Published on Wednesday, 25 June 2025 at 4:12:36 PM
Council’s commitment to sustainability, infrastructure upgrades and community wellbeing were some of the highlights adopted in the Town of East Fremantle’s 2025/26 Budget.
The $13.3 million operating budget was adopted at a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday 24 June and incorporates a 4.95 per cent rate increase, with Council balancing inflationary pressures, and economic pressures for residents.
Deputy Mayor Tony Natale said the budget was a reflection of how the Town plans to meet the needs of our community, and the projects forecasted in its Corporate Business Plan 2025 - 2029.
“The budget is more than just dollars and cents,” he said.
“It demonstrates Council’s commitment to responsible financial management while addressing the priorities set out in the Town’s Strategic Community Plan.
“We have worked hard to align our financial planning with the values and needs of our residents, while planning for the future.”
The budget also includes funding to maintain key services such as waste, parks, roads and key services, and projects to support the needs of our community.
The Long-Term Financial Plan, Revenue Strategy and Corporate Business Plan 2025/26 – 2028/29 were also adopted this month.
Key highlights of the 2025/26 budget include:
From net funding from operations, $2,430,421 will be invested in capital works projects including:
- Battery and solar project – The Town will invest $796k to install solar power and batteries at the East Fremantle Community Park and other Town facilities. (This project is funded by a $398,212 Community Energy Upgrade Fund grant from the Federal Government and funds from the Town’s Sustainability and Environmental Reserve).
- Riverside Road upgrade – Thanks to a $240,000 Regional Road Group grant and $120,000 Roads to Recovery grant, works will begin to upgrade Riverside Road adjacent to Leeuwin Boat Ramp. This project is 100 per cent funded by the grants.
- Norm McKenzie River wall and plaza project – The Town has secured a $181,339 Riverbank grant from the State Government to replace the existing retaining wall, add seating and enhancements to the plaza area and restoration works between Norm McKenzie Park and the beach. This is a $430,000 project with the Town funding the balance. The Town will work closely with DBCA to deliver the project.
- Ulrich playground upgrade – As the playground at Ulrich Park playground has reached the end of its life, the Town has allocated $120,000 for designing and scoping a new playground.
In addition, the Town will conduct its biennial community survey, undertake a major strategic review of its Strategic Community Plan, and complete a review the Town’s events offerings.
The full budget will come into effect from 1 July and will be available to view on the Town’s website.
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