The City of Karratha has adopted its 2026/27 Annual Budget, delivering a balanced financial plan that invests in the infrastructure, facilities and services that matter most to the community while continuing to plan for the region's long-term future.
The Budget includes a $208 million operating program and a $77.85 million capital works program, supporting projects across Karratha, Dampier, Wickham, Roebourne and Point Samson.
Despite increasing costs to deliver local government services, Council has maintained a balanced budget while limiting the increase to gross rental value (GRV) rating categories to 3 per cent.
Importantly, around 67 per cent of the City's operating income comes from sources other than rates, including grants, airport operations, fees and charges, partnerships and investment income, reducing reliance on rate revenue while continuing to deliver services and infrastructure for the community.
The Budget has been shaped by the Council Plan and informed by ongoing community feedback, with investment focused on housing, roads, parks and public spaces, sporting and recreation facilities, airport infrastructure and essential community services.
Major investments in the 2026/27 Budget include:
- $13 million for the Bulgarra Housing Development
- $10.46 million to complete the Baynton Housing Development
- $5.18 million to complete the 7 Mile Waste Facility development
- $4.05 million to commence construction of the Kevin Richards Memorial Oval multi-use hardcourts and lighting
- $4 million for the Bathgate Road Upgrade
- $2.48 million to commence construction of the Murujuga National Park Access Road
- $2.33 million to progress the Roebourne Recreation Precinct Master Plan
- $2.16 million to complete the Airport Runway Extension
- $1.85 million to commence upgrades to the Wickham Boat Beach Ramp and Jetty
- $1.44 million to complete the Wickham South Youth Recreation Area.
Alongside these major projects, the Budget includes significant investment in renewing existing roads, footpaths, parks, playgrounds, community facilities and airport infrastructure, ensuring the City's assets remain safe, reliable and fit for purpose.
The City will also continue advocating for initiatives that improve affordability and liveability for regional communities, including supporting the State Government's Regional Airfare Zone Cap Scheme through freezing airport landing fees for eligible services and progressing initiatives to increase housing supply.
On top of investments in infrastructure and facilities. The City will continue to offer a range of free, family-friendly events. These include; the Red Earth Arts Festival, Youth Week, NAIDOC Week, as well as the City’s Annual Events programming.
Community groups and small businesses will also continue to receive support through the City’s annual grants and sponsorship programs such as the Business Development Support Grants, Economic Development Grant and Large Community Grants schemes.
City of Karratha Mayor Daniel Scott said the Budget balanced responsible financial management with continued investment in the community.
"This Budget reflects what our community has told us is important. It invests in the infrastructure and services people use every day while ensuring we continue planning for Karratha's future," Mayor Scott said.
"We're delivering projects across every town from roads and sporting facilities to housing, parks and airport infrastructure while maintaining a balanced budget in a challenging financial environment."
"We've also continued to reduce reliance on rates by securing income from grants, partnerships, airport operations and other revenue sources, helping us invest more back into our community."
"This Budget is about delivering for today while laying the foundations for Australia's most liveable regional city."
For more information, including the Budget Handbook, Budget at a Glance and details of projects across the City, visit www.karratha.wa.gov.au/budget.