Council Approves 2025-2029 Budget and Revenue Plan
The $20.2 million capital works program and a strategic focus on responsible asset management underpin a “business as usual” approach which ensures consistent service delivery across the municipality.
Mayor Cr Ian Ross said Council remains focused on building and maintaining the assets that matter most to the community.
“This year’s Budget includes more than $7 million for roads and street works, a clear demonstration of Council’s commitment to improving connectivity, safety and infrastructure across both urban and rural areas,” he said.
“Projects such as the City Oval Netball Clubrooms, industrial estate developments, and public amenities like the Apex Island Boardwalk and Firebrace Street toilets reflect a priority to deliver infrastructure that supports community growth and liveability.”
Council CEO Gail Gatt said the 2025–2026 Budget had been developed with financial sustainability and community expectations in mind.
“We’ve adopted a practical and responsible approach—delivering core services, initiating strategic projects, and maintaining high-quality infrastructure, while recognising the cost-of-living pressures facing our residents,” she said.
“Council will also repay all existing borrowing this financial year and will not take on new debt in 2025–2026, promoting increased financial resilience.”
“It is anticipated that Council will end the 2025-26 year with a cash balance in excess of $28m with $15m of this set aside in discretionary reserves for future works.”
General rate increases have been limited to 3%, in line with the Victorian Government rates cap. Waste collection costs, which continue to rise due to external legislative and market pressures, will see adjusted charges. The $200 Municipal Charge is unchanged, and Council has retained its additional $50 pensioner rebate to help alleviate financial pressure on concession card holders.
As part of a revised Revenue & Rating Plan, Council has set contribution percentages for the various rating sectors to provide stability in the dollars contributed regardless of any movement as a result of valuations.
Council has also reviewed service fees and charges, with most adjusted by 3% to reflect cost recovery, while continuing to seek more efficient service delivery, particularly in waste collection and education delivery.
In addition to core services, Council will deliver a range of short-term initiatives with defined outcomes, ensuring community needs are addressed alongside long-term strategic goals. Key performance indicators have been set to enable transparent, quarterly reporting on delivery and progress toward the Council Plan and Community Vision.
Cr Ross added that work on the 2025–2029 Council Plan is well progressed and will define fresh priorities aligned with community aspirations.
“This Budget is grounded in the current Council Plan and Community Vision, but our sights are firmly set on the future. The new Council Plan will be the community’s blueprint for the next four years—and we’re currently pulling together the information captured from residents to shape what comes next.”
The community is encouraged to explore the full range of adopted documents—including the Revenue & Rating Plan 2025–2029, Budget 2025-2026, and Register of Fees & Charges 2025–2026—available on Council’s website.
https://www.hrcc.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/News-and-Media/Latest-News/2025-2026-budget-revenue-plan-adopted