With a focus on sound financial management and community engagement, Council's draft 2024/25 Budget is now open for feedback.

Key Takeaways | Draft 2024/25 Budget

Rate Increase and Financial Responsibility

The draft budget proposes a 2.75% rate increase, aligning with strategic priorities while keeping the increase below the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to lessen the impact on ratepayers.

Capital Works Program

Over $13 million is allocated for the Capital Works Program, focusing on completing major projects including the Tawonga Memorial Hall Upgrade, Myrtleford Memorial Hall Upgrade, Ablett Pavilion Upgrade, Dinner Plain Activation, Nimmo Pedestrian Bridge, Myrtleford Splashpark and Tronoh Dredgehole Precinct Upgrade.

Murray To Mountains Rail Trail Enhancements

Fully funded by the Victorian Government, this project includes infrastructure improvements and public art installations to enhance visitor experiences and increase tourism.

Renewals Programs

The draft budget allocates over 30% of the Capital Works Budget to renewals programs, improving the longevity and quality of infrastructure across roads, footpaths, bridges and playgrounds.

Sound Data Management

Continued rollout of an integrated asset management system aims to streamline planning, maintenance, and upgrades for improved efficiency. The provision of new planning and building services software platform will provide swifter updates to customers who have applications with Council.

Growth and Future Department

This new department focuses on long-term planning, economic development, and sustainability to achieve the community's vision for the future.

Now Closed | Community Budget Submissions

In late 2023 and early 2024, we invited community members and organisations to contribute projects for consideration for inclusion in the 2024/25 Budget. To read more about that process, please refer to the information below.

Do you have a project on Council land or in a Council-owned facility that you think should be included in our next budget?

Community members, clubs, sporting groups and organisations are invited to submit proposals for possible inclusion in the next budget.

This submissions process puts the community at the forefront of how we budget.

In the past we have encouraged the public to share their views on a draft budget – now we need your help to shape our budget before the draft stage.

This will ensure successful proposals are identified and incorporated into the budget early, and the community’s voice is heard during the preparation of this important document.

We’re looking forward to seeing some fantastic proposals come in - we have some passionate community members out there with great ideas!

If you need it, help is available to complete the online application process. You will receive prompt feedback on your submissions once the submissions period has been closed.

You will be able to connect with Councillors and staff face-to-face at Community Pop-Ups in November, December and January to discuss your ideas. For more details, check out the Community Information Sessions section on this page.

How will community submissions work this year?

This year, we're splitting community submissions for the 2024/25 budget into three rounds.

Round 1 - Monday, 13 November to Sunday, 28 January

The community are invited to submit brief summaries of their project for Council consideration. Contributors will either be invited to make a detailed submission in Round 2, or notified that their project idea hasn't been selected to move forward.

Round 2 - Dates TBC

Successful contributors will be required to make a detailed submission (similar to the level of detail required for initial submissions last year) for Council consideration. Contributors will once again be notified if their project is moving forward to Council presentations, or hasn't been selected to move forward to the next round.

Round 3 - Dates TBC

Successful contributors from Round 2 will be invited to present their idea in person to Councillors at a dedicated session held at the Council Offices in Bright. These projects will then be considered by Council for inclusion in the draft budget.