Alpine Shire Council has released its draft Budget for 2025/26, highlighting key initiatives and strategic priorities for the upcoming year.
In short:
- Alpine Shire Council's Draft Budget 2025/26 has been released and includes a 3% rate increase.
- $36.6M operating expenditure and $8.0M capital works program
- Community consultation is now open until 5pm on Tuesday, 27 May 2025
- Read and provide feedback at Engage Alpine - Budget 2025/26
This budget, which includes a 3% rate increase, is now open for community consultation before Council will consider it for adoption in June 2025.
Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, said Council is keen to hear from residents and ratepayers to ensure the final budget reflects the community's needs and aspirations.
"This draft budget showcases our strategic priorities, and the input we get from the community will be key to finalising it," she said.
"It's important for everyone to have their say, and we're looking forward to hearing from as many people as possible during the consultation period."
During the initial consultation for the draft Budget in late 2024, Council received 34 individual submissions. Additionally, six submitters presented their proposals formally to Councillors.
Each submission was carefully evaluated against the current and projected work program, resource availability, and alignment with the Council Plan.
The draft Budget outlines a total operating expenditure of $36.6 million, with key initiatives including the introduction of a Customer Charter, completion of flood studies, support for waste diversion initiatives, and the development of economic development and tourism strategies.
The capital works program, totalling $8.0 million, includes significant investments in roadworks, waste management improvements, property and building upgrades, fleet and equipment renewal, and other infrastructure projects.
Council's Chief Executive Officer, Will Jeremy, said Council's total income is projected to be $35.3 million, a decrease from the previous year due to reduced grant funding.
"Despite this, the budget includes increased allocations for strategic planning, youth development, community grants, and public facility maintenance," he said.
"We've made significant strides in streamlining our operations, which allows us to reallocate resources to critical areas without compromising service quality."
Despite originally considering it, Council has decided not to apply for a higher rate cap in the draft Budget, opting instead to adhere to the 3% rate increase in line with the Fair Go Rates System.
This decision was made after careful consideration of the community's needs and financial sustainability.
The draft Budget is now on public exhibition inviting community feedback, with submissions closing at 5pm on Tuesday, 27 May 2025.
Council will be popping up at local events and markets across the Shire throughout the month of May to chat with residents and gather more feedback:
Mount Beauty Market
Saturday, 3 May 2025
9am – 1pm
Hydro Park, Mount Beauty
Freeburgh Bush Market
Sunday, 4 May 2025
8am–1pm
Freeburgh Community Hall
Harrietville Community Pop-up
Saturday, 10 May 2025
9.30am – 11.30am
Harrietville Community Hall
Bright Make It, Bake It, Grow It Market
Saturday, 17 May 2025
9am – 12.30pm
Howitt Park, Bright
Dederang Community Pop-up
Sunday, 18 May 2025
9.30am – 11.30am
The General Store, Dederang
Myrtleford Farmer's Market
Saturday, 24 May 2025
8.30am–12.30pm
Myrtleford Piazza
The final Budget will be presented for approval at the June Ordinary Council Meeting, incorporating community feedback and any necessary adjustments.
To read the draft Budget and provide feedback, visit: https://engage.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/202526-budget