In Summary
- Council has adopted the 2025/2026 Budget, delivering a $3.99 million operating surplus and focused investment in services, infrastructure, and financial sustainability.
- A $66.4 million Capital Works Program will fund key projects including road upgrades, drainage works, library and playground renewals, and the new Princess Park Multi-Use Pavilion.
- Community consultation shaped the Budget, with 132 submissions and 22 in-person presentations helping guide priorities and decision-making.
- The Budget also includes the adoption of the Revenue and Rating Plan 2025–2029, plus updated Borrowing and Investment Policies to support long-term financial stability.
The Budget was adopted following extensive community consultation to understand the needs and desires of residents, with the Budget focused on delivering quality and affordable services while ensuring Council continues to operate within its means.
The Budget presents a true operating surplus of $3.99 million, which is a result of good financial management following a period marked by external challenges and the need for community support, including the impacts of COVID-19 and the 2022 floods.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said Council had been on a journey to improve its financial management outcomes since the adoption of the Financial Plan in 2021, ensuring the organisation remains financially responsible.
“The 2025/2026 Budget places Council is a positive operating position, which is great to see following several years of challenging financial impacts,” he said.
“In getting to this position, we have prioritised where Council spends its money, choosing to invest in maintaining and improving the assets we currently have and ones which the community love. Council has also continued to review its services and infrastructure to ensure they meet the needs of our growing community for years to come.”
The Budget prioritises investment in our region’s infrastructure, with a $66.4 million Capital Works Program. This includes more than $41 million of renewal and upgrade projects, including:
- Stage 2 of the Lenne Street Drainage Upgrade
- Construction of the Princess Park Multi-Use Pavilion
- $13.3 million for road renewals
- Change room upgrades at Congupna Recreation Reserve
- Completion of the Yahna Gurtji Shared Path, connecting Kidstown to Gemmill's Swamp
- A refresh of the Mooroopna Library
- Footpath renewals in Shepparton, Murchison and Mooroopna
- Hardcourt renewals in Katandra and Shepparton
- Several playground renewals across the region
It also includes strategic investment in several new assets, such as:
- Completion of GV Link Stage 1
- Completion of Cormorant Park – Seven Creeks Estate
- Purchase of land at Victoria Park Lake Holiday Park
- Installation of Lemnos memorial signage
“We are extremely pleased to be delivering on such an extensive and robust Capital Works program next financial year. This demonstrates Council’s investment in the region and ensuring we put money into the services and facilities which the community use each day,” Cr Sali said.
“Community input played a vital role part in shaping this Budget, with Council receiving 132 submissions across 25 key topics during consultation, and 22 community members took the time to present to Council in person. I thank everyone who participated in this process. Your input ensures our Budget remains grounded in the needs and aspirations of our residents.”
The 2025/2026 Budget includes changes to rates and charges, with rating differentials adjusted to ensure the amount of rates paid by farming properties remains fair and equitable, along with the kerbside service charges remaining steady, with a less than 1 per cent increase – equating to only $1.50 to $3.50 per household.
Residents will notice a change in Resource Recovery fees from 1 July 2025 due to the EPA increasing their landfill levies by 28 per cent this year, resulting in Council paying more to dispose of waste at landfill.
At the June Council Meeting, Council also adopted its Revenue and Rating Plan 2025-2029, setting out the most appropriate and affordable revenue and rating approach for the municipality. The Plan is an important part of Council’s integrated planning framework and was developed through consultation with Councillors and the community, setting the municipal charge, general, farm and commercial/industrial rate for the region.
Council’s Borrowing Policy and Investment and Cash Management Policy were also adopted, ensuring sound financial management principals are maintained.
“The current group of Councillors are striving to ensure Council remains robust and financially viable for the community. Each of these documents serve in achieving good financial management for the organisation and Greater Shepparton,” Cr Sali said.
“I believe we have achieved a strong balance to ensure the continued and positive growth of our great region.”
View the adopted 2025/2026 Budget
Tap here to view the adopted Revenue and Rating Plan 2025-2029.
