Alpine Shire Council adopted its Budget for 2026/27 at this week's ordinary council meeting, outlining how it will deliver services, maintain infrastructure, and invest in local projects while keeping a strong focus on financial responsibility.
The Budget outlines a $14.1 million capital works program, ongoing delivery of essential services, and a modest 1.78 per cent rate increase in line with Victorian Government requirements.
It forecasts $45.18 million in income and a $7.2 million operating surplus, while addressing an adjusted underlying deficit that necessitated more than $800,000 in annual savings to manage ongoing cost pressures.
A key feature of this year’s Budget is also a rate credit for properties, returning funds to ratepayers following a systems error in last year’s rate setting process.
To do so, Council has set the 2026/27 rates at a level that restores the rate base to where it would have been had the error not occurred, as well as return funds to ratepayers via a rate credit for the 2026/27 financial year.
Ratepayers will see the credit applied in their 2026/27 rates notice.
Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, said Council understood cost of living pressures and had worked hard to keep rates fair.
“We know households are doing it tough, so this Budget is about delivering the basics well while continuing to invest in the things our community needs most,” she said.
“We’ve listened carefully to community feedback, kept spending under control, and focused on long-term financial sustainability so we can keep delivering for Alpine Shire now and into the future.”
Key projects in the adopted Budget include:
- $1.8 million for road renewals, particularly in the Kiewa Valley
- $2.1 million for footpaths, trails and cycleways across Bright, Myrtleford and Tawonga
- $1.1 million to renew Council buildings
- $530,000 for a new public open space in Tawonga South
- $534,000 for recreation upgrades, including playing surfaces and community facilities
Council will continue progressing long-term plans and strategies in tourism, rural planning, and heritage, alongside future upgrades to the Bright Library and investment in energy efficiency, with these projects designed to improve safety, accessibility, and liveability across the shire.
Cr Nicholas said operating costs have been reduced compared to last year, with staffing levels remaining steady to maintain service delivery.
"The Budget ensures Council can continue delivering essential services, including waste collection, road and public space maintenance, libraries, and community events, while keeping a strong focus on efficiency," she said.
“We’ve taken a disciplined approach to spending, focusing on what matters most and making sure every dollar delivers value for the community."
Community engagement on this year's Budget received a record number of community submissions, with over 100 submissions received during the initial development phase and exhibition period.
“We had more people than ever share their ideas and priorities with us, with that input helping to shape this budget,” Cr Nicholas said.
“Community feedback plays an important role in helping us understand local priorities, and I thank everyone who took their time to have their say."
To read the adopted 2026/27 Budget, please visit: https://www.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/annual-budget-report