Council
15 May, 2026
Draft council budget released
WARRNAMBOOL City Council has released its Draft Budget 2026-27 for public comment.
Mayor Cr Ben Blain said the budget retained the full suite of council services and had a focus on maintaining existing assets.
“We’ve put together a responsible budget that takes into account the challenging times many households are facing,” Cr Blain said.
“We’re focusing on the fundamentals and looking to invest $13.47 million into our roads, footpaths, buildings and other important built assets; this is an increase of $3 million on last year.”
This will include $600,000 for the Archie Graham Community Centre, Lighthouse Theatre, Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and Surfside and Shipwreck Bay Holiday Parks.
An additional $476,000 has been allocated for the renewal of parks, open space and streetscapes, and an additional $1 million for the renewal of drainage infrastructure.
New capital works will include $400,000 for key worker housing; $130,000 for cricket nets at Bushfield reserve and $20,000 for picnic tables at Proudfoots and Mahony Road.
“We have planned a rate increase in line with the state government’s rate cap of 2.75 per cent,” Cr Blain said.
“It’s a finely tuned budget and a responsible budget for the difficult times.
“As with all other councils and businesses, we have had to factor in external influences such as rising fuel costs.
“We’re mindful of the pressure on households. Global events are definitely impacting on our community and on the council.”
The average impact of increases to rates and charges, on the average residential ratepayer, is about $1.86 a week.
Most fees and charges will increase by a minimum of 3.5 per cent in order to keep pace with the rising cost of delivery, while the draft waste charge has increased by $42.25 to $475.70 which is largely due to the increase in fuel costs.
Average residential rates will be $2,434.29.
“Council is really keen for the community to check out the Draft Budget and the accompanying Draft Annual Action Plan and to provide us with feedback,” Cr Blain said.
“Head to yoursaywarrnambool.com.au or alternatively we can provide printed copies of these documents for people to read at the Civic Centre, 25 Liebig Street.”
