Looking after our roads

Whether it's getting to work, dropping the kids at school or travelling between communities, our road network is something people rely on every day.

Looking after our roads isn't a one-year job. It's an ongoing commitment, that's why road renewal continues to be one of the City's biggest investments this year.

In 2026/27, the Budget commits more than $26.13 million to the City's road network, including:

• $15 million for rural road upgrades
• $11.13 million for local road upgrades and resurfacing
• $1.1 million for the Footpath Renewal Program
  • $500,000 for kerbing renewal
  • $400,000 for drainage improvement works
  • $100,000 for laneway renewals

Parks, playgrounds and places to enjoy

Whether it's taking the kids to the playground, walking the dog, watching weekend sport or catching up with friends, parks and public spaces are an important part of the Kal way of life.

This year's Budget continues investing in the places people use every day, including:

• $475,000 for the Playground Replacement Program
• $395,000 to replace fencing at the Oasis and Hammond Park
• $190,000 for upgrades at Tupper Street Park, Norkal Park and Sewell Park
• $170,000 to replace the inflatables at the Oasis
• Ongoing maintenance of parks, sporting reserves and public open spaces across the city

Community facilities that are used every day

From children's Story Time at the Library, to the conversations shared over a community meal at the Eastern Goldfields Community Centre, to the friendships built every week at the Men's Shed, these places support people in different ways every day.

This year's Budget continues that investment through:

• The addition of a third weekly community meal at the Eastern Goldfields Community Centre
• New Christmas decorations across the city
• Continued support for the City's annual Community Grants Program
• Ongoing Partnership Service Agreements with community organisations such as the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Urban Landcare Group, Kalgoorlie-Boulder Visitors Centre, Kalgoorlie-Boulder Chamber of Commerce and more.
• Redevelopment of outdated City facilities websites to improve customer experience and accessibility.
• Install hearing devices at the Goldfields Arts Centre to improve accessibility and audience experience
• Undertake the Community Perceptions Survey to better understand resident priorities and inform future planning and service delivery.

Creating safer public spaces

Creating safer public spaces isn't the responsibility of one organisation. It takes local government, Police, State agencies, businesses and the community all working together.

The City's role is to make the places we manage safer, more welcoming and better maintained.

This year's Budget includes:

• $630,000 for street lighting planning to support future upgrades
• $492,000 for CCTV upgrades at the Airport, Sir Richard Moore Oval, Eastern Goldfields Community Centre, the Men's Shed, Kalgoorlie Golf Course and the Depot/Rangers facilities
• Ongoing maintenance of parks, streetscapes and community facilities that help people feel safer using public spaces
• Continued Safer Streets Patrol Program

Essential Infrastructure

Some of the City's biggest investments aren't always visible, but they're essential.

Reliable wastewater services.

An airport that keeps our region connected.

Electrical upgrades that keep community facilities operating safely.

These projects happen behind the scenes, but they make everyday life possible.

This year's Budget includes:

• $6 million to develop additional lagoons at the Waste Water Treatment Plant
• $2.5 million to renew airport aprons
• $2.9 million to airport interior updates, including toilets, baggage system & sterile (pre-boarding) waiting area
• $1.28 million for electrical compliance works at the Endowment Block on Hannan St

What are the biggest investments in this year’s Budget?

The 2026/27 Budget includes $79 million in total capital expenditure, with 89% of investment directed to renewing and upgrading existing community assets and essential infrastructure

Key investments include:

• $26.13 million for rural road upgrades, local road upgrades and resurfacing
• $6 million for development of additional lagoons at the Waste Water Treatment Plant
•  $3.7 million for Sports Precinct lighting
•  $2.5 million for Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport apron renewal
•  $1.5 million for refurbishment of toilets at Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport
•  $1.28 million for electrical compliance works at the Endowment Block
•  $1.1 million for the Footpath Renewal Program
•  $630,000 for streetlighting upgrades
•  $492,000 for CCTV upgrades
•  $475,000 for the Playground Replacement Program
•  $400,000 for drainage improvement works

Why is Council focusing on renewing existing assets?

Maintaining existing infrastructure is one of the most responsible ways to manage community assets over the long term.

Rather than creating additional assets that increase future maintenance costs, this Budget prioritises renewing and upgrading the infrastructure the community already relies on.

The capital expenditure budget has been developed with priority to maintaining and upgrading existing assets, representing 89% of proposed expenditure.

Did the City look for savings before finalising the Budget?

Yes.

Before the Budget was finalised, the City completed a detailed review of operating expenses, employment budgets and capital submissions to identify efficiencies, reduce costs and stage delivery where possible.

The amended agenda notes that new positions have been funded through savings, with no additional costs attributed to new positions.

The City is also undertaking a service level review program to inform future service delivery and support long-term financial sustainability.

What community programs and services are included?

The Budget continues investment in a range of community services, programs and partnerships, including:

• the City’s Annual Grant Program, including major and minor grants
• library services and programs
• recreation programs
• a third weekly community meal at the Eastern Goldfields Community Centre
• development of a new Access and Inclusion Plan
• review of the Public Health Plan
• community engagement and consultation initiatives
• design and supply of new Christmas decorations across the city
• the next Community Perceptions Survey
• review and redevelopment of the City’s websites

The Budget also includes support through Partnership Service Agreements with the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kalgoorlie Boulder Visitor Centre and Council-approved community groups.

Why invest in projects people cannot always see?

Not all essential infrastructure is visible, but it is still critical to keeping the city functioning every day.

This includes wastewater infrastructure, airport assets, electrical compliance works, drainage, building maintenance, lighting and CCTV.

Investing in these assets helps maintain reliable services, improve safety and reduce the risk of higher future costs from reactive maintenance.

How were community priorities considered?

The Budget has been informed by the Strategic Community Plan, MARKYT Community Scorecard, rates submissions, public consultation initiatives and ongoing feedback from residents, ratepayers and Elected Members.

The strongest themes included maintaining roads, footpaths, parks, community facilities and essential services, as well as improving transparency around Council decisions and financial planning.

The Budget was also developed through a detailed internal process involving business unit submissions, Executive review, Finance review and six Elected Member workshops between March and July, spanning approximately 15 hours.

How does the Budget connect to the Strategic Community Plan?

The annual Budget is one of the ways the City turns long-term planning into action.

The 2026/27 Budget has been compiled based on the objectives of the Strategic Community Plan 2025–2035 and Corporate Business Plan 2025–2029. Assumptions in the Long Term Financial Plan 2025–2035 were also used as the basis for the Budget and subsequently reviewed.

This helps ensure annual spending decisions are connected to the City’s broader priorities, services and long-term financial planning.

What is being invested in roads, footpaths and drainage?

Roads, footpaths and drainage are a major focus in the 2026/27 Budget.

The Budget includes:

• $15 million for rural road upgrades
• $11.13 million for local road upgrades and resurfacing
• $1.1 million for the Footpath Renewal Program
  • $500,000 for kerbing renewal
  • $400,000 for drainage improvement works
  • $100,000 for laneway renewal

These works support safer, more accessible and better-connected streets across Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

What is being invested in parks, playgrounds and public spaces?

The Budget continues investment in parks, playgrounds and public spaces used by families, children, sporting groups and residents across Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

This includes:

• $475,000 for the Playground Replacement Program
• $395,000 for fencing replacement across the Oasis and Hammond Park
• $190,000 for upgrades at Tupper Street Park, Norkal Park and Sewell Park
• $170,000 for replacement inflatables at the Oasis

The Budget also supports ongoing planning for recreation and community infrastructure.

What is included for community safety?

Community safety is a shared responsibility across local, State and Federal Government agencies, community organisations and the broader community.

The City’s role includes investing in safer public spaces, supporting local partnerships, improving lighting and CCTV, and continuing to advocate for the services Kalgoorlie-Boulder needs.

The 2026/27 Budget includes:

• $630,000 for streetlighting upgrades
• $492,000 for CCTV upgrades at key City facilities and public places
• Continued Safer Streets Patrol Program

What is included for Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport?

The Budget includes several projects to renew and improve airport infrastructure.

These include:

• $2.5 million for renewal of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport aprons
• $1.5 million for refurbishment of toilets at Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport
• $800,000 for replacement of the checked baggage system
• $600,000 for review and upgrade of the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport sterile area

These projects support airport operations, passenger experience and the long-term management of important regional transport infrastructure.

Why is the Oasis Outdoor Pool included in the Budget?

The 2026/27 Budget includes a $13 million allocation for the Oasis Outdoor Pool from external funding sources.

This allocation is fully funded from external sources and does not include municipal or loan funding at this stage.

Further direction will be required from Council during the year on the future of the project. The external funding has been retained in the Budget to preserve flexibility for Council decision-making.

As the funds are externally sourced, their inclusion does not impact the City’s overall financial position.

What work is happening to improve financial planning and transparency?

The City understands the community wants clearer information about how financial decisions are made and how Budget priorities are set.

In 2026/27, the City will continue work on:

• a service level review program
• review of the Long Term Financial Plan 2025–2035
• development of a Rating Strategy
• development of a Loan Strategy
• development of a Reserve Strategy
• development of an Asset Management Strategy and Plans
• development of a Strategic Waste Management Plan
• corporate performance reporting and clearer public information

These actions are designed to support more consistent decision-making, improve transparency and strengthen long-term financial sustainability.

Will every project be delivered immediately?

No.

The Budget sets the financial framework for the 2026/27 year, but individual projects still require planning, procurement, scheduling and delivery.

Some projects may be delivered in stages, and timing can be affected by contractor availability, weather, supply chains, approvals and operational requirements.

The City will continue to provide updates as major projects progress.

Why have rates increased?

• Like households and businesses, the City continues to experience rising costs across construction, materials, utilities, insurance, labour, contractors and service delivery.
• As a regional local government, the City also faces higher costs due to distance, scale, limited supplier markets and competition for labour and materials.
• Rates help fund the services, facilities and infrastructure the community relies on every day, while supporting the City’s long-term financial sustainability.

What is the average rates change this year?

• The adopted rating model includes a 4.96% increase to the rate in the dollar for GRV Residential properties.
• For the average GRV Residential property, this is equivalent to an increase of $48.88 per year, or approximately $0.94 per week.
• This relates to the general rates component for GRV Residential properties. Individual rates notices may vary depending on property valuation, rating category, minimum payments, waste and sewerage charges, the Emergency Services Levy, concessions, arrears or other applicable charges.

Will my rates notice increase by exactly 4.96%?

Not necessarily.

The 4.96% increase applies to the rate in the dollar for GRV Residential properties.

The total amount on an individual rates notice may vary depending on:

• property valuation;
• rating category;
• minimum payments;
• waste service charges;
• sewerage charges;
• the Emergency Services Levy;
• concessions or rebates;
• outstanding arrears or payment arrangements.

Property valuations are independently provided by Landgate and the Valuer General of WA. The City does not determine individual property valuations.

Who sets my property valuation?

Property valuations are independently provided by Landgate and the Valuer General of WA.

The City uses these valuations to calculate rates, but does not determine individual property valuations and does not have input or appeal rights over those valuations.

The next general revaluation cycle for the City is scheduled for 2026/27, with valuations to take effect from 1 July 2027.

How are rates calculated?

Rates are calculated by multiplying a property’s valuation by the rate in the dollar adopted for its rating category.

Different rating categories apply across the City, including Gross Rental Value and Unimproved Value categories.

Minimum payments may also apply.

The rating categories and minimum payments are set through the annual Budget process.

Why does the Budget say 4.96%, but total rates revenue changes by a different amount?

The 4.96% figure refers to the adopted increase to the rate in the dollar for GRV Residential properties.

Total rates revenue can move differently because it is also affected by valuation changes, rating categories, minimum payments and changes across GRV and UV properties.

This means the City’s total rates revenue movement and an individual property owner’s rates notice may not be exactly the same as the adopted percentage increase to the rate in the dollar.

How do Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s rates differ from some other local government areas?

Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s rates notice may include charges that are managed differently in some other local government areas.

One example is sewerage. In some areas, sewerage may be billed separately by another provider. In Kalgoorlie-Boulder, sewerage charges are levied by the City as part of the annual rates and charges process.

This means it is important to look at the full rates notice, including general rates, waste charges, sewerage charges, the Emergency Services Levy and any other applicable charges.

Do all charges on my rates notice go to the City?

No.

The Emergency Services Levy appears on rates notices but is not retained by the City. It is collected on behalf of the State Government and passed through in full.

Other charges on the notice may relate to specific services, such as waste collection or sewerage.

What do my rates help pay for?

Rates help fund services and infrastructure that the whole community uses, including:

• roads, footpaths, kerbing and drainage;
• parks, playgrounds and sporting facilities;
• libraries and community centres;
• waste collection and environmental services;
• airport and wastewater infrastructure;
• community safety initiatives;
• community grants, events and programs;
• planning, building and regulatory services;
• asset renewal and maintenance.

What waste charges apply in 2026/27?

Waste service charges are listed separately on rates notices.

For 2026/27, the residential waste service fee is $465.50 per service. Additional residential waste and recycling services are charged separately.

Non-residential waste service charges also apply, depending on the service provided.

These charges help recover the cost of providing waste collection and recycling services.

What sewerage charges apply in 2026/27?

For 2026/27, sewerage rates are levied at $0.025501 cents in the dollar per GRV, per lot of location, with a minimum payment of $491.

These charges support the cost of providing and maintaining sewerage infrastructure and services.

What payment options are available?

Ratepayers can pay in full or by instalments.

The payment options for 2026/27 are:

• Full payment: due Tuesday, 29 September 2026.
• Two instalments: due Tuesday, 29 September 2026 and Wednesday, 2 December 2026.
• Four instalments: due Tuesday, 29 September 2026; Wednesday, 2 December 2026; Thursday, 4 February 2027; and Friday, 9 April 2027.
• An administration fee applies to instalment options.

What if I cannot pay my rates by the due date?

• Ratepayers who are unable to pay by the due date can apply to enter into a special payment arrangement with the City.
• These arrangements typically involve weekly, fortnightly or monthly direct debit payments from an Australian bank account.
• Anyone experiencing financial difficulty is encouraged to contact the City early so available options can be discussed.