Murrindindi Shire Council adopted its Annual Budget for 2025/26 at the scheduled meeting of Council on 18 June 2025.
The $45.6 million Budget outlines how Council will deliver essential services and invest in key infrastructure projects across the Shire, while responsibly managing rising costs and limited funding. It supports the long-term wellbeing of the community and reflects the priorities raised during recent community consultation.
The Budget supports the implementation of Council's new four-year Council Plan 2025-2029, which is focused on building a thriving and prosperous Shire, fostering healthy, inclusive and resilient communities, and delivering trusted leadership and sustainable services.
Key features of the Budget include:
- a modest operating surplus of $1.1 million
- a $17.2 million capital works program
- average property rate increases limited to 3 per cent, in line with the Victorian Government's rate cap.
Major projects funded in the 2025/26 Budget include:
- $4.3 million for Key Worker Housing in Eildon (largely funded by grants)
- $1.4 million to renew local bridges
- $400,000 for footpath and shared path upgrades
- $270,000 for park and playground improvements
- $95,000 for digital system upgrades and improved customer service.
Council will continue to support a local youth services program, despite the withdrawal of State Government funding.
Council is also focused on improving efficiencies, reducing costs and delivering services more effectively. In 2025/26 Council will continue investing in digital technologies to streamline processes and improve the community's experience. Council will also work with the community to explore the future of costly, ageing or under-used public facilities, and collaborate with neighbouring councils to find smarter, more cost-effective ways to deliver services.
Council received nine community submissions to the draft Budget in May. All were considered before finalising the Budget, and individual responses will be provided to each submitter.
To ensure a fair contribution to shared waste services across the Shire, a portion of the kerbside bin collection charges ($149) will be extended to properties that do not receive a kerbside bin collection. This charge helps fund waste services that benefit the whole Shire, including recycling drop-off points, public litter bins, landfill operations and free green waste disposal before the fire season. Recognising the current drought, Council will defer this charge for one year for eligible primary producers who are not on the kerbside collection route.
The full Annual Budget 2025/26 is available on our Annual Budgets page or in print at a Library and Customer Service Centres in Alexandra, Kinglake and Yea.
Murrindindi Shire Council Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher said the Budget reflects the community's aspirations and Council's commitment to responsible financial management.
'We've listened to our community and carefully balanced our priorities to deliver a responsible Budget for Murrindindi. It focuses on what matters - good services, better roads and facilities, housing for local workers, and support for our young people. We're also taking steps to improve how we deliver services, ensuring our resources are used wisely and deliver the best outcomes for our communities.'
'This Budget reflects a Council focused on delivering value, living within our means, and investing wisely to ensure Murrindindi remains a great place to live, work and visit. This budget delivers for Team Murrindindi.' Cr Gallager concluded.
