Draft Budget and long-term financial plans released for feedback

The City of Whittlesea is inviting community feedback on its Proposed Budget 2025-2026 which outlines Council’s commitment to invest in essential services and infrastructure while ensuring the long-term financial sustainability. 

The $347 million operating budget will enable Council to continue to deliver essential services to the City’s growing population including kerbside bin collections, services for children, families and older residents, libraries, support for local businesses, as well as managing spaces and places for our community such as leisure centres, community facilities, parks, playground and sports fields.  

In addition, the Proposed Budget also includes $117 million for Council’s capital works program to invest in building, upgrading or expanding much-needed facilities and infrastructure across the municipality.  

Highlights of the capital works program include the next stage of construction of the regional sports precinct in Mernda, the completion of the Murnong Community Centre in Donnybrook, the upgrade of Peter Hopper Lake in Mill Park, the Hill Top splash park and playground in Doreen, as well as the ongoing program of road and playground upgrades.   

The Budget also proposes an average rate increase of 3% in line with the rate cap set by the Victorian Government under the Fair Go Rating system. 

The proposed residential waste charge for households who currently have a four-bin system, in 2025-26 is $409.95 per household. This charge is made up of $304.10 in Council charges (a decrease of $6.75 from last year) and $105.85 for the Victorian Government’s Landfill Levy (an increase of $91.65 from last year). 

Council will continue to offer support through its financial hardship program and the Budget proposes $2 million in continued funding for community grants.   

Council has also developed the Proposed Financial Plan 2025-26 to 2034-35 and Proposed Revenue and Rating Plan 2025-26 to 2028-29. Together with the Proposed Budget, these documents ensure Council remains financially responsible while meeting the needs of our community now and into the future.  

All three proposed financial strategic documents have been developed following extensive community consultation last year and earlier this year.  

Throughout August and September 2024 our community identified their top priorities, helping shape the Proposed Budget, Financial Plan and Revenue and Rating Plan. Close to 900 people shared their thoughts both online and at 13 community-based pop-ups, identifying roads, footpaths, parks, playgrounds, open spaces and community facilities as their top priorities.   

Council checked in with the community during December 2024 and January 2025 through broad consultation and with three focus groups to confirm the priorities.  

Now we are inviting community feedback on the final draft documents. Formal submissions can be lodged for consideration via our Engage Whittlesea platform between Wednesday 16 April 2025 and Sunday 4 May 2025.  

A Hearing of Submissions Committee of Council will be established to consider submissions and hear from members of the public who wish to speak to their submission before the final Budget 2025-26, Financial Plan 2025-26 to 2034-35 and Revenue and Rating Plan 2025-26 to 2028-29 is considered for endorsement at the Council Meeting on Tuesday 17 June 2025.  

Council is also reviewing its Community Vision to ensure it is still relevant and aligned to current community needs.  

For more information and to provide your feedback on the Proposed Budget 2025-26, Proposed Financial Plan 2025-26 to 2034-35, Proposed Rating and Revenue Plan 2025-26 to 2028-29 and Community Vision visit engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au. 

Quotes attributable to City of Whittlesea Deputy Mayor, Councillor Daniela Zinni 

“Council is ready to work on the Annual Proposed Budget. We need to ensure we deliver essential services and critical infrastructure for our growing community, while also making sure we can remain financially sustainable. It is a balancing act”  

“We are committed to supporting the vulnerable in our community and will continue to subsidise essential State and Federal contracted services, such as aged care. 

“The increase of the Victorian Government Landfill Levy will continue to put financial strain on our Waste Management services, and Council is no longer able to subsidise this rising cost for our community. It will mean ratepayers will feel the effects of this State Government charge.”  

“We are confident that the Proposed Budget, Financial Plan and Revenue and Rating Plan will allow Council to meet the immediate needs of our community, while ensuring we have the resources to deliver services and long-term infrastructure projects in the future.” 

“I encourage people to give their feedback on these important plans. As a Council we are committed to educating and encouraging our community to have their say - so please take this opportunity to share your thoughts.”