Council Votes 6-4 to Support Rates Hike
The City of Cockburn adopted its 2026/27 budget on 11 July 2026, endorsing a 6.75 per cent rates increase after a divided council vote of 6-4. The rise follows six years of average increases of 3.88 per cent, one of Perth's lowest. The decision aims to prevent cuts to community projects and eliminate an operating deficit.
Impact on Ratepayers
An average residential property will see an increase of about $2.50 per week, or $132 annually, excluding minimum payments and levies like pool inspections. However, individual rates will vary from 2 per cent to 12 per cent depending on property valuation changes. A minimum rate of $1,698 will apply to 13,892 properties, up $2.06 per week. For 36,629 non-minimum properties, the average annual charge will be $2,133, an increase of $3.02 per week. Late payments will incur a 6 per cent penalty interest, but instalment fees remain waived.
Public Feedback and Opposition
The city received nearly 200 public submissions, many opposing the increase and labelling expenditure “excessive” for non-essential projects. Mayor Logan Howlett proposed a 5 per cent alternative, which was defeated 3-7. “Given the cost of living crisis impacting the wider community, it is cognisant of councillors to acknowledge the most effective way to assist our community,” he said. Cr Tarun Dewan urged minimising expenditure, citing internal training and travel costs.
Defence of the Increase
Cr Chontelle Stone argued a lower rise would jeopardise long-term projects. “Costs have gone up. CPI has gone up, utilities have gone up, fuel prices have gone up, employee costs have gone up, contractor costs have gone up ... we simply don’t have the option of absorbing these increases,” she said. She compared it to a household budget: “If your weekly income drops by $100, you either take $100 worth of groceries out of the trolley, or you put it on the credit card.” Stone noted the city had already found $4 million in savings and that a balanced budget would have required over 9 per cent. “We’ve compromised on 6.75 per cent.”
Budget Details and Capital Works
The budget aims to return to an operating surplus, projecting a closing surplus of $300,000. It includes a $64.07 million capital works program, focusing on asset renewal and upgrades. This covers 135 renewal programs and 91 new or upgrade projects, such as Victor George Kailis Park development, Atwell Reserve upgrades, Beale Park redevelopment, and aquatic centre asset renewal. The city will transfer $61.08 million to reserves and withdraw $56.55 million, increasing reserves by $4.53 million.
