Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley adopts massive $120m annual budget

The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley council has unanimously passed its 2026-27 annual budget, featuring a total expenditure of about $120 million.

This ambitious financial plan is headlined by an $80m capital works program, with 86.1 per cent, or $69.9m, of the program funded through external grants.

The budget prioritises significant regional upgrades and new facilities, including $19.3m for the Wyndham multipurpose community hub, $15.1m for the Kununurra Leisure Centre and evacuation centre upgrade, and $14.7m for the Wyndham floating pontoon and boat launching facility.

The capital works program also includes $5m for the intersection upgrade at Weaber Plain and Mulligans Lagoon Roads and $5.3m for the construction of 14 units of affordable housing at Water Lily Place, which is supported by a newly approved $2m loan from the WA Treasury Commission.

The budget incorporates an average rate increase of 4.5 per cent and an average 4 per cent increase to fees and charges.

Despite the record spending on infrastructure, the shire’s financial position remains robust, with reserves projected to exceed $10m at the end of the financial year.

The budget also establishes a new strategic projects reserve with an initial $369,000 to fund the development of major projects to “shovel-ready” status, ensuring the shire is well-positioned for future grant opportunities.

Shire president David Menzel said he was looking forward to a successful year ahead on the back of the budget.

“I’d just like to take the opportunity to thank CEO and his staff for all their efforts in getting this budget up balanced with, I think, what will turn out to be a pretty reasonable increase in charges compared to some of the others we’re hearing around the State,” he said.

“That doesn’t mean that there won’t be any pressure there, but it will be on the administration, I’m sure, rather than the ratepayers, as much as we can alleviate their pain.

“That is a huge capital works program and I’m hopeful that we can deliver it on time and on budget.”