West Tamar Council has adopted its 2026-27 Annual Budget, delivering a strategic balance between robust capital investment and long-term fiscal responsibility.
The budget features a 4.9 per cent rates increase for the upcoming financial year, an underlying surplus of $200,000, and an impressive $19.9 million capital works program (including carry-overs).
Mayor Christina Holmdahl said the budget strikes a balance between keeping rate adjustments predictable and continuing to deliver a range of highly anticipated community assets.
“Throughout our budget conversations leading up to adoption, Councillors and staff have genuinely attempted to minimise the financial impacts on our ratepayers as much as reasonably possible,” Mayor Holmdahl said.
“The reality is that costs continue to increase, not only for household budgets but for local government operations as well. That is simply the economic climate we are navigating.
“However, elected members believe this budget represents an excellent outcome. We are managing these rising external costs while strictly maintaining our high standard of core services and investing heavily in community-focused infrastructure across the municipality.
“Ultimately, ratepayers will see an average increase of approximately $2 per week, which we believe is a fair, reasonable, and sustainable outcome.”
A headline feature of the 2026-27 budget is a combined $5.25 million allocation to kickstart significant construction at the Legana Sports Precinct.
This includes $3.25 million for the initial works on a new indoor basketball facility, alongside $2 million for a multi-purpose facility and new cricket nets.
2026-27 Budget at a Glance
Community, Recreation, Parks, and Reserves: $8 million
Rural Roads: $5.46 million
Urban Streets: $2.295 million
Footpaths: $550,000
Stormwater Improvements: $260,000
Key Project Highlights
- $3.25 million – Indoor basketball facility (commencement of works)
- $2 million – Legana Sports Precinct multi-purpose facility and new cricket nets
- $2 million – Retaining wall construction at Deviot Road
- $900,000 – Capital maintenance and upgrades at the Riverside Pool
- $755,000 – Road and culvert renewals at Loop Road, Glengarry
- $615,000 – Road reconstruction works at Long Plains Road
- $525,000 – Pavement and safety works on Brady’s Lookout Road
- $500,000 – Riverside Drive retaining wall construction and pavement repairs
- $500,000 – Kerb, channelling, and footpath reconstruction at Pitt Avenue, Riverside
- $450,000 – Road works on Greens Beach Road at Beaconsfield
- $400,000 – Road works at Valley Road, Sidmouth
- $400,000 – Road works on Notley Hills Road
- $300,000 – Intersection upgrades at Bindaree Road/Ridge Road, Legana
- $280,000 – Renewal of the Rosevears Pontoon
- $260,000 – New footpath extensions in Beaconsfield
- $250,000 – Installation of a new pontoon at Rosevears
- $210,000 – New public toilet facility and drinking fountain in Beaconsfield
- $165,000 – New pump track at Rose Bay Park, Gravelly Beach
- $150,000 – River edge retaining wall and footpath renewals near the Gravelly Beach boat ramp
- $112,500 – Greens Beach foreshore reserve redevelopment
The 2026-27 budget also accounts for significant mandatory state charges, operational adjustments, and statutory allocations.
This financial year, Council will collect $1.8 million on behalf of the State Government for the State Fire Levy, allocate $253,000 to administer the upcoming Local Government elections in October, commit $4.5 million toward waste management expenditure, and $8.168 million in depreciation costs.
Mayor Holmdahl reminded the community that Council maintains a dedicated Financial Hardship Assistance Policy to support residents experiencing genuine, demonstrated financial strain.
“As a Council, we are always willing to work collaboratively with property owners to establish flexible payment arrangements. I strongly encourage anyone who anticipates difficulties meeting their rates instalments to start an early conversation by contacting our customer service team,” Mayor Holmdahl said.
Alongside the annual budget, Council also formally adopted its updated fees and charges schedule for the 2026-27 financial year.