New Council’s Budget Tackles Growth, Needs, Fiscal Strain
Mitchell Shire Council adopted its 2025-2026 budget at the Council meeting on Monday 19 May.
This marks the first budget of the newly elected Council, which has a strong focus on key capital projects, service delivery, and addressing the ongoing challenges faced by residents and businesses in a difficult financial climate.
The budget is designed to respond to the growing needs of the community while maintaining a commitment to financial sustainability.
Council understands the challenges faced by residents and businesses, and this budget reflects the need to balance immediate priorities with long-term goals.
It acknowledges the financial pressures currently facing communities, with rising costs across the board and new burdens such as the State Government’s Emergency Services and Volunteer Levy (ESVL).
The ESVL has replaced the former Fire Services Levy and significantly increases the cost to local ratepayers. Council has joined the Municipal Association of Victoria and other Councils in strongly advocating against the ESVL, highlighting the unfair impact it places on residents and businesses and calling for a more equitable approach.
Highlights of the budget for the 2025/2026 financial year include:
This budget also includes funding for important projects that will have lasting impacts on the region:
In addition, the budget also allocates $80,000 to develop a business case exploring tourism and economic opportunities within the Goulburn River precinct in Seymour, aiming to enhance local economic growth and visitor experiences.
The budget is further strengthened by Council’s ongoing advocacy efforts, which have helped secure vital funding commitments from the Federal Government during the recent election. These include $45 million for the sealing and upgrade of 5.57 kilometres of Old Sydney Road in Beveridge – between the Mitchell/Hume boundary and Camerons Lane – and $3.412 million from the Black Spot Program to deliver critical road safety upgrades at locations where serious crashes have occurred.
Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall said this budget is a reflection of the new Council’s commitment to a more connected, sustainable, and thriving community.
“We understand the financial pressures faced by residents and businesses in our Shire, especially with the new levy. This budget balances immediate needs with long-term goals, ensuring we continue to provide the services our community relies on while planning for future growth,” he said.
“This is the first budget of the new Council, and we have approached it with empathy for the challenges our community faces. This budget reflects the commitment to tackling these challenges head-on while continuing to invest in our community’s future.
“We remain focused on delivering projects that matter most to our residents, such as better roads, essential services, and vibrant recreation spaces, all while ensuring we maintain financial sustainability for the long term.”
The Council also continues to align its budget with the broader Council Plan, which will soon be finalised, ensuring that all resources are directed towards the outcomes identified in the plan.
https://www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au/news/first-budget-of-new-council-aims-to-address-growth-community-needs-and-challenging-financial-climate