News

Project update: June 2026

26 June 2026

The City advertised its intention to levy differential rates for over 21 days between May and June 2026, as mandated by the Local Government Act 1995. In accordance with the legislation, advertising included a public notice on social media, at the City’s main administration noticeboard, and on the City’s website. The City also advised the community via our Comment on Cockburn engagement portal, Comment on Cockburn e-newsletter, and placed information at Spearwood, Coolbellup, and Success Libraries.

The City’s draft capital works budget was advertised for community comment alongside the notice of intention to levy differential rates.

The Comment on Cockburn page received 1,931 visits; however, participants were able to respond either via the online survey or via email. 133 people provided a submission on the proposed differential rates 2026-27 and 66 people provided a submission on the draft capital works budget 2026-27.

Submissions have been included in a report for Council’s consideration at the June 2026 Special Council Meeting, and you can also view them here.

The City’s 2026–27 annual budget reflects what matters most to our community, safe neighbourhoods, well-maintained parks, libraries, and welcoming spaces. It aligns with our Strategic Community Plan 2025–2035 and supports delivery of the Corporate Business Plan. The budget maintains essential services and programs, while continuing to invest in the renewal of roads and facilities. Amid ongoing cost pressures, the City has taken a disciplined approach; reviewing costs, challenging assumptions, and identifying efficiencies to minimise impacts on service levels.

The 2026–27 financial year also includes Landgate’s triennial Gross Rental Value (GRV) revaluation of properties. The revaluation does not in itself increase the City’s total rates income; Council sets the overall rates by adjusting the rate in the dollar. The City has no role in determining property valuations or handling valuation objections; any ratepayer who believes their new GRV is inaccurate can lodge an objection directly with Landgate, subject to Landgate’s criteria.

To help manage the impact of these changes and cost-of-living pressures, the City will continue its policy of waiving interest and administrative fees for rates paid by instalment (including through SmartRates, and other approved payment plans). The City will also maintain the high GRV concession for single residential improved properties, providing targeted relief for homeowners with higher property valuations.

Special Council Meeting Details

Elected Members will consider the 2026-27 Annual Budget, Corporate Business Plan 2026-2030, 2026-27 Service Plans and Project Plans, and Workforce Plan 2026-2030 at the Special Council Meeting 6pm, Tuesday 30 June 2026 at the City of Cockburn Council Chambers.

The agenda is available on the City’s website.

You are welcome to attend the Special Council Meeting in person or tune in online. The meeting will be livestreamed and can be accessed on the City’s website.

For Public Questions and Deputations please refer to the Public Questions and Deputations protocol on the City’s website. Write to the Chief Executive Officer at PO Box 1215, Bibra Lake, WA, 6955 or fill in the online form on the Public Questions and Deputations page.