Published on Tuesday, 5 August 2025 at 10:45:17 AM
Council approved the 2025-26 Budget at a Special Council Meeting this morning, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to responsible financial planning, maintenance of existing services, and with the biggest local construction campaign since the Esperance foreshore, delivery of five transformative projects for the community.
“Councillors are united in our drive to get the best value for our community. Council has spent months workshopping and intricately planning every detail to make sure this Budget delivers what matters most”, said Deputy Shire President Cr Jennifer Obourne. “This meant some of the items slated to go in the Budget were rejected. It was a difficult process. We kept in mind that running costs for the Shire have increased, with the WA Local Government Association stating in June that Local Government costs rose by 3.6% in the 12 months prior.”
“With all of this in the front of mind, we are happy to have kept the rate increase to 4.5% for both Gross Rental Value (GRV) and Unimproved Value (UV), which is lower than last year’s increases. This means that the average residential property (GRV) is expected to increase by approximately $102 per year.”
Cr Obourne also noted that percentage reflects the average change across residential properties. "It is important for ratepayers to note that individual rate notices may vary depending on property type, valuation changes from the Office of the Valuer General, and other charges such as the Emergency Services Levy.”
This year’s Budget includes the first increase to the Waste Rate in a decade, rising from $80 to $115. This adjustment reflects the Shire’s long-term commitment to delivering a more sustainable and future-focused approach to waste management. The original $80 rate was based on the cost of basic landfill disposal. However, changes in legislation, listening to community preference, extensive strategic planning, and financial analysis, it became clear that landfill alone was not the preferred path forward. The result of this process is the Myrup Waste Management Facility, an integrated solution that will provide advanced recycling and waste services for Esperance and the wider region. While the project comes at a higher cost, Councillors and staff have worked hard to reduce the financial impact, including reallocating funds from deferred road projects to help offset expenses.
Commenting on the huge efforts made to trim costs, Deputy President Obourne said “We will also be saving millions on the Esperance Airport upgrade by undertaking preliminary work on the runway base ourselves, instead of contracting this out. Councillors are community members just like everyone else, experiencing the same financial pressures, and we really do care about our community and getting the best for them.”
“Personally, I would also recommend that people consider incremental payments towards your rates as a direct debit over the year,” she added. “This takes two or three minutes to set up with our friendly Shire staff – I know because I was encouraged by a friend to set this up when I got my last rates. I expect the choice I made last year will result in me not having a “big bill shock” when my rates notice lands in my mailbox, because I will have paid it off over the year.”
The Budget presented to Council today sets out the Shire’s key priorities and major investments for the year ahead. It is supported by a detailed report outlining the legislative requirements and strategic planning behind the decisions. Significant funding has been allocated to vital projects, community infrastructure, and essential maintenance across the region. Key highlights include:
- $300,000 allocated to the Esperance Hockey Association Turf Project through the Shire’s Community Infrastructure Fund. In addition, the Shire will undertake nearly $1 million in earthworks as private works, delivering substantial cost savings compared to contractor quotes and helping make the project financially viable.
- $9.5 million for Stage 1 of the Myrup Waste Management Facility, a landmark project aimed at improving regional sustainability through advanced waste processing and significant landfill diversion.
- Over $250,000 committed to maintenance of Community Centre Halls in Cascade, Grass Patch, Salmon Gums, Scaddan, Gibson and Condingup, ensuring continued access to vital facilities in regional areas.
- $1.25 million for the Esperance Civic Centre building upgrades, enhancing functionality and accessibility.
- $300,000 for planned maintenance works at the Goods Shed, preserving this historic community asset.
- $15.9 million for Stage 1a of the James Street Cultural Precinct, a long-anticipated revitalisation project for the town centre. This stage is supported by a recent funding agreement under the Federal Government’s Growing Regions Program, with tenders currently under review.
- $16.2 million for road renewals and upgrades across the Shire of Esperance, the largest road network of any local government in Western Australia.
- $2 million allocated to the Worker’s Accommodation Project, focusing on affordable housing solutions to support local workforce needs.
- $170,090 for the construction of a new Grass Patch Fire Brigade Shed, supporting emergency services in the region.
- $2.6 million for the Building Maintenance Program, ensuring the upkeep of public infrastructure across the Shire.
Shire CEO Shane Burge also reflected on the work put in over the past months, saying “We’ve built this Budget from the ground up, reviewing every program and service to ensure it delivers real value. Our community priorities are set out in the Council Plan and Long-Term Financial Plan, and our financial decisions follow the strategic direction set out in these.”
“The Shire delivers a wide range of services that touch every part of community life – from leasing and development support for local business, to literacy, early childhood programs, and tech help at the Esperance Public Library, fitness and wellbeing through the Leisure Centre, and waste management that protects public health. These services matter – and we are strongly motivated to maintain this service delivery for our community.”
“This Budget is about responsible planning, investing wisely, and making sure the Esperance region continues to thrive.”
The Budget also reflects key operational changes, including the Shire’s revised Industrial Agreement, which provides a 5% wage increase in the first year and 3.5% in each of the following two years. It also accounts for the legislated 0.5% increase to the Superannuation Guarantee. In line with State Government reforms, from October 2025, Councillors will begin receiving superannuation contributions—recognising the time and commitment they dedicate to their roles and aligning with broader employment standards across the local government sector.
The Emergency Services Levy (ESL), imposed by the State Government, has increased by 4.53% and will appear on rates notices. The Shire collects this levy on behalf of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services but does not set or control the amount.
The full Budget is available on the Shire’s Annual & Financial Reports webpage here www.esperance.wa.gov.au/council/publications-documents/annual-financial-reports.aspx
Ends
MEDIA CONTACT:
media@esperance.wa.gov.au
Back to All News