City of Stirling Passes 2026-27 Budget with 4.9% Rate Rise
The City of Stirling has adopted its 2026-27 budget with a 4.9 per cent average rates rise, resulting in an average increase of $66 a year for homeowners. Commercial and industrial rates will rise by an average of 6.9 per cent. The budget was approved by the council on Tuesday night, alongside the city's new strategic community plan and corporate business plan.
Budget Details and Financial Position
With total revenue of $371.8 million, the city expects a $4.5 million surplus by the end of the financial year and will receive $186.2 million in rates revenue. Chief executive officer Stevan Rodic said the budget aligns with the city's long-term financial strategy and funds services and projects in the corporate business plan. "The city continues to be in a solid financial position, remaining debt-free, with its finances aligned to strategic priorities," Mr Rodic said in a report to council.
Comparison with Neighbouring Councils
Stirling's rate rise is at the lower end compared to neighbours: the City of Joondalup locked in a 6.5 per cent increase, and the City of Wanneroo adopted a 6 per cent rise. Mayor Mark Irwin described Stirling's increase as a "good outcome," noting local governments face cost increases higher than inflation. "I think when you look at a budget that has an increase that is around CPI with a five-year average below CPI, I think that's a pretty good outcome for our ratepayers and puts this as one of the lowest rating councils in this State," he said.
Council Debate and Opposition
The budget passed 11-2, with councillors Elizabeth Re and Suzanne Migdale voting against it. Cr Migdale argued the city should absorb increased costs rather than raise rates above inflation. "Councils can raise rates, households cannot raise their income to match. When our costs go up, we come to this chamber and we vote to recover them from ratepayers," she said. "When a family's costs go up, their mortgage, insurance, groceries, they don't get a vote, they absorb it, they cut back somewhere else, or they go without, and it's that simple."
Capital Works and Major Projects
The budget includes a $131.1 million capital works program, with $34.2 million for infrastructure renewals (roads, drainage, footpaths), $9.5 million for building works, and $7 million for community park upgrades. Other allocations: $1.6 million for sports reserves infrastructure, $1.2 million for community grants and event sponsorships, and $10.6 million for essential upgrades to the Recycling Centre Balcatta. An artificial intelligence-powered aquatic safety system will be installed at Stirling Leisure – Scarborough Beach at a cost of $240,000, following successful implementation at Inglewood and Balga facilities.
State Government Commitments
Working with the State Government, the city will progress key election commitments, including the rebuild of the Porter-Pascoe Pedestrian Bridge at Lake Gwelup and upgrades to performing arts facilities at Hamersley Community Hub.
