Published on Friday, 25 July 2025 at 9:37:01 AM

The Shire of Murray Council has adopted its 2025/26 budget; investing to deliver the Council Plan and community vision where Murray is an outstanding place for community, lifestyle and opportunity.

Through the budget, the Shire will deliver a range of services and projects that align to community aspirations under five strategic pillars – people, planet, place, prosperity and performance – with a particular focus on health, economic development, tourism development and environmental sustainability.

Shire President, Douglas McLarty, said the budget will allow the Shire to deliver essential ratepayer services, while also maintaining facilities and investing in the future.

“While the annual budget delivers great outcomes in the here and now, it also sets us up for a successful future,” said President McLarty.

“This financial year, with the generous support from the Bendigo Community Bank Pinjarra, we will refurbish the Murray Library to allow for a better and more modern library layout, while also commencing formal masterplanning and design concepts for a future new Murray Library” he said.

The Shire will invest $16,588,498 in sport and recreation through the Murray Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Murray Library, green spaces and community facilities such as sports pavilions, playgrounds and youth skate/BMX parks.

There will be a $4,397,497 investment in health, welfare and community safety, $22,927,734 in roads, footpaths, bridges and drainage, and $4,646,042 in waste management.

$5,084,975 has been committed to  economic development and tourism activities such as the Dwellingup Trails and Visitor Centre, the Food Innovation Precinct WA, promotion of tourism destinations and economic stimulation projects. Plus, there’s a $3,613,905 investment in heritage, culture and events, and a further $3,147,592 in town planning and environmental protection.

“The budget will also progress a number of major projects. We will install new sport and recreational facilities, improve community bushfire preparedness, progress with several road works, and install additional CCTV to name a few,” added President McLarty.

As part of the budget, Council has adopted an overall rate increase of 4.5 percent – an increase of around 20% lower than CPI growth since 2019. The total CPI increase since 2019 has been 24.64%. The Shire’s 4.5% rate increase this year brings the total rate increase since 2019 to 19.76%.

Rates only account for 45 per cent of the Shire’s revenue, with the gap being funded predominantly through grants and contributions, and other fees and charges.

“Seeking funding through other sources eases pressure on rates, without compromising on the Shire’s needs,” added President McLarty.

“Community expectations are always at the forefront of Council decisions. With a budget that is aligned closely to our Council Plan, we have great confidence we are investing appropriately in community aspirations.”

The Shire of Murray is proud of its strong commitment to sustainable and transparent financial management. The Shire was recently named amongh the Top 20 Councils in terms of financial performance by the Audit-General. It does not have any end of year deficits in its Long-Term Financial Plan in any of the next 10 years.

ENDS

Budget highlights

• $51,805,872 total revenue budget
• 55% of revenue collected in ways other than rates
• 5% overall rate increase

CPI comparison

Since 2019, the total CPI increase has been 24.64%. The Shire’s 4.5% rate increase this year brings the total rate increase since 2019 to 19.76%; an increase of around 20% lower than CPI over the same period.

Revenue

• Rates: $23,219,353 (45%)
• Fees and charges: $7,278,567 (14%)
• Capital grants and contributions: $14,666,623 (29%)
• Operating grants and contributions: $4,677,654 (9%)
• Interest earnings: $1,239,520 (2%)
• Other revenue: $724,155 (1%)

Expenditure highlights

• $16,588,498 in sport and recreation
• $5,084,975 in economic development and tourism
• $22,927,734 in roads, footpaths, bridges and drainage
• $3,613,905 in heritage, culture and events
• $3,147,592 in town planning and environmental protection
• $4,397,497 in health, welfare and community safety
• $4,646,042 in waste management

Major projects

• Sir Ross McLarty Sports Precinct: Replacement and upgrade of George Beacham Pavilion ($2,950,000²) and Enzo Menara Pavilion ($260,000¹). Installation of cricket infrastructure including nets and wickets (275,000¹).
• North Pinjarra Revitalisation: $800,000¹ to upgrade facilities and secure the recreational area to become the primary precinct for the North Pinjarra community.
• Edenvale Heritage Precinct: $750,000¹ for new infrastructure that will allow the location to host both large and small scale events.
• South Yunderup Oval lights: $368,565¹ for the installation of LED sport lighting that will enable nighttime training and games.
• Murray Library: $200,000³ for Murray’s much-loved and only public library to be refurbished, enhancing its functionality and community appeal, supported by Bendigo Community Bank Pinjarra.
• Dwellingup Oval Pavilion: $1,450,000¹ towards the upgrade of pavilion facilities.
• Bushfire preparedness: $323,500¹ to enhance community safety with the installation of large firefighting water tanks and Fire Danger Rating Boards.
• South Yunderup Water: $390,000 towards the upgrade of reticulation that will provide a consistent water supply to Lucie Hunter Park, Sandy Cove and South Yunderup Oval.
• Capital roadworks: $6,045,809^1&2 to progress the extension of Munday Avenue to Greenlands Road, plus ongoing road renewal and improvement works along numerous regional roads.
• CCTV network: $91,042 investment for optic fibre and CCTV cameras at the Pinjarra Railway Precinct.

 

¹ Supported by State Government

² Supported by Australian Government

³ Supported by Bendigo Community Bank Pinjarra

 

 

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