Published on Friday, 24 July 2026 at 8:54:22 AM

The Shire of Dardanup adopted its 2026/27 Annual Budget at Wednesday night's Ordinary Council Meeting, reaffirming Council's commitment to responsible financial management, renewing community assets and maintaining a strong financial position for the future.

Shire President Cr Tyrrell Gardiner said the budget had been developed with a clear focus on preserving and improving the infrastructure and facilities that residents rely on every day, while ensuring the Shire remains financially sustainable in the years ahead.

"This budget reflects Council's commitment to responsible financial management, maintaining the assets and infrastructure our community relies on, and ensuring the Shire remains in a strong financial position for years to come,” Cr Gardiner said.

He said to support these objectives, Council adopted a 6% increase in general rate revenue.

"We know cost-of-living pressures continue to affect many households and any rates increase is carefully considered," Cr Gardiner said.

"This measured increase will help address rising costs while enabling continued investment in the maintenance and renewal of our roads, buildings, parks, recreational facilities and other vital community assets.

"Looking after our existing assets is one of Council's highest priorities. By investing in renewal works today, we can extend the life of key infrastructure, reduce future costs and continue providing the services and facilities our community expects."

Cr Gardiner said the budget also reflects the importance of long-term planning as the Shire continues to grow.

"As our community grows, so too does the importance of planning for the future," he said.

"This budget has been developed with a strong focus on long-term financial sustainability, ensuring we can meet today's service expectations while responsibly preparing for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

"By taking a balanced and strategic approach, Council is investing in the long-term sustainability of our assets, services and community, while maintaining sound financial foundations for future generations."

Key budget highlights:

• $1.92 million for roads, bridges, pathways, and drainage upgrades and renewals.
• $316 thousand for building construction and renewals.
• $491 thousand for parks and reserves improvements.
• $491 thousand for community grants, events, and programs.

Capital works: $2.73 million:

• New/upgrades and renewals.
• Eaton Recreation Centre
• Burekup Hall.
• Don Hewison Centre.
• Dardanup West Road – reconstruction and resealing.
• Ironstone Road – widening works.
• Dowdell’s Line – reconstruction design.
• Hale Street – reconstruction design.
• Henty Road shoulder sealing and audible edge line works.
• Various road reseal projects throughout the Shire.
• Various pathway renewals and improvements including Recreation Drive.
• Playground renewal at Primrose Vista Park and Lusitano Park.
• New dugout shelters at Glen Huon Football Oval.
• Drainage upgrades and repairs at the Eaton Drive/Recreation Drive Intersection.
• Various park and planting renewals.

Depreciation: $7.65 million.

Asset maintenance (excluding overheads): $6.11 million:

• Transport and drainage maintenance.

• Parks and reserves maintenance.
• Buildings maintenance.

Law, order and public safety and health $1.44 million:

• Critical Fire and Emergency Services
• Animal Control
• Public Safety

Community services and economic development $1.92 million:

• Libraries and Make-It Space.
• Community programs, events and festivals.
• Education, welfare and community services.
• Economic services.

Waste, sanitation and environment protection $2.75 million.

Developments services $1.64 million:

• Building permits and swimming pool inspections
• Planning Services and approvals.
• Development contribution plans.

Eaton Recreation Centre $1.92 million.

Administration costs $9.11 million:

• Employee costs.
• Software licensing and services.
• Materials and contracts.
• Finance costs.
• Administration overheads.
• General purpose, governance and other expenditure.

Public works $2.80 million.

 2026/27 Annual Budget

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