2026-2027 Draft Budget on exhibition

At the April Ordinary Meeting of Council, the 2026-2027 Draft Budget was placed on exhibition until the 18th of May. The Draft Budget was created with the help of our community, incorporating the feedback we heard wherever possible.

To read about how we consulted with the community, and what we heard, click here.

Council’s Draft Budget sets out how we plan to fund the services and projects our community relies on. Based on the assumptions used, the budget is financially balanced, meaning day-to-day costs are covered by day-to-day income. Council continues to operate with no debt and keeps healthy reserves to help manage unexpected cost pressures in a changing economic environment.

To read the key insights of the Draft Budget, head here.

The full Draft Budget and Draft Financial Plan can be found below. For any specific questions around the document, please email info@queenscliffe.vic.gov.au

Exhibition closes on the 18th of May.

Background

Each year, the Borough of Queenscliffe creates a budget that determines what projects and services to invest in throughout the financial year. Guided by the Council plan, it outlines where our money will go and what it will do. The budget outlines the resources needed to deliver the wide range of services Council provides to the community over the coming year.

Council manages several projects and services in our community, but to keep things simple, we're going to talk about all these projects in just seven categories. The Borough of Queenscliffe uses its budget to fund the following:

1. Capital works

This includes new construction projects, like the Queenscliffe Hub or major road improvements.

2. Assets, facilities and public spaces

This category includes a lot of maintenance, like keeping community halls in good shape, or putting mulch in playgrounds.

3. Environment and waste

Like rubbish collection, weed management and coastal protection.

4. Statutory planning and local laws

This section funds Council's statutory planning activities, including heritage protection and local laws.

5. Arts and libraries

This funds arts grants, library staff and festival activities.

6. Tourism and business support

Including business workshops, caravan parks and advertising.

7. Aged and family services

This is where we fund our community carers and immunisation program.

Below is a breakdown of how the previous years budget was allocated.

Like many other Councils across Victoria, we are facing increased costs in all areas, including those such as construction materials, fuel and external services.

We know many people rely on the services, facilities and support Council offers. The cost of delivering these services and facilities is unfortunately rising faster than the income from rates, fees and grants.

Consultation for the budget has now closed. The Draft Budget is on exhibition until the 18th of May.