The Annual Budget for 2025/26 has been endorsed by Baw Baw Shire Council laying out a clear roadmap for the year ahead focused on a sustainable, healthy and thriving future for our growing community.
Adopted with unanimous support from all Councillors at yesterday's Council meeting, the annual budget represents an operating expenditure of $118 million to fund delivery of vital community services and infrastructure for the year ahead through a combination of existing programs and new initiatives.
Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Danny Goss said this was the first annual budget of the new Council term developed in strong partnership with the community, for the community.
"We're proud to deliver a robust and responsible budget that will guide our delivery of major projects and initiatives benefiting our community now and into the future, while continuing to deliver a range of core services that our fast-growing Shire needs", said the Mayor.
"As a Council, we have had to make some necessary decisions to balance population growth, demand for services and financial sustainability.
"We are committed to supporting ratepayers facing financial stress and I remind the community that rates concessions are available under certain circumstances for some pensioners and veterans. Council's Hardship Policy also provides support to ratepayers experiencing financial hardship by allowing for the deferment or waiver of rates and interest under specific conditions."
A $46 million Capital Works Program will continue Council's innovative 'plan, design, deliver' approach to community infrastructure with a focus on improving roads, community facilities and sports and recreation infrastructure.
Topping the list of exciting community projects is the Baw Baw Culture and Connection Precinct: Library and Learning Centre, with construction set to commence in the upcoming financial year. This new state-of-the-art facility will be the most significant multi-year project ever delivered by Council, designed to house a library and complement the West Gippsland Arts Centre, forming what will become one of the region's most outstanding facilities with capacity to service future generations.
Other key infrastructure highlights in the budget include:
Dowton Park Pavilion Upgrade, Yarragon
Gardner Holman Road Sealing, Drouin
Copeland Road Upgrade, Warragul
Rollo Street Park Development, Yarragon
Commercial Lane Streetscape Upgrades, Drouin
Strategic Review of the Burke Street and Logan Park Sporting Precincts, Warragul
Sporting Pavillion, Longwarry
Many other road and recreation projects are also earmarked for delivery subject to successful external grant funding including the Burke Street Park Pump Track, Falls Road Bridge in Narracan and Western Park Oval 2 Pavillion.
Baw Baw Shire Deputy Mayor Cr Tricia Jones thanked Councillors, officers and community members for their involvement throughout the budget process.
"The budget reflects feedback from residents, businesses, and community groups through surveys and workshops held through our pilot community panel engagement program, which began late last year. We've listened and collaborated closely with our community and are proud to deliver a budget that is shaped by their voices."
The budget goes into effect on 1 July 2025.
To view the full annual budget and supporting documents, go to Budget.
