Frugality a priority for next council budget

COUNCILLORS have adopted the City of Greater Bendigo budget for 2026–2027, claiming that it balances the needs of today with the responsibilities of tomorrow, and is financially sustainable.

It is purportedly valued at $280m, with an operating budget of $186m and a capital works budget of $97m for both new infrastructure projects and maintaining existing assets.

The municipality has not applied for a variation to the rate cap as it seeks to absorb increasing costs for supplies, goods and services and there will be no increase to waste charges for ratepayers in the new financial year.

Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said the budget is focused on continuing to invest in the everyday services residents rely on and value.

“(It) reflects what our community has told us is important: affordable services, liveable neighbourhoods, a healthy environment and strong local communities, while also supporting local jobs, business and future growth,” he said.

“Maintaining and renewing essential infrastructure remains a clear priority, and we have invested $47.9m in buildings, $13.3m in roads, $8.5m in pathways and $9.9m in parks and open space.

“There is funding to continue multi-year projects as well, such as the Bendigo Art Gallery redevelopment and the redevelopment of the North Bendigo Recreation Reserve.”

As part of the budget process, a resident survey was held between September and October last year.

“We’d like to thank the 261 community members who took the time to rank what is most important to them across 14 service areas,” Cr Prince said.

“The results showed our community’s top priorities for investment continue to be roads, footpaths, tracks and trails, parks, including playspaces and gardens, waste, recycling and resource recovery, growth through town planning, infrastructure and guiding development, and local sport facilities.

“These results, and feedback throughout the year, have directly informed the services and infrastructure prioritised in the Budget 2026–2027.”

For more information, visit the CoGB website.