Town of Port Hedland Council adopts 2026-27 Annual Budget

Published on Friday, 28 August 2026 at 9:03:08 AM

A $107 million capital works program and no rate rises for residential properties are among highlights of the Town of Port Hedland’s 2026-27 Annual Budget. 

Elected Members unanimously endorsed the Budget at Wednesday night’s Ordinary Council Meeting. 

Mayor Jacinta Behrend said adopting the Budget was one of the most important responsibilities for the newly elected Council, setting the direction for the Town's priorities and investment over the coming year. 

“Council is aware of the cost-of-living pressures facing families and ratepayers which is why we have included a zero percent increase to residential rates as well as applied rates concessions for community groups and sporting clubs,” Mayor Behrend said. 

Highlights of the 2026-27 Budget include: 

  • 0% residential rates increase and no increase to minimum rates;  

  • $219,498 in rating concessions for eligible community groups and sporting clubs;  

  • $107.4 million of Capital works, including:  

  • $23 million to begin construction of the Key Worker Housing Project (overall project $40m);  

  • $6.6 million to begin works on the South Hedland Aquatic Facility;  (overall project $94m) 

  • $6 million for the Rose Nowers Early Learning Centre redevelopment (overall project $9m);  

  • $5.4 million for continuation of Wedgefield industrial area road upgrades;  

  • $14.0 million for Hamilton Road upgrades and new roundabout traffic improvements associated with the new Aquatic Centre and Shopping Precinct;  

  • $22.4 million for renewal works, to maintain Town property, footpaths and other public assets; and   

  • $17.8 million including for the continuation of works on the JD Hardie Adventure Park and South Hedland Tennis and Bowls Club.  

Mayor Behrend said the Key Worker Housing and new Aquatics Centre were two priority projects for Hedland. 

“Access to affordable housing remains our biggest challenge so having the Key Worker Housing project get underway in the 2026-27 financial year is incredibly important,” she said. 

“A new aquatic facility in South Hedland will help increase liveability and make Hedland an even more attractive place to work and live.” 

The Town has sourced $22.5 million in external funding for the key worker housing project and $42.5 million from the State Government and BHP for the aquatics centre.

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