Central Goldfields Shire Council has released a Draft Budget for 2026-2027 which identifies $3.2 million in savings to counter low revenue growth, rate capping and rising expenses.
Chief Executive Officer Peter Harriott said drastic action was needed to prevent the Council incurring an ongoing deficit and low cash-based budgets.
"This involves making difficult decisions and reducing services," he said.
"Insurance costs have risen 20% and materials and construction expenses continue to climb.
"State Government funding has not kept pace with the services we deliver on their behalf, such as school-crossing supervision, libraries and mowing Crown land.
"For us, as a small rural Council, these pressures have accumulated over time, as we have absorbed cost increases well beyond our control."
Mayor Cr Ben Green said the new team of councillors and managers had resolved to "balance the books" and to focus on maintaining and renewing existing assets.
"We are being financially responsible in a challenging operating environment," he said.
"Compared with last year's budget, the turnaround required over the next four years is even greater, close to $11 million.
"This demonstrates the scale of the challenge and the importance of decisive action."
The Draft Budget 2026-2027 is available for public comment until Thursday, 16 April.
Mr Harriott said initiatives to improve the Council's financial position include:
- Reducing labour costs, increasing operational efficiency and prioritising resources to meet community needs
- Ending the Community Grants Program
- Selling surplus land
- Proposed closure of the waste transfer stations at Bealiba, Dunolly and Talbot.
"These decisions will not be easy, but difficult decisions are necessary to restore financial sustainability, renew deteriorating assets, and preserve essential community services," Mr Harriott said.
Cr Green said key projects in the coming year include:
- Maryborough Outdoor Pool stage two
- Deledio Recreation Reserve Pavilion upgrade
- The annual road resealing and asphalting program
- Public convenience upgrades, including automatic toilet locks and BBQ sensors
- Aerodrome upgrades.
To read the Draft Budget 2026-2027 and to provide feedback, visit www.engage.cgoldshire.vic.gov.au/budget
