Hobsons Bay councillors adopted a back-to-basics budget at their June meeting, following a month of community engagement.
The 2026-27 budget was adopted at Monday's meeting, with Councillors endorsing a responsible approach with a focus on core services. This budget is based on an operational surplus of $5.7 million and will see Council pay down more than $2.5 million in debt.
The budget includes $59.7 million for the year's capital works program, which is focused on renewing and upgrading existing assets. Some of the major projects include:
Kororoit Creek Trail in Altona and Altona North, with construction set to begin later in 2026
Bruce Comben Reserve sports pavilion redevelopment design
Laverton Swim and Fitness Centre heating and air conditioning upgrade
Edwards Reserve and Bond Reserve sportsgrounds redevelopment
Mary Street Reserve upgrade
Tree planting across the city in line with our Urban Forest Strategy.
Council also continues to significantly invest in the services its community relies on. This includes:
$2.3 million to provide social support, care services and practical assistance to help older people, eligible younger people and carers remain connected and independent
More than $1.5 million to provide accessible early years services and support to help children and families thrive and to strengthen local early years providers
Almost $4 million for our libraries and hubs to deliver accessible spaces, collections, programs and targeted engagement that support lifelong learning and diverse community needs.
$1.7 million for youth services to provide services, programs and support that build wellbeing, participation, skills and connection for young people.
A draft summary was available for the community to have a say on throughout May.
Residential rates will rise by an average of 1.84 per cent, well below the state government cap of 2.75 per cent.
The 2026-27 Hobsons Bay budget can be viewed at hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/budget
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Hobsons Bay, Cr Diana Grima:
"This budget is grounded in a back-to-basics approach, focusing on the fundamental services that keep our community running well.
"We are happy to bring back free parking across Hobsons Bay this winter to support our local businesses, and we will prioritise maintaining and supporting our existing assets to ensure your rates are directed where they're needed most.
"We are determined to minimise the impact of rising costs on ratepayers as much as possible, and we will continue to offer rate relief through our financial hardship policy for those who need it. I encourage any resident or business who may be experiencing financial difficulty to speak with Council about available support."
