The City of Karratha Council has endorsed its 2026/27 differential rates model, responding to community feedback while ensuring the ongoing delivery of essential services and infrastructure.
Following a period of public consultation that resulted in 110 submissions from residents, businesses and stakeholders, Council has reduced the proposed increase for residential properties from 4 percent to 3 percent.
This represents an average increase of $70.01 per annum, or $1.35 a week, for residential properties.
Council also endorsed the provision of a $100 Buy Local voucher for every owner-occupier, providing direct support to local households while encouraging spending with local businesses.
City of Karratha Mayor Daniel Scott said the final decision reflected Council's commitment to listening to the community and balancing affordability with long-term financial sustainability.
“We received a very clear message from the community about cost-of-living pressures, and Council has heard these concerns,” Mayor Scott said.
“Council ultimately chose a middle ground that spreads responsibility across the rating base while minimising impacts on households.
“We wanted to keep the residential increase as low as possible while ensuring we can continue delivering the roads, parks, facilities, services and infrastructure our community relies on.
“We also wanted to provide some practical support. The $100 Buy Local voucher recognises the pressures many households are facing and will offset the rates increase for owner-occupiers, while at the same time supporting the local businesses that are the backbone of our community.
“It means the benefit stays here in Karratha, helping local families and helping local businesses.”
Mayor Scott said Council's decision also reflected the City's long-term commitments to community infrastructure and service delivery.
“Council has an ambitious program through our Council Plan 2025–2035, which reflects priorities identified by our community, including accelerating major community projects and preparing for future growth.
“This decision helps ensure we can continue delivering on those commitments while maintaining the services and assets that support our region every day.”
Through the consultation process, the City received 110 submissions covering a range of concerns, including cost-of-living pressures, and the Gross Rental Value (GRV) system.
“The current valuation methodology does not always deliver fair outcomes for regional communities like Karratha,” Mayor Scott said.
“We have consistently raised concerns with the State Government regarding the suitability of the current valuation methodology and will continue advocating for a fairer system that better reflects the realities of regional property markets.”
The City will now seek Ministerial approval for the adopted model which expected to raise approximately $69.5 million in rates revenue during the 2026/27 financial year.
For more information visit: www.whatwemakeit.karratha.wa.gov.au/differential-rates-model-202627