Have your say on our 2026-27 Proposed Budget and Community Action Plan
Published on 23 April 2026
The City of Whittlesea is inviting the community to have their say on the Proposed Budget 2026-27 and the Draft Community Action Plan 2026-27.
The Proposed Budget outlines Council’s commitment to investing in the essential services and infrastructure needed to support our growing community, while also ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
Through multiple rounds of consultation, community feedback has helped shape the Proposed Budget, with a focus on investing in the priorities that matter most to our community.
This includes:
- the delivery of shared path lighting on the Edgars Creek trail to help people feel safer
- investment in roads, bridges, footpaths and cycle paths
- programs to support our ageing population
- investment in new, or upgrades to existing, community and sporting facilities
- investment in parks and open spaces to support community wellbeing
- ongoing delivery of our community grants program to support inclusive local events and programs, creating opportunities for social connections.
The Proposed Budget also proposes an operating budget of $353 million, which will enable Council to continue to invest and deliver essential services and infrastructure to cater to our growing population. This includes kerbside bin collections, services for children, families and older residents, libraries, support for local businesses, as well as managing spaces and places for our community such as leisure centres, community facilities, playground and sports fields.
More than $115 million is allocated for capital works projects that will continue to build the infrastructure needed in our community and create a lasting legacy for residents.
Highlights of the proposed capital works program include:
- continuing construction of the regional sports precinct in Mernda
- completing construction of 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
- beginning construction of Ashley Park Recreation Reserve Sporting Facility in Doreen.
The Proposed Budget proposes an average rate increase of 2.75% in line with the rate cap set by the Victorian Government under the Fair Go Rating system.
Council is committed to supporting those in our 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 Proposed Budget includes $1.8 million in continued funding for community grants.
In addition to the Proposed Budget, Council has also developed the Draft Community Action Plan, which outlines the 54 key priorities and projects Council will focus on delivering in the 2026-27 financial year. The actions will ensure Council continues to deliver on the strategic priorities in our Community Plan 2025-2029.
Have your say
Community members are encouraged to view and provide feedback on the Proposed Budget until Tuesday 28 April 2026. A Hearing of Submissions Committee will be convened to consider submissions on the Draft Budget and to hear from members of the public who wish to speak in support of their submission. The Hearing of Submissions Committee will be held on Tuesday 5 May 2026.
Feedback on the Draft Community Action Plan can be provided between Wednesday 22 April and Wednesday 6 May 2026. Feedback received through this process will be used to confirm that the actions identified within the Draft Community Action Plan are aligned with the priorities identified by the community.
For more information and to provide your feedback, visit the Engage Whittlesea page. Community members can also provide their feedback in person at one of a number of pop-ups across the municipality.
Quotes attributable to City of Whittlesea Mayor, Councillor Lawrie Cox:
“Community feedback has helped us develop our Proposed Budget 2026-27 and Draft Community Action Plan 2026-27. We heard what was important to you and have ensured that projects and services that address these priorities have been allocated for.
“Despite ongoing external financial challenges and global uncertainty, our Proposed Budget responds to the needs of our community by ensuring we will continue to deliver essential services and long-term infrastructure projects, while making sure we remain financially sustainable.
“I encourage people to provide their feedback on the Proposed Budget and Draft Community Action Plan. Your input and thoughts help us ensure we are reflecting what matters most to you.”