City of Canning adopts Better Budget: Delivering today. Investing in tomorrow.

The City of Canning has adopted its 2025–2026 Annual Budget, committing $205.7 million to the services, infrastructure and programs that matter most to our community, strengthening the City today while laying the foundations for a more connected, sustainable and liveable Canning tomorrow.

Mayor Patrick Hall said the Budget responds directly to community priorities identified through the Living in Canning survey, with strong investment in community safety, parks and leisure, transport infrastructure, environmental sustainability and places that bring people together.

“This is a responsible, community-first Budget,” Mayor Hall said. “We’re maintaining and improving the services people rely on every day, from our parks, roads, Leisureplexes and libraries, while investing in the kind of city we want to leave for future generations.”

The Budget includes an average rate increase of $1.62 per week, around $84 per year, with eligible pensioners continuing to receive a 50% rebate. Canning remains a low rating Council, but like many households, is facing rising costs, driven by increased utility and service provider charges, wage obligations under the City’s industrial agreement, and the growing cost of maintaining and upgrading ageing infrastructure.

“We’ve worked hard to keep costs low while ensuring we can deliver the high-quality services and upgrades our community deserves,” Mayor Hall said.

The Budget provides $5.4 million, which primarily funds the City’s Community Safety Service. The team are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and aim to patrol every street, every week. The budget also includes $275,000 to improve and expand the City’s CCTV network and $100,000 to continue the highly successful Security Incentive Scheme.

“Everyone has a right to feel safe where they live. This investment deters crime, improves safety and provides greater peace of mind for our residents,” Mayor Hall said.

We’ve also committed $34 million to manage and maintain Canning’s much-loved recreational facilities.

Our two Leisureplexes welcome more than 1.5 million visits annually and deliver over 40,000 swimming lessons each year, and this budget will see both centres maintained to the high standard expected by users.

This year’s Budget also includes a major $8 million investment in Whaleback Golf Course to transform the driving range and food and beverage precinct into a welcoming, accessible entertainment hub, for the whole community, not just golfers. As a revenue-generating facility, Whaleback supports the City’s long-term financial sustainability while creating more opportunities for recreation, connection and activation.

“We’re making sure our recreational spaces are modern, inclusive and designed for everyone, whether you’re here for a game of golf, a bite to eat or to celebrate with friends,” Mayor Hall said.

More than $39.4 million has been allocated to improve roads and transport infrastructure, including footpath upgrades on Doust Street in Cannington and Bannister Road in Canning Vale, improved carpark accessibility and $1.85 million towards Greenfield Street Bridge replacement in Ferndale. School traffic audits and an updated Integrated Transport Strategy will guide future planning.

“Connectivity is key - safer school zones, improved roads and better access make life easier for everyone,” said Mayor Hall.

$11.7 million will go towards supporting the City’s libraries, youth centres and Hillview Intercultural Community Centre, all vital community hubs that foster connection, learning and inclusion. This includes $260,000 in community grants, support for free local events and ongoing investment in accessible programs for all ages.

“These places are at the heart of our community. They help people feel connected, supported and proud to belong, celebrating everything that makes Canning unique.”

$8 million has been allocated to provide, expand and upgrade community and club facilities across Canning. Major upgrades are planned for Ferndale Park and Wyong Reserve, along with preliminary design work for new gender-neutral changerooms and improvements to sports lighting at a number of locations.

“Our local clubs and community groups are the heartbeat of Canning. These upgrades are about removing barriers and creating safe, welcoming spaces for all, especially women and girls,” Mayor Hall said.

Nearly $30 million has been allocated to the environment, waste and recycling services, continuing the City’s commitment to reducing emissions. This includes support for the LED streetlight conversion project, a $2 million investment in renewable energy and activation of the Waste to Energy contract which will see all non-recyclable waste sent to the Waste to Energy Plant at Kwinana Beach.

“This isn’t just about infrastructure, it’s about investing in our environment, reducing our carbon footprint and taking practical steps towards a more sustainable future,” said Mayor Hall.

Over $25 million has been allocated to enhance parks and playgrounds across Canning, including $2.7 million for playground upgrades with a major new district level playground planned for Kent Street Weir. The City will also take responsibility for six hectares of new public open space under the METRONET Elevated Rail project, and invest $1.75 million to protect and restore local waterways.

“Our parks are where families gather, children play and communities connect, said Mayor Hall. We’re investing to make them greener, safer, more inclusive and more fun for everyone.”

Looking beyond 2025/2026, the Budget outlines a forward investment plan, including:

• $16.5 million over three years for community building and changeroom upgrades
• $6.2 million over three years for renewable energy to power key City facilities
• $3 million annually for Leisureplex refurbishments to meet increasing demand and improve accessibility
• Continued rollout of underground power and renewable energy projects.

“We’re not only planning for tomorrow, we’re already building it,” Mayor Hall said.

“This Budget delivers today while making smart decisions that prepare Canning for the years ahead.”