Published on Thursday, 28 May 2026 at 5:00:00 PM
The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder is inviting ratepayers to have their say on the proposed differential rates and minimum payments for the 2026/27 financial year.
Council has endorsed the proposal for public advertising, with community consultation now open for a 21-day period. During this time, electors and ratepayers can review the proposal and make a written submission before the final rates model and 2026/27 Budget are considered for adoption.
Rising costs and responsible planning
Like many local governments, the City continues to experience increased costs across almost every area of operations. Based on the City’s analysis, regional operating and delivery costs have increased by approximately 5% across key service areas, including construction, fuel, utilities, insurance, and service delivery.
At the same time, Council and the City’s Administration are focused on ensuring the organisation remains financially responsible, efficient, and sustainable for the long term.
As part of the 2026/27 budget process, a detailed review of operations has been undertaken to identify efficiencies, reduce unnecessary costs where possible, and ensure funding is directed to priority services and projects.
This has included reviews across all departments, regular budget monitoring, assessment of staffing structures and vacant positions, continued use of local suppliers where appropriate, asset condition assessments to prioritise renewal works, and ongoing work to secure additional State and Federal funding. The City has reviewed programs to improve service delivery and continues to prioritise the renewal and maintenance of existing assets over new infrastructure where appropriate.
Alongside this work, the City is strengthening its long-term financial position through improved asset planning, more structured reserve funding, and the development of a formal Rating Strategy to support clearer and more consistent decision-making into the future.
About the proposed rates model
The City’s proposed rates model supports delivery of the 2026/27 Operational and Capital Program, which continues investment in essential services and community infrastructure across Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
Council is proposing adjustments to the rate in the dollar and minimum payments across several rating categories for the 2026/27 financial year:
- A 6% increase to most GRV and UV rating categories
- A 12% increase to the GRV Accommodation category
- A 12% increase to minimum payments for GRV Accommodation and GRV Mining categories
The proposed increase to accommodation properties reflects the commercial nature of the sector and the role these properties play in supporting visitor, workforce and tourism-related activity across the city.
The proposed rates model is expected to generate approximately $38.4 million in rates revenue, representing around 30% of the City’s overall operating revenue. In addition to funding day-to-day services and infrastructure maintenance, the model includes allocating 1% of rates revenue into reserves to support future infrastructure renewal and major community projects. This approach is intended to strengthen the City’s long-term financial position and help reduce pressure on future generations.
The differential rating system helps ensure rates are shared fairly across the community by recognising that different property types place different levels of demand on City services and infrastructure.
How to provide feedback
Ratepayer feedback will be considered by Council before the final adoption of the 2026/27 Budget.
Submissions close at 4.30pm on 19 June 2026 and can be made online, by mail or email.
More information, including the Statement of Objects and Reasons and how to make a submission, is available at Your Say CKB here.
Message from Mayor Wilson
Over the coming weeks, Council will be considering the proposed 2026/27 budget and differential rates.
We know conversations about rates are never easy, especially at a time when many people are feeling cost-of-living pressures. Council is very aware of this as we work through the budget process.
At the same time, the City is facing the same increases in costs across essential services like roads, parks, waste services and community facilities. These are services the community relies on every day, and we need to plan carefully to keep them running well into the future. This includes planning ahead so we don’t end up with higher costs down the track.
Importantly, this isn’t the final decision on rates.
This is about sharing the proposal with our ratepayers, so you can take a look, understand what’s being considered, and provide feedback.
I encourage everyone to take the time to read through the information and have their say. All feedback will be considered before Council makes a final decision.
Review the rates proposal and share your feedback
Submissions must be received by 4.30pm, 19 June 2026.
Before making a submission, electors and ratepayers are asked to read the Statement of Objects and Reasons document and differential rates information on YourSay CKB.
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