City of Stirling Budget Newsletter 2025/26

Your rates notice Feeling puzzled by your rates notice? Want to understand what each charge actually means? We’re here to help!

Simply visit www.stirling.wa.gov.au/PayYourRates or scan the QR code to watch a fun and informative video explainer about your rates notice.

We’ve also included some extra information about the charges on your rates notice and what they mean to you as a City ratepayer. Don’t forget – at the bottom of your rates notice, you’ll find your free swim and tip passes – keep these somewhere safe! Your swim passes are valid for a family swim (two adults and two children) or four individual swims at any of our fantastic aquatic facilities: Stirling Leisure – Balga, Inglewood, and Scarborough Beach. Remember, those swim passes are your ticket to splash-tastic fun! So, grab your goggles and dive into some refreshing family time or a solo swim.

Safer Exchange Sites In May the City of Stirling launched a 12-month trial of a Safer Exchange Site at 679 Beaufort Street, Mount Lawley. This well-lit, CCTV-monitored public space is designed to support safer in-person exchanges for online purchases, sales, or trades. With convenient public parking and easy access to public transport, the site offers a secure alternative for community members meeting to complete transactions.

Emergency Services Levy (ESL) Local government collects ESL on behalf of the State Government Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) by including the levy on local government rate notices. The levy is to fund Western Australia’s fire and emergency services, including all career fire stations, volunteer fire brigades, State Emergency Service (SES) units and multi-purpose volunteer emergency units. The ESL is not set or controlled by the City of Stirling. To learn more about how your ESL is calculated, including information on ESL rates, limits and concessions visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au/esl

Supported by the WA Police Force and the City’s Crime Prevention Advisory Group, this initiative encourages safer, community-friendly exchange practices. While the site enhances safety, users are reminded to remain vigilant and are responsible for their own safety and belongings. Community feedback is welcomed throughout the trial to help shape the future of this initiative. Pool and spa inspections The State Government has introduced mandatory requirements for pool and spa inspections to be carried out by local governments. Initial inspections: New swimming pool or spa barriers must be inspected within 30 days of completion Reinspection: Non-compliant barriers must be reinspected within a maximum of 60 days of the previous inspection Regular inspections: Safety barriers must be inspected at least once every four years. The inspection fee is incorporated in your annual rates notice. Pool and spa inspections might not be the highlight of summer but they save lives. Drowning is the leading cause of preventable death in Aussie kids under five. Stay on top of inspections and help keep little ones safe.

Pet registration Do you have a furry friend at home? All dogs and cats in the City

of Stirling must be registered in accordance with state legislation.

Dogs must be microchipped and registered from three months of age, while cats must be microchipped, sterilised and registered from six months of age. Registration helps reunite lost pets with their owners and supports responsible pet ownership across our community.

Have you been asked to book a pool inspection? Book now to organise your pool inspection time at www.stirling.wa.gov.au/poolinspections

To learn more or register your pet, visit www.stirling.wa.gov.au/petregistration