Draft 2025-2026 budget feedback
Published on 14 May 2025
Corangamite Shire Council is calling for community feedback on its Draft Budget for the 2025-2026 financial year.
The Draft Budget will be available for public feedback from Monday 19 May.
Mayor Kate Makin thanked the community members who gave their input to development of the Draft Budget.
“We listened, and now we’re asking for your feedback to make sure we have the balance right. We can’t deliver everything the community wants so your input will help ensure Council has the balance right across the Shire.
Cr Makin said $196,000 allocated for replacing the Lismore footbridge was a significant inclusion.
“The footbridge over Browns Waterholes and under the highway has been closed for more than two years.
“It's unsafe and needs total replacement. As part of the Lismore Discovery Trail, it's really valued by the community. It will be great for them to see something physically being achieved.”
Cr Makin said the Budget included $175,000 towards key worker housing in Timboon and $100,000 for the first stage of replacing ageing town and locality signs across the Shire.
“In 2025-2026, Council will also implement the Grow Corangamite planning scheme amendment.
“The Grow Corangamite: Sustaining our Agriculture Future project aims to make sure our Shire remains a significant agricultural producer and food manufacturer into the future.
“The amendment will give clearer guidelines around dwellings and rural worker accommodation, to minimise the impact upon productive agricultural land and minimising fragmentation of land.”
Major investments in the budget include:
- Burkes Road (Thomson to Dow Street, Terang - High St service road) $305,000
Cr Makin said the Budget was focused on building a connected, thriving, healthy, active, and resilient community while improving the environment and demonstrating strong community leadership.
“This budget is designed to support the strategic objectives outlined in the Council Plan 2025-2029 and the Corangamite Community Vision 2040,” Cr Makin said.
“It includes a rate increase of 3.00% in line with the State Government rate cap.
“The waste management charge per eligible household will increase by 3.93%, due to higher State Government levies and waste collection costs.”
Cr Makin said total capital expenditure of $16.68 million was allocated for renewals, asset upgrades, and new assets.
“The Budget maintains Council’s financial stability while introducing new initiatives to benefit beneficial the community.
“Despite cost pressures, the budget maintains existing service levels and funds necessary capital projects.
“We’re particularly proud to continue our support for community groups and local businesses through our extensive grants program.
“Council is committed to delivering a Budget that balances the needs of our community with financial responsibility.
“This budget reflects our dedication to maintaining the quality of life for our residents through strategic investments in infrastructure, community services, and environmental sustainability.”
It will be available at corangamite.vic.gov.au/2025-2026Budget and the Camperdown Civic Centre, 181 Manifold Street, Camperdown.
Anyone wishing to provide feedback on the proposed Budget can do so online or in writing addressed to Chief Executive Officer, Corangamite Shire Council, PO Box 84 Camperdown, 3260.
Written feedback must be received before 5 pm Sunday 1 June.
Council will meet to consider adoption of the Budget on Monday 30 June at the Killara Centre in Camperdown.
Any person requiring information concerning the Budget should contact Manager Finance Prabath Jayawardana on 5593 7100.
“I encourage all residents to review the budget and provide feedback to ensure it meets the community's needs,” Cr Makin said.
“While you’re at it, please also check out the other draft plans we have open for feedback.
“They will be at corangamite.vic.gov.au/Conversation2025 or at the Civic Centre in Camperdown from next Monday.
The plans include:
- Council Plan 2025 – 2029
- updated Community Vision 2040
- Financial Plan 2025-2035
- Revenue and Rating Plan 2025-2029
- Asset Plan 2025-2035
- Road Management Plan 2025-2029
Feedback can be submitted at corangamite.vic.gov.au/Conversation2025, emailed to shire@corangamite.vic.gov.au or posted to Corangamite Shire, PO Box 84, Camperdown, 3260 by 5pm, Sunday 1 June.”