Council is proposing adjustments to the rate in the dollar and minimum payments across several rating categories for the 2026/27 financial year.

The proposed model includes:

• 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, higher occupancy levels and greater use of local infrastructure, services and tourism-related amenities.

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.

Individual rates will depend on each property’s valuation, rating category and applicable minimum payment.

Proposed Differential Rates 2026/27 and Minimum Payments

The rate in the dollar is applied to a property’s valuation to calculate the annual rates payable, subject to the minimum payment where applicable.

This year’s proposed rates model has been developed during a period of continued cost escalation across regional Western Australia, particularly in construction, utilities, fuel, insurance, and service delivery.

These pressures are being felt by local governments across the State, with regional communities experiencing significantly higher costs to deliver and maintain infrastructure and services compared to metropolitan areas.

While inflation and CPI are important indicators, they do not fully reflect the cost environment in regional areas such as Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

Council and the City’s Administration are focused on making sure the organisation is managed responsibly, efficiently, and in a way that is sustainable for the long term.

As part of the 2026/27 budget process, the City has reviewed its operations closely to find efficiencies, reduce unnecessary costs where possible, and ensure funding is directed to priority services and projects.

This has included:

• A detailed review of budgets across all departments
• Regular monthly and mid-year budget reviews
• Reviewing staffing structures, including vacant positions, to ensure resources are used effectively
• Continuing to use local suppliers wherever practical and appropriate
• Asset condition assessments to help prioritise renewal and maintenance work
• Ongoing work to secure additional State and Federal funding
• Commencement of the CORE service review program to improve how services are delivered
• Focusing on maintaining and renewing existing assets before committing to new infrastructure

Alongside this work, the City is continuing to strengthen its long-term financial position through better 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.

Like many councils, the City is continuing 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.

Key drivers include:

• Increased construction and contractor costs
• Higher fuel and utility prices
• Rising insurance premiums
• Asset maintenance and renewal requirements
• Workforce and employment-related costs
• Higher costs associated with delivering projects in regional WA

At the same time, the City is continuing to deliver a significant capital works program, maintain ageing infrastructure, and plan for the long-term sustainability of community assets and services.

The 2026/27 capital works program is estimated at $80 million and focuses on renewing and improving essential community infrastructure, including:

• Roads and drainage
• Parks, playgrounds and public open space
• Community and sporting facilities
• Building renewals and upgrades
• Essential service delivery assets

Capital works include renewal, replacement and upgrade works required to maintain existing community assets, not only new projects.

Rates are one of several funding sources used to deliver services and infrastructure across Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Other funding sources include government grants, fees and charges, lease income, and external funding partnerships.

Before any rates are formally adopted as part of the 2026/27 Budget, the City is seeking feedback from ratepayers and the broader community.

In addition to funding day-to-day operations and infrastructure maintenance, the proposed 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 reduce pressure on future generations to fund large-scale asset renewal works.

Council is also proposing to develop a formal Rating Strategy to improve transparency, consistency and long-term planning around future rate setting decisions.