Published on Wednesday, 1 July 2026 at 4:00:00 PM

The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale Council has endorsed the 2026/27 Budget, delivering a financially sustainable plan that maintains investment in roads, community infrastructure and essential services while recognising current economic pressures on households.

The budget reflects the continued growth of the Shire, now home to more than 40,000 residents, alongside the increasing demand for infrastructure and services that growth brings.

The 2026/27 Budget delivers more than $55 million through its Capital Works Program, funded through a combination of Municipal investment, State and Federal Government grants, reserve funding and strategic borrowings.

With an average rates increase of 3.9 per cent, currently among the lowest of both proposed and adopted local government rate increases in WA, this budget balances responsible financial management, growing demand for infrastructure, facilities and local services, and community expectations.

Two per cent of that increase ($1.43 million), our dedicated Road Reserve, will directly fund additional investment in the Shire's road network, continuing to deliver safer and more reliable roads for the community, while leverage further funding from other sources.

In addition to the Road Reserve, our $37.1 million funding package for road projects also includes State and Federal grants totalling $25.9 million, $6.4 million through developer contributions, and $3.3 million in municipal funding.

Shire President Rob Coales said Council had carefully considered the impact on ratepayers while continuing to invest in essential infrastructure.

"Every budget requires Council to balance affordability with the infrastructure and services our community relies on," President Coales said.

"Council worked diligently to keep the rate increase as low as possible while continuing to deliver for our growing community, and we recognise some households may need flexibility, with a range of payment options available to support ratepayers.

"For every dollar invested directly by the Shire, we continue to leverage additional funding from grants, reserves and strategic financing to deliver essential community projects.

“Our Road Reserve has been a key example of this strategy, with every additional dollar invested by the Shire being matched by State and Federal grants and funding initiatives. That means every dollar of ratepayer money invested sees an additional $2 in return for road renewals and upgrades.”

As the second fastest-growing local government in Western Australia and third fasted in the country, continued investment in roads, parks, community facilities and emergency services remains a key priority.

Projects in the Capitol Works program, which feature funding across Shire, State and Federal sources, include:

• $37.1 million toward roads for upgrades and renewal works across the Shire's road network.
• Continued delivery of Keirnan Park Recreation Precinct, with Stage 1A progressing and State Government funding secured for the BMX component of Stage 1B.
• Upgrades to the Waste Transfer Station and continued investment in waste infrastructure.
• Construction of the new Oakford Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade Station.
• Improvements to Bill Hicks Reserve, including playground enhancements, BBQ facilities and parking.
• Planning and feasibility work for future community facilities, including the Glades District Community Facility and Byford TAFE advocacy.
• Continued investment and delivery of OneComm to streamline customer experience and online access to Shire services.

President Coales said the proposed budget reflected Council's commitment to planning for the future while continuing to deliver for today's community.

"Growth brings opportunity, but it also brings increased demand for roads, community facilities and local services," President Coales said.

"This budget continues to invest in the infrastructure our residents use every day, while ensuring we are well positioned to plan for and advocate for the major projects our growing community will need into the future.”

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