will be issued on 17 August 2026, with the first instalment due 25 September 2026. A Budget and Rates Information brochure will be included with every notice.
Find out more about the 2026-27 budget and rates below 👇
