WITH a focus on delivering essential services and the vital infrastructure needed to support the growing community, the City of Whittlesea’s Budget 2026-27 and Community Action Plan 2026-27 was endorsed at the Council Meeting on June 16.
Shaped through multiple rounds of consultation, the Budget and Community Action Plan include investment in the priorities that the community have told Council are important to them.
This includes the delivery of shared path lighting to help people feel safer, investment in roads, bridges, footpaths and cycle paths, programs to support an ageing population, investment in new, or upgrades to existing, community and sporting facilities, investment in parks and open spaces to support community wellbeing and ongoing delivery of the community grants program to support inclusive local events and programs, creating opportunities for social connections.
Providing the services that the community expects, and relies on, from kerbside bin collections, support for local businesses and libraries, through to maintenance of parks, playgrounds and community facilities, and services for families and children, the $353 million allocated as part of the operating budget will ensure Council can continue to deliver the support the rapidly growing community needs.
More than $116 million is allocated for capital works projects that will continue to build and maintain the infrastructure needed in the community and create a lasting legacy for residents, including continuing construction of the regional sports precinct in Mernda, completion of the West Wollert Community Centre, beginning construction of Derby Meadows Preschool and Children’s Centre in Epping, continuing construction of Yan Yean Pipe Track in Mill Park, completing the streetscape upgrade of The Boulevard in Thomastown, beginning the intersection upgrade of Findon Road and The Great Eastern Way in South Morang, beginning construction of Edgars Creek Recreation Reserve Sporting Facility in Wollert and beginning construction of Ashley Park Recreation Reserve Sporting Facility in Doreen.
The Budget includes an average rate increase of 2.75 per cent in line with the rate cap set by the Victorian Government under the Fair Go Rating system.
The cost of delivering waste services continues to increase due to a range of factors, including the Victorian Government’s Landfill Levy and the transition to a four-bin collection system under the Recycling Victoria strategy. As a result, waste charges in 2026-27 will increase by $6.95 per household to a total charge of $416.90, with the landfill levy comprising $106.70 for the average residential household. Despite this increase, the waste charges remain among the lowest when compared to neighbouring and growth councils according to the City of Whittlesea.
Council is committed to supporting those in the community experiencing vulnerability and will continue to subsidise State and Federal contracted services, such as aged care, ensuring these critical services remain accessible.
Council will also continue to offer support through its financial hardship program and the Budget includes $1.8 million in continued funding for community grants.
In addition to the Budget, Council has also endorsed the Community Action Plan 2026-27, which outlines the 53 key priorities and projects Council will focus on delivering in the 2026-27 financial year. These actions, in addition to the ongoing business as usual work, will ensure Council continues to deliver on the strategic priorities in the Community Plan 2025-2029.
City of Whittlesea Mayor Councillor Lawrie Cox said Council heard residents loud and clear.
“Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback over many months to help shape the Budget and Community Action Plan. We heard what was important to you and have ensured that projects and services that address these priorities have been allocated for,” he said.
“While Council continues to navigate the financial challenges of increasing costs in a rate capped environment, careful planning, and a strong focus on delivering services more efficiently ensures that we can continue to invest and deliver high-quality services and infrastructure, while remaining financially sustainable.
“Council is also focused on supporting our most vulnerable, ensuring critical services remain accessible and providing support through grants, and where needed, financial hardship support for those experiencing financial difficulties.”