Council’s draft budget and updated Rating and Revenue Plan now open for feedback

Council has developed a responsible and future focused draft budget for the year ahead, supporting the services and infrastructure required for a growing community while also planning for long‑term financial sustainability.

“With today’s complex and shifting economic environment, and the ongoing cost‑of‑living pressures facing our community, Council has carefully prepared a responsible financial management approach to ensure we can continue to maintain and deliver high‑quality services and priority projects that our community needs and deserves, while remaining financially sustainable” said Cardinia Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Brett Owen.

Through the Capital Works Program, Council is investing $66.3 million, with more than half of this focused on renewing and upgrading existing assets. $16 million is allocated to renew ageing Council facilities, deliver major community assets and support strategic land acquisition and $11.9 million is allocated to replace essential core IT systems, improving service delivery, efficiency and digital capability.

The Capital Program also allocates $23.4 million for road renewals and upgrades, $1.2 million for footpaths and cycleways, and $2.9 million for recreational, leisure and community facilities, among other projects. In addition, the draft budget outlines an investment of more than $143.8 million to support the continued delivery of high‑quality services to the community. This includes $2.4 million to support Arts and Creative Industries including Cardinia Cultural Centre and Hills Hub Art Space, $6.3 million to support maternal and child health services, and $13.9 million to keep parks and playgrounds safe and well maintained.

“I encourage our community to take the time to review the Draft Budget and share their feedback,” said Mayor Owen. “Community input is an important part of our decision making process and helps ensure our plans reflect local priorities and expectations.”

Council has also published an updated Rating and Revenue Plan for community feedback.

Following the adoption of the current Rating and Revenue Plan in June 2025, Council resolved to undertake a review of the Plan to ensure it continues to reflect community expectations, transparency and fairness. Through a deliberative engagement process, a community panel provided recommendations to Council for consideration of updates to the differential rating structure.

“The updated model does not change the total amount of rates collected,” said Mayor Owen. “Instead, it ensures each ratepayer contributes a fair share based on their property type and value.”

“It’s about creating a fairer, more transparent system that our community can understand and trust, while ensuring Council remains financially sustainable into the future.”

“We greatly value the input and considered feedback provided by the community panel, which has played a key role in shaping this work,” said Mayor Owen.

The recommended model provides targeted relief to genuine farming properties, applies higher charges to vacant and under‑utilised land to encourage development, clearly differentiates between commercial and industrial uses based on service impacts and minimises impact for residential ratepayers.

Community members are encouraged to review the 2026–27 Draft Budget and updated Rating and Revenue Plan 2025-29 and share their feedback via Draft Budget 2026-2027 and Updated Revenue and Rating Plan 2025-2029.

This exhibition period closes on Tuesday 19 May 2026.