Strengthening Hume City as 'a thriving community with a strong sense of belonging' is the driving force behind Hume City Council's draft Council Plan 2025–2029 and proposed Budget 2025/26, now out for community exhibition.
The draft Council Plan sets Council's priorities and what we seek to achieve to work towards the shared aspirations of our diverse community. The Plan was developed through extensive engagement and will guide Council's work, advocacy and decisions over the next four years.
Mayor of Hume City, Councillor Jarrod Bell, said the Council Plan and Budget documents outline Council's commitment to our community – to everyone who lives, works and plays in Hume City – to meet the evolving needs of our city in a challenging economic climate.
"The proposed Budget 2025/26 allocates more than $69 million of new investment in Council's Capital Works Program to improve, upgrade and develop new buildings, and on the construction, upgrade, and maintenance of roads," Cr Bell said.
Highlights include an increased investment in community services, funding to maintain Council assets including local roads and footpaths, as well as plans to improve facilities, parks and reserves for the benefit of the whole community.
"One of our exciting developments will be the completed construction of the Jacksons Hill Arts and Cultural Precinct. Along with other priority projects including Craigieburn's Hockey Centre upgrade and the Willowbrook and Foster Reserves, each offers great benefit to our community that will become fantastic public spaces where people can come together.
"This continued investment in recreational facilities, parks and reserves reflects our community's desire for accessible spaces to enhance their health and wellbeing; Council is committed to providing opportunities for people of all ages and interests to feel included and connected."
Under the draft Council Plan, support for community wellbeing in the face of rising living costs means reducing barriers to participation and delivering initiatives that ease financial pressure where we can.
Based on community feedback, transport planning and infrastructure development remain top priorities for Hume City Council. As such, Council has allocated significant funding for projects to build a connected and vibrant community. Council is also committed to supporting local jobs growth and is focused on creating more business and employment opportunities in Hume.
The proposed Budget 2025/26 also includes a $218.19 million investment in services. This will fund the provision of day-to-day Council services such as pre-schools, child care, aged services, waste and library services.
"As we expect to welcome 135,000 more residents over the next four years, our Council Plan will ensure we deliver the services, projects and infrastructure that our growing community needs today, and in the future. This will ensure that everyone, regardless of circumstance, has the opportunity to live well and thrive in Hume." Cr Bell said.
The draft Council Plan 2025-2029 and proposed Budget 2025/26 can be viewed on Council's Participate page.
