Funding for a pool, hockey pitch and wetland project alongside a three per cent rate rise could be coming to the Surf Coast.
Surf Coast Shire Council’s Draft 2025-26 Budget and Draft 2025-29 Revenue and Rating Plan has been placed on public exhibition following its council meeting on Tuesday, April 29.
The draft budget featured an unallocated cash surplus of $2.2 million and $64.25 million or proposed total capital works funding, which would also contribute $15.11 million to new projects.
The total capital works budget also allocated $49.14 million for planned multi-year projects like the Wurdi Baierr Aquatic and Recreation Centre, Banyul Warri Fields hockey pitch, and the Karaaf Diversion project.
Deputy mayor Libby Stapleton said the draft budget aimed to balance financial sustainability with continued investment in important community facilities and services.
“Rates are council’s largest revenue source and lay the foundation for delivery of services and infrastructure for the community,” she said.
“It is becoming more and more difficult to absorb the impact of costs that are increasing by more than the revenue we are able to raise through rates.
“Applying a rate rise of anything less than the rate cap would be irresponsible and inconsistent with our obligation to plan for the long-term future of our entire municipality.
“It is a responsible budget document that’s being safely crafted to balance the financial challenges of our time while still delivering important services, programs and facilities our community requires.”
Cr Adrian Schonfelder said he was disappointed that the shire was increasing revenue rates, especially in areas like farmland, which recorded a 75 per cent rate level in the draft budget.
“Given that it’s 30 years of the Surf Coast Shire, I think it’s a very sad time in the history of council and local governments,” he said.
“I feel it’s highly unethical to have rate increases during a declared drought… and I think all governments need to rein in spending and cut back taxes and costs for people.”
Visit yoursay.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/budget25-26 for more information and to share feedback on Surf Coast Shire Council’s draft budget alongside revenue and rating plan before 10am on May 26.
