City delivers another low rate rise in the 2025/26 budget

City of South Perth residents can look forward to upgraded outdoor spaces, renewed foreshore facilities, safer roads and more vibrant neighbourhoods as part of the City’s 2025/26 Budget.

Endorsed at the Ordinary Council Meeting on Tuesday 24 June 2025, the break-even Budget proposes a modest rate rise of 2.8%, in line with the Perth March CPI figure and below increases introduced by many other local governments.

This marks the seventh consecutive year the City has kept rate rises at or below the Perth CPI figure. 

Mayor Greg Milner said the Budget reflected the City’s strong commitment to responsible long-term financial management while providing quality services to its residents.

“This year’s budget prioritises financial sustainability, building on our third consecutive operating surplus,” Mayor Milner said.

“We’re maintaining $800 million worth of essential services, assets and infrastructure while being mindful of the ongoing cost of living pressures affecting our community and global economic uncertainty,” he added.

“We’re focusing on ensuring our City continues to be renowned for its beautiful places and active spaces. We’re investing in ensuring our parks and recreation spaces are enjoyable places for everyone, that our roads are safer and that our communities are places where people feel connected.”

A $12.5 million investment in new facilities at Collier Park Golf Course is the City’s largest capital works item in the 2025/26 Budget, as part of a $19.8 million project co-funded by Clublinks.

Owned by the City and managed by Clublinks, Mayor Greg Milner said the course was both a valued recreational space and a significant revenue stream.

“Collier Park Golf Course plays a vital role in our community, and this jointly-funded upgrade will support its long-term viability as both a public asset and financial contributor to the City,” he said.

“Our long-term vision is to diversify our revenue sources, reducing our reliance on rates and helping avoid significant increases in the future.” 

Budget and rates announcements also come at a time when the City is introducing new waste and recycling services, including a pre-booked, year-round verge collection service, a Recycling Centre Reuse Shop and a Containers for Change bag drop point to support smarter, more sustainable waste management.  

This year’s budget also includes an underground power component for ratepayers in Kensington and some remaining pockets of the City, concluding the underground power program across the entire City.

To ease cost-of-living pressures, this year City will waive dog and cat registration fees  making it easier and more affordable for owners to register their pets.

“This budget reflects our community’s priorities – safer, vibrant, more connected neighbourhoods delivered through sound planning and responsible investment,” Mayor Milner said.

Budget highlights

Beautiful places and active spaces

Safer roads