Council
6 June, 2025
Council adopts Budget
LOOKING after existing assets and investing in housing-related infrastructure feature prominently in Warrnambool City Council’s 2025-26 Annual Budget.
The Budget, which was passed at a council meeting earlier this week, includes a $9.25 million investment in existing assets and a capital works budget of $28.9 million.
“We have a focus on reducing the asset renewal gap which means council is investing in and looking after its existing council buildings, bridges, roads and paths which are valued in excess of $850 million,” mayor Cr Ben Blain said.
“Investing in the infrastructure we already have was some of the feedback we heard from the community during consultation for the development of the Budget and Council Plan.”
Council will invest $200,000 in capital works for its holiday parks; $800,000 to upgrade the roof at AquaZone; $800,000 towards making the Civic Centre more accessible; and $200,000 to renew and upgrade the outdoor netball court surfaces at Caramut Road.
The capital works budget of $28.9 million will include $5.2 million for an innovative key worker accommodation project at Shipwreck Bay Holiday Park; $7.2 million for completion of work at Wollaston Road (including relocating high voltage powerlines) and $534,000 for new footpaths in the industrial precinct to ensure safe linkages to residential areas.
“We’ve also set aside funding to create a precinct plan for the former saleyards site in Caramut Road,” Cr Blain said.
“This is an important parcel of land with enormous potential and we will make sure it is developed in a way that delivers the best possible outcome for our city.”
Cr Blain added that the precinct plan, which included the Wollaston Road investment, key worker accommodation at the holiday park and advocating for the Harrington Road housing project, is part of a focus on enabling residential growth and contributing to a housing solution.
The Budget forecasts rates of $36.5 million, a municipal charge of $5.9 million and a waste charge of $7.8 million.
Together, this will provide council with a tax income of $50.4 million.
The remaining forecast $58 million of revenue is sourced predominantly from user fees and grants.
The rate increase is in line with the state government’s rate cap of three per cent, with the average impact of the increase on homeowners to be $1.36 a week.
The Warrnambool Library also featured in the Budget, with $177,000 set aside for new books.
“The library opened in late 2022 and has attracted thousands of members and visitors each year,” Cr Blain said.
“We believe the library has the largest membership of any single organisation in Warrnambool.”
Three years ago council introduced a new winter event, Solstice Search Party, that instantly struck a chord with many in the community and the region.
“We have committed to staging this event once again and we encourage local businesses to leverage this family-friendly celebration opportunity at a traditionally quiet time for tourism in Warrnambool,” Cr Blain said.
“As part of this year’s renewal program, council will also complete works on a property it owns that houses a number of vulnerable, disadvantaged Warrnambool residents.
“The service is operated by a local charity and we will invest in the property to ensure it meets contemporary expectations.”
As with other sectors, pricing pressure is driving costs in local government and putting pressure on council’s underlying financial position.
According to the mayor, this “financially responsible Budget” forecasts a small operating surplus that builds on council’s long-term sustainability while continuing to deliver on initiatives that fulfil the objectives of the Council Plan.
“Council continues to use your rates and charges efficiently to deliver important services and community infrastructure,” Cr Blain said.
‘It’s important to note that the state and federal governments collect about 95 per cent of the taxes paid by Australians.”
