Have your say on financial future plans

DESPITE the economic pressures facing households and businesses, the draft budget focuses on making the right investments for the Glenelg community’s future, while maintaining financial rigour and long-term sustainability.

The draft budget includes a $16 million capital works program, with a strong emphasis on renewing ageing and deteriorating assets across the shire. Council is committing an additional $1 million towards asset renewal to protect essential infrastructure and reduce future cost pressures.

A total of $8.5 million is allocated to the 2026/27 renewal program, including $5.6 million for local road renewals. Increased investment is also directed to building renewal works to maintain existing community facilities, renewal works at the Casterton Saleyards, and improved investment in parks, open spaces and streetscapes.

The capital works program includes new projects informed by community feedback, such as lighting upgrades at Flinders Park Oval and the Dartmoor Footpath project. Planning will also continue for the Heywood Recreation Reserve change rooms and amenities project and the CBD amenities change rooms project to ensure they are well-positioned for future funding and delivery.

Council is also investing in pipeline and priority project planning to strengthen future project development and improve readiness for external funding opportunities.

Alongside capital investment, the draft budget continues to provide operational funding for day-to-day services that support community wellbeing, connection and safety. This includes funding for community events and activities, youth services, the Community Grants program, School Crossings and Maternal and Child Health services.

As a large rural council, Glenelg continues to face challenges in delivering services such as waste management, where legislative and environmental requirements drive increasing compliance obligations and costs across the local government sector. Council continues to closely monitor these requirements while encouraging responsible waste practices across households to help manage cost impacts over time.

Council is also not immune to the effects of the international fuel crisis. Services and committed projects have been reviewed to assess both current and future impacts, with decisions guided by a careful assessment of financial pressures and a focus on delivering best value for money for the community.

While the Emergency Services Tax does not form part of Council’s budget, Council acts as the State Government’s collection agency and the amount payable will appear on rates notices. Council continues to advocate on behalf of the Glenelg community, highlighting the impact these increases on households and farming properties across the municipality.

Mayor Cr Karen Stephens said the draft budget reflects both community priorities and responsible financial decision-making.

“Council is presenting a forward-looking draft budget that makes the right investments for our community’s future even in the face of the economic pressures facing every household or business”.

“A key focus of this budget is the renewal of the assets our community relies on every day. Choosing not to act would lead to greater costs and further pressure on future budgets, and this draft budget responds to that challenge responsibly and decisively.”

Chief Executive Officer Helen Havercroft said the budget was developed within a constrained financial environment while maintaining essential services.

“To support increased investment in asset renewal, growth in operational expenditure has been halted for 2026/27, allowing funding to be directed where it is needed most,” the CEO said.

The Draft 2026/27 Budget has been shaped by community feedback and aligns with the priorities of the Council and Wellbeing Plan 2026 to 2029 and the Long-Term Financial Plan 2025 to 2035. Engagement with residents highlighted strong support for practical local projects that improve access to facilities, maintain essential infrastructure and respond to the unique needs of each community.

Council is now commencing public consultation on the Draft 2026/27 Budget and encourages community members to review the proposed priorities and provide feedback before the budget is finalised.

Community members can provide feedback online, in writing, or by speaking at a Council meeting during the public consultation period. All feedback received will be considered before Council adopts the final budget.

The draft budget and information on how to participate in public consultation are available on Council’s website and at Council offices and libraries.

Council looks forward to continuing to work with the community to deliver shared priorities over the coming year.