Balcatta recycling project blows through budget contingency
Unexpected site conditions and code changes have eaten 68% of the project's contingency budget.
The City of Stirling is redeveloping the Balcatta recycling centre. The $16 million project has already faced about $1.7 million in unforeseen costs.
Construction began in August. Cost blowouts came from hidden site conditions, building code changes, and design tweaks.
The project budgeted $2.5 million as contingency, which was about 20% of contract value. About $1.7 million of that is already gone.
Environmental costs are expected to add another $260,000. The council now plans to pull $450,000 from its Strategic Waste Reserve to protect the timeline.
Without extra funds, the project risks delays or schedule pressure.
- $16 million
- Total project budget
- $1.7 million of $2.5 million
- Contingency spent to date
- 68%
- Percentage of contingency used
- September 2027
- Completion date
Why it mattersCouncil spending decisions affect local rates and how resources are used. A project that drains its safety buffer early signals risk to other planned works.
AustraliaStirling ratepayers may face increased fees if more projects overrun, and the council's ability to fund other community infrastructure could tighten.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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