Council’s draft budget available for feedback

The draft budget is the first budget of the new Council term and highlights how Council proposes to fund its investment in services, projects and programs over the next 4 years. 

Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik said Council has worked hard to develop a draft budget that would meet the needs of the community, while working within the constraints of limited revenue sources and the rate cap.

“This budget signifies the beginning of a new era and strives to reflect the key priorities identified by the Community Panel as part of the deliberative engagement process for the development of our new Council Plan,” Mayor Kowarzik said.

“We’ve worked hard to balance our response to financial challenges while prioritising existing services and infrastructure to support community needs.

“This year’s draft budget focusses on renewing our existing assets through our capital program to ensure that they continue to support the needs of our growing community. It’s important that we invest our resources carefully to ensure our assets are renewed and maintained and can continue to be enjoyed by our community.”

Council has also developed the draft Revenue and Rating Plan 2025–29, which outlines the most appropriate and affordable revenue and rating approach for Council over the next 4 years, and provides strategic guidelines for use in developing Council’s Budget, Financial Plan and other strategic planning documents.   

“Over the next 12 months, we will review our rating strategy so that we can ensure that rates contributions are appropriately distributed across the community.”

Council will consider community feedback before the draft documents are considered for endorsement at the ordinary Council Meeting on 16 June. 

To view the Draft Budget 2025–26 and Draft Revenue and Rating Plan 2025–29, and to find out how you can provide feedback, please visit our Creating Cardinia website: Draft Council Budget 2025-2026 and Revenue and Rating Plan 2025-2029 | Creating Cardinia