Budget Submissions Close Soon

Published on 24 January 2025

Budget Submissions Close Soon

Submissions for the Revenue & Rating Plan 2025-29 and 2025-26 Budget, will close on 31 January 2025. Community members are encouraged to share their thoughts on how future funds should be raised and invested.

Community members can have their say by completing the Rates, Revenue and Spending Priorities Survey. The survey findings will influence how funding is allocated in the 2025/26 Budget and how revenue and rates will be raised across the municipality.

Rural City of Wangaratta organisations, community groups, and residents can also make a budget submission to the 2025-26 Budget. A budget submission is a request for funds for a specific community project, service, or initiative that you want to see Council invest in the next financial year.

Submissions will be reviewed with Councillors and Officers, and will be assessed for feasibility, financial viability, and alignment to the Council Plan. Those with a shortlisted submission will also be asked if they wish to present their idea directly to the Council. All contributors will receive responses and be informed if their proposal is adopted in the final 2025-26 Budget. Feedback may also help to inform future planning as well as Council's next 10 Year Financial Plan.

The final 2025-26 Budget and Revenue & Rating Plan documents will be published on council's website once adopted by Councillors, no later than 30 June 2025.

Irene Grant, Mayor Rural city of Wangaratta “The budget is a shared vision of what our community wants to achieve together. I invite every resident to take part in this important process by making a submission. Whether it’s a new idea, a priority project, or improvements to existing services, your input helps us build a budget that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of our community."

How to Get Involved

Visit the Connect Wangaratta website to have your say

https://connect.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/25-26-budget-and-revenue-and-rating-plan

Budget Process Overview

The annual Budget enables Council to manage and deliver over 50 services as well as invest in works like roads, footpaths, community facilities and other infrastructure. The Budget also details the priorities and strategic objectives outlined in the current Council Plan 2021-2025.

The Revenue & Rating Plan 2025-29 is one part of ensuring Council's financial sustainability by setting out how rates, fees, charges and other income sources will be raised to fund the Budget. It also sets out how rates will be distributed across the municipality in a fair and equitable way.