Budget 2026-27

Each year, Council sets a budget to deliver services and projects for the community, while keeping rates as low as possible and within the rate cap.

The Budget 2026–27(PDF, 4MB) delivers a balanced approach to supporting our community - continuing essential services, investing in our towns, and helping ease cost of living pressures for residents and businesses - while keeping the rate increase at 2.75% in line with the Victorian Government rate cap.

With 174 community submissions received over two rounds of consultation, along with additional feedback, the budget was shaped to reflect strong community interest and support, ensuring funding is directed towards the priorities that matter most locally.

Supporting our community

  • Funding support for local food banks and Neighbourhood Houses, strengthening support for those needing it most.
  • Continued investment in the Thriving Villages program, supporting local businesses and vibrant town centres.
  • A pragmatic approach to fees and charges, including measures to ease pressure on households and small businesses.
  • Investment in digital improvements, making it easier and more efficient for the community to access Council services.

Spend on key service areas

Council spending per $100

Garbage, recycling and garden waste collection $21.36
Maintenance of roads, drains, buildings and paths  $18.27
Maintenance of parks, environment and open spaces  $12.82 
Community Services  $12.33
Maintenance of recreation and sports facilities $10.21
Economic development, tourism, arts, culture and libraries  $9.08 
Emergencies, local laws and public health  $7.99 
Planning and building services  $7.94 

Free green waste disposal options

Following strong community feedback, Council has expanded our free green waste options by introducing six additional ‘free weeks’ of green waste disposal at our resource recovery facilities. This is in addition to the two free green waste vouchers already provided through our ShireLife publications.

These initiatives will support residents to clean up their properties in preparation for the Fire Danger Period.

Kerbside waste fees have increased in line with contract costs to provide the service, and an increase of the EPA Levy (a state government levy).

Projects by ward

This year’s program focuses on maintaining and improving the infrastructure our community uses every day.

West ward

Kyneton Showgrounds Grandstand

Grandstand roof renewal

Kyneton Mechanics Institute

Works that include the renewal of accessible toilet facilities

Kyneton Simpson Street

Footpath renewal

Woodend Clocktower Building Renewal

Structural roof works/ Flagpole replacement

Woodend Community Hub

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning renewal

Woodend Footbridge Bridge Renewal

Reconstruction of the Romsey Road, Woodend footbridge

Woodend Children's Park

Footpath renewal

East ward

Drainage Renewal Eucalypt Court

Root cutting and pipe jacking of existing underground drainage  

High Street Road Program Lancefield

Park Street to McMasters Lane 

Burke and Wills Track - Road Reconstruction

Widening and upgrade between Annek Lane and Sidonia Road, Baynton

South ward

Tony Clarke Stadium

Reconfigure the existing Tony Clarke Reserve oval change room amenities to include new compliant unisex home and away team showers and toilet facilities

Dixon Fields

Upgrade pitch lighting for soccer pitch #1 from halogen to Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting

New Gisborne, Hamilton and Barringo Roads

Works to upgrade the intersection including Pierce Road

Howey Street Drainage Renewal

Installation of kerb and channel plus drainage between Prince Street and Stephen Street

 

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