Council's draft Budget released for public exhibition

Published on 27 May 2026

Last night, Council endorsed the release of the draft 2026/27 Budget for public exhibition.

Mayor, Cr Tony Clark, said that the draft has been developed in a particularly constrained financial environment.

“The draft 2026/27 Budget is disciplined, financially responsible and responds to external cost pressures. We’re focused getting back to basics, being community-focused and prioritising what our Shire needs,” said Cr Clark.

The draft has been 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.

Council has budgeted a minor operating surplus ($511,000), with a positive unrestricted cash position. This is a positive trend and an improvement on prior financial years. Importantly, this operating surplus reflects Council’s position of ensuring all our financial reserves are ‘cash backed’ which is positive financial management, and not something that is legislatively required.

A $10.5 million capital works program is planned, funded by Council cash, reserves 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.

“This Budget reflects a careful balance of maintaining financial discipline, responding to rising costs, and continuing to deliver strong outcomes for our community.”

“Many households are making difficult financial decisions, and we recognise the importance of balancing our financial responsibilities with empathy and understanding,” said Cr Clark.

The 2026/27 Budget relies heavily on Council’s own resourcing and limited revenue streams. A lack of support from state and federal governments over the last decade has meant councils are facing unreasonable cost pressures.

“If state and federal governments continue to ignore the needs and wants of Hepburn Shire, Council and the local government sector will have no choice but to cut additional services and operations in future budgets,” said Cr Clark.

While in previous years, the budget has been about several key projects, growth and progress, this draft focuses on maintenance and being financially responsible given the current social and political climates in Hepburn Shire, Australia and the world.

“Staying the course may require difficult choices at times, but it remains the only way for us to ensure a viable and resilient organisation. Despite significant constraints, I am proud of what we continue to achieve. Council consistently delivers high-quality services and meaningful outcomes for our customers, even in a tight financial environment. This is a testament to the dedication, innovation, and commitment of our people, who work hard to provide important services to community,” said Cr Clark.

There are a number of ways to get involved:

• An online survey is open from Wednesday 27 May to Sunday 14 June on Participate Hepburn.
• A hard copy form is available to download online or collect from Council hubs and libraries.
• Community members can register to speak (in person or online) to Councillors at a public hearing on Wednesday 24 June. Register via Participate Hepburn.

Council will consider the adoption of the draft 2026/27 Budget at a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday 30 June 2026.