Monash Council's 2026/27 Budget commits $250 million to services and invests more than $86 million in projects and infrastructure to support the Monash community.
Monash Mayor, Cr Stuart James, said the Budget strikes a balance between delivering the services and infrastructure our community relies on and managing Council's finances responsibly.
"Our 2026/27 Budget reflects the priorities our community told us matter most. Those priorities have guided Council's decisions about where we invest and how we deliver services.
"This Budget was developed in a challenging financial environment, shaped by rising costs and the constraints of rate capping. We have found a balance between delivering the services and infrastructure our community relies on and managing our finances responsibly for the long term.
"Budgets aren't just about projects. We are committing $250 million to the services people rely on every day, including immunisation, maternal and child health, libraries, youth services, town planning and customer service.
"Within that Budget, more than $86 million has been allocated to projects across Monash to renew and improve the infrastructure our community relies on.
"Whether it's maintaining local roads, supporting community sport, delivering library services or helping families access essential services, this Budget is focused on the things that matter most to our community."
Project highlights
- $12.7 million to renew footpaths and roads, and upgrade drainage to keep them safe and usable.
- $32.5 million to commence construction of the new Glen Waverley Library, including new event spaces, outdoor areas and green spaces.
- $1.9 million to improve the cycling connection between Scotchmans Creek and the Djerring Trail, and $1.5 million to upgrade the Waverley Rail Trail between Jordanville and Mount Waverley stations, helping more people ride safely.
- $1.3 million to renew library collections across Monash's five branches, which receive around 900,000 visits each year.
- $3 million for new playspaces at Princes Highway Reserve in Oakleigh East and Gladeswood Reserve in Mulgrave.
- $1.3 million to construct a new pavilion for community sport at Capital Reserve in Glen Waverley.
Community feedback helped shape the Budget
In 2025, we asked the community to suggest projects and initiatives for funding. This Budget includes community-driven initiatives identified through that process and other feedback, including:
- $150,000 for South East Community Links to strengthen and expand support for people in Monash experiencing unemployment, severe hardship and family violence.
- $200,000 to support Monash's 10 Neighbourhood Houses, helping them connect and support the community.
- $50,000 to improve signage for pedestrians and cyclists along the busy Scotchmans Creek Trail.
- $400,000 to upgrade the cricket nets at Scammell Reserve in Oakleigh South for community and club use.
- $38,500 to install lockers at libraries so visitors can store their belongings safely.
The rising costs of waste
This Budget introduces a separate waste charge in Monash.
The cost of managing waste is rising faster than Council rates. Like many councils across Victoria, Monash can no longer absorb these rising costs within general rates alone. Listing waste costs separately on rates notices will make those costs more transparent and help ensure Council can continue delivering waste services without reducing other essential community services.
From July, rates notices will show general rates and waste services separately for properties that receive Council's kerbside waste service. A Public Waste Service Rate will also be introduced to support the cost of managing litter, dumped rubbish and bins in public places.
Eligible Pension Concession Card holders will receive a 40% discount on the waste charge. A safety net concession will also be available for people who own and live in a property with a Capital Improved Value of less than $600,000.
The waste charge will be reviewed each year and will change in line with the cost of providing waste services. It can only be used to recover the cost of these services and cannot be used to generate additional revenue.
Read the budget in full and get more information here.
