Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre upgrades among wins in new shire budget

The Broome Shire Council adopted the 2025–26 budget at the ordinary council meeting on June 26 with a focus on balancing rising costs in a challenging economic climate.

Shire President Chris Mitchell said the budget reflected the Shire’s commitment to sustainable planning and the ongoing provision of essential services.

“This year’s budget continues our commitment to delivering high-quality services and infrastructure for the Broome community, while carefully managing our finances in this economic climate,” he said.

“Our advocacy efforts at the State and Federal levels have paid off, unlocking significant grant funding. This allows us to reinvest more of your rates directly into the services that matter most—like maintaining roads, footpaths, street lighting, BRAC, the library, and our parks and open spaces.”

“In fact, 45 per cent of the Shire’s total revenue in the previous financial year came from external grants, highlighting the success of our advocacy efforts and reducing the burden on local ratepayers.”

Several community initiatives have been funded in the budget including upgrades to Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre parking to improve access and convenience for all visitors, improved roads, footpaths, street lighting and CCTV to boost safety and a vibrant calendar of community events.

Mr Mitchell said the Shire’s strong focus on grant advocacy continues to deliver major results for the Broome community.

“In recent months, we’ve secured significant funding across a number of areas—from major infrastructure projects to community events and local initiatives,” Cr Mitchell said.

“This includes a major Federal Government grant through the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program for Stage 2 of the Walmanyjun Cable Beach Foreshore Redevelopment. Remarkably, it was the only project in Australia to receive funding in the program’s first round—an outstanding endorsement of the importance and impact of our work.”

“These successes are a clear recognition of the quality and significance of our projects, which benefit not just Broome but the wider region and Western Australia as a whole.”

“They also reflect the strength of our ongoing advocacy efforts, which ensure we can deliver real, tangible outcomes for our community—whether that’s better infrastructure, local events, or improved services—without placing extra financial pressure on local ratepayers.”