About rates and how they are used

Property and commercial landowners within the Shire of Mundaring are required to pay rates, which help fund a wide range of local services and facilities. These include libraries, recreation and sporting amenities, road upgrades, environmental management, community safety programs and waste collection services.

Shire of Mundaring’s 2025/26 Budget balances meaningful investment with affordability, supporting community priorities across the Foothills, Hills and Rural areas. With a modest average rate increase of 3.5% (about $1.40 per week), the $66.6 million Budget funds more than $23 million in capital projects, including upgrades to Brown Park, Elsie Austin Oval, and continued planning for the Mundaring Cultural Hub. The Budget reflects the Council Plan 2024–2034 and the Shire’s commitment to sustainable living, accessibility and vibrant village life.

A detailed breakdown of projects for our Hills, Foothills and Rural Communities is available by viewing or downloading our current rates information brochure:

Growing with You, your 2025/2026 Rates Brochure (PDF)

What rates will deliver in 2025/2026

Each year we provide important services and facilities to our community. Our budget is made up of rates income, government funding and fees and charges. This is a snapshot of how some of these funds will be allocated to support our community this financial year

Family and children’s services: $6m

Delivery of early childhood and parenting services, funded by government grants and fees.

Libraries: $1.98m

The Shire provides services from two public libraries in Mundaring and Boya.

Community engagement: $1.68m

Delivering a community grants program, cultural and artistic events, and skills-based workshops creates a vibrant, connected community.

Corporate Services $9.5m

Internal services including Council Member and meeting fees. Other areas include internal support services, governance, finance, information technology and business improvement.

Youth services and Aboriginal Engagement: $525k

To strengthen connections through delivery of activities and by partnering with organisations to deliver youth and aboriginal engagement programs locally.

Tourism: $252k

Our Visitor Centre promotes Mundaring and surrounds as an attractive tourist destination in the Perth Hills.

Aquatic facilities: $1.1m

Two public pools, Bilgoman and Mount Helena Aquatic Centres, plus financial support for Wooroloo pool.

Recreation centres: $927k

Including 6 Halls, 3 Community Centres, 2 Recreation Centres, 7 Pavilions, 13 Ovals and 14 Hardcourt/Tennis Courts (across 3 locations).

Bushfire Brigades and fire prevention: $2.7m

Supporting nine volunteer bushfire brigades; mitigation and education activities to ensure we are bushfire ready.

Health administration/inspections: $492k

Conducting health inspections, managing pests, noise complaints and water quality testing at Lake Leschenaultia and our aquatic facilities

Animal control: $674k

Promoting responsible pet ownership and working to ensure the safety of our community.

Access for all: $156k

The Shire facilitates an Inclusion and Disability Access Advisory Group, Active Ageing Network and The Hub of the Hills.

Environmental management: $1m

Protecting bushland and watercourses through programs such as Seedlings for Landcare, Mundaring Environmental Art Project, workshops and partnership with Waterwise Council.

Town planning, Economic Development and statutory building services: $1.9m

Developing our strategic planning framework to balance growth while protecting the area’s distinct sense of place. Assessing planning, subdivision and building licences.

Waste management: $9.8m

Providing waste management services to the community including transfer stations at Chidlow & Mundaring, kerbside waste, FOGO and recycling services and a bulk waste verge collection.

Buildings: $3m

The Shire manages and maintains 121 buildings in total

Recreation grounds: $3.45m

Including 37 playgrounds, 34 plexi-pave hardcourts, eight BMX jump and skate parks, 11 ovals, 70km Railway Reserves Heritage Trail and 400+ hectares public open space.

Street lighting: $530k

The Shire pays Western Power to run and maintain street lighting.

Roads, footpaths, drainage and public works: $5m

Maintaining 681km of roads, 448km of kerbs, 17 bridges, 115 bus shelters, 183km of drainage pipes, 37km of open drains and 135km of footpaths.

Access for all $87k

The Shire facilitates an Inclusion and Disability Access Advisory Group, Active Ageing Network and The Hub of the Hills.