Published on Thursday, 26 June 2025 at 12:50:01 PM

The Shire of Dardanup adopted its 2025/26 Annual Budget at last night’s Ordinary Council Meeting, reflecting a disciplined and forward-looking approach to financial sustainability while continuing to invest in essential services and infrastructure for a growing community.

Shire President Cr Tyrrell Gardiner acknowledged that the decision to increase rates by 6.1% was not taken lightly, especially given the financial pressures many households are currently experiencing.

“We know that times are tough for many in our community, and any increase in household costs can be difficult,” Cr Gardiner said.

“This year’s 6.1% increase in general rate revenue is necessary to keep up with inflation and the rising costs of delivering essential services, as well as to invest in renewing the infrastructure our community relies on every day.”

Cr Gardiner emphasised that the Valuer General’s revaluation reflects strong growth and increasing demand for property in the Shire of Dardanup.

“The 49% average increase in residential property rental values is a sign of the desirability and continued development of our region,” Cr Gardiner said.

“In response, Council has reduced the rate in the dollar to ensure this growth doesn’t translate to an unrealistic rates burden. We’re committed to managing this transition responsibly and supporting our community with fair, sustainable financial decisions.”

The 2025/26 Budget outlines a budgeted operating expenditure of $42 million, with a surplus of $173,999 and a strong focus on maintaining service levels, renewing infrastructure, and preparing for future growth.

“We’re being responsible today to avoid problems tomorrow,” Cr Gardiner said.

“This budget reflects our commitment to long-term financial sustainability, ensuring we can continue to meet the needs of our community now and into the future.”

Community satisfaction drives strategic investment

The Shire’s budget priorities have been shaped in part by community feedback received through the 2025 MARKYT Community Satisfaction Scorecard, where nearly 900 residents shared their views.

The Shire was recognised as one of WA’s top-performing local governments, ranking 2nd overall among regional councils and 8th out of more than 70 councils that have participated in the Scorecard since 2003.

The Shire was celebrated as an industry leader in several key areas, reflecting high levels of satisfaction across a broad range of services.

Cr Gardiner said this feedback has reinforced the Council’s commitment to maintaining service quality while planning responsibly for the future.

“Our community has told us what matters most, and this budget responds to that,” Cr Gardiner said.

“We’re investing in the areas that residents value – roads, parks, community programs – while ensuring we remain financially resilient.”

Key budget highlights:

• $5.32 million for roads, bridges, pathways, and drainage upgrades.
• $1.92 million for building construction and renewals.
• $392,523 for parks and reserves improvements.
• $431,644 for community grants, events, and programs.

Capital works: $9.15 million:

• New/upgrades/expansions/renewals.
• Eaton Recreation Centre – doors, bollards
• Dardanup Hall.
• Don Hewison Centre.
• Library, Administration and Community building – electrical services.
• Eaton Drive – Traffic signals at Glen Huon Boulevard.
• Eaton Drive - New intersection at Cudliss Street.
• Busher Road intersection upgrade.
• Crooked Brook Road Bridge – design.
• Henty Road seal widening.
• Hamilton Road – Ann Street left out construction.
• Ferguson Rd landscaping.
• Various road reseal projects throughout the Shire.
• Various pathway renewals and Improvements including Pratt Road Reserve – Watson Reserve.
• East Millbridge Public Open Space – Retic and Kick Around Area.
• Lot 4739 Pratt Road – electrical upgrade.
• Eaton Town Centre – landscaping/drainage.
• Various park and planting renewals.
• Eaton Foreshore bore and landscaping.

Depreciation: $7.34 million

Asset maintenance (excluding overheads): $4.91 million:

• Transport and drainage maintenance.

• Parks and reserves maintenance.
• Buildings maintenance.

Law, order and public safety and health $1.38 million.

Community services and economic development $1.90 million.

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

Waste, sanitation and environment protection $2.02 million.

Developments services $2.03 million:

• Planning and building.

Eaton Recreation Centre $1.67 million.

Administration costs $8.58 million:

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

Public works $3.02 million.

Investing in the future

“The Shire’s key focus is to preserve and maintain the assets our community relies on today, while also building reserves to deliver the infrastructure and renewal projects our growing community will need tomorrow,” Cr Gardiner said.

“We’re using our reserves wisely while ensuring we’re setting aside enough to meet future renewal demands, in line with our revised Long Term Financial Plan.”

To view the full 2025/26 Annual Budget, visit:

2025/26 Annual Budget

Caption: The Shire of Dardanup last night
adopted its 2025/26 Annual Budget at its
Ordinary Council Meeting.

Media contact: Tahnia Creedon, Communications Officer | tahnia.creedon@dardanup.wa.gov.au | 0436 942 509.

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