Councillor Column - 8 July 2026 - Cr Shirley Cornish

Published on 08 July 2026

The Hepburn Shire budget was recently endorsed by Council, it proved to be a difficult budget considering the financial pressures confronting councils across Victoria due to rising costs, limited revenue growth, rate capping, ageing infrastructure and increasing demand for services.

I have discussed the needs and our priorities over the coming years and believe consideration should include:

• developing stronger links between the Council Plan 2025–2029 and every annual budget
• reducing the infrastructure renewal backlog through sustained investment
• pursuing external grants and partnerships to reduce reliance on rate revenue (Councillors did add a new Grants Officer position included in the budget)
• reviewing services with the community, ensuring that changes improve value
• strengthening financial forecasting so that difficult decisions are anticipated rather than delayed
• improving transparency by clearly explaining the rationale for budget decisions and demonstrating how community feedback has been considered
• ultimately, a budget should not simply tell us how we spend money over the next 12 months but tell our community where we are heading over the next decade.

I did support the budget as it represents an important step towards restoring Council’s financial resilience. At the same time, we should remain committed to ensuring that future budgets demonstrate even stronger alignment with our Council Plan and more clearly reflect the priorities expressed by our community.

Like many in our community, I was saddened by the loss of the magnificent Blue Atlas Cedar in Creswick. For generations it stood as a welcoming landmark, creating lasting memories for residents and visitors. It was determined that its removal was necessary for public safety, its absence is felt by all in the Creswick community and beyond.

Thanks to everyone who provided feedback on the preferred replacement, the second most popular suggestions were for a Yarra gum or another Blue Atlas Cedar. Considering visual impact, history, sentiment and the ground conditions, another Blue Atlas cedar will be planted at the Creswick Visitor Information centre, to continue the legacy of this iconic tree. Yarra Gums will be planted in selected areas of Creswick to strengthen the town’s tree canopy and enhance its natural landscape. These thoughtful plantings will honour our heritage, improve biodiversity and help create a greener, more welcoming Creswick for generations to come.