Golden Plains Shire Council’s Budget 2026/27 was adopted by Council at its 26 May Council meeting.
The $62 million Budget focuses on balancing financial sustainability with maintaining services and continued investment in projects that are valued by our community.
The 2026/27 Budget has been prepared based on the adopted principles within the 2025-2029 Council Plan and Financial Plan with rate revenue modelled at a 2.75% average rate cap increase in accordance with the Minister for Local Government’s announcement in December 2025.
Key Features of Budget 2026/27
The 2026/27 Budget aims to maintain essential services, invest in community‑valued projects, and continue improving and renewing local infrastructure, all while operating within the 2.75% rate cap. However, the ongoing rise in operating and construction costs, consistently outpacing the annual rate cap, continues to place significant pressure on councils across Victoria. As a result, many councils, including Golden Plains Shire, face difficult financial decisions, with the risk of either reducing service levels or operating at a loss, neither of which is sustainable in the long term.
- $61.4m to continue to deliver more than 70 services to the Golden Plains community
- 2.75% rate cap
- Operating surplus of $1.9m, with an overall adjusted underlying deficit of $6.7m
- Waste management fee at $497 per property
- Windfarm income at $2.3m (Mount Mercer, Berrybank and Golden Plains Wind Farms)
- $14.6m investment in capital assets, including infrastructure, buildings, recreation, leisure and community facilities and plant machinery and equipment
Community Infrastructure Projects in 2026/27 Budget
Of the $14.6 million capital works program, Council is investing more than $7.0 million in renewing vital community assets, with a strong focus on our extensive rural road and bridge network. As a large rural Shire, Council is responsible for maintaining over 1,744 kilometres of local roads across Golden Plains, ensuring our communities remain connected and supported.
$900k for Local Roads Resealing
$670k for Local Road Improvements
$2.54m Roads to Recovery Federal Government Grant for Local Road Projects
$700k for Gravel Resheeting
$600k for Drainage program
$300k for Footpaths & Cycleways
$350k for Local Bridge Renewals
$2.4m for Russells Bridge Replacement
$1.75m for Teesdale Female Friendly Changerooms Project
Key Operational Programs included in Budget 2026/27
- Continued implementation of Climate Emergency Plan actions supported by the introduction of the recently formed Climate Action Working Group.
- Continued transition of Waste Services to reflect State mandated 4 bin service.
- Continued development and implementation of the Core Systems Transformation Project.
- Funding for various programs to support active ageing, youth development, and the general health, wellbeing and inclusion of all cohorts across the community.