Published on:
Monday, 15 December 2025
Key Points:
The Western Australian Local Government Association has today released its 2026-27 State Budget Submission, which advocates for critical investments in priority initiatives that address immediate challenges and create lasting change to keep WA communities safe and thriving.
In the lead up to the 2025 State Election, WALGA launched The West at its Best - a comprehensive policy agenda for the incoming Government during its next term. The West at its Best now serves as WALGA’s advocacy platform for the next four years.
The West at its Best sets out priority areas for investment and reform to deliver a positive and future focussed vision for WA.
A number of WALGA’s priorities align with the State Government’s Priorities for Government 2025–2029, emphasising cross-government collaboration, economic diversification, equitable healthcare access, community safety and inclusion, environmental protection, and the delivery of high-quality infrastructure and services.
WALGA President Karen Chappel AM JP acknowledged the State Government’s encouraging commitments to many of these priorities during the 2025 State Election campaign.
“As the 2026–27 State Budget approaches, WALGA calls on the State Government to build on this positive momentum through further targeted investment in priority initiatives to support Local Governments and communities,” President Chappel said.
WALGA’s 2026-27 State Budget Submission puts forward a number of key asks, including:
President Chappel said WALGA was committed to working proactively and collaboratively with the State Government to strengthen local communities.
“WALGA and our 139 Member Local Governments welcome the opportunity to work in partnership with the State Government to progress these critical initiatives to keep Western Australia running at its best,” President Chappel said.
“With a renewed mandate and a strong financial position, now is the time to further embrace reform and invest strategically.
“As the authoritative voice and trusted partner for Western Australian Local Government, WALGA will continue to engage with the State Government and advocate on behalf of our Members to drive better outcomes for Local Governments and their communities.”
ENDS
- WA Local Government Association’s 2026-27 State Budget Submission builds on the success of ‘The West at its Best’ campaign
- Key focus areas include Emergency Management and Disaster Recovery, addressing WA’s dwindling urban tree canopy, enabling safer and more active transport and policy areas critical to building and sustaining strong communities
- WALGA looks forward to working with the State Government to strengthen WA communities
The Western Australian Local Government Association has today released its 2026-27 State Budget Submission, which advocates for critical investments in priority initiatives that address immediate challenges and create lasting change to keep WA communities safe and thriving.
In the lead up to the 2025 State Election, WALGA launched The West at its Best - a comprehensive policy agenda for the incoming Government during its next term. The West at its Best now serves as WALGA’s advocacy platform for the next four years.
The West at its Best sets out priority areas for investment and reform to deliver a positive and future focussed vision for WA.
A number of WALGA’s priorities align with the State Government’s Priorities for Government 2025–2029, emphasising cross-government collaboration, economic diversification, equitable healthcare access, community safety and inclusion, environmental protection, and the delivery of high-quality infrastructure and services.
WALGA President Karen Chappel AM JP acknowledged the State Government’s encouraging commitments to many of these priorities during the 2025 State Election campaign.
“As the 2026–27 State Budget approaches, WALGA calls on the State Government to build on this positive momentum through further targeted investment in priority initiatives to support Local Governments and communities,” President Chappel said.
WALGA’s 2026-27 State Budget Submission puts forward a number of key asks, including:
- $40 million over 10 years from 2026-27 to expand the Urban Canopy Grant Program
- $52 million to stop the spread of the Polyphagous Shot-hole Borer
- $11 million per annum to double Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants
- $12 million over four years from 2026-27 to fund the conversion of five priority children’s crossings per year to signalised crossings
- An additional $9 million per annum from 2027-28 to fully fund 63 Community Emergency Services Managers (CESMS) to work with all 111 Local Governments that manage Bushfire Brigades
- $42.3 million in 2026-27, to clear the backlog of unfunded capital grant requests for Volunteer Bushfire Brigades (VBFBs) and State Emergency Services (SES) units.
President Chappel said WALGA was committed to working proactively and collaboratively with the State Government to strengthen local communities.
“WALGA and our 139 Member Local Governments welcome the opportunity to work in partnership with the State Government to progress these critical initiatives to keep Western Australia running at its best,” President Chappel said.
“With a renewed mandate and a strong financial position, now is the time to further embrace reform and invest strategically.
“As the authoritative voice and trusted partner for Western Australian Local Government, WALGA will continue to engage with the State Government and advocate on behalf of our Members to drive better outcomes for Local Governments and their communities.”
ENDS
