Surf Coast budget delivers environmental rebates, rate rises, major capital works

THE Surf Coast Shire will offer rate rebates to landowners who permanently protect native vegetation and wildlife habitat on their properties under a new environmental initiative adopted as part of its 2026–27 budget.

The Trust for Nature covenant was endorsed by councillors on Tuesday night after receiving majority support during consultation on the draft budget.

More than 50 per cent of respondents to the draft budget in April supported its adoption.

Mayor Libby Stapleton said the endorsement of the covenant aligns with the council’s strategic aims and responds directly to community feedback.

 

“It acknowledges a long-term commitment by these landowners to protect biodiversity on their properties, contributing to the overall health of the natural environment we all value so much,” Cr Stapleton said.

Funding was also allocated to several environmental projects including a resource recovery centre in Torquay, the creation of a biodiversity strategy, the solar and energy transition program and third year funding for the Branching Out public tree planting project.

Following severe weather events this year, $240,000 has been assigned to the municipal emergency management program with Colac Otway and Corangamite shires.

The budget includes a 2.75 per cent rate rise and continuation of rate reliefs for farms and commercial properties.

Urban and rural waste service charges will increase by 3.5 and 6.1 per cent respectively, reflecting rising waste costs and the operation of shire-run facilities including the Anglesea landfill.

 

Pet owners will pay an additional 8.9 per cent for desexed dog and cat registrations, with non-desexed animals now costing $249.50 to register.

Sporting clubs will also face increased fees under revised charges for sportsgrounds, lighting and use of the Torquay hockey pitch.

Meanwhile, over $43 million has been allocated to capital works, with $1.5 million for the Australian National Surfing Museum refurbishment and $1.97 million to replace the Parwan soccer pitch at Banyul-Warri Fields.

Funding has also been allocated to the installation of timber bollards at Illawong Drive, Torquay in response to community feedback relating to safety concerns for pedestrians along the frontage of St Therese Primary School.

The Geelong Regional Library Corporation will continue to run library services in the shire.

The Anglesea Art Space has been renewed and $10,000 has been allocated for public art restoration.

 

Stapleton said the budget aims to provide “maximum value to the community” while balancing a challenging financial environment.

“It will allow us to deliver the actions set out for year two of our council plan, which focuses on the things the community has told us matter most,” Cr Stapleton said.

“There’s a strong focus on maintenance and renewal of our public assets such as roads and community facilities, environmental leadership, and initiatives that support community wellbeing – which are all strategic priorities for us during this four-year council term.”

Full details of the Surf Coast Shire 2026–27 council budget are available online.