Hindmarsh Shire Annual Budget 2026/2027 Adopted

Published on 25 June 2026

Budget 2026-2027.png

At the meeting held on Wednesday 24 June 2026, Hindmarsh Shire Council adopted its Annual Budget, incorporating the Revenue and Rating Plan, for the 2026/2027 financial year.

The 2026/2027 budget has been developed to balance the retention of existing community service levels, maintenance and renewal of assets, and new initiatives to improve amenity and make Hindmarsh a better place to live.

The total amount to be raised by general rates and charges in 2026/2027 is $10.630m which is an increase of $0.285m from 2025/2026. The Revenue and Rating Plan includes differentials for farms and commercial/industrial properties (10 percent discount), recreational properties (50 percent discount), and non-farm vacant land (100 percent penalty).

One of the key focuses of this annual budget – shaped significantly by community consultation – is addressing the priorities identified by our residents. The community has told us that roads and pedestrian infrastructure are the highest priority, so Council is investing $4.411m in road construction, resheets, reseals and final seals, kerb and channel, and footpaths (capital works). The following table indicates how Council budgets across our service areas: 

How Budget is Allocated 26-27.png

 

The 2026/2027 Annual Budget includes total capital works expenditure of $6.435m. The proposed key initiatives for the 2026/2027 financial year are outlined below.

  • Community Infrastructure
    • $430,000 on the Dimboola Pool

  • Infrastructure
    • $602,000 on unsealed road construction
    • $363,000 on shoulder resheets
    • $2,416,000 on sealed road construction
    • $572,000 on reseals
    • $134,000 on drainage
    • $225,000 on kerb & channel

Despite funding constraints affecting rural councils, Hindmarsh Shire Council remains committed to actively pursuing State and Federal funding opportunities throughout the year to support Council investment in infrastructure, community facilities and economic development initiatives.

Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor, Cr Ismay said “Preparing the annual budget is always about making careful choices on behalf of our community. This year’s budget keeps the focus on practical outcomes including maintaining essential services, looking after the assets people use every day, and planning for improvements that support our towns into the future. Roads continue to be one of the strongest messages we hear from our community, including through farmer consultation sessions, CEO drop-in sessions and the number of customer action requests Council receives annually in relation to road conditions. We know roads, footpaths and community infrastructure matter to residents, businesses and visitors, and Council will keep working to attract external funding so we can make every local dollar go further”.

Cr Ismay said Council would also continue advocating strongly for improved maintenance of Department of Transport and Planning roads across the Shire. “Our local road network does not operate in isolation. State Government C Class roads in Hindmarsh Shire are deteriorating rapidly, and maintenance is very thin on the ground. These roads are critical freight, farming, school bus and community access routes, and we will continue to advocate to the State Government for a stronger maintenance response to ensure they remain safe and fit-for-purpose for our communities”.

A copy of the Budget can be found on Council’s website at www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/budget.

For more information, please contact Petra Croot, Director Corporate and Community Services, on 03 5391 4444, or email info@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.

Monica Revell
Chief Executive Officer

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