THE City of Whittlesea is seeking community feedback after releasing their proposed Budget for 2025-26, which will see the council operating with a $347m budget.
It is a budget which will also include $117 million for the council’s capital works program, which helps them invest in building, upgrading or expanding facilities and infrastructure.
Proposed uses of the budget will include starting work on the next stage of construction within the regional sports precinct in Mernda, the completion of the Murnong Community Centre in Donnybrook, the Hill Top splash park and playground in Doreen, and a slate of road and playground upgrades.
The Budget will also propose an average rate increase of three per cent, which is in line with the Victorian Government’s rate cap through the Fair Go Rating system.
A residential waste charge of $409.95 per household, a four-bin system has also been proposed, made up of $304.10 in Council charges, down $6.75 from last year, and $105.85 from the Victorian Government’s Landfill Levy, up $91.65 from last year.
Council will also continue to offer support through its financial hardship program, while $2 million in funding has also been proposed for community grants.
On top of this, the City of Whittlesea has also developed the Proposed Financial Plan 2025-26 to 2034-35 and the Proposed Revenue and Rating Plan 2025-26 to 2028-29, while the Draft Asset Plan has also been developed from 2025 to 2034.
Formal submissions for community feedback is currently open through the Engage Whittlesea platform until Sunday, May 4.
A Hearing of Submissions Committee of Council will be established to consider submissions and hear from members of the public who wish to speak to their submission before the final Budget 2025-26, Financial Plan 2025-26 to 2034-35 and Revenue and Rating Plan 2025-26 to 2028-29 is considered for endorsement at the Council Meeting on Tuesday June 17 2025.
City of Whittlesea Deputy Mayor Councillor Daniela Zinna says council are awaiting residential feedback.
“Council is ready to work on the Annual Proposed Budget. We need to ensure we deliver essential services and critical infrastructure for our growing community, while also making sure we can remain financially sustainable. It is a balancing act,” she said.
“We are committed to supporting the vulnerable in our community and will continue to subsidise essential State and Federal contracted services, such as aged care.
“We are confident that the Proposed Budget, Financial Plan and Revenue and Rating Plan will allow Council to meet the immediate needs of our community, while ensuring we have the resources to deliver services and long-term infrastructure projects in the future.
“I encourage people to give their feedback on these important plans. As a Council we are committed to educating and encouraging our community to have their say – so please take this opportunity to share your thoughts.”
