Financial blueprint unveiled

THE financial blueprint for the Glenelg Shire has been set, following the adoption of several key documents at the June Council Meeting.

The 2025 2026 Budget, Declaration of Rates and Service Charge, Fees and Charges and the 2025 Rating and Revenue Plan were endorsed last night, providing a clear roadmap for Council for the next 12 months and beyond.

Mayor Cr Karen Stephens said the suite of documents reflected a strong commitment to sustainable financial management while prioritising vital services, infrastructure upgrades and community wellbeing.

“This budget sets the foundation for delivering the services and infrastructure our Shire needs, while preserving what makes each of our towns unique,” she said.

Some of the highlights of the 2025 2026 Budget include:

• Introduction of Food Organics Green Organics kerbside collection from April 2026

• $4.4 million on local road renewal works

• $250k contribution to Heywood Pool amenities replacement (subject to government funding)

• $140k for major project scoping, including the design of new footpaths within Nelson and Dartmoor

• $162k towards Council’s Community Grants program

• $20k towards Casterton Saleyards improvements

• $73k to support community iconic events, an increase of $21k

• $200k towards Recreational asset renewal

There are Capital Works carry forwards of $8 million to complete some key community-focused upgrades through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program, including the Portland Foreshore building upgrades, a new Portland Gymnastics facility and works supporting the Casterton Little Athletics and Cricket Club.

To help ease financial pressure, council will maintain the pensioner rebate on general rates and kerbside collection charges, ensuring vulnerable residents are supported amid rising living costs.

Cr Stephens thanked all those who took the time to contribute to the budget process.

“More than 770 community members engaged in the Budget process through face-to-face sessions, online visits, and surveys during consultation in February, March, and May 2025 – which was fantastic to see such high levels of participation,” she said.

“This feedback was invaluable. For example, we heard that people are proud of their towns and their individual look and feel, so we have allocated $2.6 million to help keep our parks, gardens and reserves in excellent condition.”

Cr Stephens noted that a large majority of feedback received following the exhibition period related to the introduction of the Food Organics Green Organics (FOGO) kerbside collection.

“It is important to highlight that Council is mandated to provide this service to households, and it will be rolled out from April 2026,” she said.

“This service will be funded only by those property owners who receive a Council kerbside collection service through the annual kerbside collection charge. The feedback received appeared to suggest this was at Council discretion, we hope to clarify some of this misunderstanding.”

Cr Stephens reflected that the Budget is the first developed since the introduction of the new Council following the October 2024 elections.

“The Budget, and our associated documents, are a key contributor to the delivery of the Council and Wellbeing Plan 2025–2029 and reviewing the 2040 Community Plan and Vision,” she said.

“A provisional $250,000 has been set aside to support implementation of actions emerging from the forthcoming Council Plan, ensuring Council can respond quickly to community priorities as they are finalised.

“We look forward to working with our community throughout the coming year and bringing our Council Plan to life.”

For further information, visit the Glenelg Shire website.