Alpine Shire Council last night endorsed its draft 2026/27 Budget for public exhibition, outlining a strong and responsible financial position while continuing investment in essential services, infrastructure and community wellbeing.
The draft Budget is aligned with the Alpine Shire Council Plan 2025–2029 and sets out how Council will fund services and projects over the next financial year.
Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, said the draft Budget reflects careful financial management and a focus on delivering what matters most to the community.
“This Budget shows we are working to deliver for the community as sustainably as possible while continuing to invest in roads, footpaths, facilities and services that support a vibrant, healthy and resilient Alpine Shire,” she said.
The draft Budget projects total income of $41.8 million, operating expenditure of $37.4 million and a capital works program of $10.1 million.
The proposed capital works program includes major investments across the Shire, including:
- $1.8 million for road renewals, including upgrades across the Kiewa Valley
- $1.6 million for new and improved footpaths, trails and cycleways in Bright, Myrtleford and Tawonga
- $1.0 million for building renewals
- $534,000 for recreation and open space improvements
- $530,000 for the Tawonga South municipal precinct
- $888,000 for plant, fleet, ICT upgrades and library collections
Cr Nicholas said the draft Budget also reflects significant efficiency improvements, with more than $1.3 million in annual operating savings achieved through streamlining operations and smarter use of resources.
“These savings strengthen our long‑term financial sustainability and help ensure we can continue delivering services without compromising quality,” she said.
Rates and charges are budgeted with an average rate increase of 1.84 per cent, which is below the State Government’s 2.75 per cent rate cap.
Cr Nicholas said this lower increase also addresses an unintentional rate cap error from 2025/26, ensuring fairness for ratepayers.
“We made a commitment to correct last year’s error, and this Budget delivers on that promise,” she said.
The draft Budget also supports delivery of Council Plan priorities including improved customer service, climate action, emergency preparedness, community wellbeing, libraries, aquatic facilities and gender equity initiatives.
Cr Nicholas said community feedback played an important role in shaping the draft Budget, helping Council understand local priorities and focus investment where it matters most.
“I'd like to thank everyone who took the time to provide feedback and share their views during the development of the draft Budget," she said.
“Budget decisions affect everyone, and we now encourage our community to review the draft and share their feedback."
The draft Budget will be on public exhibition for four weeks, with community feedback considered before the final Budget is presented to Council for adoption in June 2026.
Community members can read the draft Budget and provide feedback:
- Online at Budget 2026/27 | Engage Alpine
- In hard copy at Council's Customer Service Centre in Bright, and at libraries in Bright, Mount Beauty and Myrtleford
Submissions close on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.