At its most recent Council meeting, Council endorsed the 2025/26 Draft Council Budget and is now seeking community submissions.
The Budget outlines the broad range of services provided by Council and details the funding that is required to deliver Council's services and maintain and improve community infrastructure.
Council has made the decision to halve the allowable increase in municipal rates and charges (excluding waste services charges) proposing a 1.5 percent increase rather than the 3 percent maximum increase in rates permissible under the State Government’s Fair Go Rates System. Council will maintain support for farmers by continuing to offer farmers a 25 percent discount on rates.
Latrobe City Council Mayor, Councillor Dale Harriman, encouraged the community to review the Draft Budget document and have their say to help shape the future of Latrobe City.
“Thank you to all those who contributed to our community consultation survey in October, which helped guide Council in developing the Draft Budget,” said the Mayor.
“The Budget seeks to provide support to our community during this cost-of-living crisis, along with a lower rates increase, fees to access community facilities and fees to use our Leisure facilities have been frozen.
“The Budget includes a total capital works program of $87.3 million comprising of $28 million in the 2025/26 program and $59.3 million of continuing multiyear projects and other works from prior year Budgets.
“This has been achieved while maintaining a balanced cash budget, placing Council in a strong financial position to deliver on the aspirations outlined in our draft Council Plan over the four-year Council term.”
The capital works program includes investment in renewing existing infrastructure of $28.8 million, with $14.4 million of this being committed to the road network.
Council will spend $29.3 million on the continuation of the Regional Car Parks Fund, including the completion of the Kay Street Traralgon car park and the commencement of the Commercial Road Morwell car park.
Other major projects include flood recovery projects at Traralgon Recreation Reserve totalling $5.3 million, the Multi-use Pavilion at Gaskin Park at $3.7 million, $2.5 million of which will be funded through new borrowings, and the upgrade of the Glengarry preschool $1.1 million
Community are encourage to review the Draft Budget and make submissions by 27 May 2025 at 5pm. For more information or to make a submission, visit: yoursay.latrobe.vic.gov.au/council-budget-2025-26. Hard copies of the Draft Budget are available for viewing at Council Service Centres.