Published on Thursday, 9 July 2026 at 1:30:00 PM

A message from the Shire President:

This month, Council will consider the adoption of the 2026-2027 Budget. As we approach this important milestone, I would like to reflect on the progress we have made together and thank our community, Council and Shire staff for their ongoing support and commitment.

Over the past two and a half years, Council has worked closely with the Shire Executive, staff and our community to address the long-term financial challenges identified through the Shire's planning processes. Throughout this journey, we have provided regular updates on our progress, spoken openly about the challenges we face and the decisions required, and reinforced the importance of planning responsibly for future generations.

This year has continued that disciplined and considered approach. The development of the 2026-2027 Budget has been guided by a range of strategic planning documents that help ensure Council's decisions are informed by our long-term financial, asset management and service delivery responsibilities. These include:

• Asset Management and Financial Informing Plans, annual review received in February 2026
• Long-term Financial Plan (LTFP) 2026/27 – 2040/41, annual review received in March 2026
• 5-year Capital Forward Roadworks Program, considered in May 2026
• 2026-2027 Schedule of Fees and Charges, considered in May 2026

Supporting this work has been a continued focus on responsible financial management. Together, we have secured external funding for key community projects, reviewed services and operations, and carefully considered opportunities to improve efficiency while maintaining service delivery. While some decisions have been challenging, they have been guided by a shared objective: ensuring we can maintain and renew community assets, continue delivering essential services, and avoid passing today's costs on to future generations.

I am pleased to report that this work is producing positive results. The timeline accompanying this update highlights the key milestones that have shaped our financial sustainability journey and the progress achieved through the collective efforts of Council, staff and our community.

To put it into perspective, the LTFP will always have a “gap” because it considers a broad range of factors, many of which vary greatly over time – and there are also several key elements that simply cannot be determined or may change at any given moment, which are out of our control. These unknown factors include:

• Asset Renewal Requirements – the cost of materials, time needed, project scopes, community needs, future asset renewal needs (informed by ongoing assessments and forecasts)
• Staffing needs & the Workforce Plan – balancing compliance with the delivery of standard services and key projects, and other variables identified through routine Workforce Plan reviews
• Waste Management, Facilities & Services – an ongoing challenge across the South West region, decisions about the future of this space could involve significant investment

Despite these unknowns, I am very pleased to share that our asset funding reserves have reached a solid neutral position going into the new financial year. This achievement belongs to our entire community, and demonstrates that a consistent, long-term approach can deliver meaningful results. It also shows that improving financial sustainability requires careful planning, open discussion and, at times, difficult decisions. I would like to acknowledge everyone who has contributed constructively to this process and helped build a stronger foundation for the future.

The proposed 2026-2027 Budget continues Council's commitment to balancing long-term financial sustainability with the increasing cost of delivering services and maintaining community infrastructure. At this time, the projected rates adjustment of 6.7% allows 4.24% for general cost increases, and 2.46% for our Asset Reserves. Council understands that any increase in rates impacts households, businesses and landowners, and this has been carefully considered alongside affordability, asset renewal requirements and our long-term financial responsibilities.

It is important to note that the 2026-2027 Budget – including the final rates adjustment for this financial year – has not yet been adopted. The recommendations will be considered by Council at a formal meeting and will only take effect if adopted by resolution. I encourage interested community members to review the agenda and supporting documents when they become available on the Shire website, along with the informing plans that support Council's decision-making.

If you would like further information, please contact the Shire Administration Office. Community members are also welcome to submit questions for consideration during the Council meeting or attend in person and participate during Public Question Time.

Thank you for your ongoing interest and engagement as we continue working together to strengthen the long-term future of the Shire of Donnybrook Balingup.

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