Shire of Mundaring Budget delivers community focused projects for 2025/2026

Published on Tuesday, 5 August 2025 at 9:52:29 AM

Shire of Mundaring has adopted its 2025/26 Budget and Corporate Business Plan, setting a bold course to deliver the community’s long‑term vision through place-based planning, sustainable investment and responsible financial management. Developed through extensive Councillor collaboration and informed by community input, the Budget advances Our Plan for the Future – Council Plan 2024–2034. This 10-year strategic plan is our unified roadmap reflecting the Shire’s values, vision and priorities.

Shire President Paige McNeil said the Budget was developed over a four-month period with strong Councillor involvement and reflects the priorities of the community.

“We’re investing over $23 million this year in capital projects, responding to priorities shaped by our community. Many of our key recreation spaces are receiving significant enhancements to support active, healthy lifestyles and vibrant village communities,” she said.

Investing Across the Community

The 2025/26 Budget delivers meaningful investment across the Shire’s three place planning areas—Foothills, Hills, and Rural—with a strong focus on community infrastructure, accessibility and revitalisation. Community project highlights include:

  • Brown Park Upgrades – we will be progressing our Brown Park Master Plan with new car parking, public toilets and oval lighting while we commence planning for additional youth facilities such as a skate park, to be delivered in 2026/27.
  • Mundaring Cultural Hub – continuing to progress our Mundaring Town Centre revitalisation with finalisation of detailed planning for our flag ship Mundaring Cultural Hub project, while we will also be reinvigorating our Sculpture Park Amphitheatre.
  • Elsie Austin Oval Changerooms – As part of our longer-term commitment to upgrading our public facilities to be universally accessible we are upgrading the Elsie Austin oval changerooms, in addition to commencing planning for upgrades at the Boya and Glen Forrest sporting precincts.

In addition to these major projects, the Shire will invest:

  • Approximately $13.3 million towards roads, footpaths and drainage
  • Around $9 million for the enhancement of parks, ovals and reserves
  • A further $9 million to renew and improve community buildings.

 Balancing Progress with Affordability

President McNeil said Council had taken a measured approach in setting the 2025/26 Budget, remaining mindful of cost-of-living pressures affecting the community, local businesses and the Shire’s operations.

“This is a forward-looking budget focused on delivering positive outcomes for our community while maintaining the essential services and facilities our community relies on,” she said.

“We remain committed to supporting our volunteer bushfire brigades and ensuring that mitigation efforts are carefully balanced with environmental protection and enhancement.”

 With an average rate increase of approximately 3.5%, equating to around $1.40 per week, the Budget delivers meaningful community progress while keeping affordability at its core.

 Advancing the Vision

The 2025/26 Budget aligns closely with the Shire’s Future Mundaring vision: to be the Place for Sustainable Living. A Shire that supports connected communities, vibrant village localities and a healthy natural environment. It reflects the values at the heart of the Council Plan - Community Focus, Proactivity, Respect and Accountability, and will be reviewed annually to ensure continued alignment with community needs.

 Residents are invited to explore what the 2025/26 Budget means for them by visiting the Shire’s website or reviewing the July Special Council Meeting Minutes via the Council and Committee Meeting Portal

Back to All News