Council adopts its 2026/27 Budget
Published on 01 July 2026
Last night, Council adopted its 2026/27 Budget after feedback from the community.
Mayor, Cr Tony Clark, said that the Budget balances the needs of the community with a need to show restraint in the current financial environment.
“Thank you to everyone in our community who took the time to provide feedback on the draft budget. Your input played an important role in helping shape our priorities. We also acknowledge the dedication of our staff and Councillors, who invested many hours of work, careful planning and thoughtful consideration into developing the budget. It is a significant undertaking, and their commitment to delivering a responsible and balanced budget is greatly appreciated."
“The 2026/27 Budget is disciplined, financially responsible and designed to respond to external cost pressures. It focuses on getting back to basics and investing in the services that matter most,” said Cr Clark.
The adopted Budget provides for an underlying operating deficit of $679,000 due to significant increases in annual depreciation expenses in recent years. The Budget also includes a positive unrestricted cash position, which is an improvement on prior financial years. Council’s position of ensuring all our financial reserves are ‘cash backed’ which is positive financial management, and not something that is legislatively required.
The Budget commits to a $10.5 million capital works program, funded by Council cash, reserves funded by rates and grants with no new borrowings. The program prioritises asset renewal and current project completion over new assets, with $4.83 million allocated to roads. Funding includes $2.8 million from grants and contributions.
“The Budget was developed in line with Council’s Financial Vision 2024–2027 and long-term Financial Plan 2025–2035. These plans underpin the direction Council needs to take to ensure financial sustainability, while safeguarding the services the community relies upon. The Victorian Government rate cap of 2.75 per cent has been applied.”
“I’m pleased that the average waste charge will reduce by $70 from $610 to $540. This has been made possible by community members sorting their waste streams responsibly, reducing the cost of managing the Shire’s waste,” said Cr Clark.
The Budget relies heavily on Council’s own resources and limited revenue streams. Over the past decade, insufficient support from state and federal governments has placed increasing financial pressure on councils, leaving them to manage rising costs with constrained funding.
“If state and federal governments continue to overlook the needs and priorities of the local government sector will have little choice but to reduce additional services and operations in future budgets.”
“One of the changes adopted last night was the inclusion of position for a part-time grants officer to assist Council in seek out government funding to deliver important services and projects,” said Cr Clark.
Council is reviewing the budget process ahead of the 2027/28 budget, including exploring options to move the community engagement phase to the beginning of the process, rather than consulting on a draft budget at the end.
Read the 2026/27 Budget in the coming days on