With the adopted 2026/27 Budget, Council’s focus remains on what matters most to our community - maintaining the services, facilities and public spaces that make Cambridge such a great place to live, work and visit, while carefully responding to the cost pressures affecting households, businesses, and local governments across Perth.
Like many households and businesses, the Town continues to face rising costs. Ongoing international conflict, fluctuating fuel prices, and higher supplier and contractor costs all impact the cost of delivering services and infrastructure projects. As a Council, we have worked hard to strike a balance between being financially responsible and investing in our community’s future.
The overall rate revenue increase for 2026/27 is 5.5%, which remains competitive and reflects the realities of the current economic situation. We also recognise that many households are feeling cost-of-living pressures, and this Budget has been carefully prepared to ensure we continue to deliver the services and amenities that our community relies on.
This year’s Budget also coincides with a Landgate revaluation year, with Gross Rental Values across the Town increasing by an average of 23%. The State Government’s Emergency Services Levy (ESL), which the Town collects on behalf of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, will also increase by around 5% in 2026/27.
Throughout this newsletter, you’ll read about how the Town will continue to provide a wide range of services and programs over the coming year. These include reducing landfill waste through FOGO, the return of the Cambridge Street Festival in March, implementing the Town’s first Reconciliation Action Plan, and maintaining a strong focus on community safety and health initiatives.
The Budget also provides for several important capital works projects, including improvements to the Quarry Amphitheatre, the replacement of heat pumps at Bold Park Aquatic Centre, and the extension of safety netting at the Wembley Golf Course Driving Range.
As always, rates are an investment in Cambridge’s shared future. The 2026/27 Budget ensures the Town is well-positioned to respond to growth, deliver key projects, and continue building a safe, connected, sustainable, and thriving community.
Gary Mack
Mayor