Improvements to roads, parks and open space, community safety and support for young people, older adults and local businesses are just some of the key services and projects to be delivered as part of the City of Whittlesea’s 2025-26 Budget.
The Budget, which was endorsed at the Council meeting on Tuesday, 17 June, outlines Council’s commitment to invest in essential services and infrastructure while ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
From kerbside bin collections, support for local businesses and management of parks, leisure centres, playgrounds and community facilities, through to services catering to our older residents, families and children, the $349.88 million allocated as part of the operating budget will ensure Council can continue to deliver the services needed to support our rapidly growing community.
With a growing population also comes a need to ensure they have the facilities and infrastructure to cater for the demands, both now and into the future.
The budget provides $110.69 million to build, upgrade or expand key infrastructure across the city, including the next stage of construction of the regional sports precinct in Mernda, the completion of the Murnong Community Centre in Donnybrook, delivery of local road restoration and resurfacing and ongoing road and playground upgrades across the municipality.
Extensive community consultation helped shape the Budget, with more than 1100 community members sharing their views through online surveys, pop-up sessions, focus groups and formal submissions.
Council has invested in the community’s top five priorities through the allocation of $57.25 million for roads, public transport and footpaths, $51.02 million for parks, playground and open space, $49.96 million for recreational, leisure and community facilities, $8.52 million for community safety and $1.99 million for arts, culture and events.
The Budget has also prioritised ongoing maintenance and improvements of community and sporting facilities as a result of listening to and responding to the community.
Rates for 2025-26 will increase by an average of three per cent, in line with the rate cap set by the Victorian Government under the Fair Go Rating system.
The cost of providing waste services continues to increase, impacted by the Victorian Government’s Landfill Levy and the requirement to transition to a four-bin collection system in line with the Victorian Government’s Recycling Victoria Strategy.
Historically, Council has subsidised waste charges. However, with the Victorian Government’s landfill levy set to rise by 28 per cent per tonne in 2025-26, Council is no longer able to continue to absorb this cost. The average household’s waste charges for 2025-26 will be $409.95. Despite this adjustment, these waste charges remain among the lowest compared to neighbouring and other growth area councils.
Council will continue to offer support through its recently adopted Financial Hardship Policy and will continue to provide funding for community grants to foster social connection, support volunteers and deliver programs that enhance the wellbeing and resilience of the community.
At the same Council meeting, Council endorsed the Financial Plan 2025-26 to 2034-35. Outlining an investment of $5.14 billion to deliver community services and critical infrastructure over the next 10 years, the Financial Plan ensures Council remains financially responsible while meeting the needs of the community now and into the future.
City of Whittlesea Mayor Councillor Martin Taylor said the budget would cater for the community in a responsible manner.
“With the increased cost of living facing our community, we are committed to delivering a budget that is both responsible and responsive to our community needs and expectations,” he said.
“Council remains focused on supporting our most vulnerable residents and investing in the essential services and infrastructure that underpin community wellbeing, including safer roads, quality parks and open spaces, and services that support people at every stage of life.
“Unfortunately, the continued increase in the Victorian Government’s Landfill Levy has placed significant financial pressure on local waste services. Council can no longer absorb these escalating costs, and regrettably, our ratepayers will feel the impact of this State imposed charge.
“I want to thank every community member who took the time to provide feedback during our Budget consultation process. Your insights have played a critical role in helping Council shape a fair, balanced, current and future focused Budget.”
