The City of Rockingham has adopted the 2025/26 Annual Budget which includes a 3.5 per cent rate rise for residents.
Mayor Deb Hamblin said the budget aims to strike a balance between addressing community needs while acknowledging cost of living pressures.
“Council listened to community concerns about the current economic circumstances facing many households and has kept the rate increase to a minimum. The increase is 3.5%, which equates to approximately $1.06 per week for the average residence, and is lower than advertised to support our ratepayers with cost of living pressures.”
“In addition, Council has supported not charging interest on rates smoothing payments for the 2025/2026 financial year to provide further assistance with cost of living pressures. This option will greatly assist ratepayers choosing this option to pay their rates without any extra costs.”
Mayor Hamblin said the budget was prepared with an eye on the future.
“As a rapidly growing outer metropolitan local government area with a current population of more than 150,000 people, keeping pace with the growing needs of the community, and maintaining existing assets and services, remain ongoing challenges," she said.
“In addition, with 37 kilometres of coastline, climate change is a major challenge for us. That’s why 0.5 per cent of rates will be allocated to a Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan reserve account to help fund future climate change mitigation works.”
Some of the major projects included in the budget are the completion of the Stan Twight Clubroom Redevelopment, completion of the final stage of the Baldivis Sporting Complex including outdoor courts, Southern Pavilion and outdoor recreation space, Anniversary Park clubroom redevelopment and Lotteries House relocation.
The City provides multiple payment methods including, instalments, credit card options, alternate payment arrangements and interest-free Rates Smoothing.
To benefit from Rates Smoothing ratepayers must already have an existing arrangement, or sign up by returning the application form enclosed with the rate notice to the City by August 8, 2025.
The City also has a Financial Hardship Policy for residential and small business ratepayers experiencing difficulty paying their rates.
For more information visit rockingham.wa.gov.au/your-services/rates
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