The City of Mandurah’s Ordinary Council Meeting on 28 October 2025 delivered a comprehensive update on financial performance, infrastructure progress, and community investment. Held at the Council Chambers and livestreamed for public access, the meeting reinforced the City’s commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and strategic planning.

Financial Snapshot: A Strong Start to the Year

The September 2025 Monthly Financial Report revealed a robust surplus of $98.1 million, positioning the City well to meet its obligations through to June 2026. This surplus reflects early revenue collection, particularly from rates and refuse charges, which typically peak in July and taper off as the year progresses.

Of the $102.6 million in rates raised, 55.4% had been collected by the end of September. Operating revenue stood at $131 million, while capital revenue reached $0.5 million. Operating expenditure totalled $36.1 million, and capital expenditure came in at $5.8 million.

Investments and Reserves

The City held a combined total of $113.48 million in municipal and reserve funds, earning $1.25 million in interest. These funds are distributed across various term deposits with major Australian banks, ensuring both liquidity and return on investment.

Western Foreshore Leisure Precinct: Funding Breakdown

A key topic was the funding structure for the $6.344 million Western Foreshore Leisure Precinct upgrade. Of this, $4.462 million is earmarked for infrastructure tied to a commercial lease proposal, funded through lease revenue. The remaining $1.882 million, covering landscaping and general public space, will be supported by municipal funds.

The City plans to prefund the lease-related works and recover costs (including interest) over a 25-year lease term, with projected revenue of $6.2 million. This approach ensures ratepayers aren’t footing the bill for infrastructure that supports both commercial and community benefit.

Capital Projects: Progress and Planning

Several major capital projects were reviewed, with updates on timelines, budgets, and design phases:

• Mandurah Performing Arts Centre HVAC Renewal: Budgeted at $4.7 million, with design completion expected by December 2025.
• Coodanup Foreshore: Stages 1 and 2 are complete. Stage 3 is nearing completion, and Stage 4 is in final design, with construction slated for October.
• Falcon Coastal Shared Path: Funded by the Australian Government Active Transport Fund, this long-term project is expected to be completed by 2028.
• Pinjarra–Anstruther Road Intersection Upgrade: Traffic signal improvements approved; works to begin in October 2025.
• Yalgorup National Park Access: Quail Road extension pending DBCA approval and environmental clearance.

Budget Variations and Carryovers

The meeting included detailed reconciliation of operating and capital carryovers from the 2024/25 financial year:

• Operating Carryovers: An additional $385,484 will be carried forward to 2025/26, with adjustments made to restricted cash reserves and unspent grants.
• Capital Carryovers: $2.63 million in unspent capital funds will be rolled into 2025/26, largely due to supplier delays and project rescheduling.
• Funding sources were rebalanced across grants, reserves, asset sales, and loans to ensure continuity and compliance with accounting standards.

Community Investment: Meadow Springs Cricket Nets

A new budget item was approved for the upgrade of cricket nets at Meadow Springs Sports Facility. The $50,000 investment, funded by a State Government election grant, will enhance safety and durability through double-wrapped chain mesh fencing. Additional equipment for the Mandurah Cricket Club includes turf covers and portable flip scoreboards.

Dawesville: A Hub for Growth and Culture

Dawesville continues to shine as one of Mandurah’s fastest-growing suburbs. The newly opened Dawesville Community Centre on Woodstock Avenue is a major milestone, offering a large communal hall, flexible office spaces, a function kitchen, and outdoor recreation areas. The centre has also been given the Aboriginal name Djilba-Wardarn Bo, meaning “the place where it is not far from the estuary to the ocean” - a nod to the Bindjareb people and the City’s commitment to cultural recognition and reconciliation.

Funded by $6.237 million from the State Government and a $2.65 million Lotterywest grant, the centre is now managed by the City of Mandurah and serves as a vital space for connection, support, and celebration. With Dawesville’s population expected to double to 15,000 over the next decade, this facility is a timely investment in community infrastructure.

Local Arts: The World Through Your Eyes

As part of the Dawesville Children’s Hub and the Mandurah Arts Festival, the “World Through Your Eyes” exhibition showcased artworks by local children, celebrating Mandurah’s natural beauty through youthful eyes. Held at the Dawesville Community Centre, the exhibition was designed with young viewers in mind - with paintings hung at child-friendly heights and themes drawn from the Legendary Landscapes workshop and Plein Air Down Under.

Responsible Stewardship and Local Pride

From financial stewardship to grassroots arts, the City is laying strong foundations for a connected and thriving future ... especially in the southern suburbs.

For Dawesville residents, these updates affirm that local voices and local needs are being heard, funded & celebrated.