Published on Thursday, 11 June 2026 at 11:48:10 AM
The City of Busselton Council is inviting community feedback on proposed differential rates for the 2026/27 financial year, with the draft budget seeking to provide quality community services and facilities while balancing the impact on ratepayers.
The proposed budget includes an average rates increase of 7% for 2026/27. This incorporates an additional 1% contribution towards building the City’s financial reserves for future sport and recreation facilities across the district.
The proposed rates have been influenced by rising costs across local government and increasing demand for services in a growing community. If adopted, the proposed increase would result in the average residential ratepayer paying approximately $155 more per year. The proposal also includes increasing the contribution to the Sport and Recreation Reserve from 2% of total rate revenue in 2025/26 to 3% in 2026/27, equating to approximately $2.29 million.
The draft differential rates also propose an average increase of 15.8% for properties currently classified as holiday homes, to be renamed Unhosted Short Term Rental Accommodation (USTRA). Properties used for unhosted short term accommodation are considered to provide services comparable to commercial tourism accommodation providers. The proposed increase is intended to improve equity between these properties. The USTRA rate does not apply to hosted accommodation providers, such as bed and breakfasts.
Mayor Phill Cronin said the proposal is aimed at the continued delivery of quality community services while planning for future community needs.
“The City’s population continues to grow with demand for services high. The community has consistently told the Council it wants more and improved sport and recreation facilities. This proposal continues to set aside funds to support the delivery of those facilities over the longer term.”
“Our community has diverse needs and experiences when it comes to the City’s services and facilities, which is why community input is so important. I encourage residents to review the proposed differential rates and have their say by providing feedback,” Mayor Cronin said.
For more details regarding the proposed differential rates and to provide feedback, please visit the City’s engagement platform Your Say Busselton. Consultation closes at 4.30pm on 3 July 2026.
Once consultation has closed, community feedback will be considered before a report is presented to the Council for a decision at its meeting on Wednesday 29 July 2026.
Objectives outlined in this statement are aligned with the City of Busselton’s Council Plan (2024 - 2034) Key Theme Leadership – We actively engage with community to deliver visionary, collaborative and accountable leadership.
Ends. Media enquiries can be directed to pr@busselton.wa.gov.au
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