Council adopts 2026/27 budget

Claremont Council adopted its 2026/27 Annual Budget at its Ordinary Council Meeting on 30 June 2026.

The Town has increased total rate revenue by 5.5%, with individual properties set to experience different changes depending on their updated Gross Rental Value (GRV). However, nearly 45% of properties will have a rate increase below 5.5%, including around 600 properties that will see a decrease.   

More than $1.75 million has been allocated for road renewal, $652,000 will be put towards building upgrades, $50,000 will be spent on lighting renewal across various locations and $247,000 will be used for park renewal works.

The Aquatic Centre will see its control board, circulation pump and PA system upgraded and renewed for a total cost of $140,000, while $100,000 has been reserved for the Bay View Community Centre.

Almost $800,000 will be received in funding from the Financial Assistance Grant, the Metropolitan Regional Road Group, the Main Roads Direct Grant, the Water wise greening scheme, Main Roads street light subsidy and Tree recovery grant.  

Funds have been set aside with the Town continuing to support businesses in the Town Centre through the Specified Area Rate, which continues to be matched dollar for dollar by Council.

The Town is also continuing its support of community, culture and recreation with community grants, youth achievement grants, and the Mike Balfe Heritage Grant.

“This budget is about responsible delivery. It manages the impacts on households, it keeps Claremont financially disciplined and responds to the community by investing in the places, infrastructure and everyday services people have directly told us about,” Town of Claremont Mayor Peter Telford said in his first budget as Mayor.

“Residents want Claremont to feel clean, safe, active and well cared for. This budget supports better maintenance, town cleanliness, extra street sweeping, parks upkeep and social connection through events and activity at the Aquatic Centre, Claremont Town Centre, Museum and Lake Claremont.

“This is a disciplined budget that turns rates into visible community value, cleaner streets, renewed assets, stronger community life and practical planning for Claremont’s next decade,” he added.

The full budget can be read here.