How we're investing in our towns and locals
The 2026-27 Annual Budget is our plan for funding the services and facilities our community needs to make our Shire a great place to live, now and into the future.
In addition to providing continued funding for essential day-to-day services (such as ranger operations, public health, road maintenance, parks and reserves, waste facilities and libraries, recreation and cultural services), this year's budget includes a $34 million capital works program to upgrade or renew the infrastructure and facilities that support everyday life, and more than $18 million to maintain roads, paths and parks.
We’ve worked hard to secure more than half of the capital funding needed for the $34 million capital works program through Federal and State Grants and Developer Contributions. That is, $16 million will be received via grants, with a further $2 million coming from developer contributions.
Here's what we have planned in our towns, community groups and the environment.
Augusta
- Turner Street Jetty restoration
- East Augusta Foreshore Wall upgrades
- Leeuwin Road paths and parking upgrades
- Centennial Hall car park remediation, including lighting
- Flinders Bay (Albany Terrace to Leeuwin Road) shared path connection
- New interpretation signs and shelter along paths and trails
- Cricket net renewal
- Tennis courts fencing replacement
- New seating in East Augusta public open space
- Aerodrome fencing and security upgrades
- Hardy Street Foreshore planning and design
- Plus road, drainage and bridge works, including Hillview Road, the Ellis Street Precinct, Blackwood Avenue (corner Bussell Highway), Albany Terrace, Dennis Road and the West Bay Creek Road Bridge
Cowaramup / Gracetown
- Miamup Road / Memorial Drive shared path upgrade
- Memorial Drive slip lane and path upgrade
- Swimmers Beach seating and shelter renewal
- Swimmers Beach access matting
- Hasluck Street car park upgrade
- Plus road, drainage and bridge works, including Cowaramup Bay Road, Waverley Road / Peake Street, Hasluck Street and Bottrell Street, Miamup Road & Webster Road, Bayview Drive, Gracetown Pedestrian Bridge and the Treeton Rd Bridge
Prevelly / Gnarabup
- New BBQ shelter and beach stairs at Rockpools
- Surfers Point balustrade renewals
Margaret River
- Skate Park reseal and parking upgrades
- Main street uplighting renewal
- Western Oval lighting upgrade
- Paths and drainage upgrades including Town View Terrace, Brookfield Entry Park, Tunbridge Street, Railway Terrace, Karri Loop, Auger Way and the Elva Street/Coronation Street/Settlers Retreat area
- Barrett Street Weir pipe renewal
- Gloucester Park irrigation pump renewal
- Recycled water extension at Arbour
- Emergency water tank renewals at Terry Drive and Rainbow Caves Road
- Plus road and bridge works and engineering, including Bussell Highway, Wallcliffe Road, John Archibald Drive (Tingle roundabout), Tunbridge Street, Valley Road, Nebbiolo Place, Willmott Avenue, Le Souef Street, Fearn Avenue, Ned Higgins Lane, Burton Road and Flemming Street
Witchcliffe
- Tennis courts car park upgrade
- Druids Hall toilet drainage improvements
- Drainage upgrades at Bussell Highway/Lake Street
- Redgate Road emergency water tank renewal
- Plus road improvements, including Redgate Road, Caves Road and Witchcliffe Lane
Other areas
- Wadandi Track renewal, including drainage upgrades
- Alexandra Bridge Hall playground renewal
- Karridale Cemetery parking improvements and future design
- Hamelin Grove playground upgrades
- Plus road and bridge works across Scott River, Rosa Brook, Warner Glen, Karridale, Hamelin Bay, Treeton and Kudardup.
How the Budget supports community groups
Our Shire is fortunate to have many incredible community groups who play a valuable role in improving the quality of life of our residents. We’ve allocated funds to support those community groups whose work aligns with our priorities and will provide funding via our:
- Community Support Services Grants
- Community Partnerships
- Community Development and Events Grants
- Major Events Grants
- Environmental Management Fund Grants
For more information on grant funding opportunities, visit the grants and financial assistance page of our website.
How the Budget supports the environment
From agriculture to windsurfing, our community is deeply connected to and defined by the natural environment that binds us together – it’s more than where we live, it’s who we are.
Our Strategic Community Plan, adopted in 2025, reaffirmed what matters most to our residents. While we are a diverse community, we share a strong commitment to protecting the natural environment and the biodiversity of our region.
Over the past year, we’ve made important progress towards this goal. We delivered a new Biodiversity Strategy to strengthen environmental protection and an Agricultural Policy recognising the importance of our farming sector.
We’ll continue to engage with the community to build strong partnerships and swill also continue our extensive on-ground environmental work and reserve management including weed mapping, erosion control and revegetation
How the budget supports local business
This year's budget includes continued investment in initiatives that support local businesses and strengthen our visitor economy.
In addition to delivering actions in our Economic Development Strategy, we’ll continue to provide funding to both Margaret River Business Network and Creative Corner through our Partnership Grants program to support local businesses, innovation and creative industries
The budget also includes investment in diverse calendar of events to attract visitors and encourage local spending, as well as various placemaking and activation projects that contribute to vibrant town centres, including Main Street improvements and seasonal initiatives.
By supporting local business, entrepreneurship and economic resilience, we are helping ensure our region remains a thriving place to live, work and invest.
How the budget supports agriculture
Agriculture is a cornerstone of our local economy and an important part of our region's identity.
This budget continues to invest in infrastructure, including rural roads and bridges that are critical to agricultural productivity, freight movement and community connectivity.
We will also continue working with the agricultural community to develop and implement actions that align with the Shire's Agricultural Policy, which was developed in partnership with the local farming sector to strengthen and support agriculture across the region.
How the budget supports families
Creating a community where families can thrive means investing in the places, services and programs that people use every day. This budget includes continued funding for playgrounds, parks, recreation facilities, libraries and community spaces across the Shire.
We will continue to support important family services including childcare and vacation care, while investing in upgrades and maintenance to sporting grounds, courts, playgrounds and public open spaces. Our libraries will also continue to provide programs, resources and activities that support learning, connection and wellbeing for residents of all ages.
These investments help ensure our communities remain welcoming, active and family-friendly places to live, now and into the future.
Read our 2026-27 Budget press release here.