The City of Kingston has adopted its 2026/27 Budget and long-term financial planning documents, outlining continued investment in the services, infrastructure and facilities that support the community every day while ensuring the organisation remains financially sustainable into the future.
The adopted Budget, Long-Term Financial Plan and Revenue and Rating Plan were shaped through an extensive three-stage community engagement process, including more than 670 community submissions and public feedback on the draft budget.
Mayor Georgina Oxley said the adopted budget balanced responsible financial management with investment in the services and infrastructure the community values most.
"This budget ensures we can continue delivering the services and infrastructure our community relies on every day, while planning responsibly for Kingston's future in a challenging economic environment," Cr Oxley said.
"We've listened carefully to our community throughout this process, and the adopted budget reflects the priorities people told us matter most, including investment in open spaces, sporting facilities, shopping precincts and infrastructure that supports our growing city."
The 2026/27 Budget includes a capital works program of $74.7 million and a forecast operating surplus of $5.8 million, supporting Council's long-term financial sustainability while continuing to invest in community infrastructure and essential services.
Council has also continued its targeted support package to assist residents experiencing financial hardship and cost-of-living pressures.
The adopted budget includes a rate increase in line with the Victorian Government's 2.75 per cent rate cap and responds to ongoing economic pressures including inflation, utility and fuel costs, interest rates and changing grant funding assumptions.
Major projects will continue across the municipality during 2026/27, including progress on the new Mordi Aquatic Centre alongside upgrades to local parks, sporting facilities, roads, footpaths and community infrastructure.
The Budget, Long-Term Financial Plan and Revenue and Rating Plan are available to view at kingston.vic.gov.au/budget.
