Draft 2026/27 Budget commits $10.5 million to capital works

Published on 01 June 2026

Council plans to invest $10.5 million in community infrastructure and assets in the draft 2026/27 Budget, continuing its commitment to maintaining and improving key community infrastructure across the Shire.

Mayor, Cr Tony Clark, said that this was a significant investment being made in roads and other assets.

“We are taking a responsible approach to our financial management. While the proposed 2026/27 program does not include multi-million-dollar major projects, it’s a deliverable program of works that will improve essential community infrastructure and deliver lasting value for residents,” he said.

Some of the projects in the 2026/27 capital works program are:

• Albert Street, Daylesford - road safety works ($300,000) with remaining works in 2027/28
• Annual Road Reseal Program ($1,345,000)
• Ford Street and Back Glenlyon Road reconstruction ($721,000)
• Glenlyon Pavilion construction (Stage 1) ($350,000)
• Gravel Road Resheet Program ($878,000)
• Porcupine Ridge Road, Coomoora – Road reconstruction ($792,000)
• Year 1 of 2 - Public Street and Reserve Bin Renewal Program ($200,000)

A full list of projects is available in the draft 2026/27 Budget.

Council must continue renewing its infrastructure assets, with responsibility for more than 11,200 individual assets valued at over $510 million.

The program will be funded through $3.5 million in grants, contributions and asset sales, with the remaining $6.97 million funded by Council.

Council acknowledges delays to a number of 2025/26 capital works projects. Implementing a major restructure and change program to support a fiscally responsible approach together with impacts of the timing of grant funding announcements, design challenges, permit and other planning complexities, approvals and fuel and supply chain challenges have resulted in unfortunate delays in some areas.

“We're disappointed about the delay in some of these important projects and we’re working hard to deliver the 2025/26 capital program. It’s important to remember that projects not completed within the financial year will be carried forward to the following financial year to enable completion of the approved scope,” said Cr Clark.