At WATC, our team has been supporting Western Australian local governments in delivering community outcomes for more than 30 years. As the State's primary provider of debt funding, we help local governments effectively manage debt finance and investments through advice tailored to their specific needs. At 30 June 2026, loans to Western Australian local governments totalled $603.5 million. Find out more below.
What Our Funding Supports
Our loan funding supports local governments to deliver a broad range of essential services and infrastructure to their communities, including:
- Regional housing for government officers and key staff
- Regional housing for health service practitioners
- Plant and equipment purchases
- Underground power projects
- Self-supporting loans
- Community facility upgrades
- Redevelopment of local hubs, precincts, and shared spaces.
- Construction and restoration projects.
Local Government Loan Applications
To assist Western Australian local governments in accessing loan funds efficiently, WATC have developed a Local Government Loan Application and online simulations. The online simulations provide instructions and assistance on how to complete the loan application.
Loan Application Form
A Loan Application Form is required to be completed for each new borrowing or refinancing of an existing loan. The form is in Excel format and will therefore need to be completed in Excel. The Loan Application Form has three main parts:
- The first part requests information directly related to the proposed loan and requires the CEO to certify that the information provided is accurate.
- The second part refers to relevant financial ratios derived from audited financial statements, adopted budget, and forecast financials at the time of the loan application.
- The third part requires the local government to add any comments or explanations if there are any variations greater than 10% from year to year.
A completed Loan Application Form and documentation supporting the information provided within the Loan Application Form is required to be forwarded to csoperations@watc.wa.gov.au for assessment.
Further information can be accessed from WATC’s client portal by visiting the Local Government Resources page.
Specialist Services for Local Government
Local governments can access a range other products and services at WATC.- Advisory ServicesLearn more
- Foreign Exchange ServicesLearn more
- Investment ProductsLearn more
- Investment Policy DevelopmentLearn more
Resources for Local Government
Our series of informative resources are designed to assist local governments in managing their debt to improve financial, asset management and service delivery outcomes. The resources provide information relevant to local governments on interest rate markets, debt financing and debt management, and aim to support informed decision making. If you would like to discuss any of our resources and how they relate to your specific requirements, please contact our Client Services Team.
- The Interest Rate Market and Factors Affecting It – What Local Governments Need to Know
An overview of the relationship between market ‘reference rates’ and pricing for WATC loans developed for executives and finance professionals in local government.
- Effective Management of Debt Finance for Local Government
An overview of the appropriate use of debt finance for local government and the requirement for a market valuation when refinancing or making unscheduled repayments on fixed interest rate loans.
- Borrowing From WATC or a Private Financial Institution? Important Issues for Local Government.
An overview of potential differences between the terms, conditions and pricing for the provision of debt finance to local governments by WATC in comparison to a private financial institution.
Banner images:
Top - Aerial view of Albany. Image courtesy of Tourism Australia.
Below - Elizabeth Quay, Perth. Image courtesy of Tourism Western Australia.