The City of Canning ratified its 2023–24 annual budget on 27 June 2023, with PerthNow reporting an average rates increase of 4.65% as part of the plan to deliver an operating surplus. That percentage is an average: it does not mean every property’s rates bill rose by exactly 4.65%.
What the 2023–24 budget included
PerthNow reported $44 million for capital projects, including improvements at Queens Park open space, Shelley Beach Park playground, Prendwick Park and Whaleback Golf Course’s driving range. The report also identified more than $16 million for roads and other infrastructure improvements.
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The City’s 2023–24 Annual Budget lists $82,559,769 in budgeted rates revenue and $4,116,061 in operating grants, subsidies and contributions. These are revenue line items in the budget document; they are not measures of an individual property’s rates increase.
PerthNow reported that rates were expected to account for 64% of operating revenue. Mayor Patrick Hall connected the budget to rising costs and capital investment, saying, “Everything we do and everything we provide is costing more money,” and, “Yet in this budget, we’re able to provide capital projects at an extraordinary capacity.”
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Why councillors debated rates and spending
The debate reflected a choice between continuing investment in services and infrastructure and easing pressure on ratepayers through savings or deferred works. Councillors expressed differing views; the discussion should not be read as a unanimous rationale for every spending decision.
Calls for more savings and ratepayer relief
Councillor Hardeep Singh called for the City to find significantly more savings to reduce rates and help residents facing cost-of-living pressure. His late suggestion was not put to a vote.
Rank #2
Argument for deferring non-essential works
Councillor Amanda Spencer-Teo said the City’s three-year effort to address its budget and infrastructure renewal was ending, and argued that non-essential capital projects could be deferred. “It should now be up to us to spend less,” she said.
The council also amended the budget to prevent town-planning scheme funds from being used for irrigation costs. Spencer-Teo said those funds were intended for other park facilities, including benches, barbecues and shade sails.
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What the average increase means for an individual bill
The reported 4.65% figure describes an average increase, not the change for every ratepayer. The available figures do not establish the percentage increase for any particular household or property. The City’s current rates FAQ explains that rates are calculated by multiplying a property’s Gross Rental Value by the rate in the dollar set by Council, but that FAQ is for 2026/27. Its current-year figures should not be used to calculate or infer a 2023–24 bill.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Sources and scope
PerthNow’s 29 June 2023 report covered the budget meeting, project commitments and councillors’ remarks. The City’s 2023–24 budget document provides the rates and operating-grants revenue line items. The available sources do not provide a complete breakdown of each project’s final expenditure.
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