Published on Thursday, 19 June 2025 at 3:08:00 PM

The City of Vincent is going back to basics with this year’s 2025/26 Budget, focusing on essential services and projects that matter most to the community.

The budget continues Vincent’s progress towards long term financial sustainability, and a maturing approach to financial and asset management.

Despite signs of easing inflation nationally, Vincent continues to face rising costs.

Many residents are also feeling the pressure of a challenging economic climate.

In light of this, the budget focuses on maintaining core services and meeting the community’s expectations while keeping residential rates low.

The 4.5 per cent rate increase for the majority of ratepayers aligns with the City’s Long Term Financial Plan 2024/25 – 2033/34 and equates to $1.41 per week or $73.25 per year.

Rates for vacant residential properties will increase by 25 per cent to encourage development or sale of the land.

“We know that some within our community are doing it tough. We have tried to balance the pressure of our own rising costs while still delivering core services and essential projects,” said Mayor Alison Xamon.

“This is why we have worked hard to form a responsible budget that goes back to basics and ensures our roads, drainage, footpaths, playgrounds and facilities are accessible and kept to a high standard.

“We were recently named the second largest metropolitan Council by the Office of the Auditor General for best practice in financial reporting and one of the top 20 Councils in WA.

“This achievement is a testament to how seriously we take transparency and accountability in our financial management for our community.”

The budget includes funding for infrastructure upgrades, playground renewals, accessibility improvements, tree planting and community programs that are aligned with the Strategic Community Plan 2022-2032.

“Our parks and sporting facilities are well-used by both locals and visitors to Vincent so we continue to invest in the maintenance and upgrade of these spaces,” said Ms Xamon.

“New playgrounds are planned for Brigatti Gardens, Britannia Reserve South and Hyde Park West, ensuring our parks continue to provide safe and enjoyable spaces for local families.

“One of our top priorities is to increase the tree canopy in Vincent, and this year, we will be planting more trees and continuing to respond to the polyphagous shot-hole borer infestation.”

Ms Xamon said Vincent was pleased to receive grants from State and Federal Governments for upgrades to some community facilities and roads but required further funding.

“As a small local government, we need further support to deliver on major projects that benefit the whole inner-city such as upgrades to Leederville train station, transforming the area around Dorrien Gardens into Little Italy and relocating the concrete batching plants out of Claisebrook,” she said.         

A diverse range of community events and programs will be supported, with $277,000 allocated for events like Rainbow Picnic, Festival of Culture, Perth Festival, Leedy Artfest and Jazz Picnic in the Park.

Rates smoothing, instalment payment options and financial hardship assistance will be available for those in need.

Visit the budget webpage to find out more.

Projects of note

• New floodlights at Litis Stadium ($940,000) and Birdwood Square ($300,000) *
• Park pathway renewals ($270,000)
• Road upgrades and maintenance ($3.6 million) *
• Robertson Park development ($1.8 million) *
• East Perth Power Station foreshore upgrades ($40,000)
• Library accessibility upgrades ($200,000)
• Street lighting renewals ($30,000)
• Greening Plan ($440,000) *

(*includes State and Federal Government grant funding)

Back to All News